Camper vans are great for festivals and for touring in general,
Theoretically, you are not restricted to official sites either although many local authorities are posting these "No overnight parking signs" these days.
However, there's still lots of good spots in Scotland(I have my favourite corners) although I believe it's a lot more strict in England.
Same here in Ireland as well .This year at Willie Clancy I noticed a big uptake of Campers and Caravans boycotting or ignoring pay per night campsites, mainly because they had upped their prices to 25 euro a night without electric. Better to camp out in Spanish Point and enjoy the beautiful scenery etc. But , at the Fleadh Ceoil in Cavan it wasnt allowed with Campers etc directed towards overpriced campsites at extorniate prices, best to stay away. But in general , theres not a problem.
Yes! I miss ours. While others in tents were washed out, we weren't. However, the big ones are too much, digging up fields and making mud, and then having their own little gathering away from everyone else, in their HOMES on wheels, with picnic chairs, tables, sun umbrellas - - - and by this I mean those bus sized and bigger monstrosities. Good luck in finding one. We bought our last one just outside London, a Toyota Hi-Ace, for £700. We lucked out. It did us well for many years, until we could no longer find parts for it and the front axle collapsed - just as we were arriving home from a long drive on the motorways... With a small one, the occasional side trips were great too, up into the Pyrenees, etc., and sometimes, when just tired, we'd pull over somewhere, like with the ocean or Med before us, or high up in the mountains with stars, and make camp...
There used to be unofficial campervan sales on Sunday on Mackenzie Road, N7. I think it had moved there from the South Bank. Owners would just turn up and wait for bids.
Wow! - I only put this discussion up a couple of hours ago - all positive replies so far - thanks so much guys - lots to think about - keep 'em comin' !
TSS - I should've thunk about climbing fora - since I used to climb with a bunch of medics one of whom had a VW campervan. Do you have any links to such sites?
Keep your eyes open for copies of 'TNT', Danny. It's a freebie aimed at Antipodean market and used to regularly feature sale ads for campervans from those about to head back down under.
I've always been wary of the 'impoirts'. There are a slew of campers that when they fail the strict requirement in Japan are packed on to a ship and resold over here.
Hi Ho Silver - a different subject all together, but maybe not completely, with regards to 'fora' - anybody have any ideas on finding good all season climbing/hiking boots? I need a comfortable pair to fit my wee wide feet, as an aid to playing this music out in the toolies...
My three-season boots are Meindls. I love them -- most waterproof hiking boots I have ever owned. And I regularly soak them, as only can be done in the Highlands, but they always hold up. They won't take a crampon so I don't use them in winter but other than that, they're fantastic. Worth having a look.
You guys are great. Thanks so much, keep it coming - I came by a tiny [in the scheme of things] few shekels. To those who didn't catch my latest ravings on Facebook, here's my a part of my latest rant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iUEwB4ME3I
We found Mazda Bongos to be at the more affordable end of the campervan market. Japanese imports yes but very versatile and popular. We didn't convert ours - they generally come as eight-seaters - but, with a decent awning, it did provide 'luxury camping'.
Try Wellhouse Leisure for low mileage Jap campers.
I would also advise pop up roofs so that you can get under the infernal height restriction barriers in car parks etc'.
Unless you take cheapo instruments that you wouldn't mind losing, instrument nsurance would be a good idea.
We have ours (flute, guitar, mandolin) insured with Allianz at a reasonable cost.
I will stop now as I can be a bit f a camper van bore.
G
Being Australian I can't comment on use of campervans in UK but I'm very happy with my twenty years old Japanese import Hiace. Let me know if you want more details about my impressions of the vehicle.
I used to use a transit van with a camp bed inside as a "metal tent". Most festivals have food available so there is no need to cook, and you just need a bucket for "emergencies".
A campervan is great, but 'free' camping and festivals often don't go together. Spots nearby often get over-used to the point of becoming antisocial towards local people and even if within walking distance they tend to be in places where you can't be in charge of a vehicle after boozing. Spots a few miles may be better but its frustrating to arrive somewere after midnight and find that others who had the same idea got there first.
Maybe I am just getting old and losing my sense of adventure.
Campervan for festivals?
Campervan for festivals?
Just toying with this idea. Anyone have experience of the above? Anyone know of one for sale? London/SE England area.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Camper vans are great for festivals and for touring in general,
Theoretically, you are not restricted to official sites either although many local authorities are posting these "No overnight parking signs" these days.
However, there's still lots of good spots in Scotland(I have my favourite corners) although I believe it's a lot more strict in England.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Johnny Jay
Re: Campervan for festivals?
but in France there are beaucoup sites all over . Its very common here
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by bazouki dave
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Same here in Ireland as well .This year at Willie Clancy I noticed a big uptake of Campers and Caravans boycotting or ignoring pay per night campsites, mainly because they had upped their prices to 25 euro a night without electric. Better to camp out in Spanish Point and enjoy the beautiful scenery etc. But , at the Fleadh Ceoil in Cavan it wasnt allowed with Campers etc directed towards overpriced campsites at extorniate prices, best to stay away. But in general , theres not a problem.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by belfastrab
Re: Campervan for festivals?
My point is that you shouldn't be forced to use a site unless you really want to do so.
A caravan is a different matter but many smaller camper vans only take up a normal parking space.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Johnny Jay
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Yes! I miss ours. While others in tents were washed out, we weren't. However, the big ones are too much, digging up fields and making mud, and then having their own little gathering away from everyone else, in their HOMES on wheels, with picnic chairs, tables, sun umbrellas - - - and by this I mean those bus sized and bigger monstrosities. Good luck in finding one. We bought our last one just outside London, a Toyota Hi-Ace, for £700. We lucked out. It did us well for many years, until we could no longer find parts for it and the front axle collapsed - just as we were arriving home from a long drive on the motorways...
With a small one, the occasional side trips were great too, up into the Pyrenees, etc., and sometimes, when just tired, we'd pull over somewhere, like with the ocean or Med before us, or high up in the mountains with stars, and make camp...
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by ceolachan
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Have a look at this site, Danny - http://www.gumtree.com/campervans-motorhomes/london.
There used to be unofficial campervan sales on Sunday on Mackenzie Road, N7. I think it had moved there from the South Bank. Owners would just turn up and wait for bids.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Campervan for festivals?
My last reply was in rsponse to Bazouki dave.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Johnny Jay
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Danny, people often advertise them for cheap on the UK Climbing forums. I can keep an eye out if you're interested.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Wow! - I only put this discussion up a couple of hours ago - all positive replies so far - thanks so much guys - lots to think about - keep 'em comin' !
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
TSS - I should've thunk about climbing fora - since I used to climb with a bunch of medics one of whom had a VW campervan. Do you have any links to such sites?
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Here:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Keep your eyes open for copies of 'TNT', Danny. It's a freebie aimed at Antipodean market and used to regularly feature sale ads for campervans from those about to head back down under.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Campervan for festivals?
http://gypsywaggons.co.uk/varforsale.htm
Power unit not included.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Jack Campin
Re: Campervan for festivals?
With diesel priced the way it is now, the running costs for a couple of these to power your caravan is probably quite economical.
http://www.bigskygypsy.com/Images/Gypsy-Caravan.jpg
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Proper RV...
http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2009/06/23/vario-perfect-platinum-8_Ds8ww_48.jpg
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Following TSS and MacCruiskeen's train of thought, surfing forums might be another good place to look.
Or you could just go here:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/cat/22/
With 250 listings ranging from £500,000 RVs down to £500 DIY conversions, there's bound to be something that tickles your fancy.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by skreech
Re: Campervan for festivals?
I've always been wary of the 'impoirts'. There are a slew of campers that when they fail the strict requirement in Japan are packed on to a ship and resold over here.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by ceolachan
Size 7 H (EEE) feet
Hi Ho Silver - a different subject all together, but maybe not completely, with regards to 'fora' - anybody have any ideas on finding good all season climbing/hiking boots?
I need a comfortable pair to fit my wee wide feet, as an aid to playing this music out in the toolies...
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by ceolachan
I always had a pair handy in our old VW van...
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by ceolachan
Re: Campervan for festivals?
My three-season boots are Meindls. I love them -- most waterproof hiking boots I have ever owned. And I regularly soak them, as only can be done in the Highlands, but they always hold up. They won't take a crampon so I don't use them in winter but other than that, they're fantastic. Worth having a look.
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Campervan for festivals?
You guys are great. Thanks so much, keep it coming - I came by a tiny [in the scheme of things] few shekels. To those who didn't catch my latest ravings on Facebook, here's my a part of my latest rant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iUEwB4ME3I
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
erm - you know what i mean innit
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Are murvi any good? anyone know? Are they affordable 2nd hand? They look the bizz...
http://www.murvi.co.uk/
# Posted on December 2nd 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: Campervan for festivals?
We found Mazda Bongos to be at the more affordable end of the campervan market. Japanese imports yes but very versatile and popular. We didn't convert ours - they generally come as eight-seaters - but, with a decent awning, it did provide 'luxury camping'.
# Posted on December 3rd 2011 by shakey
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Try Wellhouse Leisure for low mileage Jap campers.
I would also advise pop up roofs so that you can get under the infernal height restriction barriers in car parks etc'.
Unless you take cheapo instruments that you wouldn't mind losing, instrument nsurance would be a good idea.
We have ours (flute, guitar, mandolin) insured with Allianz at a reasonable cost.
I will stop now as I can be a bit f a camper van bore.
G
# Posted on December 3rd 2011 by sam bracken
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Oops. Pressed the wrong button.
"a bit of a camper van bore"
"Good luck with your search"
Sam.
# Posted on December 3rd 2011 by sam bracken
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Being Australian I can't comment on use of campervans in UK but I'm very happy with my twenty years old Japanese import Hiace. Let me know if you want more details about my impressions of the vehicle.
# Posted on December 4th 2011 by All Moldy
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Absolutely. Camper Van Beethoven should definitely be booked for all festivals.
# Posted on December 4th 2011 by browndog
Re: Campervan for festivals?
I used to use a transit van with a camp bed inside as a "metal tent". Most festivals have food available so there is no need to cook, and you just need a bucket for "emergencies".
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by RKHambridge
Re: Campervan for festivals?
Just in case you're feeling a little pail.....
Always empty discreetly.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by Johnny Jay
Re: Campervan for festivals?
A campervan is great, but 'free' camping and festivals often don't go together. Spots nearby often get over-used to the point of becoming antisocial towards local people and even if within walking distance they tend to be in places where you can't be in charge of a vehicle after boozing. Spots a few miles may be better but its frustrating to arrive somewere after midnight and find that others who had the same idea got there first.
Maybe I am just getting old and losing my sense of adventure.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by David50