CAMpRA and the National Trust
166 replies
Tinwheeler replied on 21/11/2021 11:54
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:11 by SteveLBuckland Abbey is one with a reasonable HS overspill car park that would facilitate overnighting. Pay at Abbey number plate noted, gate closed when car park does, operative does a check before opening in the morning that everyone has paid. If they stuck in a tap, grey and black waste, I would happily pay £20 for a night.
SteveL replied on 21/11/2021 12:01
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:39 by eurortravellerAnd would the Trust let caravans stay overnight in their car parks too? I seriously doubt it. Why do motorhomers imagine special provision should be made just for them?
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:01
A similar situation occurs at the moment. National Trust Sites that have room are open to MH’s using the car park to visit the property. I’m not certain they would be so keen on caravans, although you see some at Clumber Park, where parking is not as regimented.
If the provision was made, I would expect it to be at no cost to the NT over time and actually make money once the initial investment had been paid for. I’m not sure why you see a MH that has been parked for nothing during the day, paying £20 to stop overnight when everyone else has left, as a bad thing. Other than that they may not permit the same for caravans of course.
Takethedogalong replied on 21/11/2021 12:01
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:39 by eurortravellerAnd would the Trust let caravans stay overnight in their car parks too? I seriously doubt it. Why do motorhomers imagine special provision should be made just for them?
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:01
I doubt it too ET, but then I doubt many with caravans would possibly want to stay. Most tuggers want to get to a site, drop the accommodation off, and then start the holiday. It’s more likely they will be staying for a few nights in an area, rather than linear touring. That’s why you see the queues at Club Sites at or before arrival times. We did actually take our van on the back to a few big houses and gardens sometimes, but getting in isn’t always as easy towing as it is driving in with an MH. We have, many moons ago actually overnighted in our van in a couple of EH car parks, with permission I add. But a very long time ago, and remote properties.
The NT provides campsites that exclude MHs and caravans (small camper vans are ok) but it’s mainly down to the locations. No way would you get a van into Lansallos campsite, we know, we have looked. Many NT properties would be a challenge for larger MHs as well as caravans. So I don’t see it as a van v MH situation, more how each tour slightly differently.
It would be nice if the NT joined something like Britstops or Campra, but it won’t alter how we tour with MH much anyway, as even in a touring boom period, with half the UK determined to tour SW, we managed with very little bother to do as we usually do. All legally, all at a price we thought great value.
SteveL replied on 21/11/2021 12:08
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:54 by TinwheelerClosing the gate is not foolproof as I'm sure you realise, Steve, and it couldn't be locked without a means of emergency exit/entrance so I could understand any reticence on the part of the NT.
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:08
I’m sure we can all think of potential problems TW. However, I don’t think any are insurmountable. I doubt they leave the gate unlocked on a night at the moment, so there would at have to be provision for emergency entry. Personally I think they would get enough takers at circa £20 to make it worth there while.
Takethedogalong replied on 21/11/2021 12:09
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:54 by TinwheelerClosing the gate is not foolproof as I'm sure you realise, Steve, and it couldn't be locked without a means of emergency exit/entrance so I could understand any reticence on the part of the NT.
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:09
That’s the bit that needs consideration. NT needs to keep out the undesirable element, having been inside Clumber and seeing some of what goes on in there, it’s no wonder it’s heavily gated now. Access is ok to Club Site, but that’s just off a public road anyway. But those who take bikes to Clumber need to know how vulnerable it is. We wouldn’t overnight there😱
I wouldn’t want the NT to commit to making car parks into anything other than a simple park up. Taps and waste aren’t really required for a simple sleep over for a night. So it’s the access and egress that really needs consideration. Let those willing to pay a small fee in, but keep out those hel bent on mischief. Not easy🤔
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brue replied on 21/11/2021 12:13
cyberyacht replied on 21/11/2021 12:16
Posted on 21/11/2021 11:39 by eurortravellerAnd would the Trust let caravans stay overnight in their car parks too? I seriously doubt it. Why do motorhomers imagine special provision should be made just for them?
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:16
I don't see why they shouldn't. The problem arises with self-sufficiency. Motorhomes can generally manage three days or more without any infrastructure except somewhere to put their wheels. Caravans seldom can, although possibly could for one night. The aim was to facilitate "no frills" overnight parking for a nominal fee. I don't see how that is really "special provision" for motorhomes.
Is the concept of 'drive to an NT property, visit house/gardens, park overnight and move on the next day' such a reprehensible ambition?
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JVB66 replied on 21/11/2021 14:32
Posted on 21/11/2021 14:32
Any where that gives cheaper stopovers for LVs will have unless policed,the problem of "freeloaders" using the facility ,
When Folkstone racecourse had a cc site ,it was a real problem for the site staff ,with it being so close to the Tunnel and Dover,
The Chemical emptying point was past the wardens compound ,,there was a big field used as LNA and Early Departures, It it was the hedges round this field that were often used as an efluent and waste dumping area rather than be noticed they were there
The site wardens were out in the early hours taking down vehicle reg numbers making sure the owners of the LVs saw them
JVB66 replied on 21/11/2021 14:46
Posted on 20/11/2021 10:20 by young thomasWhy, why, why?.....it'll be 'Delilah' next....😉
Campra are trying to introduce a system to allow safe cheap parking for the rapid expansion of the motorhome fraternity...NT have joined consultations, so must be receptive to 'the idea' but have come up with something totally different.
if the NT wants to encourage new membership, why not limit to NT (and CC?) members only with discounted membership to non members who try and then buy....
this would leave members paying only the 'traditional' rate for the CL.
I know you love campsites, all over Europe but MH generally don't need a site as they are self contained, including motorisation...
I don't need a site, unless I'm using the site as part of the 'experience' as we do on long term stays....
to call in and visit a NT property, i am happy to park overnight in the car park, provided it's agreed with NT at a favourable rate...that's not £38+
if NT didn't want to assist the Campra brief, why get involved beyond an opening discussion where the intention would be made known?
perhaps, NT membership could be extended to allow the already free daytime parking to overnighting, for a fee...a further incentive for those CC (but not NT) members to join.
as mentioned, no one needs to have a service provision (but would be nice) just somewhere to park (as part of membership) for an additional modest fee... extra income for NT, too.
brue replied on 21/11/2021 18:46
Posted on 21/11/2021 12:08 by SteveLI’m sure we can all think of potential problems TW. However, I don’t think any are insurmountable. I doubt they leave the gate unlocked on a night at the moment, so there would at have to be provision for emergency entry. Personally I think they would get enough takers at circa £20 to make it worth there while.
Posted on 21/11/2021 18:46
There aren't any gates at Stourhead. I can't imagine the NT would invest in any, I expect deliveries come in early both for the NT premises and the farm shop etc. There are a lot of NT properties which don't have gates. The concept of allowing other vehicles in for overnight stays would be quite complicated and in the case of Stourhead might disturb local residents. The fact that a CL exists is probably the limit of hospitality.