Motorhoming in Wales?
Hi all -
Bit of an open-ended discussion point here, but I'd be really grateful and interested to see some feedback.
Although I'm not Welsh, I live here in Wales and do think it's got some of the best places and roads for taking a motorhome on. I've been recently talking to some friends about this (each who run campsites in the area) and we all feel that Wales gets a comparatively small share of publicity for campervanning (or caravanning or camping for that matter).
I was wondering if anyone else feels this is the case, or could shed some light on what would make it easier/more appealing to visit wales more often? I'm aware many people do often visit Wales, but there does seem to be a general feeling that tourism in Wales has room for improvement, and I'd be curious to know why people think that is?
I'd love to use the information to help my friends out, but also it's something I'm super curious about; I moved here years ago and always found it an underrated place!
Cheers!
Comments
-
I don't think it's underrated at all.
Before this website went A over T there were a couple of excellent threads about touring in Wales. Try using the search engine (good luck with that) to find them. Alternatively wait until someone with more patience than me, like Huskydog who being a dog is great at finding things, comes along and he'll probably dig them up.
0 -
I somehow don't think you get the same publicity we get! We get regular leaflets about visiting Wales, different regions, highlighting all the fantastic places to visit. North Wales has the campsite regularly voted one of the best of British in Beddgelert, and then there is fabulous Pembrokeshire. As far as sites to stay are concerned, some of the CL prices seem more expensive than other places, nothing visitors can do about that!
We did a small tour around 18 months ago, across top of valleys, down to west of Swansea, then back along to Tredegar, finally back up Wye Valley. Mix of Club and private sites, (November) great little trip. Want to do something similar in North Wales soon.
So don't worry, great region to visit and tour.
0 -
We're off to Wales in June. Anglesey, Aberaeron and Brecon. Living near North Wales, I am mindful of the efforts of the North Wales Police to enforce speed and the DVSA to weigh vehicles going into North Wales. Perfectly understandable but there seems no margin. North Wales is a day trip for us. Road signs in two languages don't help but again, perfectly understandable.
Last Autumn we did a tour down the English border, adversely affected by flooding, and back up the Welsh side. There are some glorious roads, many without potholes.
I don't think there is anything wrong with Wales, I just think England and Scotland offer more variety in a bigger area whilst many motorhomers prefer the Continent. It's more convenient for the people in the prosperous South East to get over the channel than to Wales and there is also a good ferry service from Hull. A massive improvement in the provision of public overnight areas, such as the Aires in France, might attract more motorhomers but that is debatable.
Make it cheaper to go to Wales, accept that there is a trade off between welcoming drivers and heavy policing [or the perception] and stop telling people how much it rains!
0 -
There have been a couple of comments here about south and north wales. It's a relatively small country yet seems to be split in half due to the poor road network so you either do the south or north, that's an opinion not based on experience.
We visited north wales a few years ago and stayed in betsy coed (or whatever its called) and had a great time but Mrs T was not impressed with the scenery very barren and full of slate heaps.
I think so called resentment of the English puts people off (from England) and the Welsh have a reputation for not being friendly towards us.
IS it a MH/Caravan thing you are talking about or tourism in general?
0 -
"accept that there is a trade off between welcoming drivers and heavy policing [or the perception]"
Mr Brunstrom has long since departed now...........
NWP continue to target irresponsible driving, but I dont think it is particularly motorhomers in their sights, it is the high number of motorcycle fatalities which is the issue.....
https://www.north-wales.police.uk/news-and-appeals/police-launch-motorcycle-safety-campaign
1 -
Thanks for the comments all. I understand the argument about the weather; I'm not sure how much of it is just a stereotype and how much is true (I'm Australian, so someone in England making fun of Welsh weather is a curiosity to me) but I understand the apprehension.
I'm also aware of a bit of 'racially based tensions' that some people may feel. Again, I'm not English, but I'm aware that there can be cold feet sometime, but I don't really want to dwell on that, nor am I in a position to.I do feel that some of the same reasons for that lead to Wales being insular, which affects it's tourism in general. I personally would love to see the wales coastal path become a major ocean road with views, similar to the great ocean road in Australia, the amalfi coast road or the californian stretch of route 66. That will never happen though.
I do agree that a better road between north and south wales would be a great start (if it just meant I could get to the midlands quicker!)
It appears though I'm wrong about a lot of the lack of promotion; i have a lot of English friends who have never heard of a lot of the places around here, but maybe they're just not cultured enough !0 -
I think one of the charms of rural Wales is the uncrowded nature of the place and the vast tracts of protected coastline that will never be ruined by, heaven forbid, a "major ocean road." I'm sure if you know Wales really well it has lots to offer and attracts tourists in big numbers in the more popular spots, which leaves the quieter areas offering just that, tranquil scenery and peace and quiet. Or in the other direction a lively place like Cardiff to enjoy.
1 -
You must try the honey ice cream in Aberaeron, it's yummy! And if you have children try crabbing on the harbour, they should enjoy. Also New Quay is worth a visit, you might see dolphins swim. Enjoy.Lynne
1 -
Well we've been to Wales a fair few times, I don't think it lacks advertising, judging by how hard it is to get a pitch at certain times enough people seem to know about it.
We've had some lovely weather in Wales but by the same token we've had days and days of rain, not a lot you can do about that, pretty much like Scotland sometimes its nice and others its not. We've always found the locals friendly and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in going.
1 -
Wales is no different from England or Scotland. It has it's history, it's culture, it's food and has retained it's language to a greater degree, much to be commended. As with any other country or region, a bit of proper research to see what is available of interest pays dividends. I wouldn't dream of visiting France or Spain without doing a bit of research, perhaps trying to learn some common phrases and any cultural faux pas that could land me in big trouble! Just because it is easy to drive into Wales and Scotland doesn't mean respect for differences shouldn't be acknowledged.
0 -
Thanks, Lynneallen. Bit short in the kids department but can definitely polish off a few ice creams.
Wales has its own 'Route 66'. The A470 which runs from Conway to Cardiff is considered to be one of the great drives in the UK. Just pipping Chepstow to Bodelwyddan. I also enjoyed the coastal road from Chester to Machynlleth and plan to do the next leg when down at Aberaeron. Every motorhomer should do these. The routes can be just as stunning in the rain.
Out&About Live has just published the Caravan Club's 2017 figures to date. Yorkshire has 31% of bookings, Derbyshire is second with 25%, Norfolk is eighth at 5%; Wales doesn't get into the top 8.
It may come down to the perception of Wales. If so, that needs to be clarified and then addressed. Not easy. But PR firms are always developing brand images.
0 -
Wales is like the curate's egg. Parts of it are excellent.
0 -
I think the Welsh tourist office does a good job. But the places I like most in Wales are off the beaten track.
0 -
And you can find those two quite close together. Llandudno still retains its old majestic charm and Rhyl and its surrounding static caravan parks are abysmal. Nothing has changed in my lifetime.
Try finding Cariadon's postings from the previous thread about Wales and you won't be short of a thing or two to do or see.
ps The sun is shining, as it has been all day.
1
