Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Lancashire
Motorhome Touring in Lancashire
Lancashire is one of the north-west's hidden gems for motorhome touring. From the dramatic peaks of Pendle and the Forest of Bowland to the rolling countryside of the Ribble Valley and the bracing Lancashire coast, there's a landscape for every mood. You'll find a wonderfully independent spirit here—working market towns, proper pubs, excellent local food, and plenty of quiet lanes. Whether you're drawn to fell-walking, coastal drives, or simply pottering through picturesque villages, Lancashire rewards the motorhomer who ventures beyond the main roads.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in Lancashire
Formal Campsites: The Ribble Valley and Bowland areas host several well-established campsites with full facilities (EHU, water, waste disposal). Most are accessible to motorhomes up to 8m. Expect £20–35 per night for standard pitches.
Farm-Based Stopovers & CLs: Lancashire has a growing network of small-scale farm stopovers and CLs. These typically offer hardstanding or grass pitches with basic facilities. £12–20 per night.
Pub & Britstops Options: Several village pubs around Clitheroe, Garstang, and near the coast participate in informal stopover schemes.
Coastal Stopovers: Along the Lancashire coast (Blackpool, Morecambe, Fleetwood areas), carpark-based stopovers and council-managed moorings provide budget-friendly overnight options.
Suggested Touring Routes in Lancashire
Forest of Bowland & Ribble Valley Circuit (2–3 days, ~80 miles)
Start near Clitheroe. Head north-west on the B6478 towards Dunsop Bridge and the heart of the Forest of Bowland. This road winds beautifully but is suitable for motorhomes up to 8m (watch for stone bridges with 11ft 6in clearance). Overnight near Dunsop Bridge or Waddington. Day two: explore the Ribble Valley. Drive south-east towards Settle on the A65. Head back towards Langcliffe and Stainforth. Day three: return via the scenic B6479 to Clitheroe, detouring through Chatburn and Downham (narrow lanes, take care).
Pendle Hill & East Lancashire Heritage Loop (2 days, ~60 miles)
Begin near Colne. Navigate on the A56 and A682 towards Barley and Roughlee for Pendle Hill views. Several informal stopovers near Barley. Day two: head west via Trawden, then south-west back into Lancashire towards Clitheroe and Whalley. The A59 is a straightforward return, or take the scenic B6246 through Billington and Dinckley. Whalley is worth a stop—ruined abbey and riverside setting.
Lancashire Coast & Estuary Explorer (2–3 days, ~70 miles)
Start at Morecambe with good carpark facilities for overnight stops. Drive north-west on the A589 towards Heysham. Continue to Fleetwood (historic fishing port) via the A585. Overnight at a seafront stopover near Fleetwood. Day three: head inland to Garstang on the A586 (pretty market town), then return to Morecambe via the B5411. This route is flat and suitable for all larger motorhomes.
Pub stopover
The Hoghton Arms Chorley Pub Pub stopover
Chorley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Bridge Inn Adlington Pub Pub stopover
Chorley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The White Crow Pub Pub stopover
Wigan, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Euxton Mills Pub Pub stopover
Chorley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Farmers Arms Ormskirk Pub Pub stopover
Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Sinner's Club Burscough Pub Pub stopover
Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Walton Fox Pub Pub stopover
Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Punch Bowl Earby Pub Pub stopover
Barnoldswick, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Anchor Inn Salterforth Pub Pub stopover
Barnoldswick, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Old Stone Trough Barnoldswick Pub Pub stopover
Barnoldswick, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Pendle Inn Clitheroe Pub Pub stopover
Burnley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Sparrowhawk Pub Pub stopover
Burnley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Four Alls Higham Burnley Pub Pub stopover
Burnley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Forest Pub stopover
Burnley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Swan With Two Necks Pub Pub stopover
Clitheroe, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Game Cock Inn Pub Pub stopover
Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Walton Pub stopover
Accrington, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Campsite
The Green Man Inglewhite Campsite
Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Moss Lane Park Certified Location Campsite
Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Drake House Farm Certified Location Campsite
West Bradford, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Sandbeds Caravan Site Certified Location Campsite
Gressingham, Lancashire, United KingdomThings to Do in Lancashire
Walking & Hiking: Pendle Hill (1,827ft) is the iconic ascent—a steep 1.5-hour climb with 360° views. The Forest of Bowland offers gentler moorland walks of 2–4 hours. Ribbledale has river-path walks alongside the Settle–Carlisle Railway viaducts. The Pennine Way passes through the east with excellent day sections.
Coastal Activities: Morecambe Bay is a vast tidal landscape—fascinating for walks (respect tide times). Fleetwood and Blackpool offer traditional seaside fun. The Wyre Estuary is excellent for birdwatching with RSPB reserves.
Historic Sites: Whalley Abbey ruins are free and atmospheric. Lancaster Castle is one of England's finest. The Pendle witch trial heritage sites are distributed across several villages. The Settle–Carlisle Railway offers superb heritage journeys.
Markets & Food: Clitheroe, Garstang, and Whalley have excellent weekly farmers' markets. Local producers include cheese-makers, bakeries, and farm shops. Look for Goosnargh duck and excellent craft beers.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in Lancashire
Height Restrictions: Many stone bridges in Bowland and Ribble Valley have restrictions between 11ft 6in and 12ft 6in. Check route planners before deviating onto minor roads. The A65 is fine for standard motorhomes.
Service Points: Larger towns (Clitheroe, Preston, Lancaster) have motorhome service points or council-run facilities. Several farm stopovers offer water-only access for non-residents.
Fuel & Supplies: Fuel prices are competitive; most villages have a petrol station. Mobile signal is patchy in upland valleys. Winter can bring poor road conditions in upland areas.
Overnight Parking: Large motorhome-friendly car parks exist in Lancaster, Clitheroe, and Morecambe. Tidal sections of the coast require caution for overnight parking.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Lancashire
Is Lancashire suitable for large motorhomes (8m+)?
Main A-roads (A59, A65, A586) are fine for 8–9m vans. Village approach roads in Bowland can be narrow with low stone bridges. Flatter coastal routes suit larger vans best.
What's the best time to visit?
May–September is peak season with the best weather. April and October are quieter and pleasant. Spring is excellent for wildflowers. Winter brings shorter daylight and potential snow in uplands.
Are there good wild camping spots?
Forestry Commission land in the Forest of Bowland allows wild camping in designated areas. Private farm stopovers welcome campers for £5–10 per night. Coastal areas are typically carpark-based only.
Can I access the Settle–Carlisle Railway by motorhome?
Yes. Park at Settle, Ribblehead, or Appleby Westmorland stations (all motorhome-friendly). Several viaducts are spectacular from roadside viewpoints.
Are there motorhome-specific restrictions in Lancashire towns?
Check weight restrictions in historic centres (Lancaster, Clitheroe). Morecambe promenade and Fleetwood seafront offer long-term parking for 2–3 nights at reasonable rates.
What are the key stops for fuel and water?
Fuel is readily available in Clitheroe, Preston, Lancaster, and Fleetwood. Water refill points exist at most campsites and some council car parks. Farm stopovers often allow water-only stops for £2–3.
Explore more on England motorhome destinations. Neighbouring counties worth combining: North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and Cumbria.