How many members only tour UK ? Survey

[cornish boy]

Have only used the motorhome in the UK over the last three years, but have really enjoyed using it abroad previously and considering going over to France before too long.

However, I must be honest and say I simply dont get some of the fuss and bluster spouted on here about how hard it is to motorhome in the UK, it does feel at times like some people just want to find fault to justify their own preferences.

 

[8250]

6 years all in uk. Festivals and any thing from 20 minutes from home to 2 weeks touring around.
Is it really cheaper to go on the continent for a week by the time you pay for ferry and extra fuel rather than paying and extra per night in uk.
Still plenty to see and do in the UK before hopefully heading over for a month or 2 at a time once retired.

 

[LesW]

Is it really cheaper to go on the continent for a week

Who goes on the continent for a week though? we certainly wouldn't.

We're off across (under) the channel early next month, got our 90 day travel/medical insurance extension etc.. can't wait.

As others have mentioned the shear nuisance factor of having to book each nights stay in the UK is a major turn off for multiple weeks touring in the UK, (though we have moved from one THS to another for a couple of weeks), cost doesn't come into it for us I'm afraid, though not wealthy value for money is a factor.

 

[Jammi]

Uk/Ireland only at the moment. But once we’re retired and have more time we’re planning to go to Norway, Netherlands, maybe Germany…
Not France though.

 

[Folkranger]

I think there will also be a big difference in North South of the UK.

You're probably right but it never stopped us. The 300 mile to the ferry is always a long chore so the last half dozen we've avoided this at the cost of Newcastle ferry. We always get a one way ferry so sometimes treck back through dover and up the old A1.

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[BikerGraham]

You're probably right but it never stopped us. The 300 mile to the ferry is always a long chore so the last half dozen we've avoided this at the cost of Newcastle ferry. We always get a one way ferry so sometimes treck back through dover and up the old A1.

Newcastle route is good depending on where you are going. But noticed this years costs are significantly higher than last year.
Did a dummy run for next month a while ago and was well k we £1000 return.

 

[Lenny HB]

Is it really cheaper to go on the continent for a week by the time you pay for ferry and extra fuel rather than paying and extra per night in uk.

Yes a lot cheaper, fuel would be the same if travelling here or over there but I will admit to doing a lot more miles over there but that is because there is a lot more to see, you don't have to do the miles.

 

[Carpmart]

Our van lives in France now! The option of being able to be in Spain in 4h or so wins out. No massive ferry costs, just cost for the car on way down. The UK holds little interest to us, unpredictable weather etc nowhere to stop.
Bad drivers, appalling roads and traffic being the main reason to base the van in France. That and storage cost in the UK is ridiculous.
Poppy and Hamish We also have two small dogs, never had a problem, van or car taking food for them.

Is it a French or UK van? Just asking because I would love to keep mine on the continent, just logistics around MOT, insuring if not keeping on UK etc put me off… be good to hear how you manage all that please?

 

[BikerGraham]

Yes a lot cheaper, fuel would be the same if travelling here or over there but I will admit to doing a lot more miles over there but that is because there is a lot more to see, you don't have to do the miles.

Plus you are only a few miles from the ferry Lenny. Makes a massive difference compared to us northerners.

But overall I am with you, mainland Europe over the U.K. so much friendlier.

Bearing in mind that I did spend 10 years touring the U.K. when tugging before venturing across the water

 

[busby]

There really is some tosh spoken about motorhoming in this country

Think cold and wet is usually the norm in uk,,BUSBY.

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[The general]

Haven’t read the whole thread and apologies if mentioned before ? Some funsters might have medical conditions that make it difficult to travel overseas , and only feel confident health wise to stay in the U.K. ?

 

[Langtoftlad]

Why on earth would I want to go to Le Continent?

Travel cost to a ferry port
Expensive 22 mile crossing over the channel
They speak foreign
They eat horses, frogs & snails
They drive on the wrong side of the road
Your internet is limited
They don't have proper beer
Costs a fortune & is mega hassle to take your dog.
Etc etc

 

[wp1234]

Motorhoming in this country ( UK to avoid any confusion to the ALL ) is fantastic ,it’s varied and wonderful and full of adventure , great sites and places to visit all year round .
“Europe “ also is as varied and wonderful to visit ( our July 2023 Loire trip is much anticipated ) ,just stop knocking the UK as a motorhoming destination . It just comes across as a little narrow minded and mean .

Let’s agree to disagree ….happy that your supporting the UK Motorhome scene , rather you than me

 

[wp1234]

Why on earth would I want to go to Le Continent?

Travel cost to a ferry port
Expensive 22 mile crossing over the channel
They speak foreign
They eat horses, frogs & snails
They drive on the wrong side of the road
Your internet is limited
They don't have proper beer
Costs a fortune & is mega hassle to take your dog.
Etc etc

Oh dear …

 

[Langtoftlad]

Oh dear …

Why
Some folk like to the UK but some say we are wrong and going to Europe is the only way.

Well I'm sorry, I don't recognise most of the critisms that are posted about Motorhoming in the he UK...

...but I've only been doing it for six years so perhaps I've got it wrong

Yeah right

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[wp1234]

It is not a case of knocking the UK it's just that we find it so difficult to use a Motorhome in the UK. Very difficult to park in towns finding stops for the night is difficult. We did a couple of weeks last year one in Wales and another one in November in England, it's just too stressful. Wild spots often not very good, sites expect you to book, how can you book if you don't know where you are going to end up that day also we don't like sites.
You just don't get all this hassle abroad.

Spot on . Motorhoming in the UK is getting more difficult and expensive by the year but as long as folk keep paying then I don’t see much changing .
I’m booked for 89 days in France from July I’m guessing that total site/ aire cost plus ferry return for that period will less than €800 - No brainer !

 

[wp1234]

Why
Some folk like to the UK but some say we are wrong and going to Europe is the only way.

Well I'm sorry, I don't recognise most of the critisms that are posted about Motorhoming in the he UK...

...but I've only been doing it for six years so perhaps I've got it wrong

Yeah right

Yep

 

[Janine]

Oh dear …

Is no-one entitled to an opinion if it is different from yours?

 

[Peter and Julie]

Is it a French or UK van? Just asking because I would love to keep mine on the continent, just logistics around MOT, insuring if not keeping on UK etc put me off… be good to hear how you manage all that please?

Periodically bring back. Just had MOT and upgrades done. UK plated US RV.

 

[Lenny HB]

Why on earth would I want to go to Le Continent?

Travel cost to a ferry port
Expensive 22 mile crossing over the channel
They speak foreign
They eat horses, frogs & snails
They drive on the wrong side of the road
Your internet is limited
They don't have proper beer
Costs a fortune & is mega hassle to take your dog.
Etc etc

6 Quid of diesel to get to they ferry port.
70 mile channel crossing from Newhaven is cheap.
Expands the mind
Snails are nice horse & frogs not bad.
More natural driving on the right.
Yep limited to 200 GB a month give you that.
Agree about the beer but the stuff in Spain it quite drinkable and ½ the price of the UK.
Don't have a dog but once you get sorted with an eu passport not too expensive.


What's not to like, nice weather temperatures in the 30's lovely.

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[Langtoftlad]

Spot on . Motorhoming in the UK is getting more difficult and expensive by the year but as long as folk keep paying then I don’t see much changing .
I’m booked for 89 days in France from July I’m guessing that total site/ aire cost plus ferry return for that period will less than €800 - No brainer !

It would cost me that to drive to a channel port, cross the channel and pay the paperwork to take the dog.

And I'm sorry, I don't believe your costings , less than £10 per day including ferry.

 

[Lenny HB]

And I'm sorry, I don't believe your costings , less than £10 per day including ferry.

Easy to do it for that or less, ferry approx £180 return, loads of free Aires and good wild spots, even when you pay for Aires generally only €5 to €10 a night.

 

[Langtoftlad]

What's not to like, nice weather temperatures in the 30's lovely

Too hot for my fair English complexion .

If you can afford to go to Europe & want to, that's great but why the negativity to those who decide to stay & tour in the UK?

Holidayed in France/Spain and enjoyed it but a fortnight was enough.

It's a bit like the thread on why do people use sites... Parking up in the middle of nowhere does not appeal.

So my motorhoming is sites within walking distance of where I want to be, Britstops because I like British pubs and rallies.
And it's a really cheap option.

 

[wp1234]

It would cost me that to drive to a channel port, cross the channel and pay the paperwork to take the dog.

And I'm sorry, I don't believe your costings , less than £10 per day including ferry.

€200 return crossing with Irish Ferries( booked already and it’s a flexi ticket) .Paid aires for say half the period say €12 per night x 45 night = €540 so less than €800 in total ( don’t forget unlike the UK there are lots of free Aires in France ) … Obviously I’ve not including fuel and food as that will be they same anywhere also I don’t have a dog so no idea what that costs .
To each his own and enjoy your travels .

 

[Langtoftlad]

don’t forget unlike the UK there are lots of free Aires in France )

Plenty of free nightstops in the UK

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[Langtoftlad]

Easy to do it for that or less, ferry approx £180 return, loads of free Aires and good wild spots, even when you pay for Aires generally only €5 to €10 a night.

With respect, I've been following your thread and would not enjoy parking up in most of where you've posted... even if it was free.

 

[wp1234]

Plenty of free nightstops in the UK

Enjoy them and the UK

 

[Lenny HB]

If you can afford to go to Europe & want to, that's great but why the negativity to those who decide to stay & tour in the UK?

I'm not negative about people who like to stay in the UK it just doesn't work for us. The weather price of sites & can't park in towns or villages and not being able stop for the night on a whim just doesn't suit our style of Motorhoming.

You often comment on my travel threads so I think you know the UK wouldn't suit our style of Motorhoming.

 

[Folkranger]

Newcastle route is good depending on where you are going. But noticed this years costs are significantly higher than last year.
Did a dummy run for next month a while ago and was well k we £1000 return.

This year were far too high so booked the Hull Ferry

 

[Lenny HB]

With respect, I've been following your thread and would not enjoy parking up in most of where you've posted... even if it was free.

But we don't particularly like sites which you do, we park where we have access to where we want to be and it works for us.

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