Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Warwickshire
Motorhome Touring in Warwickshire
Warwickshire has Shakespeare, obviously, and we'll get to that. But the county has more going on than Stratford-upon-Avon's gift shops. The southern half dips into the Cotswolds fringe with honey-coloured villages and rolling farmland, while the north has a grittier edge around the old industrial towns. The Avon valley runs through the middle, and the canal network makes this one of the better counties for combining motorhome touring with towpath walks. We've found it works well as a 3-4 day trip, particularly if you pair it with a bit of Cotswolds or a trip into neighbouring Worcestershire.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in Warwickshire
The Stratford-upon-Avon area has the densest cluster of motorhome-friendly options. Several touring parks sit within a few miles of town, and there are CLs dotted along the Avon valley. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a well-regarded site near Stratford that fills up quickly in summer, so book well ahead if you're visiting between June and September.
South Warwickshire — the area around Shipston-on-Stour and the Cotswolds edge — has smaller, quieter sites. These are ideal if you want to escape the tourist traffic. North Warwickshire is thinner on options, but Kingsbury Water Park area has a couple of sites, and there are pub stopovers through Britstops scattered across the county. Worth noting: Warwickshire's popularity with tourists means site prices are higher than in less visited counties, particularly near Stratford in peak season.
Suggested Touring Routes in Warwickshire
Shakespeare Country & the Avon Valley (3 days, ~75 miles)
Start at Stratford-upon-Avon, where the recreation ground car park near the river accepts motorhomes during the day (check signage for current rules). Spend a day in town — the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and the riverside walks are the main draw. On day two, drive south on the A3400 to Shipston-on-Stour, a handsome market town with good independent shops. Continue to Chipping Campden (technically just over the border into Gloucestershire, but too good to miss). Day three, head north via the B4632 through the Cotswolds edge villages, stopping at Hidcote Manor Garden (National Trust), and loop back to Stratford via Wellesbourne. Roads are generally good, though some Cotswolds lanes are narrow.
Castles & Canals (2 days, ~50 miles)
Warwick Castle is the centrepiece of this route. There's a large car park that handles motorhomes, though charges are steep. From Warwick, follow the Grand Union Canal towpath on foot or drive to Leamington Spa — a Regency town with good restaurants and a proper park. On day two, head north to Kenilworth Castle (English Heritage), then east along the A452 to explore the quieter villages around Balsall Common and Knowle. The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs south from here, and there are pleasant walks along the towpath. This route uses A-roads throughout and is comfortable for any size motorhome.
Overnight parking
Hampton Road Car Park Overnight parking
Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Leisure Centre Coach Park Overnight parking
Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Norman Knight Whichford Pub stopover
Shipston-On-Stour, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
Dog and Doublet Bodymoor Heath Pub stopover
Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Boat Inn Bar and Restaurant Pub stopover
Rugby, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The White Hart Inn Pub stopover
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Brookhouse Farm Certified Location Campsite
Tanworth in Arden, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Mansell Farm Certified Location Campsite
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Monks Barn Farm Certified Location Campsite
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Campsite
Hampton House Farm Certified Location Campsite
Warwick, Warwickshire, United KingdomThings to Do in Warwickshire
Stratford-upon-Avon is the main event for most visitors. We'd recommend seeing a show at the RSC if you can get tickets — the main house on the river is a proper theatre experience, and standing tickets are affordable. The town itself is busy with tourists by mid-morning in summer, so either arrive early or explore on foot in the evening when things calm down. The canal basin at the edge of town is quieter and good for a stroll.
Warwick Castle is impressive but commercialised — Merlin Entertainments runs it now, so expect queuing systems and upselling. That said, the medieval architecture and the grounds are the real draw, and they can't upsell those. Kenilworth Castle is a more peaceful alternative with fewer crowds and arguably better historical atmosphere. Royal Leamington Spa has excellent Regency architecture, the Jephson Gardens, and a food scene that punches above what you'd expect for a town this size.
For walkers, the Cotswolds fringe in south Warwickshire is the best bet. The routes around Ilmington and the Stour valley are gentle and scenic without the crowds of the more famous Cotswolds villages. The canal towpaths (Grand Union and Stratford-upon-Avon Canal) offer flat, easy walking and you'll likely have them largely to yourself midweek. Families will get mileage from Hatton Adventure World and Ryton Pools Country Park, both with reasonable motorhome parking.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in Warwickshire
Stratford-upon-Avon's day parking accepts motorhomes in several locations — the Recreation Ground and Bridgefoot are the most commonly used. Check height restrictions and overnight rules, which can change seasonally. Warwick town centre has limited motorhome parking; the castle's car park is your best bet, though it's pricey.
Fuel stations suitable for larger vehicles are readily available on the A46, A429, and the M40 corridor. The Longbridge roundabout area in Warwick and the Tesco on the edge of Stratford both have accessible forecourts and parking. Height barriers exist at many town centre car parks across the county — Leamington Spa and Warwick are the worst offenders. Waste disposal is available at most touring parks. Water fill-up is generally campsite-based, though some canal-side water points exist for boaters that motorhomers sometimes use (check signage). LPG is available at selected stations along the M40.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Warwickshire
Can I park my motorhome in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Daytime parking is available at the Recreation Ground and Bridgefoot car parks, which accept motorhomes. Overnight parking in town car parks isn't permitted. For overnight stays, use one of the nearby touring parks or CLs — several are within 3-4 miles of the town centre. Summer weekends are particularly busy, so arrive early for day parking or book a site in advance.
What is the best time to visit Warwickshire by motorhome?
April through June is ideal — warm enough for outdoor exploring but before the peak summer crowds descend on Stratford. September is also excellent, with quieter roads and good weather. The RSC runs shows year-round, so a winter theatre break is viable if you have a cold-weather-ready motorhome. Avoid bank holiday weekends near Stratford unless you enjoy traffic.
Are the roads in Warwickshire suitable for motorhomes?
The main A-roads and the M40 corridor are comfortable for any size motorhome. South Warwickshire's Cotswolds-edge lanes are narrower and can be tight for vehicles over 7m — the roads around Ilmington and the smaller villages need care. The A46 bypass around Warwick and Stratford is motorhome-friendly and avoids the town centres. Sat-nav sometimes routes through village lanes best avoided in larger vehicles.
Is Warwick Castle accessible by motorhome?
Yes. The castle has a large visitor car park off the A429 that accommodates motorhomes. Parking charges are significant (currently around £10-12 for a day), and it's separate from the entry fee. The car park surface is tarmac, so no issues with getting stuck. It's the easiest way to visit Warwick — the town centre car parks mostly have height barriers.
Where can I empty my motorhome waste in Warwickshire?
Most touring parks and Caravan Club sites in the county have waste disposal facilities. There's no widely advertised public motorhome service point in Warwickshire. If you're passing through, the motorway services on the M40 (Warwick and Gaydon) have standard lorry park water and waste, though access can be awkward for smaller motorhomes. Campsite-based disposal is the reliable option.
Can I walk the canal towpaths in Warwickshire?
Absolutely, and we'd recommend it. The Grand Union Canal and the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal both offer flat, surfaced towpath walking. The stretch from Warwick to Leamington Spa is particularly pleasant. You'll pass locks, narrowboats, and canalside pubs. Access points are frequent, so you can walk as much or as little as you like. The towpaths can be muddy after rain, so decent footwear is worth having.
Warwickshire connects easily to several great touring counties. Head south into the Cotswolds, west to Worcestershire, or north to the Peak District. For more English destinations, see our complete England motorhome guide.