UK Travel: Practical Tips, Laws and Camping Advice for Your Motorhome Adventure

If you’re planning a road trip across the UK, you need more than a map. You need to know which roads you can drive on, where you can park overnight, and how to stay legal while you explore. Below you’ll find the most useful information to keep your motorhome journey smooth, safe and enjoyable.

Key Motorhome Rules You Must Follow

First off, remember that a motorhome is treated like a car on UK roads. That means you must wear a seatbelt at all times, even when you’re inside the living area. Children need an appropriate child restraint – the same rules that apply to a regular car. Driving while the vehicle is moving and trying to use the toilet or kitchen is a legal no‑no; you could be fined for distraction or for breaking health‑safety standards.

When you stop for a break, only park in designated motorhome bays or lay‑by spaces. Parking on a dual carriageway hard shoulder or a private driveway without permission can result in a fine. If you’re unsure whether a spot is allowed, look for signage or ask a local. Keeping a copy of your insurance and MOT documents in the cab is also a good habit – it speeds up any check‑point stops.

Wild Camping, Forest Stays and Public Parks

Wild camping in the UK is a grey area. In Scotland, the right to roam lets you camp on most uncultivated land, provided you follow the “leave no trace” rules. England, Wales and Northern Ireland are stricter; you usually need the landowner’s permission. A handy rule of thumb is to stay away from private gardens, farms and protected sites unless you’ve got explicit consent.

Forests and public parks often have their own rules. Some national parks allow overnight stays in designated areas, while others ban it completely. Before you pitch a tent in a wood, check the local council website or the park’s visitor centre. When you do camp, keep noise down, pack out all rubbish and avoid building fires unless you’re in a permitted fire‑pit.

Many motorhome travellers also wonder about the infamous “33/38 rule” you see on campsite booking pages. It simply refers to the width of your vehicle (33 inches) and the height clearance (38 inches) for electric hook‑ups. Knowing this helps you avoid surprise rejections at check‑in.

Finally, power matters. If you need electricity at a site, make sure you carry the right plug adapter. The most common UK campsite plug is a 13‑amp fused connector – bring a spare just in case. For off‑grid stays, a portable power station can keep lights, phones and small appliances running without breaking the law.

With these basics down, you’re ready to hit the road. Plan your route, book a few official motorhome bays for the first night, and keep a notebook of spots that worked well. The UK is full of hidden gems – from the Yorkshire Dales to the coast of Cornwall – and knowing the rules lets you enjoy them without worry.

Happy travels and safe driving! Remember, the best trips are the ones where you focus on the scenery, not the paperwork.