Parking with caravans

[AnthonyVJ]

Part of the reason we are getting a caravan is so I can take my elderly parents out for daytrips with it. But on a recent trip to Devon ( we haven't had our caravan yet) I was disappointed to see so many carparks (especially near the coast) that prohibit caravans where there could easily be room for car and caravan across say 2 spaces end to end ways, and you would pay more obviously. I do understand access could be a problem in some places, does anyone know of a register/list of nice venues/places where parking with vans is permitted, but which doesn't involve an overnight stay? The only other way round it is to book camp sites for two nights, but even then they don't want you arriving before midday!and we would be leaving by early evening.

Any suggestions please

Helen

 

[cris_408518]

Anthony. I feel that you are going to be out of luck. The UK "traveller" fraternity has put paid to that sort of parking venue in very many places.

 

[AnthonyVJ]

Hi Cris

Maybe I should cancel and get a motorhome instead! We saw plenty of those squashed into car park spaces, but I think we really prefer the idea of a caravan. Have to make do with lay bys I suppose!

Helen

 

[Damian]

Helen, as cris says, the chances of being able to park a caravan in costal car parks is virtually nil, thanks to travellers, and the complaints from locals and tourists about caravans blocking parking spaces etc.

In the West Country you wil also find problems with parking up in lay bys, and certainly if you were to leave the van on its own, you would probably return to find it gone.

We noticed signage on mostlaybys in Devon and Cornwall which prohibited long stay parking in such places.

 

[cris_408518]

Helen, I,m about to head towards the coast road along from Nice and I know I will see Caravans and Motorhomes pulled in as you want to do overlooking the med. Pity that a few have ruined that back home.

You will find a lot of car parks have height barriers and that prevents many motor homes entering car parks and country parks.

You can get a caravan in to Trago Mills in Devon and Cornwall, buy mum and dad a pastie and feed the ducks in the ponds and they will be as happy as larry ;-) And Trago does the right sized underwear for old ladies. (I believe)

We've often stopped in at Trago's with caravan on route to and from my parents in Devon! And there are a few moorland pull ins where you can park a van during the day. But the coast is difficult!

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Helen I think a motorhome would most suit your needs. A caravan is more for overnight stays, not day trips. Somewhere you can pitch the van up and then go off and do your own thing and then come back to. Even if you were allowed on coastal carparks it fills me with dread just thinking of entering one to find its full. I don't think we would endear ourselves to the general public either when they are stuck up behind us while we have to unhitch to shunt the caravan about so we can get back out :O( Heheh! as I'm typing this I'm imagining trying to get to the Island car park at St.Ives with my van on the back, for those who know this car park they'll know what I mean lmaaoooo.

 

[AnthonyVJ]

Well thanks for all your comments,Trago Mills it will be, but I doubt I'll persuade my mother out of buying the M&S knickers now! Its going to be a four berth caravan So I'll get extra sleeping bags and we can all stay overnight, but I was hoping (rather selfishly) to have the permanent bed ourselves!

We've agonised over the caravan/motorhome decision for years and in the end it was just more important to get out and do something before any more time passed by.

See you all out there soon!

Helen

 

[cris_408518]

I don't think Trago would be to happy with you stopping the night ;-) But we have had numerous stops as said.

I've stopped for lunch and to meet up with friends delivering work gear to me.

Sorry if this is off topic.

Make the most of your parents Helen my dear Dad died at the weekend after a long Ilness. That is why I have been on and off the net the past few days. Dad would think it hilarious what my mobile bill will be, I cost him enough over the years and he gave me our first caravan.

I hope your folks like the van and be a bit adventurous and bring them down here to the sunny south of France on a nice leisurely trip they will love it ;-)

We have friends who travel to Europe with Granny and Granddad and 3 kids and a huge Awning that the kids sleep in. The elderly couple love it and Granddad even drives the tow car in France on the Autoroute. And The Granny is an expert at "DIRECTING" Awning erection ;-)

 

[AnthonyVJ]

I don't think Trago would be to happy with you stopping the night ;-) But we have had numerous stops as said.

I've stopped for lunch and to meet up with friends delivering work gear to me.

Sorry if this is off topic.

Make the most of your parents Helen my dear Dad died at the weekend after a long Ilness. That is why I have been on and off the net the past few days. Dad would think it hilarious what my mobile bill will be, I cost him enough over the years and he gave me our first caravan.

I hope your folks like the van and be a bit adventurous and bring them down here to the sunny south of France on a nice leisurely trip they will love it ;-)

We have friends who travel to Europe with Granny and Granddad and 3 kids and a huge Awning that the kids sleep in. The elderly couple love it and Granddad even drives the tow car in France on the Autoroute. And The Granny is an expert at "DIRECTING" Awning erection ;-)

So sorry to hear about your Dad Cris, but I'm glad you all had time enjoying the caravanning together. We love France and are planning a big trip for next year to Avignon area - have always wanted to go further south, in the past we have stayed in the Bergerac and La Rochefoucauld a bit further north.Just gave AVJ the caravan club europe 1 book as a surprise.

Al the best

Helen