Retro VW Campervan tour of Devon/Cornwall
Discussion
Twas the wifes idea, but a plan is starting to hatch. Hire an old VW campervan from somewhere down in the south west and do a tour. We definitely want to go to Eden Project but other than that, any recomendations on particularly nice places to head to? Also, any campers/caravaners/campervaners with any recomended camp sites in that area?
I thought getting a TVR was my mid life crisis, but now I reckon I definitely there!
Cheers.
I thought getting a TVR was my mid life crisis, but now I reckon I definitely there!
Cheers.
Well, no problem with the van hire, Google has loads of hits.
Campsites, depends what you want. Liskey near Truro is good but nowhere near a beach. Fine for a night or two to visit Truro. St Agnes is also good and not far from the beach. If you want to lose your van amongst loads of other VeeDubs then Newquay is a must - but don't be surprised if you are disappointed. North Devon is also a must do - Woolacombe and Croyde then drive down the north coast road (A39) stopping where you like in a layby for the night.
Lastly, Minnows off J27 M5 is good for exploring Mid Devon and Exmoor on your way to North Devon.
Campsites, depends what you want. Liskey near Truro is good but nowhere near a beach. Fine for a night or two to visit Truro. St Agnes is also good and not far from the beach. If you want to lose your van amongst loads of other VeeDubs then Newquay is a must - but don't be surprised if you are disappointed. North Devon is also a must do - Woolacombe and Croyde then drive down the north coast road (A39) stopping where you like in a layby for the night.
Lastly, Minnows off J27 M5 is good for exploring Mid Devon and Exmoor on your way to North Devon.
Tyre Smoke- yes got the hire thing sorted, I was amazed by how many companies are in the business of hiring these things out. Thanks for the tips.
FPC- I know exactly what you mean, and I am not exactly looking forward to it. I have driven a 30ft 6 birth jobby round France (for the World cup in '98) with mates. Other than the size, driving that wasnt too much of a hardship. When I have to borrow my father-in-laws old van with column shift and no power steering, I dread it everytime. But Mrs LT has said its the Campervan or nothing. Thanks
FPC- I know exactly what you mean, and I am not exactly looking forward to it. I have driven a 30ft 6 birth jobby round France (for the World cup in '98) with mates. Other than the size, driving that wasnt too much of a hardship. When I have to borrow my father-in-laws old van with column shift and no power steering, I dread it everytime. But Mrs LT has said its the Campervan or nothing. Thanks
Arthur Jackson said:
FPC said:
Old VW campers are slow and a PITA to drive.
Slow yes, but a PITA??? Why so? I've driven quite a few and I like the way they drive very much.
I've only driven one that didn't top 70 and although not exactly rifle bolt I've always found the gearchange accurate. It's never going to be as good as something where the lever-to-box distance is less than 10 ft.. LOL!!
The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
Arthur Jackson said:
I've only driven one that didn't top 70 and although not exactly rifle bolt I've always found the gearchange accurate. It's never going to be as good as something where the lever-to-box distance is less than 10 ft.. LOL!!
The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
Arthur - you clearly have seen a few of these dubs, is it realistic for me (6'3") and the Mrs to live in one of these things for a week, suitably kitted out of course, and with I think the essential 'drive away' awning? Just a bit concerned that we could be a bit cramped in there.The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
Cheers.
LaserTam said:
Arthur - you clearly have seen a few of these dubs, is it realistic for me (6'3") and the Mrs to live in one of these things for a week, suitably kitted out of course, and with I think the essential 'drive away' awning? Just a bit concerned that we could be a bit cramped in there.
Cheers.
I can't see why not.Cheers.
It is important, though, as you can see from the answers above, that you understand that the Type 2 ended serious production in '79 and that split screens date from the '50s. You will need to slow your pace of life down (but then isn't that what holidays are for?
) and take it easy, but space shouldn't be an issue with an awning. They do two people quite well in my experience.Arthur Jackson said:
I've only driven one that didn't top 70 and although not exactly rifle bolt I've always found the gearchange accurate. It's never going to be as good as something where the lever-to-box distance is less than 10 ft.. LOL!!
The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
I have no experience of driving 'classic' cars so it was all a bit of a change from what I am used to driving. Mine was a 'high top' which might explain the top speed issue!The drum braked vans are obviously not as good as the disc versions, but again, they stop OK.
Were you trying to race in one??
I think alot of the campers available to hire these days are actually retro bay screen ones that are still being made in Brazil, hence they are actually fairly new. Rather than an aircooled lump they have a polo 1.4 petrol so they may not be as much of a PITA to drive as a classic bay. Think they are called a Danbury.
mat59 said:
I think alot of the campers available to hire these days are actually retro bay screen ones that are still being made in Brazil, hence they are actually fairly new. Rather than an aircooled lump they have a polo 1.4 petrol so they may not be as much of a PITA to drive as a classic bay. Think they are called a Danbury.
That explains some of the websites I have looked at- couldnt work out how they had 2006 registered vans.So, back on topic slightly. Where else in Devon/Cornwall should I be visiting?
We quite enjoy wandering around nice little towns and stuff like that. Sights to see and sites to park the van in?
Thanks
Stop in Marazion, go to St Michaels Mount. Also visit Goonhilly satellite station (now no longer operational) and The Lizard. Falmouth is good for a wander round - take the St Mawes ferry (foot) and wander around St Mawes and return later in the day. Stay at Carnon Downs holiday park - may not be correct name, but I can find out for you. Mosey up the coast taking in Fowey and Pelynt and on to East and West Looe. Finish up with a bit of history and visit Plymouth and take a tour bus around the city and try and imagine that what you see now bears absolutely no resemblance to what it looked like before 1941. Then scoot up into the South Hams and have a civilised cup of Earl Grey here.
Anything else I can help you with, just mail me.
Anything else I can help you with, just mail me.
We stayed here a few years back now. It was really nice and Tintagel is nice once the tourists have gone home for the day!
http://www.headlandcaravanpark.co.uk/
http://www.headlandcaravanpark.co.uk/
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