Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Gloucestershire
Motorhome Touring in Gloucestershire
Half of Gloucestershire is Cotswolds honey stone and gentle hills; the other half is the Forest of Dean, ancient woodland with wild boar. It's a county of two personalities, and both work well for motorhome touring if you choose your roads carefully. The Cotswolds side draws the crowds (and the coaches), so expect company at places like Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway. The Forest of Dean side is less visited and more interesting for motorhomers who want space to breathe. Fair warning: Cotswolds villages were built for horses, not motorhomes. Narrow lanes, low bridges, and tight turns are standard.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds area has plenty of campsites, but most are geared towards caravans and tents rather than motorhomes specifically. CLs are dotted across the region, often on farms with open views over the rolling hills. The Forest of Dean has fewer formal sites but more space, and a couple of Forestry England car parks have tolerated discreet overnight stays in the past, though this isn't official policy and shouldn't be relied upon.
Around Cheltenham and Gloucester there's better access to larger sites with full facilities. The Cotswold villages themselves rarely have campsites within walking distance, so you'll be driving to attractions from wherever you're based. A Britstops guide is useful here as several pubs and farms in the area participate. South Gloucestershire near the Severn has a few options for overnighting near the river, though the M5 noise can be noticeable.
Suggested Touring Routes in Gloucestershire
Classic Cotswolds Loop (2-3 days)
Start from Cheltenham and head south on the A435 to Cirencester, the old Roman capital of the Cotswolds. From there, take the B4425 north to Bibury (Arlington Row is the most photographed street in England, and yes, it's as small in person as it looks). Continue to Bourton-on-the-Water via the A429 Fosse Way, which is a straight, wide Roman road well suited to motorhomes. Head north to Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway, then loop back to Cheltenham via Winchcombe. Total distance is about 65 miles. The B-roads between villages can be narrow with overhanging hedges, so allow extra time and don't rush. Larger motorhomes should avoid the back road from Bibury to Barnsley.
Forest of Dean Explorer (2 days)
From Gloucester, cross into the Forest of Dean via the A48. The forest roads are mostly single carriageway but well surfaced and wide enough for motorhomes. Stop at Symonds Yat Rock for the viewpoint over the Wye Valley (the car park can take motorhomes, but arrive before 10am in summer). Continue to Coleford and Clearwell Caves, then south to Tintern Abbey just over the Welsh border. The drive along the Wye Valley on the A466 is excellent. Watch for the free-roaming sheep on forest roads. They're not in a hurry and neither should you be.
Overnight parking
Beeches car park Cirencester Overnight parking
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Maugersbury Car Park Overnight parking
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Fossway car park Stow-On-The-Wold Overnight parking
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Bourton Vale Car Park Overnight parking
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Parking
Vineyards car park Tewkesbury Parking
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Gloucester Old Spot Pub Pub stopover
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The House in The Tree Pub Pub stopover
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The New Inn Viney Hill Pub stopover
Lydney, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Sharpness Dockers Club Pub stopover
Berkeley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Woolaston Inn Pub stopover
Lydney, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Crown Inn Coalford Pub stopover
Coleford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Golden Farm Inn Pub stopover
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Old George Inn Pub stopover
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Crown Inn Pub stopover
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Miners in Sling Pub stopover
Coleford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Hoggies Lower Wick Pub stopover
Dursley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Tudor Arms Pub stopover
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Fromebridge Mill Pub stopover
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Whitminster Inn Pub stopover
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Golden Heart Inn Pub stopover
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Elms Farm Certified Location Campsite
Nr Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Bulley Farm Certified Location Campsite
Churcham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Greystone Farm Certified Location Campsite
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Longbrook Barn Farm Certified Location Campsite
Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Pinnock Wood Farm Certified Location Campsite
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Pardon Hill Farm Certified Location Campsite
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
The Thames Head Inn Campsite
Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Chastleton Road Certified Location Campsite
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Arlebrook House Certified Location Campsite
Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Ham Farm Certified Location Campsite
Dursley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Charity Barn Certified Location Campsite
minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
At Woodgreen Farm Certified Location Campsite
Churcham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Blacksmiths Arms Alvington Campsite
Lydney, Gloucestershire, United KingdomThings to Do in Gloucestershire
Walking is the obvious draw. The Cotswold Way runs 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, following the escarpment edge with views west over the Severn Vale. You can pick up day sections easily with a motorhome, and there are car parks at most access points. The Forest of Dean has its own trail network, including the family-friendly sculpture trail and more serious mountain biking routes at Cannop Cycle Centre.
Cheltenham is worth a half day. The Promenade has good independent shops and restaurants, and the town is compact enough to walk from the park-and-ride (which takes motorhomes). Gloucester's cathedral is genuinely impressive, with cloisters you'll recognise from Harry Potter. The Gloucester Docks area has been redeveloped with museums and cafes.
Cotswold villages are beautiful but can feel like theme parks in peak season. Bourton-on-the-Water is particularly bad on summer weekends, with coach parties queueing outside every tea room. Visit midweek. Alternatively, skip the famous villages entirely and head for less-visited spots like Guiting Power or Naunton, which have the same stone cottages without the crowds.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in Gloucestershire
The M5 runs through the county, giving easy access from the north and south. The A417/A419 connects to the M4. Both routes have fuel stations and services suitable for motorhomes. In the Cotswolds themselves, fuel options are limited to market towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Cirencester. LPG is available in Cheltenham.
Supermarket access is good in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Cirencester. Stroud has a Saturday farmers' market that's been running for decades and is one of the best in the country. Height barriers exist at several village car parks, particularly in Bourton-on-the-Water (2.1m) and Broadway. Waste disposal is available at larger campsites by arrangement.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Gloucestershire
Can I drive a motorhome through the Cotswolds?
Yes, but choose your roads. The A-roads (A429 Fosse Way, A44, A40) are fine. The B-roads between villages can be very narrow with tight bends and no passing places. Motorhomes over 7 metres should stick to main roads.
Where can I park a motorhome in the Cotswolds?
Village car parks vary. Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh have larger car parks that can accommodate motorhomes. Bourton-on-the-Water's main car park has a height barrier. Cirencester's Waterloo car park is the most motorhome-friendly in the area.
Is the Forest of Dean good for motorhomes?
It's excellent. The roads are quieter than the Cotswolds, the car parks are generally height-barrier-free, and there's a real sense of space. Watch for sheep on the roads and wild boar at dusk.
What's the best time to tour Gloucestershire by motorhome?
April to June for the Cotswolds. The villages are at their best with spring flowers, and you'll miss the worst of the summer coach traffic. The Forest of Dean is good year-round, with autumn colour in October being a particular highlight.
Are there motorhome service points in Gloucestershire?
No dedicated public service points. Campsites in the area offer waste disposal and water, usually for a fee. Your best option is to plan overnight stops at sites with facilities and top up there.
Can I park overnight in Forest of Dean car parks?
Officially, no. Forestry England car parks are day-use only. Some motorhomers do stay overnight discreetly, but it's not permitted and you risk a ticket. Use a proper campsite or CL in the area instead.
Gloucestershire borders several great touring counties. Head west into Wales via the Severn Bridge, or explore more England motorhome destinations with Campercation.