When I stayed & why I chose it
I parked up at Broken Road in Castleton on a spring weekend as part of a short Peak District escape. I was travelling solo in my camper and wanted somewhere simple, free, and close enough to wander into Castleton for a pint and a bite to eat. This spot came recommended by other vanlifers as a “classic Castleton stop” — so I thought I’d give it a try.
Location & Access
- Broken Road sits just off the A6187, the main road running through Castleton.
- It’s not especially remote — you’re on the edge of the village — but it feels tucked away enough to count as a wild-style park-up.
First Impressions
- Plenty of space when you pull up, though you’ll likely be sharing it with a good handful of other vans.
- It had that “unofficial vanlife meet-up” vibe when I arrived — not rowdy, but busy.
- The views are spot on: hills all around and easy access to walking trails.
Facilities
- None at all. No toilets, no water, no bins, no EHU.
- You’ll need to arrive self-contained and leave no trace.
- Bring your own loo solution and take your rubbish with you.
Atmosphere
- Surprisingly quiet at night — I slept soundly with no disturbances.
- In the morning it gets lively with walkers and day-trippers heading out, so expect cars passing by and people milling about.
- Dog walkers galore, so it’s great if you’ve got a pup with you.
- The only downside is cars speeding along the road — it doesn’t feel 100% safe if you’re parked close to the edge.
Cost & Value
- Free to stay, which is always a plus.
- The trade-off is zero facilities and the slightly uneasy feeling about road safety.
Nearby Things to Do
- Walks: From your door, you’ve got access to Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, and Cave Dale.
- Castleton village: Only a short stroll down the road. Several cracking pubs, cosy cafés, and a couple of good chip shops.
- Attractions: Blue John Cavern and Speedwell Cavern are both nearby if you fancy some underground exploring.
Vanlife Suitability
- Flat enough in most spots, though a levelling block doesn’t hurt.
- No shade, so in summer you’ll get full sun.
- Best suited to campervans and medium-sized motorhomes. Big RVs may struggle to manoeuvre if it’s busy.
Best & Worst Bits
Best bits
- Free spot with stunning Peak District views
- Walking distance into Castleton for pubs and food
- Quiet nights and friendly vanlife vibe
Worst bits
- No facilities at all
- Can get very busy with vans
- Morning traffic and fast cars on the road feel a bit sketchy
- No real sense of seclusion if that’s what you’re after
Personal Tips
- Get there before sunset if you want a good pitch — it fills up fast on weekends.
- A bike is handy if you don’t want to walk the road into Castleton.
- I was glad I had my chocks, as some of the ground is slightly uneven.
- If safety worries you, park a little further in rather than on the exposed roadside.
Verdict
The Broken Road is a classic Peak District van stop: free, spacious, and with unbeatable access to Castleton and the surrounding hills. It’s not the most peaceful or secluded spot, and you’ll need to come prepared with all your own facilities, but it’s a solid option for a night or two if you’re exploring the area.
Would I go back? Yes — but probably midweek or off-season to avoid the crowds.
Best suited for: self-sufficient vanlifers who want easy access to Castleton and don’t mind sharing the space.
Have you stayed here yourself? I’d love to hear if you had the same experience — drop your tips below for fellow travellers.