Author: Oli Rushby
Originally posted: 22 May 2015
Updated 5th May 2023
Ever rocked up to a campsite with a group of mates on your bikes to be told ‘sorry, we’re full’ despite there being half a dozen visible pitches in front of your eyes?
It’s a common occurrence. These prejudiced campsite owners seem to hold the opinion that if a group of people on motorbikes turn up looking for a place to say, they are going to be noisy and disruptive when the reality is that we’re just looking for a place to light up the barbeque and have a few quiet beers before another long day’s riding.
Fortunately, motorcycle-friendly campsites do exist across the UK. Here’s a list of ten cool sites we’ve come across while looking to plan a trip this summer…
The Bull i’ th’ Thorn – Derbyshire
Website: https://www.bullithorn.co.uk/camping/
Telephone: 01298 83718
Ashbourne Road, Hurdlow, Derbyshire, SK17 9QQ
This 'olde worlde' Coaching Inn is ideal for anyone riding in the Peak District. Located on the old Roman road between Buxton and Ashbourne with stunning views of the Derbyshire hills, it’s a popular stop off for riders. Facilities include shower rooms, toilets, washing up facilities and water stations, so you're never too far from your creature comforts.
Lower Lode Inn - Gloucestershire
Website: https://www.lowerlodeinn.co.uk/
Telephone: 01684 293224
Forthampton (Nr Tewkesbury), Gloucestershire, GL19 4RE
This 15th Century riverside pub overlooking the River Severn often hosts bike rallies and has even been known to hold bike weddings. It’s ideally situated for exploring the incredible roads the Cotswolds have to offer.
Sparkhayes Camping Site – Somerset
Website: www.sparkhayes.co.uk
Telephone: 07721 045123
Sparkhayes Lane, Porlock, Somerset, TA24 8NE
Enjoy a pint of Scrumpy? This site near Porlock in Somerset is great for riders visiting the West Country. Daily rates from £12 per night certainly make it affordable with brilliant views of the sea and hills, while hot showers, toilet facilities and laundry facilities mean you don't have to rough it too much.
Sycamore Lakes Park – Lincolnshire
Website: https://www.sycamorelakes.co.uk/index.php
Telephone: 01754 811411
Skegness Rd, Burgh le Marsh, Skegness, PE24 5LN
Just outside the Lincolnshire seaside town of Skegness, this site is perfectly located for a two-wheeled trip. Not too far from the phenomenal roads of the Lincolnshire Wolds and superb bike meet spots such as Willingham Woods. Facilities include shower blocks, laundrette facilities and even Wi-Fi.
Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park – Kent
Website: www.broadhembury.co.uk
Telephone: 01233 620859
Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent, TN26 1NQ
Commonly known as the ‘Garden of England’, it’s not just Brands Hatch that can be filled with the sounds of motorbikes in Kent. It’s open all year and close to some great tourist spots such as the stunning City of Canterbury. Facilities include shower blocks, laundrette, campers' kitchens and with glamping pods or static caravans available to hire, you can stay in the lap of luxury.
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Campsite – Northumberland
Website: http://haggsbank.com
Nentsberry, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LH
Telephone: 01434 382486
Don't let the Bunk House name put you off, Haggs Bank offers a range of facilities – both camping and bunking, and is a great place to stay for riders looking to visit Northeast England, as it’s ideally situated to explore Northumberland, County Durham and even parts of Cumbria.
Squires Cafe Bar – Yorkshire
Website: https://www.squires-cafe.co.uk
Squires Cafe Bar, Newthorpe Lane, Newthorpe, Leeds LS25 5LX
Telephone: 01977 684618
Established in the 1950s, Squires has long formed part of any Yorkshire rider’s meeting points. Rock up with your bike and you can camp from the bargain price of £10 per night and pay as you go shower and electricity facilities.
They’ll often put on entertainment at weekends making it perfect for a mini-break in between riding around the Yorkshire countryside.
Sunart Camping – Argyll
Website: http://sunartcamping.com
Granite Square, Strontian, Highlands, PH36 4HZ
Telephone: 01967 402080
They say there are few places more beautiful than Scotland to ride a motorbike. This site in a small village in Argyll is an ideal top off point on a tour north of the border. The West Coast of Scotland has some great roads to ride, we’d thoroughly recommend it! A range of facilities from camping to cabins with prices to match all budgets.
Hendre Mynach Touring Park – Gwynedd
Website: https://www.hendremynach.com/
Telephone: 01341 280 262
Llanaber Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1YR
Home of the Snowdownia National Park, Gwynedd is a superb spot for a two-wheeled trip encompassing great roads and stunning scenery. This site, just a five-minute ride to the coast, is happy to host bikes and starts at £16 per pitch per night (based on two people). A full suite of facilities plus upgrades to Shepherd's huts, static caravans or glamping pods are available.
Linnhe Lochside Holidays – Inverness-shire
Website: https://www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
Telephone: 01397 772 376
Corpach, Fort William, Scotland. PH33 7NL
The North of Scotland might be a long ride away for most of us in the UK, but it’s sure worth the trek. Stunning mountain scenery and brilliant riding roads make this one of the most idyllic spots for a biking getaway. Pitches, which include electricity start at £7.25 with a fee per adult.
