September 2026
Britain’s Best Unwritten Rule: An Insider’s Guide to the UK’s Top Gastro Pub Stopovers
Head of CamperDays shares guide to making the most of free overnight parking at the UK’s best gastropubs this season
With cosy season fast approaching, many Brits will once again be craving the comfort of a fire-lit pub, hearty food and a countryside escape. For foodies willing to travel in search of UK’s top gastropubs, there’s a little-known way to turn a meal out into an overnight adventure – the Pub Stopover.
The concept, popularised by Brit Stops, sees participating pubs and independent establishments welcome campervans and motorhomes for overnight stays, often free of charge, in exchange for visitors stopping for a meal or purchasing food. Often providing water hookup, rubbish and water disposal, road trippers can combine these handy stopover points into a road trip of different regions across the UK, ticking off a new local eatery each evening.
Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays, Europe’s leading motorhome and caravan tour operator, says, “For foodies with a penchant for travelling across the country to experience the best gastronomy on offer, a Pub Stopover offers an inexpensive alternative to a hotel stay, with the added bonus of being able to enjoy a delicious meal just steps from your bed for the night.
“The autumn and winter months are a particularly appealing time to make the most of this concept. Off-peak campervan rental prices can make a cosy home on wheels an attractive option, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace while parking right outside your chosen gastropub means there’s no risk of a rainy walk back to your accommodation.
“Whilst a vast array of venues participate in the Stopover movement, it’s always worth phoning ahead to check directly with the owners before setting off.”
Read on for Max’s top gastropub road trips...
The Beehive, Epping Green, Hertfordshire
Known to offer free overnight campervan parking to customers who dine, The Beehive is a traditional country pub with cosy interiors and a laid-back atmosphere. With a varied menu including fresh fish specialties and pub classics, this is an ideal spot to take advantage of a convenient pub stopover.
Whilst in the area be sure to talk a stroll along the Epping Green Loop, a circular trail promising quiet country lanes, open farmland and woodland.
The Wildfowler, Tre'r Ddol, Ceredigion
The Wildfowler is a Brit Stops member offering free overnight parking to visitors. It’s food-led approach and traditional, family-run operation draws those looking for hearty meals, while it’s rural setting provides an idyllic backdrop of the Welsh hills providing stunning views to wake up to.
Visit for one of their renowned Sunday roasts and whilst near to the coast, make sure to explore the dramatic scenery of west Wales, taking in lush landscapes and sweeping coastal views.
The Jack and Jill Inn, Hassocks, West Sussex
Also part of Brit Stops, The Jack and Jill Inn offers both rooms and overnight car parking to dining guests. With a menu of quality food and drinks, cosy log fires and all the elements of a quintessentially English country pub, the inn is surrounded by the rolling Sussex hills and only twenty minutes from Brighton.
The Jack and Jill Inn also welcomes furry friends, much like many of CamperDays’ vehicle rentals, perfect for those looking to enjoy a family weekend away without the need for a dogsitter.
Edgy Eats at Tamerton Village Pub, Plymouth, Devon
For a more private stay, phone ahead and secure one of the two spots at Edgy Eats at Tamerton Village Pub. Known for quality evening meals and the warmest of welcomes, the pub offers a convenient base for exploring Devon, combining traditional village charm with easy access to Plymouth’s scenic coastline.
Be sure to make the most of your road trip by exploring more of Devon, where dramatic cliffs, sleepy seaside towns and rolling countryside awaits.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 1,000 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 40,000 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.