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An impromptu few nights away in the motorhome might be a little easier in future, thanks to a new initiative that will see over 160 locations across the UK offer free overnight pitches.
The Brit Stops motorhome stopover scheme is intended to promote a positive relationship between motorhome owners and local producers, and to encourage tourism within local communities.
Places taking part in the scheme include vineyards in the Kent countryside, organic farms in rural Devon, small local breweries in the Yorkshire dales, farm shops in Wales and centuries-old inns in English villages.
The ability to sample local produce is all part of the package, no doubt in the hope that campers will be inclined to buy some since they don’t have to pay for their overnight pitch.
Brit Stops is an attempt to duplicate the “invitations” scheme that’s well-established in Europe. Most participants aren’t commercial campsites and so lack the usually facilities, which explains way stays are limited to 24 hours. Most can’t be booked in advance either, so it’s a question of turning up and hoping that there’s a pitch free.
Membership of the Brit Stops scheme costs £25 per year, which runs from March, and payment also provides a guide to stopovers in the UK.
More details at the Brit Stops web site.