Whitby. No more

[Channa]

An excellent point. And there is some information if you care to look for it. Very little for the UK though. All of this has been published here at one time or another.

All this following is from quite a long time in the past and I've not updated my researches. I'm, not even sure that I still have the information but it does exist.

There were two excellent Australian documents prepared by some specialist research companies for some Australian motohoming organisation and shared with Austalian Government Tourism Authorities. Their findings were that motorhoming contributed millions of dollars to the Australian economy. There was an Italian document with similar findings reproducing a speech by an Italian Tourism Minister. I found references to a similar American document though not the document itself. Probaly other documentation too.

The Australian document led to the setting up of Motorhme Friendly Towns (or some such thing) and the Italian Minister's speech led to the expansion of he aires system in Italy. The American document led to the similarly named (so I might have confused them) Motorhome Friendly Towns in Florida – and probably in other States too.

All this sort of stuff can be found and some of us (John Thompson particularly) might still have it. I can start you off with a couple of leads to begin with. A European Survey of Motorhomers and their habits in my dropbox Dropbox - The european motorhomers-summary of Answers to International Survey.pdf

… and maybe more useful - a survey carried out towards the end of last year in Ireland. Some of us might remember responding to a questionaire though I never heard of any published results. The local authority doing the survey was Ards and North Down Borough Council. The person collating the information was laura.watson@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk and if you email her she might be able to tell you if the council published the result

Splitting it down to spend by "wilders" and those on sites I imagine problematic.

Lots of people insist on comparing with France particularly but it is a totally different set up. Landmass is far larger (5 x ?) similar native population and not least a different structure to how they run their economy with local Mairees having a great say

As a nation and perhaps relevant is the camping market is the second largest in the world after the United States, Perhaps and supposition on my part the value overall in respect of tourism is given a far greater focus than in the UK

That is not to say vast improvements couldn't be made here, but I don't think we are nor can compare apples with apples

Channa

 

[maureenandtom]

This is the sort of survey I got interested in - and passed to several local authorities. Maybe somebody could start here and find the surveys referred to. And start the job of lobbying local government again.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Travellers – Social and Market Research/Tourism

A quote.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) needed a more in-depth understanding of how RV Travellers use non-commercial accommodation (rest areas, free camping areas, etc) when making extended journeys. The organisation had been lobbying local, State and Federal governments to gain support for the development of more non-commercial accommodation for its members and those of affiliated organisations to meet massive increases in demand. However, it had run into an aggressive counter campaign from representatives of Caravan Parks that had been accepted on face value by politicians. Balfour Consulting was asked to research users of non-commercial accommodation to understand who they are, their travel patterns, their attitudes and requirements regarding commercial and non-commercial accommodation and overall spending patterns.

Maybe the Ards and North Down Survey, if we can get access to it, will come up with figures. I remember that the original Australian survey went into much depth. No of nights away, amount spent - all the sort of thing

 

[antiquesam]

I can only go by the impression I get from reading this forum and things on Facebook, but I think the motor caravan community seems to fall into two groups. One group are basically caravanners who have upgraded to one with an engine. These people do as they always have and turn up at a site for the duration. They tow a car, or have bikes to travel around or use their bus pass. The other group use the van to tour. A large proportion of these people seem to work on the premiss that having paid for the van then nothing else should be spent. Food is stockpiled from home and overnighting must be free. Should someone expect a fiver for this then they expect all the facilities, and will still try to avoid paying even it it means moving on before dawn.
This is how I see some comments and can only imagine the non vanners think worse of us.
I'm sure I'll be unpopular for this post, but I read quite a bit on the net and get quite depressed by some attitudes.

 

[Pauljenny]

I can only go by the impression I get from reading this forum and things on Facebook, but I think the motor caravan community seems to fall into two groups. One group are basically caravanners who have upgraded to one with an engine. These people do as they always have and turn up at a site for the duration. They tow a car, or have bikes to travel around or use their bus pass. The other group use the van to tour. A large proportion of these people seem to work on the premiss that having paid for the van then nothing else should be spent. Food is stockpiled from home and overnighting must be free. Should someone expect a fiver for this then they expect all the facilities, and will still try to avoid paying even it it means moving on before dawn.
This is how I see some comments and can only imagine the non vanners think worse of us.
I'm sure I'll be unpopular for this post, but I read quite a bit on the net and get quite depressed by some attitudes.

Aw, come on, they can't All be from Yorkshire !
I'll have owt for nowt.
But if it costs owt.... I'll take nowt.

 

[Deleted member 9849]

I can only go by the impression I get from reading this forum and things on Facebook, but I think the motor caravan community seems to fall into two groups. One group are basically caravanners who have upgraded to one with an engine. These people do as they always have and turn up at a site for the duration. They tow a car, or have bikes to travel around or use their bus pass. The other group use the van to tour. A large proportion of these people seem to work on the premiss that having paid for the van then nothing else should be spent. Food is stockpiled from home and overnighting must be free. Should someone expect a fiver for this then they expect all the facilities, and will still try to avoid paying even it it means moving on before dawn.
This is how I see some comments and can only imagine the non vanners think worse of us.
I'm sure I'll be unpopular for this post, but I read quite a bit on the net and get quite depressed by some attitudes.

An interesting analogy between 2 types of motorhomer that made me think.I have bikes in the motorhome garage and do use public transport for local journeys when pitched up on a site so would fall into the first category.However,I sometimes use the van for touring and wild camping as described in the second category so could be classed as being in both categories.

It mostly depends on where we are as to how we use the truck but the best point is that the van is versatile and fitted with solar and a large leisure battery bank for wild camping as well so can be used either way.

 

[malagaoth]

Well that puts motorhomers in their places - the ones who helped to organise it, I mean

I was in Fleetwood last year - the wife wanted to visit the 'Freeport' and market, whilst she engaged in retail therapy I took a walk around the town with the dog, never again, it is the most run down god forsaken hole I have ever vistied there is quite literally nothing there aside from desolation and destitution - even Wetherspoons was run down (equal only to that in Stoke on Trent).

the town reminded me of nothing more than the "Dualing Bangos" scene in Endurance - only with worse teeth

From what I saw the best thing in Fleetwood was the tram out of it - and it goes to Blackpool!

 

[mistericeman]

I was in Fleetwood last year - the wife wanted to visit the 'Freeport' and market, whilst she engaged in retail therapy I took a walk around the town with the dog, never again, it is the most run down god forsaken hole I have ever vistied there is quite literally nothing there aside from desolation and destitution - even Wetherspoons was run down (equal only to that in Stoke on Trent).

the town reminded me of nothing more than the "Dualing Bangos" scene in Endurance - only with worse teeth

From what I saw the best thing in Fleetwood was the tram out of it - and it goes to Blackpool!

You have obviously not been to Morecombe....

 

[Obanboy666]

An interesting analogy between 2 types of motorhomer that made me think.I have bikes in the motorhome garage and do use public transport for local journeys when pitched up on a site so would fall into the first category.However,I sometimes use the van for touring and wild camping as described in the second category so could be classed as being in both categories.

It mostly depends on where we are as to how we use the truck but the best point is that the van is versatile and fitted with solar and a large leisure battery bank for wild camping as well so can be used either way.

I do similiar. Infact I cannot remember the last trip I had away which is every 2 weeks when I didn’t do sites and wilding. I’m sat on a CS site at present. Quiet, scenic, cheap and I can leave my van knowing it will be there on my return.

 

[maureenandtom]

I was in Fleetwood last year - the wife wanted to visit the 'Freeport' and market, whilst she engaged in retail therapy I took a walk around the town with the dog, never again, it is the most run down god forsaken hole I have ever vistied there is quite literally nothing there aside from desolation and destitution - even Wetherspoons was run down (equal only to that in Stoke on Trent).

the town reminded me of nothing more than the "Dualing Bangos" scene in Endurance - only with worse teeth

From what I saw the best thing in Fleetwood was the tram out of it - and it goes to Blackpool!

What an opportunity. How wonderful it would be if we all started to use Fleetwood and we turned it back into a tourist attraction.

Actually … you've put your finger on something that could be important. While discussions were going on with Wyre Borough Council there was one of those short Breakfast TV clips about the decline in Fleetwood's fortunes. I know this TV report was brought into the discussion but I've no idea if it had an influence. It may well have done. I think a copy was made and sent to the council.

Around the same time there were more of these reports. I remember two. One was about Skegness where motorhomes had already been banned and I know that Skegness council was told about the clip – and I think were forwarded a copy of it. I think the council did not respond. There was a similar story about Great Yarmouth but I don't think anyone did anything about it – certainly I didn't.

It would be interesting to know if the Fleetwood report had any influence on the council and if the introduction of a one year permitted parking trial had any effect on business in the vicinity. In Blackpool there was a council report that anti-socila behaviou in the vicintiy of the permitted parking place had reduced - another bonus. If we've had any effect on Fleetwood then it would be a great bonus if we could show it.

I do similiar. Infact I cannot remember the last trip I had away which is every 2 weeks when I didn’t do sites and wilding. I’m sat on a CS site at present. Quiet, scenic, cheap and I can leave my van knowing it will be there on my return.

I still haven't replaced my stolen motorhome after nearly a year without. I'm beginning think my motorhome days are over - after 30 years. I think UK motorhoming has changed. Obanboy's post, I think, sees the future. He wants to be on a site – and I think that is the future. My sort of motorhoming, in the UK, is dying. Wild camping like I knew it will soon be something in the past. Already it is very much in the past in many places.

 

[malagaoth]

You have obviously not been to Morecombe

Oh indeed I have - it was a Good Friday many years ago and it was closed.

We called in because we were coming home on the Heysham ferry (yes it was that long ago) and thought a couple of hours at what I remembered to be a 'mini Blackpool' would divert the kids for a while - it didnt, literally everything was closed we ended up in the cinema I havent been back since.

Even Whitby which is undeniably better than Blackpool/Fleetwood or Morcambe I wouldnt want to spend a night there, I mean you walk along the front, take a stroll up to the abbey to sharpen the appetite have your fish and chips.....and then what?

 

[Canalsman]

My sort of motorhoming, in the UK, is dying. Wild camping like I knew it will soon be something in the past. Already it is very much in the past in many places.

I have to disagree.

Eight years I've been wilding in the UK and in my view, other than additional restrictions in predominantly urban areas, it's as pleasant, indeed often delightful, as it was in 2010

 

[maureenandtom]

I have to disagree.

Eight years I've been wilding in the UK and in my view, other than additional restrictions in predominantly urban areas, it's as pleasant, indeed often delightful, as it was in 2010

and I hope you're right. Undeniably, though, i seems to me that nearly every week we hear of another place denied us. I think that now banning is very much easier and less expensive for councils than it was ...

I hope you're right.

 

[malagaoth]

In Blackpool there was a council report that anti-socila behaviou in the vicintiy of the permitted parking place had reduced - another bonus. If we've had any effect on Fleetwood then it would be a great bonus if we could show it.

Let me get this right, someone who doesnt have a motorhome because it was stolen is encouraging others to park their valuable motorhomes in high crime /disorder areas in the hope of reducing the rate of crime/public disorder?

you arent persuading me!

 

[maureenandtom]

Let me get this right, someone who doesnt have a motorhome because it was stolen is encouraging others to park their valuable motorhomes in high crime /disorder areas in the hope of reducing the rate of crime/public disorder?

you arent persuading me!

Sorry about that

 

[maureenandtom]

Actually,

My motorhome wasn't stolen from such a place. It was stolen from my driveway - like, it isreported, most motorhome thefts are.

I'll still carry on trying to get councils to introduce permitted parking places - if I get another motorhome, that is.

 

[Canalsman]

and I hope you're right. Undeniably, though, i seems to me that nearly every week we hear of another place denied us. I think that now banning is very much easier and less expensive for councils than it was ...

I hope you're right.

I created the POI database in 2010 and I've been updating it ever since, so I have a pretty good view on how things have altered in the UK.

 

[antiquesam]

An interesting analogy between 2 types of motorhomer that made me think.I have bikes in the motorhome garage and do use public transport for local journeys when pitched up on a site so would fall into the first category.However,I sometimes use the van for touring and wild camping as described in the second category so could be classed as being in both categories.

It mostly depends on where we are as to how we use the truck but the best point is that the van is versatile and fitted with solar and a large leisure battery bank for wild camping as well so can be used either way.

I'm sure there are people who cross over between groups, as I do, but it seems the majority seem stuck in one or the other group, perhaps with the odd visit to a site to dump and fill. I've talked to people in sites who show absolute horror at the thought of not being neatly lined up on site with the ablutions and the ability to empty the cassette every morning. The other side are the ones we all read, boasting about never setting foot on a site in their lives, staying in pub car parks and not having a drink and sneaking into Morrisons with their toilet cassette in a rucksack. Surely the happy medium that you adopt is the answer.

 

[Obanboy666]

Obanboy's post, I think, sees the future. He wants to be on a site – and I think that is the future. My sort of motorhoming, in the UK, is dying. Wild camping like I knew it will soon be something in the past. Already it is very much in the past in many places.

No, I don’t always want to be on a site, what I tend to do and I reckon plenty of other members do the same or similiar is 2/3/4 days wilding then 1 or 2 nights on a campsite to dump waste use the facilities etc, predominantly CS sites which are cheap and cheerful.
I’m not the type of person to hide my toilet cassette in a rucksack or similiar and sneak into public toilets or arse on looking for water apart from when I visit the Shieldaig camping field where I always leave a fiver after filling up.
I have never parked up in a town and never will apart from the rare occasion i overnight at the theatre by the lake in Keswick.
I have a handful of wilding spots I use in northern England but most of my wilding is done in Scotland where I visit at least 6 times a year.

 

[Channa]

Oh indeed I have - it was a Good Friday many years ago and it was closed.

We called in because we were coming home on the Heysham ferry (yes it was that long ago) and thought a couple of hours at what I remembered to be a 'mini Blackpool' would divert the kids for a while - it didnt, literally everything was closed we ended up in the cinema I havent been back since.

Even Whitby which is undeniably better than Blackpool/Fleetwood or Morcambe I wouldnt want to spend a night there, I mean you walk along the front, take a stroll up to the abbey to sharpen the appetite have your fish and chips.....and then what?

Is that a serious question ? or are you becoming one of the sheeple that wants spoon feeding but at the same time wants it for nowt ....If you cant find something to do in Whitby I genuinely feel sorry for you ...I overestimated you

Channa

 

[malagaoth]

Is that a serious question ?

Im afraid that it is, I cant find anything in Whitby to entertain me for more than a day.

I could sit and look at the view - but I could do that anywhere
I could visit the most expensive wetherspoons in Britain (excluding airports)

But no,for me Whitby is a peasant place for an afternoon - maybe a day if its particularly pleasant weather