UK touring - Do you need to book in advance?

Acorn replied on 17/01/2017 20:29

Acorn

Posted on 17/01/2017 20:29

Hi,

We have started planning our 2 week "big" summer holiday and are going to stay in the UK this year instead of our usual trip across the channel. We'll be going end of June, so out of school holiday time.

Can anyone advise me please - is it possible to tour around, doing a few nights here, a few nights there without booking in advance? Are pitches available in most places if you just turn up?

We haven't really decided exactly where to go (but are having fun looking!), but on the possible list is North Wales, Lake District, Northumberland coast and Scotland. The reason for asking is that we've never really tried it before, but have always struggled to get availability mid-September in Devon and Dorset, especially on club sites, and that's booking 2-3 months in advance. I'm not sure if that is particular to the location or time of year?

Any insights appreciated, TIA.

41 replies

Longtimecaravanner replied on 18/01/2017 07:02

Member

Longtimecaravanner

Caravanner from Cambridgeshire

Posted on 18/01/2017 07:02

When we first retired we booked a site in Dorset and then planned to 'play it by ear' from there on our intended five or six weeks trip. Mentioned it to the warden that we didn't know how long we would be staying and she looked at me as if I was mad and recommended getting booked up for the weekends if nothing else.

We use the CL network a lot and I am pretty sure that you will always find somewhere in the area you want as there are so many of them, but of course it won't be the best in the area as that will probably be booked up.

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young thomas replied on 18/01/2017 08:22

Member

young thomas

Motorhomer

Posted on 18/01/2017 08:22

LTC, love your first para......'as if i was mad'..... all visitors must book!

replied on 18/01/2017 08:25

Posted on 18/01/2017 08:25

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Fisherman replied on 18/01/2017 08:47

Fisherman

from Gwynedd

Posted on 18/01/2017 08:47

Very rarely book.Its what a motorhome is all about- flexibility. Tour Scotland extensively and never a problem. Keep some water in your freshwater tank. Have a couple of 5 litre drinking water and you are free. Can change my fishing flies at 11pm in late May/June so no need for EHU. You can also wild camp or just ask a local farmer if yo can pull in and you will find them very accommodating.

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Fisherman replied on 18/01/2017 08:47

Fisherman

from Gwynedd

Posted on 18/01/2017 08:47

replied on 18/01/2017 09:06

Posted on 18/01/2017 09:06

If I wanted to tour with less prebooking during June I would simply book the Fridays and Saturdays. For all the other sites I would phone ahead the day before travel.

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EJB986 replied on 18/01/2017 10:25

Member

EJB986

Posted on 18/01/2017 10:25

We nearly always book in the UK...sometimes only a pre telephone call but a few weeks before if we stay on a CC or similar site.

Most of our travels are in Europe and we virtually never book although we tend to use Stellplatze and Aires etc with the occasional campsite.

replied on 18/01/2017 10:34

Posted on 18/01/2017 10:25 by EJB986

We nearly always book in the UK...sometimes only a pre telephone call but a few weeks before if we stay on a CC or similar site.

Most of our travels are in Europe and we virtually never book although we tend to use Stellplatze and Aires etc with the occasional campsite.

Posted on 18/01/2017 10:34

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JVB66 replied on 18/01/2017 11:50

Member

JVB66

Campervanner from Hertfordshire

Posted on 18/01/2017 11:50

I am with ET ,Sun -Thurs nights in June is not normally a problem, except on the few well known "honey pots" and if you are also thinking you like where you are, a word with the site staff we find normally gets a positive outcome for the w/end