Lake District code of conduct published for motorhomers

A new code of conduct for motorhomers and campervanners has been published for the Lake District.

The new code – called the Motor Caravanners’ Code – which has been published by Cumbria Tourism, aims to help those new to the area who have arrived in a leisure vehicles to plan their trips, book ahead and help protect the area’s landscape during their visit.

Cumbria Tourism said it has published the code because of the rapid rise in motorhome ownership over the past 12 months.

“The new Motor Caravanners’ Code has been developed to enable motorhome owners to better navigate their way around, avoiding some of the complex – and sometimes narrow – rural road network, whilst highlighting the most suitable routes to explore Cumbria’s world-renowned but sensitive landscape without missing its scenic highlights,” it said. “

The Code is just one of the resources available on visitlakedistrict.com/vanlife for motorhome and campervan owners, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the area. This helpful online hub also includes new downloadable maps, as well as practical hints to help people easily identify approvedlocations to stay and basic facilities like public toilets and waste disposal.”

The new code has advice like support local businesses by enjoying quality food from local shops, cafés and pubs, and visit local attractions. It also advises that visitors ‘think like a local’ and value the communities they visit and the people who live here.

The code suggests:

• Plan your route and parking - luckily most narrow country roads have passing places to avoid congestion, but it’s important not to park in these and to avoid narrow passes and single-track roads wherever possible
• Be a considerate driver. If a car is stuck behind you, just pull over in at a safe place to let them pass – give them a smile and a wave!
• Always choose to park in an approved location, book in advance if you can and leave plenty of space between vehicles when parked up. Be careful never to block roads and gateways
• Don’t rush off! Hop out, leave the vehicle, stay a while and enjoy the local area on foot, by bike, boat, maybe even horse or segway!
• Leave no trace - take litter away with you, recycle where you can
• Show the environment some love - dispose of all grey and black waste at official locations with safe and legal facilities. Disposing of waste inappropriately means harmful chemicals can seep into the lakes and waterways. Some of the region's public toilets aren’t on the main sewerage system and chemicals from portable toilets can damage them
• Stay on track – let’s keep verges looking wonderful
• Not got a loo on board? Don’t worry, there are lots of public toilets for you to use
• Find a great spot — book a site before you set off and respect no overnight parking and camping signs
• Eat out, but don’t light up – enjoy local food al fresco but avoid lighting fires/barbeques.

The visitlakedistrict.com/vanlife website also contains a range of new itineraries/days out to help motorhomers explore lesser-known parts of the county, including Cumbria’s coastline.

“Our main message to the motorhome community is that there’s more to the county than you might expect and some great new places and experiences to discover. Given the anticipated demand for staycations this year we are strongly urging everyone to plan their routes and book ahead and, whilst they are here, to support our code that encourages us all to protect this beautiful place for the benefit of all,” says the Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh.

“Our latest visitor research shows that walking, spending time near or on the water and exploring safe, quiet and captivating landscapes are some of the main reasons to visit. Our downloadable maps, itineraries and Motor Caravanners’ Code are all about helping people to create some unique memories – and opening their eyes to all the hidden gems they may not be aware of, particularly along our stunning coastline which stretches from Morecambe Bay to the Scottish border, taking in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, layers of hidden heritage and history, and plenty of water-based activities for all the family.

“We’re also highlighting the fantastic range of local farm shops, eateries and visitor attractions people can uncover when they look beyond the usual tourist hotspots in the central Lakes. We love to see visitors valuing and supporting our local communities, and we hope these new online resources will give them all the practical tips and information they need to do just that.”

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