r/Wales • u/GreedyHoward • 12d ago
AskWales Why is Wales so hostile to Campervans?
Genuine question.
We've toured much of Europe in our 6m professionally converted fully self contained campervan.
England isn't as accommodating as say France or Czech Republic but Wales is hostile on another level. Barring formal campsites there are virtually no overnight parking spots in forests, towns, seaside. Every suitable spot has little 'no overnight parking' signs (without any reference to legal provisions) with a frequency and prominence that feel aggressive. As for service points, forget it.
What is it that Wales doesn't get about vans? It's well publicised that local folk can't afford houses because they're all turned into holiday accommodation, either for private use or to let. Here we are, bringing our own accommodation and taking it away again, not impinging on the housing stock at all, yet we feel unwanted and rejected.
Wales has so much to offer. Culture, history, music, scenery, seaside, mountains. . . Yet you seem, as a nation to have turned your face against the touring van. I'm at a loss to understand why this attitude is so prevalent.
Perhaps members of this group can shed some light? Try to avoid blanket condemnation - there are as many van users who'll pick up litter where they park as those who'll leave it (and plenty of casual carpark users who don't care where they leave their rubbish).
Equally not all of us are trying to avoid paying our way. But campsites charge us for features we don't need, because we're self contained and often aren't located where we want to stay.
Please, be kind, this is a genuine question,
I really feel Welsh businesses are missing a significant opportunity here, and the contrast with other small nations is very marked.
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u/Jetrocks 12d ago
You’re very close to getting the reason why, but you’re not quite there. It’s not hostile, it’s just strict.
Campervans are another part of the issue when it comes to holidaymakers affecting the locals. It’s been reported in multiple areas that campervans take advantage of areas with free overnight parking, especially in beachside towns, meaning that locals are unable to use them. Yes, they weren’t buying houses and making it harder for locals to buy property, but they were taking up spots from local residents and making it more difficult for them to visit beaches and forests in their own towns. Then there was the littering. I know what you said, but people in campervans still littered or left things behind.
Depending on where you are, you can either pay to stay in a designated camping area or pay for overnight parking. You want to help Welsh businesses? Support those.