Choosing this lifestyle in an expensive city like London can be a huge advantage, but there may also be some disadvantages. So, is it possible to live in a campervan or motorhome in London? Yes, it is possible, but there are things to consider.
Is it legal to live in a van in London?
If you’re reading this from the UK, then the short answer is ‘Yes’. There is no law stating that you cannot live in a motorhome, camper, or converted van full time.
Can you live in a camper van all year round UK?
Yes – there are no UK laws stopping you from living in your motorhome, campervan or van full-time. The only requirement is that your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
Where can I park a camper van in London?
Where to park a motorhome in London and its surrounds
- Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site.
- Debden House.
- Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park.
- Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site.
- Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site.
- Walton-on-Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site.
- Apps Court.
- Lee Valley Caravan Park Dobbs Weir.
Where can I park my van overnight in London?
- Currys. 60 spaces. 10 min.
- The Food Warehouse. 40 spaces. 10 min.
- Cantium Retail Park. 238 spaces. 13 min.
- Asda. 215 spaces. 15 min.
- Morrisons. 340 spaces. 28 min.
- Peckham Town Centre. 50 spaces. £1.602 hours. 34 min.
- Tesco. 250 spaces. 34 min.
- Southwark Park. 50 spaces. 35 min.
Do you pay council tax if you live in a motorhome?
Council tax is only paid on the property where you live; your main residence. We could all do with less taxes, which is why we think this is just another reason to make your second home a holiday home.
Is living in a van cheaper than renting UK?
In many ways, it can be cheaper than rent and there are fewer expenses to consider. It’s also a far more minimalist lifestyle, which probably means you won’t be spending as much too!
Where can I park if I live in a van UK?
In popular holiday areas, there may be restrictions on overnight parking in car parks or a road lay-bys. In quieter areas however, it may be acceptable to find some quiet area to park. Upon entering a town look for the sign directing you to the “Long Stay Car Park”, where you might be allowed to stay the night.
Can I park my camper van anywhere in UK?
In short, no. If you want to park up somewhere off the beaten track – and not in a caravan or motorhome park – you need to be careful whose land you end up on. Land in Britain is typically owned by someone. So, if you want to partake in a bit of ‘wild camping’, you’ll need to get explicit permission from the landowner.
Can you legally sleep in your van UK?
Can you sleep in your car UK? Is it legal to sleep in your car? Near a public highway: As long as your vehicle is not causing an obstruction, there is no law against sleeping in your car overnight. On private land: in general, you should seek permission from the landowner.
Can you sleep in a van in London?
While it’s not illegal to sleep in your van, the council or police have the right to move you along under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Where do you go to the toilet if you live in a van?
If you are in urban areas, you can use gyms, leisure centers and public bathrooms. Some van dwellers even take out a low cost national gym membership so that they can use the facilities as they travel! If you are spending time in nature, then there is water everywhere!
Can you stay overnight in a campervan at motorway services?
You’ll find dedicated caravan and motorhome parking at the majority of Welcome Break sites. If you’re staying longer than 2 hours, you’ll need to pay a location fee to cover your stay for up to 24 hours.
Can I live in caravan in London?
Yes, you can live legally in a caravan year round in the UK and have it as your main house. You just need to find a suitable plot of land and get planning permission, or find residential parks near you where you’d like to live.
Can you park a motorhome in a layby overnight UK?
Can you park a motorhome in a layby or car park overnight? If your trip isn’t a planned wild camping one, or if you have to stop unexpectedly, you might have to park overnight in a layby or car park. , but overall it’s not illegal to do so (or more clearly, there are no specific laws preventing it).
Can you drink alcohol in a motorhome UK?
If you’re staying at a private campsite there should be no legal problem with having a drink or two with dinner and then settling down for a restful night’s sleep. However, if you’re parked in a layby, next to a highway or even a pub car park then things get far greyer.
Is it cheaper to live in a motorhome UK?
It’s cheaper than living in a house — the cost of living in a motorhome, including the upkeep and your day-to-day expenses, will all be cheaper than if you’re living in a house. It’s cheap to park up — Most campsites or motorhome sites are fairly cheap.
Where can I park my motorhome for free UK?
Free overnight motorhome parking UK
These are: Wild parking/ motorhome wild camping spots– no charge unless you use a paid app to find them. Approved overnight spot, which are sometimes free and sometimes paid, like the Stay the Night scheme in Scotland (see below)
Can I buy land and live in a motorhome UK?
There is no law that prevents you from making a motorhome your primary residence. The same is true of caravans and campervans. The only legal stipulation is that it must be roadworthy, hold a current MOT certificate and be taxed and insured. Plus, you must only pitch up in permitted places.
Do you have to pay bills if you live in a van?
While a lot of expenses will go down if you switch to living in a van full time, some will stay the same or go up. Important payments like health insurance, or subscription entertainment services like Netflix, will stay the same. Almost anything related to a house, like electricity, natural gas and water, will go down.
What are the disadvantages of living in a van?
Cons
- Showering. It isn’t always the easiest thing to find a place to take a shower.
- Space.
- Putting Things Away & Doing dishes.
- Adjusting to Toilet.
- Looking for places to dump and fill our tanks.
- The possibility of your van breaking down or needing repairs.