We could always do with a bit of help in Britain to keep the costs of our camping holidays down, so it was great when we heard about Brit Stops which aims to bring campers and landowners together to provide free camping for those in a campervan, RV or motorhome.
What is Brit Stops?
Brit Stops is a registration scheme for hosts and a membership scheme for members, bringing both groups together to offer free one-night stopovers across Britain, exclusively to motorhome and campervan owners. Based on the highly successful France Passion, the host sites include farm shops, vineyards, breweries and pubs as well as other interesting stopovers, with hundreds of hosts from the Highlands to Cornwall and from West Wales to the East Anglia coast.
The Idea In A Nutshell
The idea is simple. Farm shops, pubs and other similar sites that allow the happy campers to park overnight, free of charge and for a maximum of 24 hours register on the scheme. Then motorhome, RV and campervan owners with their own bathroom facilities can purchase a membership option that lets them park overnight at these sites.
There is no obligation to buy produce or services from the host when stopping over, but obviously, the host sites hope their guests do. After all, being camped up next to farm fresh produce or a comfy pub with delicious food and drink nearly always means the visitors bring extra custom for the landowner. This is why it is being supported by FARMA and English Wine Producers schemes.
What Brit Stops Says
Here’s what the publisher had to say about the scheme:
Having thoroughly enjoyed touring France in our motorhome and using the French scheme ourselves, we realised there are just as many fantastic, off-the-beaten-track potential host sites here in Britain, and we believe the scheme will not only be of interest to motorhomers, but will also help support local businesses by bringing interested customers to their door.
Benefits of the scheme:
- Free Overnight Stays
Brit Stops offers free overnight stays at a network of pubs, farm shops, vineyards and other locations across the UK and Ireland. This can be a significant cost saving, especially if you’re planning a long trip.
- Unique Experiences
Locations are often off the beaten path, allowing you to discover hidden gems and support local businesses. You can experience the local culture and enjoy a more authentic camping experience.
- Variety and Flexibility
With over 900+ locations, they offer a wide variety of stopovers to choose from. This gives you the flexibility to plan your trip around the places you want to visit and find a campsite that suits your interests.
- Safe and Secure Parking
Most stops are located in secure car parks at pubs and other businesses. This provides peace of mind, knowing your motorhome is safe while you’re parked for the night.
- App and Guidebook
They offer a handy app and a yearly guidebook listing all the locations. This makes it easy to find campsites, get directions, and see what facilities are available (though most Brit Stops are basic). You can also see reviews from other motorhome owners to help you choose the best campsites for your needs.
In summary, if you have a self-contained recreational vehicle, Brit Stops membership can help you save money, discover new places, and enjoy a more flexible and authentic camping experience on your camping summer trip.
Scheme Requirements
Here are some additional points to keep in mind.
- Membership Fee: There is a membership fee to join Brit Stops, but the savings on overnight stays can quickly outweigh the cost.
- Limited Facilities: Most Brit Stops are basic and don’t offer hookups or toilet facilities. Your motorhome should be self-contained. Unfortunately, due to manoeuvrability issues, this scheme is not open to caravans, and smaller campervans must have overnight toilet facilities on board.
- Length of Stay: The typical maximum stay at a Brit Stop location is one night.
- Reciprocity: Brit Stops membership is part of a larger network called FEFI, which offers similar schemes in other European countries.
If you are planning a summer camping trip in Britain with your motorhome, a Brit Stops membership is worth considering.
The Brit Stops guidebook and supporting App (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store) give details of the produce available to buy and clear symbols showing what facilities are at each host site and how to make your reservation.
Postcodes are given for sat nav use, as well as written directions. The annual guide, which is valid from March to March, gives access to many stopovers and costs a fraction of the cost of a night on a campsite. It can be bought online at Brit Stops.
Get ready for your camping summer with Britstops by finding your ultimate free camping spot.
