Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in County Durham
Motorhome Touring in County Durham
County Durham is a captivating destination for motorhome travellers seeking authentic Northern England charm. From the dramatic Pennine landscapes to the historic Prince Bishop's riverside city, Durham offers an extraordinary blend of medieval architecture, rugged countryside, and welcoming communities. The rolling hills around Weardale and Teesdale provide stunning scenic drives, whilst the cathedral city of Durham itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping back in time. Whether you're seeking peaceful countryside stopovers or exploring industrial heritage sites, County Durham delivers unforgettable motorhoming experiences without the crowds found in more touristy regions.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in County Durham
Weardale Area: The picturesque Weardale valley offers several small campsites and CL/CS options nestled between fell-side villages. Stanhope and Westgate are excellent stopover bases with easy access to walking trails and local amenities.
Durham City Surrounds: Purpose-built campsites within 5-10 miles of Durham city centre allow easy access to the cathedral and Framwellgate Bridge without navigating narrow medieval streets. Several accommodate larger motorhomes.
Teesdale Valley: The valley offers charming Britstops-style parking near farms and country estates, particularly around Middleton-in-Teesdale, with memorable views of High Cup Nick and Cross Fell beyond.
Bishop Auckland Area: Near the market town, several CL options provide convenient stops for exploring the historic castle and the excellent Farmers' Market.
Suggested Touring Routes in County Durham
Weardale Scenic Loop (2-3 Days, 80 miles)
Start from a stopover near Stanhope and explore the dramatic Weardale valley. Drive south via the A689 through Westgate, then loop via the B6278 towards Alston for spectacular fell scenery. Return via the scenic high route through Blanchland, dropping down to Castleside. The narrow B6306 through Derwent Valley offers thrilling motorhome driving with tight bends but manageable for vehicles up to 35 feet. Overnight stops at Weardale villages provide authentic Pennine hospitality. Total driving time approximately 3 hours spread across the route.
Durham Heritage Trail (2 Days, 45 miles)
Based from a motorhome park south of Durham, explore the county's rich history via compact routes. Drive to Durham city (A167) for cathedral visits and riverside walks along the Wear. Day two ventures west via the A688 to Bishop Auckland and Escomb, where England's oldest church (built 670 AD) sits in pastoral farmland. The return route via Witton-le-Wear offers limestone gorge walking alongside the river. Roads are predominantly A and B class, suitable for all motorhome sizes.
Teesdale Valley Explorer (3 Days, 95 miles)
This scenic route captures the drama of the Pennine Edge. From Middleton-in-Teesdale, drive north via the B6277 to Cauldron Snout waterfall (accessible walk), then continue to High Cup Nick for panoramic vistas. Loop through and return via the A66 and B6282, exploring Barnard Castle's clifftop ruins. The narrow B6277 section requires careful driving but rewards with England's most dramatic waterfall scenery. Not recommended for vehicles exceeding 32 feet on B6277.
Overnight parking
The Moorings Overnight parking
Chester-le-Street, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Green tree Pub stopover
Spennymoor, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Black Horse Beamish Pub stopover
Stanley, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
South Causey Inn Pub stopover
Stanley, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Dun Cow Pub stopover
Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Floaters Mil Pub stopover
Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Travellers Rest Pub stopover
Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Green Tree Pub stopover
Spennymoor, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Ship Inn Pub stopover
Bishop Auckland, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Stapylton Arms Pub stopover
Seaham, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Black Horse Beamish Pub stopover
Beamish, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Moorcock Inn Pub stopover
Barnard Castle, County Durham, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Brown Horse Hotel Pub stopover
Bishop Auckland, County Durham, United Kingdom
Campsite
Old Bridge End Certified Location Campsite
Durham, County Durham, United KingdomThings to Do in County Durham
Walking & Hiking: County Durham is a walker's paradise. The Pennine Way passes through western reaches, whilst Weardale offers gentler riverside walks along the River Wear. High Cup Nick near Teesdale provides challenging fell walking with stunning views. Most walks are accessible from motorhome stopovers with free or low-cost parking.
Historic Attractions: Durham Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site) dominates the skyline and explores 900 years of architecture. Bishop Auckland's 12th-century castle is surrounded by parkland. Barnard Castle, dramatically perched above the Tees, showcases Norman engineering. Escomb Church, built in 670 AD, is England's oldest surviving structure.
Markets & Local Food: Bishop Auckland's Farmers' Market offers local produce from surrounding farms. Stanhope and Middleton-in-Teesdale have weekly markets. The independent cafe scene supports local food culture; most accommodate motorhome parking nearby.
Outdoor Activities: Explore fishing in the Wear and Tees (permit required), cycling along valley routes, and photography of dramatic moorland. Cauldron Snout waterfall in Teesdale is one of England's most photographed natural features.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in County Durham
Service Points & Facilities: Motorhome service points are available in Durham city outskirts, Stanhope, and near Bishop Auckland. Most campsites offer full hookup facilities. Waste disposal points are located at main stopover areas throughout the county.
Fuel & Supermarkets: Large supermarkets with easy motorhome parking include Morrison's and Tesco in Durham city. Fuel stations suitable for larger vehicles are frequent along the A167 and A688. Fill up before venturing into remote valleys.
Height Barriers & Access: Durham city centre has variable access with some medieval gateways restricting larger vehicles. Plan city visits carefully or use park-and-ride facilities. Rural valley roads are generally unrestricted but sometimes narrow.
Overnight Parking: Use designated CL/CS campsites or Britstops placements. Some villages permit brief stops; check local notices or ask at village shops for guidance.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in County Durham
What is the best time to visit County Durham by motorhome?
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer perfect motorhoming conditions with mild weather and fewer visitors. Winter visits are feasible but Pennine routes can experience snow. Spring brings stunning wildflower displays in valley meadows.
Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes?
Most A and B class roads accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet comfortably. However, scenic routes like the B6277 through Teesdale feature single-track sections with passing places challenging for vehicles exceeding 32 feet. Use sat-nav set to large vehicle mode.
Where can I find motorhome service points?
Service points are located at major campsites near Stanhope, Durham city outskirts, and Bishop Auckland area. Most established motorhome parks offer full facility blocks. The Caravan and Motorhome Club publishes a comprehensive guide updated regularly.
Can I wild camp in County Durham?
Wild camping is discouraged in populated areas and villages. However, Britstops-style arrangements with local farms offer authentic overnight experiences. Designated CL and CS campsites provide affordable, motorhome-friendly overnight stops throughout the county.
Are there height restrictions accessing Durham city centre?
Yes, Durham's medieval city centre has gateways and bridges with variable height restrictions. Plan visits using the A167 bypass and park-and-ride facilities rather than attempting narrow streets. This approach suits larger motorhomes.
What attractions are most motorhome-friendly?
High Cup Nick, Cauldron Snout waterfall, and Teesdale valley routes offer dramatic scenery accessible from motorhome stops. Barnard Castle ruins are reached via a short walk from ample parking. Bishop Auckland's castle grounds are open and accessible.
Discover more motorhoming destinations across England, or explore neighbouring Northumberland, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire.