Bowencraig East Car Park
The same car park can feel calm and comfortable in October, then busy and exposed in summer. This review explains why timing changes the whole experience and what makes it worth using anyway.
Coastal
The UK’s coastline stretches for thousands of miles, and a significant portion of it can be reached – or slept close to – by van. From the dramatic sea cliffs of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire to the wide sandy beaches of Norfolk and the wild bays of the Scottish coast, coastal van stops offer some of the most memorable overnights in British vanlife.
Coastal overnight parking is some of the most varied in the country. Harbour car parks, clifftop laybys, beach access roads and coastal town car parks all offer potential. Some coastal areas have a strong tradition of welcoming van travellers, while others have introduced restrictions in recent years – so it’s always worth checking local signage before settling in.
One of the rewards of coastal van travel is the sound and rhythm of the sea. Waking up to crashing waves, going to sleep to the sound of the tide – it’s the kind of experience that brings people back to coastal spots again and again. The quality of light on the coast is also exceptional, particularly at the edges of the day.
All the coastal posts on this site are based on real overnight experiences. Whether you’re chasing surf, looking for a clifftop view or simply want to be close to the water, these posts will help you find your next coastal van stop.
Central Car Park
I’ve stayed at Central Car Park more times than I can count, in every season and in all sorts of moods. Sometimes it’s been a straightforward overnight stop. Other times it’s felt a bit of a squeeze. It’s one of those places that’s useful, familiar, and slightly flawed all at once. The first thing you … Read more
Halletts at Portland Bill Camping
I’d heard Halletts Camping at Portland Bill mentioned a few times by fellow travellers, mostly for the views and how close it is to the lighthouse, so I was keen to see whether it really was as simple and scenic as people said. This isn’t a polished campsite with neat pitches and long lists of … Read more
Discovering the Myths and Legends of the North Coast 500
Some of the best moments on the NC500 come from pulling over for a brew and lingering longer than planned, whether it’s mist over Loch Ness or seals watching from the shoreline. This piece captures that slower vanlife rhythm through the stories tied to each stop.