UK touring - Do you need to book in advance?

Acorn replied on 17/01/2017 20:29

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.

 

replied on 19/01/2017 19:19

Posted on 19/01/2017 19:19

There are popular sites all over the country.

Acorn replied on 19/01/2017 21:30

Posted on 19/01/2017 16:34 by Grumblewagon

Normally I would say, stay as flexible as possible and don't book in advance.  Unfortunately you're wanting to visit the most popular places in the country, but at the end of June, you shouldn't have too much trouble.  I don't think that the Scottish school holidays have a lot of influence on availability.

When you say Scotland, where do you mean - it's a big place. Some places will be crowded and other places will be quiet.

Posted on 19/01/2017 21:30

We haven't got any further than the notion of 'Scotland' I'm afraid smile

Do you have any thoughts on where we should start?

Acorn replied on 19/01/2017 21:32

Posted on 19/01/2017 21:32

Thanks for all the replies and discussion which is all interesting and useful. I think we'll probably try and plan the itinerary and book as much as possible....once we've decided exactly where!

nelliethehooker replied on 19/01/2017 21:43

Posted on 19/01/2017 21:43

Do you intend staying for one or two nights on each site before moving on, or do you prefer to tour around from say 4 sites over the 2 weeks of your trip? There was a number of posting about touring Scotland on here, in it's older version, which you may be able to find, which will give you some idea. 

Acorn replied on 20/01/2017 07:33

Posted on 19/01/2017 21:43 by nelliethehooker

Do you intend staying for one or two nights on each site before moving on, or do you prefer to tour around from say 4 sites over the 2 weeks of your trip? There was a number of posting about touring Scotland on here, in it's older version, which you may be able to find, which will give you some idea. 

Posted on 20/01/2017 07:33

In the past we have done 2 or 3 sites over 2 weeks, but this was with a caravan. We've had the M/home for a few months and hubby is keen to use it very differently - moving more often in shorter segments. And of course it's much easier to stop and do things en route.

So the answer to your question is probably that we'll stay 2-3 nights before moving on. We're wondering whether we can combine the Lakes with South / West of Scotland in this way.

I will search for the postings on touring Scotland, thank you. I've also got a few magazine articles to go back to.

If I sound vague it's because we're still early in the thought process on this, but thank you for responding, it's all helpful!

Acorn replied on 20/01/2017 07:40

Posted on 20/01/2017 07:40

When I type in 'touring in Scotland' the search function seems to bring up apparently unrelated threads (snow chains in the Pyrenees?). If anyone has a link to previous discussions or tuition on searching that would be appreciated. Thanks!

SteveL replied on 20/01/2017 08:11

Posted on 20/01/2017 08:11

The search function within the site just does not work, returning all sorts of random information. In general a Google search, with appropriate key words, is more useful. Although using that I could only find this info on Touring Scotland. So it is possible the threads might have not been migrated yet. 

brue replied on 20/01/2017 08:50

Posted on 20/01/2017 08:50

The CC have done a series of videos on Youtube called Discover The Best of Britain there are some good ideas about touring Scotland on there. Not sure about the pronunciation of some Scottish places but it's useful viewing. 

Sorry can't get the video link to work!

nelliethehooker replied on 20/01/2017 20:36

Posted on 20/01/2017 20:36

We're wondering whether we can combine the Lakes with South / West of Scotland in this way.

Acorn, that would be a good way to do it. Don't know the length of journey that you'd consider reasonable for a day, but perhaps an over night stop en-route to the Lakes, than a couple of days touring from say Coniston, or if you are a C&CC member their Bowness, Keswick or Windermere sites. Then up to Dumfries & Galloway, on to Killin then over to the west coast Oban way and up to Morvich, which would be good to visit Skye, on to Kinlochewe before heading back south down the spine of the country. Plenty of site to look at but can give you more info should you require it.

Acorn replied on 20/01/2017 22:21

Posted on 20/01/2017 22:21

SteveL and brue - thank you for these pointers. I haven't seen the videos before 

nellie - thanks, I'm going to get the map out and work out the distances! We are members of the other club too so there is lots of choice. By the way, the dog on your profile pic is very lovely smile is he yours?

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