Author: Oli Rushby Posted: 22 May 2015
Ever rocked up to a campsite with a group of mates on your bikes to be told ‘sorry, we’re full’ despite there being half a dozen visible pitches in front of your eyes?
It’s a common occurrence. These prejudiced campsite owners seem to hold the opinion that if a group of people on motorbikes turn up looking for a place to say, they are going to be noisy and disruptive when the reality is that we’re just looking for a place to light up the barbeque and have a few quiet beers before another long day’s riding.
Fortunately, motorcycle-friendly campsites do exist across the UK. Here’s a list of ten cool sites we’ve come across while looking to plan a trip this summer…
The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn – Derbyshire
Website: www.bulliththorn.com
Telephone: 01298 83348
This olde worlde Coaching Inn is ideal for anyone riding in the Peak District. Located on the old Roman road between Buxton and Ashborne with stunning views of the Derbyshire hills, it’s a popular stop off for riders.
Lower Lode Inn - Gloucestershire
Website: www.lowerlodeinn.co.uk
Telephone: 01684 293224
This 15th Century riverside pub overlooking the River Severn often hosts bike rallies and has even been known to hold bike weddings. It’s ideally situated for exploring the incredible roads the Cotswolds have to offer.
Sparkhayes Camping Site – Somerset
Website: www.sparkhayes.co.uk
Telephone: 01643 862470
Enjoy a pint of Scrumpy? This site near Porlock in Somerset is great for riders visiting the West Country. Daily rates from £8 per night certainly make it affordable with brilliant views of the sea and hills.
Sycamore Lakes Park – Lincolnshire
Website: www.sycamorelakes.co.uk
Telephone: 01754 811198
Just outside the Lincolnshire seaside town of Skegness, this site is perfectly located for a two-wheeled trip. Not too far from the phenomenal roads of the Lincolnshire Wolds and superb bike meet spots such as Willingham Woods,
Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park – Kent
Website: www.broadhembury.co.uk
Telephone: 01233 620859
Commonly known as the ‘Garden of England’, it’s not just Brands Hatch that can be filled with the sounds of motorbikes in Kent. It’s open all year and close to some great tourist spots such as the stunning City of Canterbury.
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Campsite – Northumberland
Website: www.hangsbank.com
Telephone: 01434 382486
Haggs Bank offers a great place to stay for riders looking to visit North East England, as it’s ideally situated to explore Northumberland, County Durham and even parts of Cumbria.
Squires Cafe Bar – Yorkshire
Website: www.squires-cafe.co.uk
Telephone: 01977 684618
Established in the 1950s, Squires has long formed part of any Yorkshire rider’s meeting points. Rock up with your bike and you can camp from the bargain price of £3 per night and pay as you go shower and electricity facilities.
They’ll often put on entertainment at weekends making it perfect for a mini-break in between riding around the Yorkshire countryside.
Sunart Camping – Argyll
Telephone: 01967 402080
They say there are few places more beautiful than Scotland to ride a motorbike. This site in a small village in Argyll is an ideal top off point on a tour north of the border. The West Coast of Scotland has some great roads to ride, we’d thoroughly recommend it!
Hendre Mynach Touring Park – Gwynedd
Website: www.hendremynach.co.uk
Telephone: 01341 280 262
Home of the Snowdownia National Park, Gwynedd is a superb spot for a two-wheeled trip encompassing great roads and stunning scenery. This site, just a five-minute ride to the coast, is happy to host bikes and starts at £8.50 per person per night.
Linnhe Lochside Holidays – Inverness-shire
Website: www.linnhe-lochside-holidays.co.uk
Telephone: 01397 772 376
The North of Scotland might be a long ride away for most of us in the UK, but it’s sure worth the trek. Stunning mountain scenery and brilliant riding roads make this one of the most idyllic spots for a biking getaway. Pitches, which include electricity start at £7.25 with a fee per adult.