Why I like random car parks and laybys for overnight.

I am often asked why I use car parks and random laybys for overnight. This blog is a brief attempt to put into words my reasoning for the way I often choose to use my motorhome in the U.K.

Car parks I have used range from ones in very remote countryside to the middle of a town surrounded by buildings and people but are often on the coast or next to a lovely beach.

I often use laybys for late night park ups.

In both cases I look for flat, sheltered parking in places where it is not forbidden.

For me the main reason is the freedom it gives me to go where and when you want.

We have often had plans to go to places, then changed last minute due to the weather or because friends or the family produce other options for us instead.

We have also decided to go away with such little thought or notice, that we have left home late at night and not arrived to our destination until the early hours of the morning, last time it was almost 2am when we parked up!

For me this freedom with no planning or consequences is the very essence of having a motorhome.

The second reason is location, many campsites just are simply not is the best location for parking up in a lovely spot and not moving for the duration of your stay, many are not in the towns and villages and not walking distance to places of interest.

Below are a few pictures taken from the car parks or layby's I have used recently.

I also have a boat and enjoy kayaking, so we are often heading to spots by water for me to get afloat, very few campsites are right next to the water, so I would spend most of my time off site anyway just because of my interests.

Thirdly and by far the least important for me is the cost.

Many carparks charge, so it is by no means necessarily a 'free' option but obviously laybys and many roadside parking spots are free, so going away can be done on a tight budget if necessary.

Many campsites, especially ones in lovely locations and in peak times are just so expensive for me using them would limit the time I can afford to have away. Don't get me wrong, I have used 3 sites this year but they are not always the best option for me.

But what about the great Club Motorhome stopovers I hear some of you asking.

Yes they are great, we use them regularly too, but again sometimes we simply decide not to spend the money on a pub meal or I don't have any idea where we are going until we get there, so phoning ahead isn't practical.

I often alternate car parks, laybys and pub stops when away for a few nights, to vary things and keep it interesting. I am also heartened by the amount of Club Motorhome stopovers that have been fine with letting me empty black water and refill the fresh water, all you need to do is ask in a friendly way and be respectful with the reply they give.

Anyway that's about it. With so many council and private car parks now all over the U.K allowing overnight for me its now a great and reliable option for use on a regular basis. That and the Club Motorhome stopovers are often all that is needed nationwide.

However if any of you do know of any sites on the water, that you don't need to book in advance, where you can arrive in the early hours of the morning and doesn't cost a fortune, please let me know!