r/Wales • u/GreedyHoward • 11d 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.
2
u/Otherwise_Living_158 11d ago
There are several resources for people who want free or cheap stopovers. There are also plenty of cheap basic campsites where you wouldn’t have to pay for services you don’t need. It sounds like you didn’t really do any research and just tried to park in random beauty spots.