Have your say by emailing or writing to us at:mmm@warnersgroup.co.ukYour Letters, MMM, Warners Group Publications, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
Top PitchHedging my bets on European campsites
After nearly 20 years of touring UK and European campsites, I realised another reason why I prefer the European sites.
The majority of campsites in Europe separate the pitches with a hedge of some type. Here, in the UK, we do not do this and the rows of ’vans parked in open lines seems unattractive and too regimental for my taste. Perhaps it’s about fire risk or cramming the most into the site!
Even a few free French aires in small villages and towns sometimes hedge the pitches.
I don’t ask for high hedges or privacy screens, but a hedge defining your pitch is good.
Some hedges are made from scented bushes that fragrance the air at dusk, too. I cannot tell you what these bushes’ names are, and I have always wanted to take a cutting back home, but I think that is forbidden.
If you add into the comparison the costs involved in UK versus European sites, I see why I have a preference.
With my favourite ACSI handbook, I know how much I will get charged for an overnight off-season stay, currently not more than €23. That includes electricity, no awning faffing, and two people, plus a dog if you have one. Longer stays usually are seven nights for six, etc, as well.
I also have never booked an ASCI site, just turned up and always got in. Only recently has booking been an option. We even prefer to look for the cheapest ACSI site (€12) and have invariably found them wonderful, too.
Currently we are staying for a few days at a great UK site on the Gower with our ACSI card. £20/€23 per day. No hedges here, either.
We recently paid £24.55 for one night at a club site near Cambridge in October, and that included our OAP discount. Ouch! Plus, no swimming pool. Well, there was always the river.
Bring on spring 2024. I can’t wait to book the ferry!
Paul Sparks
Licence all correct
With reference to Dennis O’Leary’s letter (Dec 2023, p16) titled, Renewing your C1 licence at 70, the i
