Britstops Sold

[Realist]

When the Americans get involved normally big changes come for the worse.

 

[Bobby-gg]

The problem that I've had is that I still haven't received my book for this year on my recurring payment, and the app has auto updated on my phone, so I've now got no access to the 2023 edition/numbering system!

 

[Pappy]

The problem that I've had is that I still haven't received my book for this year on my recurring payment, and the app has auto updated on my phone, so I've now got no access to the 2023 edition/numbering system!

I'm the same and to make matters worse I've been charged twice. Awaiting their response.

 

[Jim]

When the Americans get involved normally big changes come for the worse.

If you'd like a name change from Realist here, "Pessimist" is available .

 

[PP Bear]

May I ask which one, I'm heading that way soon and don't know the area very well
Thanks

Oh that’s a good question, it was around 2016-17 so I’ll need to scratch the old grey matter and see what happens.

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[wp1234]

Am I missing something?
I do occasionally stop at pubs ( usually on the way to the tunnel) but I’ve never needed Britstops to do that I just use Search 4 Sites and a phone call in advance to make sure it’s OK with the landlord.

 

[maison]

Just a question and not a criticism at all ….. at £32 is it worth it for members ?

We were members of BritStops which was a brilliant idea.

However, we have found that many Pubs are happy to allow overnight parking if paying for a meal in the Pub. A phone call ahead of time asking if staying over is possible increases the chance of acceptance. We have only been rejected once.

BTW we don’t mind paying for a meal as we enjoy the English, (British?) pub experience which we miss when abroad and, no, we are not raving alcoholics.



Well not raving anyway.

 

[Mikey RV]

We were members of BritStops which was a brilliant idea.

However, we have found that many Pubs are happy to allow overnight parking if paying for a meal in the Pub. A phone call ahead of time asking if staying over is possible increases the chance of acceptance. We have only been rejected once.

BTW we don’t mind paying for a meal as we enjoy the English, (British?) pub experience which we miss when abroad and, no, we are not raving alcoholics.



Well not raving anyway.

Same here. I had camper vans from the seventies and often stayed in pub car parks after checking with landlords. No problem I was spending money in the pub on food and beer.

 

[Figaro]

Oh that’s a good question, it was around 2016-17 so I’ll need to scratch the old grey matter and see what happens.

No worries if you can't remember, it's a beautiful part of the world so wherever I end up I'm sure it'll be great

 

[wp1234]

Using our Britstops' membership we stopped in the Crooke Hall Inn car park in Wigan after enjoying one of their tasty meals and convivial company. A quiet night's sleep with the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool canal adjacent what's not to like.View attachment 724407

But Crooke Hall stop is on Search 4 Sites app so why do you need to spend £32 on BritStops membership

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[Miggs]

Just a question and not a criticism at all ….. at £32 is it worth it for members ?

No! The information is out there for free.
A non-subscriber can rock up and get exactly the same deal as someone paying £32 for the priviledge.
Save your money.

You could do what I do and google earth the pub car park and if it looks big enough ring them up and ask.
Very rarely am I refused a stop.

 

[Realist]

If you'd like a name change from Realist here, "Pessimist" is available .

I like that lol.

But I’m speaking from experience of two companies I’ve worked with and it didn’t work well.

 

[GMLS]

Just a question and not a criticism at all ….. at £32 is it worth it for members ?

With the increasing cost of campsites we expect to continue using it and probably more so. There are some great locations and I'd rather park in a pub car park and have £30 to put towards a few beers or a meal rather than spend it on a field with facilities I don't need. There are forums and website where you can get the same or similar information with research but if someone has gone to the effort of making it easy for me, they are welcome to my subscription

 

[Tombola]

Hmmm probably go south after this... bloody change

Lets all hope this is not a Manchester United Glazer replay.

I really do hope this is a success but generally 'takeovers' do not result in greater customer service or an enhanced customer experience. Taking cost out of a business is number one priority. I just hope I'm wrong.

When the Americans get involved normally big changes come for the worse.

Always look on the bright side eh

 

[Tombola]

No! The information is out there for free.
A non-subscriber can rock up and get exactly the same deal as someone paying £32 for the priviledge.
Save your money.

But Crooke Hall stop is on Search 4 Sites app so why do you need to spend £32 on BritStops membership

Of course but also sometimes it's about being a part of one thats a tried and tested "group membership" or feeling "allowed/part of it" some people dont feel brave or comfortable enough just to rock up at random and ask.." hey mate if I spend a few quid in your place can I doss over" they prefer"hello I'm part of BritStops community.and I see your do overnights for X y or z" ....

also its about supporting other parts of the mh community, so saving £32.00 for them isn't the objective.

Similar to being an FLT some it suits some it doesn't.

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[Langtoftlad]

Some people join the CAMC, despite being told they can park almost anywhere for free.
Some people buy a Britstops guide despite being told almost every pub will let them stay for the price of a meal.
Some people like to tour the UK despite assertions that Europe is so much better and so much cheaper.
Some people buy a PVC despite being told an A Class is much better
Some people like to eat out despite being told self catering is better value

Etc Etc Etc

OT I will see if Harvest Hosts ownership improves, diminishes, or remains broadly the same.
I have this year's book. I have the best part of 12 months to see if I'll subscribe next year.

 

[GarryP]

Harvest Hosts is hugely successful in the US and very well regarded in the MH community there. I think that might be a positive sign for this particular takeover.

 

[Tonks]

We were members of BritStops which was a brilliant idea.

However, we have found that many Pubs are happy to allow overnight parking if paying for a meal in the Pub. A phone call ahead of time asking if staying over is possible increases the chance of acceptance. We have only been rejected once.

BTW we don’t mind paying for a meal as we enjoy the English, (British?) pub experience which we miss when abroad and, no, we are not raving alcoholics.



Well not raving anyway.

It’s not just pubs though. I prefer the non-pub stops and my favourite one does check that you’re a member before allowing you to stay, as do some of the others I’ve stopped at. A couple of nights away and the book/app has paid for itself. I do also use P4N, SfS and club/indie sites as well as off grid (most nights away), so quite a mix.

 

[Tombola]

one of the popular stops southern florida, there are 1000s of farms, wineries, distillerys, geological sites, plant nursieries, lakeside retreats, etc etc

Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery | Wine Tours, Tastings, Concerts | Fort Pierce, FL

www.summercrushwine.com

 

[bigtwin]

Am I missing something?
I do occasionally stop at pubs ( usually on the way to the tunnel) but I’ve never needed Britstops to do that I just use Search 4 Sites and a phone call in advance to make sure it’s OK with the landlord.

Britstops isn’t just about pubs; if those are the only venues you use then crack on as you are. Thete are many other stopover options aside from pubs.

But Crooke Hall stop is on Search 4 Sites app so why do you need to spend £32 on BritStops membership

If you’re only interested in pubs, perhaps you don’t.

No! The information is out there for free.
A non-subscriber can rock up and get exactly the same deal as someone paying £32 for the priviledge.
Save your money.

You could do what I do and google earth the pub car park and if it looks big enough ring them up and ask.
Very rarely am I refused a stop.

Some of the info is out there (i.e. pubs) but lots of info is exclusive to Britstops.

Some people buy a Britstops guide despite being told almost every pub will let them stay for the price of a meal.

Perhaps they appreciate all the non-pub stopovers.

It’s not just pubs though. I prefer the non-pub stops

Some just don’t get it though. Some also have issues with the Britstops’ business model. Facebook is full of those who use terms such as ‘rip off’ when it comes to Britstops.

Ian

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[Camper634]

Wonder why the announcement came after the renewal date?

 

[chaser]

This site was put together by a member on here, don't know if he is still here or not, but if you want a pub stop, have a look at this.

M H Aires Stops Sites & Informal Camping - Pubs Stopovers

PUBS THAT ALLOW STOPOVERS

sites.google.com

 

[Jim]

his site was put together by a member on here,

Yes I use keith 's map all the time

 

[Manic]

I not been a Britstops member but have used one of their listed pubs.
I hope the new owners don’t change the membership fee, just check the new owner and it’s $85 roughly £70, I know it’s a bigger country so more places.

 

[chaser]

Yes I use keith 's map all the time

Yeah that's his name, couldn't think of it.

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[maison]

It’s not just pubs though. I prefer the non-pub stops and my favourite one does check that you’re a member before allowing you to stay, as do some of the others I’ve stopped at. A couple of nights away and the book/app has paid for itself. I do also use P4N, SfS and club/indie sites as well as off grid (most nights away), so quite a mix.

Understood regarding the non-pub stops.

We like the opportunity to stop at Pub sites, sample their food and regional beers etc. so are quite happy to pay for a meal etc.

As you say there are plenty of web sites out there, including some maps prepared by Forum members, which list Pubs etc. without the need to join, pay for, BritStops. However, I don’t knock anyone that does join, everyone is free to do their own thing.

For instance we are members of CampingCar Aires and like their facilities while others refuse to use them. Just one of the great freedoms offered by motorhoming.

 

[Nanniemate]

Been at the The old pound Inn at Aller this week, brilliant stop great people
Water, ehu and toilets /showers 24/7
Yes the food was tasty and reasonable and the locals friendly
They made it clear that I was welcome and made it a great week.
As I travel solo, I always feel that all the britstops could be a place of safety. If I had to leave a location if i was uncomfortable I feel a britstop would be the best option to turn up to in the middle of the night and explain in the morning
Not that I have ever had to.
Book came out Feb already paid for itself

 

[Jim]

I think maybe that Britstops are today too dependent on pubs, and they receive some criticism as a result. Why pay when the pub will almost always let you stay anyway. etc. However, it's nice to look at the book and plan a trip and know that there will be no awkward moments at the bar having to ask to stay, some people just don't like doing that. The value was there for them.

But Britstops also have some other great hosts who are not pubs and it is there that the membership value for many is found. In hindsight it might have been worth only taking on the working farms, vineyards, farm shops and only a few special pubs Yes, there would be far fewer hosts but it would have been easier to see the value for some.

But I don't know their business model. In the end, they probably got it about right, because they sold loads of memberships and someone was prepared to buy the business. Well done to them

 

[Wildbill]

Using our Britstops' membership we stopped in the Crooke Hall Inn car park in Wigan after enjoying one of their tasty meals and convivial company. A quiet night's sleep with the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool canal adjacent what's not to like.View attachment 724407

I stayed thare ther happy to take any one who spends over the bar ind in the restaurant
Bill

 

[Neilfg]

We used Britstops officially for one year and as others found most stops involved pubs, which we like to visit but always feel obligated to have a meal.

So like many stopped using as PubStops map was just as handy, when needed

Harvest hosts seems to have agreements with larger chains/stores in the US. Hopefully Britstops might be able to use US experience to attract some larger groups in the UK

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