Cornwall Council's Motorhome Parking Scheme: 11 Overnight Stopovers and a Welcome Boost for Motorhome Tourism
Cornwall Council is showing what can be achieved when local authorities take a positive approach to motorhome tourism, with 11 council car parks now welcoming self-contained motorhomes for overnight stays.
Following the success of an initial trial in Bude, the council has expanded its overnight motorhome parking scheme across Cornwall, giving visitors more opportunities to explore the county while supporting local towns and businesses.
In a video shared on 10 November 2026, Cornwall Council has highlighted the success of the initiative and its willingness to consider further locations.
At a time when motorhome owners are becoming increasingly familiar with overnight parking bans, height barriers and restrictions, it's refreshing to see a council taking a different approach.
And it's an approach we hope others will follow.
What Is Cornwall Council's Overnight Motorhome Parking Scheme?
The scheme allows fully self-contained motorhomes to park overnight in selected council-operated car parks for a dedicated charge.
It began with a trial at The Crescent car park in Bude in April 2024, giving motorhome visitors a permitted place to stay overnight without needing to book a traditional campsite.
Following the success of that trial, Cornwall Council launched a public consultation in January 2026 on extending the arrangement to another ten car parks.
The expansion went ahead, with overnight motorhome parking introduced at 11 locations from April 2026.
Rather than providing full campsite facilities, the scheme is designed for shorter stopovers by motorhome owners who have their own onboard facilities.
It's a straightforward arrangement that makes use of existing parking infrastructure while helping visitors stay in suitable locations.
Where Can Motorhomes Stay Overnight in Cornwall?
There are currently 11 Cornwall Council car parks participating in the scheme, with dedicated overnight motorhome tariffs published for each location.
Town | Car park | April–October | November–March |
Bodmin | Victoria Square | £15.00 | £10.00 |
Bude | The Crescent | £20.00 | £17.40 |
Falmouth | Gyllyngvase Beach Coach Park | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Fowey | Main Car Park | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Launceston | Cattle Market (Short Stay) | £15.00 | £10.00 |
Marazion | Marazion Station | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Newquay | Watergate Bay | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Padstow | Link Road | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Perranporth | Wheal Leisure | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Seaton | Seaton Bridge | £18.00 | Check with council |
St Ives | Trenwith | £18.00 | £12.00 |
Prices are per overnight motorhome ticket for the designated 6pm–9am period, as published by Cornwall Council in November 2026. Additional daytime parking charges may apply. Seaton Bridge's published tariff does not specify a winter overnight motorhome charge, so visitors should confirm the arrangements before travelling.
The charges are particularly encouraging outside the main holiday season, with several locations offering overnight stays for as little as £10 during the winter months.
It's important to use the designated participating car parks rather than assuming overnight stays are permitted in other council car parks nearby.
How Does Overnight Motorhome Parking Work?
Cornwall Council operates a dedicated overnight motorhome parking period from 6pm until 9am.
Motorhome owners must purchase a specific overnight motorhome ticket for each night of their stay.
Standard parking tickets, including ordinary 24-hour tickets, weekly tickets, season tickets and other parking permits, cannot be used instead.
Payment methods vary between locations, with options including pay-and-display machines and mobile parking payments.
Visitors planning to arrive before 6pm or remain after 9am should check whether additional daytime parking charges apply.
Motorhomes must also comply with the individual car park's vehicle restrictions, including any weight limits, access restrictions and parking conditions.
What Are the Rules for Overnight Stays?
The scheme is intended for responsible, short-term motorhome parking rather than extended camping.
Cornwall Council has introduced a code of conduct to help ensure the arrangements work for visitors, residents and other car park users.
The main conditions include:
Maximum stay: Two consecutive nights.
Self-contained vehicles: Motorhomes must have their own onboard toilet.
Parking bays: Vehicles must use permitted parking spaces and pay for every bay occupied.
Waste: Visitors must leave no trace, including taking responsibility for rubbish and dog waste.
Local residents: Motorhome owners must respect neighbouring properties and businesses.
Vehicle restrictions: Any height, weight and other vehicle restrictions must be observed.
Motorhomes must not use reserved parking bays or disabled bays unless appropriately entitled to do so.
Failure to comply with the parking conditions could result in a Penalty Charge Notice.
These are sensible rules that help keep the scheme sustainable and protect the opportunity for motorhome owners to continue using the locations.
What Facilities Are Available?
The participating locations are council car parks rather than dedicated motorhome campsites.
Visitors should therefore arrive fully self-contained and should not assume that services such as electric hook-up, fresh water, showers or chemical toilet disposal are available.
Facilities vary by location, and the scheme should not be confused with a serviced motorhome aire.
For many motorhome owners, however, that's absolutely fine.
Not every overnight stop needs campsite facilities. Sometimes all that's needed is a convenient, permitted place to park for the night, with the freedom to explore the surrounding area.
More Than 1,000 Overnight Stays Recorded
Watch: Cornwall Council celebrates the success of its overnight motorhome parking scheme.
The scheme is already demonstrating its popularity.
In its video published on 10 November 2026, Cornwall Council confirmed that more than 1,000 motorhome visitors had been able to stay overnight in its participating car parks.
Councillor Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
"We've had over 1000 people being able to stay overnight in our car parks with a self-contained motorhome."
That's more than 1,000 visitors who have benefited from having designated overnight parking available rather than being left searching for somewhere permitted to stop.
The benefits can also extend beyond the parking charges themselves.
Motorhome visitors often spend money in the communities they visit, whether that's enjoying an evening meal in a local pub, buying breakfast from a café, shopping in independent businesses or visiting nearby attractions.
Providing suitable overnight parking can encourage visitors to spend more time exploring these places rather than simply passing through.
Cornwall Council Recognises the Benefits
One of the most encouraging aspects of Cornwall Council's approach is its recognition that motorhome stopovers and traditional campsites can serve different purposes.
In the council's latest video, Councillor Dan Rogerson makes this distinction clear:
"It's never going to replace the excellent holiday parks and campsites we've got."
And that's an important point.
Motorhome owners travelling around Cornwall may only need a convenient overnight stop before continuing their journey the following morning.
Others may want to spend an evening exploring a town, visiting friends or enjoying the local hospitality.
These are visitors who don't necessarily need the facilities of a traditional campsite, but who still need somewhere suitable and permitted to stay.
By providing designated overnight parking, Cornwall Council is recognising that these visitors have different needs from those booking longer campsite holidays.
The scheme offers more choice without suggesting that one type of accommodation should replace another.
There's room for both.
It's also encouraging to see the council recognising that providing somewhere suitable for motorhomes can bring benefits to the wider community.
Rather than simply turning visitors away, Cornwall is making better use of existing car parks while helping support the local economy.
Could Cornwall Introduce More Overnight Motorhome Parking Locations?
There is reason to be optimistic.
In the council's November 2026 video, Councillor Rogerson expresses his hope that the scheme could expand further:
"And then next year, hopefully we'll be able to offer it in more locations as well."
The council has also indicated that it is continuing to listen to residents and local businesses when considering how the arrangements might develop.
Although no additional locations have been formally confirmed, the willingness to consider expanding the scheme is encouraging.
The success of the existing locations could provide valuable evidence when considering where similar arrangements might work in the future.
Not every car park will be suitable, of course. Access, vehicle sizes, local residents and the needs of other parking users all need to be considered.
But Cornwall is demonstrating that these challenges can be addressed through sensible planning rather than automatically ruling out overnight motorhome parking.
A Positive Example for Other Councils
We regularly see motorhome owners expressing frustration at the number of overnight parking restrictions appearing across the UK.
While some restrictions are necessary, blanket bans are not always the answer.
Cornwall Council's approach demonstrates that providing permitted overnight parking, with clear conditions and appropriate charges, can offer an alternative.
Motorhome owners aren't necessarily looking for free parking or special treatment.
Many are perfectly happy to pay a reasonable fee for somewhere suitable to spend the night, provided they know they're welcome and can stay without worrying about being moved on.
It's particularly encouraging to see a council recognising the contribution motorhome visitors can make to local businesses.
Rather than viewing motorhomes simply as a problem to manage, Cornwall is acknowledging that responsible motorhome tourism can be an opportunity.
We hope other councils take notice.
There are towns and villages across the UK that could potentially benefit from similar arrangements, particularly where existing car parks have suitable space and access.
Well Done, Cornwall Council!
It's genuinely refreshing to see a local authority taking such a positive and welcoming approach to motorhome tourism.
Cornwall Council deserves recognition for introducing the original trial, responding to feedback and expanding the scheme to give visitors more choice.
It's nice to feel that the motorhome community is being supported and welcomed, rather than constantly facing another restriction or prohibition sign.
Of course, the success of schemes like this also depends on us as motorhome owners.
By following the rules, respecting local communities, disposing of waste responsibly and supporting nearby businesses, we can help demonstrate why these arrangements deserve to continue.
Well done, Cornwall Council. We hope this is just the beginning, and that more councils across the UK follow your example.
Find More Motorhome Stopovers with The Campervan Bible
Planning a trip to Cornwall or exploring somewhere new?
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With detailed location information, extensive filters, saved favourites and a built-in route planner, finding your next stopover is easier than ever.
Whether you're looking for a convenient overnight stop, somewhere dog-friendly or facilities along your route, you can plan your journey with confidence.
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For the latest official parking information, visit Cornwall Council's motorhome parking guidance: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/parking/motorhome-parking/
