There are so many solo full time tourers. maybe we need to organise a care network across the country, to help support tourers, van dwellers etc, when help is needed.
Been there done that beat the local councils for my third plot of land I've lived on in the last 47 years. Firstly what I've done is I buy a house with land then remove 75% of the land from the deeds of the house to live on with new deeds As long as there is no buildings on that land my legal fees cost only £350 plus vat 2 years ago when I last did it. Then what I did was build a small wooden building on a trailer and said to the planing department it was a removable out building not a caravan or shepards Hut. Then Ive joined another built the same joined together and just keep adding there is no hight restrictions as my out buildings is on wheels also have a old 4x4 car that I tell the Council I sleep in not my out building trailers that are my true home. It is not illegal to live in a car in the Uk. Also if your a true full time traveller there is different laws in the UK. Always be polite to the planning officer and keep your land tidy with no fires loud music or litter. I've found be polite to them and if they start to put pressure on you tell them there harassing you and you will take legal actoin against the planing officer personly I've have many warnings of court actoin nothing every happens as soon as you state your suffering from deep depressoin by law they must leave you alone but will ask you every 6 month of when you will be moving on. It is not illegal to live on your own land with out planning in any way in the UK. It becomes illegal only when a court of Law states it is in your case. Then the door opens for appeals that can go on for many years all while you stay put where your living. Now the best bit all councils in the UK are short of money so do not want to be seen wasting local tax payers money. I also have said to Councils I will go to the press and bbc Watch dog. Human rites is another way to go or looking after live stock chickens and ducks I've kept most of my life and they need to be taken care off. Don't waste your money on solicitors do it all your self its not hard work just be stubborn and if you had no where to go besides where you are the Local council did kick you off they have to give you a house by law some thing they never want to do as in many cases if the person is out of work they have to also pay housing benefit. I'm proof it is easy to live on your own land with out planning and after 10 years of doing so planning is granted. Another benifits is I've never been ask to pay council tax not that I ever would pay it thank fully I have a stream on my land so no water rates. Great life style go for it do it and never look back only forward. Live your life the way you want to not as Councils say you have to live. It's your life so live it and enjoy.
Determination is an admirable quality and you obviously have bucket loads of it! Respect. There *are* ways and means, and what I find interesting is that if you manage to 'get away with it' for a set number of years, then you're free to stay. Is that, or is that not, an invitation to try? Thanks for your message, all the best.
Andrew Ditton Stay Stubborn is what Ive always done with planning officers. The reason they dont want a single caravan on a piece of land is they believe it could turn into an encampment for a large number of travellers and the problems this brings to an area. Ive always started my dwellings with a small wooden structure on a caravan chassis then slowly make it bigger. Dont be scared of Councils yes they will say they have power to fine you but do as I do be polite but dont budge for nothing as I said before my way has worked in the past and up to date I will not move but Im a single man with no family and have nothing to lose. There is a caravan site close to my land where Ive chosen to live thankfully they would not let my tiny home on wheels on there site becouse the council said I must move on there but new there camp site rules, so I live here and just becouse a council says I cant does not bother me the only way I will be removed off my own land is in a coffin when I die. Dont waste your money on solicitors represent your self and stand up for what you belive in if you lose appeal then keep doing the same. Anybody could do what Ive done and this is my life style allso I dont pay council tax on my tiny home on wheels its all money in my bank that is saved living a simple life style the way I want to not how councils say I must do.
oteimoto85 True full time travellers have different laws councils must abide by and there not the same rules as for none travellers. Im certain if you give this matter some research it will make an interesting video for you to make . I don't mean to pretend your a gypsy or a Irish traveller. You have more going for you in the UK if you tell the council your a traveller and by UK law you can camp any where for 24 hours and not be moved on by the police or council staff. Few years ago I camped on a round about in London the Police came but did know the 24 hour law for travellers. They said I was in a dangerous place but could not legally make me move. There is many travellers laws that are little known about. A good read is the Travelers Times a free magazine that's available for free subscription on line. Council's don't want people like our self's to know these old laws that have never changed but still must be abided by. Another good read on UK law is a book called READERS DIGEST UK LAW. Its in plane English and Im certain will open your eyes to Laws in the UK it always available second hand or new on Amazon money well invested. Enjoy your time on the road less traveled.
Very nicely explained. I have watched quite a few different videos on same subject, but no-one has spoken so well on this subject. In some ways the "rules" are similar to those wishing to live on the canals and rivers. "Do you want to have an enjoyable and refreshing life?, OK, we will endeavour to make it as hard as possible for you!" I left the UK 15 years ago after being treated unfairly and unjustly and now live (rent a huge house) in an isolated area of 600 acres of forest and mountain in West Cork, Ireland. I now suffer from cancer, severe arthritis and a wonky thyroid but I have more support here from "neighbours" who may be over a mile away and the farmers and I would never come back to Paignton if someone even gave me 1 million euro's. Keep safe and stay happy, Andrew and Dougal. Mike ps - I was not meaning to brag about the house. I meant to imply that renting this house (I live in the whole of the ground floor area which is the size of 2 double Park Homes, a friend lives upstairs) in the middle of nowhere is cheaper than when I lived in a single Park Home on a residential site in Paignton!
Thanks for sharing your story Mike, but sorry to hear about the health woes. Yes, the one thing I enjoy about the Western Isles of Scotland is that the meaning of the word 'community' has not been lost as it has in so many other places. All the best.
This is really useful thanks Andrew. I 'full time toured' for 3 months before one of my children unexpectedly came home (😕) and I had to give it up, but I loved it and used a seasonal pitch for some of that time. The issue of having to have a permanent address for insurance/health purposes is frustrating though and not always easy to overcome sadly, but it is worth finding a solution to enable 'full time touring'. I highly recommend it and can't wait to get back on the road!
@@andrewjditton they look fabulous! I couldn't take my eyes off them and I don't even like black clothing generally. ;D Lovely to see people with their own style.
Just found your channel Andy,good stuff.I have been forced to live off grid due to this government cuts and red tape.I am not in good health,but I think that that issue is down to a sedentary life style,stress and dealing with the man.Rent is through the roof,ripped off by the water and electricity,cost of living is ridiculous,and debt.But I have just found a mobile on site,,no water no electric very basic,but no hassle I've lived like it before,it will be rough at first,but I am so looking forwards to my freedoms again,no bills,no rules or regulations,no man nocking on my door,debt free.To be totally self reliant again,positive,use my brain again.I got in a rut Andy,but I'm getting out of it rapid.Good luck.
Well done for not giving up and for fighting for yourself and for fighting for your freedom against an oppressive system that humans have created full stop
I am in the exact same position now, my health is very poor and im sick of answering to people. I would rather a simply life with bare basics and freedom than opening another bill in fear that something will be taken away. Please update us with how you got :-)
Excellent video. Very sensible advice. Can never have too much advice to stay savvy. One thing I would also add is if you have a home, you could also rent a room to a lodger (ideally a person you can trust) and the money from this would help to offset some of the expenses you incur from being out on the road
Was fab to see the bunny rabbits hopping across the yard (at 12:09 and 12:16). Great video with some sound information, thank you very much indeed. Can't wait to watch more episodes x
Hi, I'm an italian girl and I'm just graduated at University so I would like to go to London to improve my english and find a job and then go I don't know yet where, but I "unfortunately" discovered the van/camper life community, and I fell in love with it. So I thought I'm going to buy a van as a beginner and just go aehed with my plans (also but not only because the rent is so price in a city like London), but with my reaserches I found out how the van/camper life in Europe, both in laws and public opinion is so different and limited compared to USA or Australia and it's so frustrating to know that a thing that I want to do with all my heart since so many years, It's pretty "easy" on the other side of the world and so hard on this side. I mean the last thing I desire is to get trouble with law or police here in Italy or in England or in other places. I think that things need to change because now there are a lot of fulltimers all over the world more or less. Thank you so much for your video, It's so important to listen not only the american experience!
If you get away from London things are much more relaxed. London is like a police state with lots of restrictions. Get to Wales or Scotland or Devon and its much more free.
Pretty silly that there are rules about having to leave every few weeks, and other nonsensical limitations. I'm all for organizing society and all, and I suppose with 60 million people on a small fly speck of land like the UK, the rules get stricter, but even so. Just let people live as they choose, as long as they're not harming others...
This is why some people have no money when they come to retire they are forced to live in the system! When they could of lived more frugal and have money later in life..
I have been watching your videos since 3days and find them absolutely great. I have a RV class A .my 4th motor home in the USA. Palm Springs, CA. Keep your videos coming. Thx.Bernie .
am saving for land in scotland and to my knowledge they have just changed the legislation here for planning permission .you can build a cabin of up to 30 feet square without planning permission . It is not in place as we speak, but by the time I have the land, it will be. so i am hoping that this means i can put my caravan on my own land. this is scotland only. so its worth looking into if anyone is considering living full time on their own land. I need to do some more homework on this, because its my aim to get land and somewhere to live full time )
it could be really exciting if it does . I suspect the highlands and islands will become more populated as a result. I read somewhere that the government are trying to repopulate the highlands. )
Hi richard. i am doing well thanks. just started another season at oban. I was hoping i would be a millionaire by now , but it didnt happen , so i am back to work haha
you said you can live legally in the UK being of no fixed abode. that is true. and you briefly mentioned one option is to become a fully time nomad. but it is my understanding that a motor vehicle needs to be registered to an address. so how can you be a full time nomad living in a van for example without an address?
Thank you, Andrew. I found the answer to my question about postal addresses. In a couple of years I will be working in southern Scotland from my camper for part of the year and your winter trips there are very helpful indeed. Pete
The two of you are a wonderful duo. I trully enjoy watching your videos and learning from them. You are helping me a lot in terms of planning for my future life in a van, I hope. And Dougal is the goodest boi!!
REALLY great video and soooooo informative, Andrew. Thank you for taking the time. Full time touring sounds FANTASTIC. I will follow your further advice, as I totally appreciate that this knowledge is entirely essential. :)
By the way Andrew...I was checking out costs of things and I see that even with The Caravan Club membership, that a site can cost as much as £600 per 28 days (i.e. works out at £150 per week). Is that quite typical of costs, or are there better ways to get that down to size on a pitch with hookup? Also are there longer term sites in Glamorgan, Wales?
Peak season pitches will always be expensive. That is where CLs come into their own. Most full-time tourers only use sites with hook-ups in the winter when they are at their cheapest. I paid £10 for a night at Chapel Lane Birmingham last night. It's all about avoiding the peaks and using CLs when you can.
Very interesting video. Just wondered if you've heard of 'permanent permission for a temporary dwelling'? Something I hadn't heard of but came to my attention during the last few months. Thank you & keep up the good work!
Thank you - Just entering this life of 'full time tourer' (wasn't quite sure how to term my lifestyle choice to keep things 'legal', and satisfy 'the system'), at a mature age (just turned pension age)... I found your information very clear, and extremely helpful - I've just subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning many useful things! Thanks again.
Many thanks Sheila. Welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy the videos. As you will see, I have been through the whole thing and out the other side, but I’d never stop anyone from enjoying such a lifestyle for a few years.
Thank you Andrew for some really practical information. I am looking at full time touring and having my home base at my mothers or daughters. Simply put i looked around at the amount of space i use in my house and realised i really only use a very small amount of that space. I love to travel and hate that paying for the upkeep and day to day expenses of living in a fixed place is wasteful and unfulfilling. Thanks again for the advice. I have subscribed so i can get any other gleanings of good advice from yourself and others who are actually living the life. Sallee.
Thanks Sallee, glad you found it useful. I have to say, part of the appeal of living like this is the cost-effectiveness of not leaving a place empty even if you are away on holiday or on business!
For myself it will be Freedom, peace of mind/healing. If you do not like the neighbours you can up and move on. I love to travel and have been stuck living in one place for 27 years over half my life now. Just to be able to explore this beautiful country of ours at my own leisurely pace. Meet interesting people along the way. And keep to myself when i am feeling so inclined is bliss to me. I know there is a lot of work involved sometimes and things are not all rosie, but i like a challenge.
This is where the people need to stick together and do what we want. Why shouldn’t we be aloud to get a camper or home and put it on some land. We are the people
Hya Andrew - spot on ! I've experienced first hand, at least 50% of the points you've talked about here and fully agree with you on all points, having done similar research. I found that having a legitimate address, was absolutely vital for me... I can't stress that enough to people. It helps immensely whilst travelling, and frankly, my return to buying a property would have been impossible without one. Money laundering laws prevent solicitors from assisting in house purchase, without a legitimate address. I'd advise getting periodic bank and tax statements sent to one's chosen address. They can be used as proof of a "current" address, in place of the often requested "recent" utility bills. All the best ...J
+jools.in.a.motorhome.uk A 'spot on' from Jools is the highest praise I could hope for with this vid! Cheers matey and I look forward to a tour of the new pad.
Sorry, Im just getting started in planning my escape. Regarding Mail Forwarding Address: I assume you mean mail would go somewhere that then would be forwarded to where one is at that time. Would it go to a post office for pick up? Please explain further. In a couple of months my house will sell and I will no longer have a physical address. I could probably use some family member's address but I don't plan to hand around there much as it is very urban. Would a MailBox Etc work for those of us in the US? So I am trying to figure this all out asap to avoid hiccups in the process.
@@JM-or3ze still in a van now? No problem being attacked haha, I'm in essex, a bit worried about getting gangs coming and trying to break in at night..
Hi Andrew, very informative chat. Caravanning here in the U.S. includes many of the same legal limitations. By the way, I liked seeing the rabbits running through the grass. A nice artistic touch!!
Well, Doogal wasn't riveted, but I was. Hey, this video gave me everything I have been looking for all evening. Thank you so much. Subscribed and a massive thumbs up.
I lived in my touring caravan for 6 months on a rural site that was open for 12 months. Had to pay for a years pitch but was a very good price. Was a fantastic 6 months in the NE dales.. live the dream
Hi Andrew, interesting video! I'm just about to embark on building a horse drawn caravan and start travelling (I live in Latvia at present but, am considering returning to the UK after more than a decade of being away, so this has given me some good insights into what I might need to deal with). Over here, the general attitude to my plans have been positive, the police and local govt have been particularly helpful in giving me tips and suggestions. But some of the topics that you have brought up have given me pause for thought, although not put me off the idea. Once again thanks for the practical advice :)
Excellent video Andrew ... laws are about the same in France. Staying on your piece of land depends as well on who are your neighbors if they are nice people or jealous people ;-) if you leave far away in the country or in the woods you wont have next door neighbors ;-) dont park in a hunting zone ;-DDD and not in a protected zone . I am thinking of buying a small piece of land in south ouest of France and spend few months on it .... thank you very much Andrew for this very informative video . I wish you a fantastic new year with a lot of peace and serenity . Philippe
+PHILONMOOVE You are absolutely right Philippe - it's all about neighbours. Laws and rules are only worth worrying about if they are enforced. We have a crazy system in the UK where, if you manage to live somewhere 'illegally' for a certain period of times, it then becomes legal. It's as if you are encouraged to 'test' the system!
actnowone we say in France " when you dont have the right , you take the left ". ;=DDDDD I have a house but I prefer now to live in a motorhome for freedom ;-) do what you like and see , if you tell the government everything you do ,then you you need permission and have to pay taxes . "Just do it ". ;-DDD "think different". ;-DDD. Thats what Nike and Apple say ;-DDD
I wouldnt worry too much about covenants. Check the age of it, they are only a problem if the person who set the covenant decides to enforce it, so in most cases they aren't really an issue.
Great vlog,really clear and concise information,are you sure you weren't a presenter in a former life.Lovely set up and rig, got yourself another subscriber.Happy travels to you and Dougal.
I live on the road, going from job to job as on site builder and I carry my tools. I am also an amateur astronomer, which means I need to be in deep dark country to make observations over several days. That's why I need bed, food, warmth etc. It also means that one can be in Uk one minute then Euro the next, no need to pack, just go. Its the best thing I ever did, never want to live in a shit concrete box in debt with mortgage ever again. Getting things together in my stealth RV has been a learning curve, I will at some point produce web site to explain in detail/costs how I went about it. Am interested in getting a ltd company together with positive people (shareholders) to buy a decent size farm where it is warm, where we can share tools/experience to produce ECO zero cost lifestyle of about 5 separate houses. Will monitor this comment to see if any interest!
Good video, I have another variation on the theme, I am freelance in the construction industry and full time tour when I work in the UK........then when I dont work I live in Bulgaria which is incredibly cheap, standing charges are round about 15 pounds per year, municipal tax so you have a full time permanent address and EU residency to go with it which now may become important. Depending on the duration and location of each contract I will buy a tourer then drive it down to Bulgaria and sell it on, a ready made holiday or I have my preferred option which is tour in my American motorhome when in the UK which I store when not here........you have to be organised especially with Juggling expiry dates on debit cards, MOTs,passports etc etc which I have now managed to synchronise to all expire in the same month................slightly off subject but maybe of interest
if you have a residual income or are retired and fancy a life on the road then the continent beats the UK hands down in many ways, if you really wanted you can stop over free in service stations and parking places right across the continent.........fuel is cheaper, weather is better, Portugal is a very popular winter park up, many people wild camp although there are good winter long stay deals on campsites.....not taking anything away from the information here which is specifically about UK caravanning, the UK is very hostile to caravanning and any type of attempted alternative living
go for it Andrew , would make an excellent Vlog as well,the only real expense is the fuel and ferry to get down there but the savings on other things would outweigh that cost.
Great video. Thanks! So informative. Although, I'm interested in the difference between the 'nomad' option and the 'full-time touring' option. Do you have a video that explains more of the constraints around the nomad option?
Nice watch. NHS is finished now, I wouldn't be too worried about that. Buy a van, park where you like, nobody cares. 100s full timers all around us in Blackpool, most on streets parallel to the front. Council don't care.
I hate being in the same place for more than I have to. It had been my intention to live in a tourer moving on from a CL or CS every 28 days which seemed an ideal solution. I would not have had a base and a PO box was not considered permanent enough. The only person responsible enough is my ex-brother-in-law and I was thinking of asking him when I lost my driving licence due to failing eyesight. I cannot see my wife enjoying this lifestyle so this dream is over. Oh well, perhaps in the next life but I will probably come back as a slug!
Thanks for sharing your valuable information Andrew! My dream is to have a plot of land myself and live in a caravan... kind of looks like the system denies me that. #bastards
the 28 day rule actually doesn't even allow for caravans or motorhomes, so you can't live in a caravan legally on a piece of land without planing permission at all.
Good vid. All I wanted was to get a used Airstream, plonk it in a field in Wales and live in peace. No chance. PS: Funny that your vid shows an Airstream. PPS: Rules exactly the same in ROI. I considered there as well.
Nice video:) Don't tell me you cant live on your own grassland in a caravan. How many times do they let you use the portaloo? Lawyers - bottom feeders.
Very informative thank you, do you happen to know how it works if you chose not to have a base? living no fixed abode, would you have a PO box, how would insurance work? and if you had a dental issue like the one you described, would you have had the full treatment in scotland instead of going all the way back down to southern england for it?
squat land, it's not as easy as it once was but as long as there ain't to many, it's possible to get two or three weeks from a camp, when you are eventually evicted, just go and find another
Hi, after my then landlord sold the house I was living g in. So I got myself a van and kitted it out. As a lorry driver I have to have a night out away from my base. So the van comes in handy. I have fitted a solar panel. Inverter. So have all the mod cons. I have three regular spots I stay one being my work place car park.. Been in the van a year now and enjoy this sort of lifestyle. Pop to my mothers two/three times a week, for a shower and top up on fresh water and other bits...
Thanks Andrew a very interesting article, we met briefly at the caravan show in Scotland last year you spoke Gaelic to my mother. Sadly she passed away this summer and now it's time to me to take a new direction in life. You are you are ahead of me by a few years I'm aiming to sell the family home and your template seems the way to go. My family are orginally from the Outer Hebrides, I was thinking of a building project/ log cabin up there for 2018. Anticipating with interest (having now to be a canny Scot and not the pound haemorrhaging person of the past) at your next Vblog. Finally you mentioned the law in England and Wales how does this differ from Scotland? All the best and will you be at the caravan show in Scotland this year?
I was wondering about recreational land. Is that same as leisure. And can you maybe put a building or lodge or caravan as the leisure could be cooking or whatever you can come up with .. cant find information on that kind of land
There are so many solo full time tourers. maybe we need to organise a care network across the country, to help support tourers, van dwellers etc, when help is needed.
That sounds like a good idea...
Excellent suggestion.
And also to fight the no campervan parking rules springing up everywhere!
the uk make it so hard to live off grid , they wont let you leave the system ?
Messenger Charles do you make your own foil hats or buy them off the shelf?
@Messenger Charles get a job.
Been there done that beat the local councils for my third plot of land I've lived on in the last 47 years. Firstly what I've done is I buy a house with land then remove 75% of the land from the deeds of the house to live on with new deeds As long as there is no buildings on that land my legal fees cost only £350 plus vat 2 years ago when I last did it. Then what I did was build a small wooden building on a trailer and said to the planing department it was a removable out building not a caravan or shepards Hut. Then Ive joined another built the same joined together and just keep adding there is no hight restrictions as my out buildings is on wheels also have a old 4x4 car that I tell the Council I sleep in not my out building trailers that are my true home. It is not illegal to live in a car in the Uk. Also if your a true full time traveller there is different laws in the UK. Always be polite to the planning officer and keep your land tidy with no fires loud music or litter. I've found be polite to them and if they start to put pressure on you tell them there harassing you and you will take legal actoin against the planing officer personly I've have many warnings of court actoin nothing every happens as soon as you state your suffering from deep depressoin by law they must leave you alone but will ask you every 6 month of when you will be moving on. It is not illegal to live on your own land with out planning in any way in the UK. It becomes illegal only when a court of Law states it is in your case. Then the door opens for appeals that can go on for many years all while you stay put where your living. Now the best bit all councils in the UK are short of money so do not want to be seen wasting local tax payers money. I also have said to Councils I will go to the press and bbc Watch dog. Human rites is another way to go or looking after live stock chickens and ducks I've kept most of my life and they need to be taken care off. Don't waste your money on solicitors do it all your self its not hard work just be stubborn and if you had no where to go besides where you are the Local council did kick you off they have to give you a house by law some thing they never want to do as in many cases if the person is out of work they have to also pay housing benefit. I'm proof it is easy to live on your own land with out planning and after 10 years of doing so planning is granted. Another benifits is I've never been ask to pay council tax not that I ever would pay it thank fully I have a stream on my land so no water rates. Great life style go for it do it and never look back only forward. Live your life the way you want to not as Councils say you have to live. It's your life so live it and enjoy.
Determination is an admirable quality and you obviously have bucket loads of it! Respect. There *are* ways and means, and what I find interesting is that if you manage to 'get away with it' for a set number of years, then you're free to stay. Is that, or is that not, an invitation to try? Thanks for your message, all the best.
Andrew Ditton Stay Stubborn is what Ive always done with planning officers. The reason they dont want a single caravan on a piece of land is they believe it could turn into an encampment for a large number of travellers and the problems this brings to an area. Ive always started my dwellings with a small wooden structure on a caravan chassis then slowly make it bigger. Dont be scared of Councils yes they will say they have power to fine you but do as I do be polite but dont budge for nothing as I said before my way has worked in the past and up to date I will not move but Im a single man with no family and have nothing to lose. There is a caravan site close to my land where Ive chosen to live thankfully they would not let my tiny home on wheels on there site becouse the council said I must move on there but new there camp site rules, so I live here and just becouse a council says I cant does not bother me the only way I will be removed off my own land is in a coffin when I die. Dont waste your money on solicitors represent your self and stand up for what you belive in if you lose appeal then keep doing the same. Anybody could do what Ive done and this is my life style allso I dont pay council tax on my tiny home on wheels its all money in my bank that is saved living a simple life style the way I want to not how councils say I must do.
That is truly inspirational.
Fair play to you and live free 😁
oteimoto85 True full time travellers have different laws councils must abide by and there not the same rules as for none travellers. Im certain if you give this matter some research it will make an interesting video for you to make . I don't mean to pretend your a gypsy or a Irish traveller. You have more going for you in the UK if you tell the council your a traveller and by UK law you can camp any where for 24 hours and not be moved on by the police or council staff. Few years ago I camped on a round about in London the Police came but did know the 24 hour law for travellers. They said I was in a dangerous place but could not legally make me move. There is many travellers laws that are little known about. A good read is the Travelers Times a free magazine that's available for free subscription on line. Council's don't want people like our self's to know these old laws that have never changed but still must be abided by. Another good read on UK law is a book called READERS DIGEST UK LAW. Its in plane English and Im certain will open your eyes to Laws in the UK it always available second hand or new on Amazon money well invested. Enjoy your time on the road less traveled.
Very nicely explained. I have watched quite a few different videos on same subject, but no-one has spoken so well on this subject. In some ways the "rules" are similar to those wishing to live on the canals and rivers. "Do you want to have an enjoyable and refreshing life?, OK, we will endeavour to make it as hard as possible for you!"
I left the UK 15 years ago after being treated unfairly and unjustly and now live (rent a huge house) in an isolated area of 600 acres of forest and mountain in West Cork, Ireland. I now suffer from cancer, severe arthritis and a wonky thyroid but I have more support here from "neighbours" who may be over a mile away and the farmers and I would never come back to Paignton if someone even gave me 1 million euro's.
Keep safe and stay happy, Andrew and Dougal.
Mike
ps - I was not meaning to brag about the house. I meant to imply that renting this house (I live in the whole of the ground floor area which is the size of 2 double Park Homes, a friend lives upstairs) in the middle of nowhere is cheaper than when I lived in a single Park Home on a residential site in Paignton!
Thanks for sharing your story Mike, but sorry to hear about the health woes. Yes, the one thing I enjoy about the Western Isles of Scotland is that the meaning of the word 'community' has not been lost as it has in so many other places. All the best.
I would do the same given the chance, UK is too tightly constricted. Hope your health has improved, Mike.
Hello friend. Just to tell you my health was like yours. A vegan diet can help you a lot. It cures my type 2 diabetes and my thyroid problems
this bloody country is insane and petty!
Yup. Gotta make it as difficult as possible for those who don't want to subscribe to 'normal' :-/
This is really useful thanks Andrew. I 'full time toured' for 3 months before one of my children unexpectedly came home (😕) and I had to give it up, but I loved it and used a seasonal pitch for some of that time. The issue of having to have a permanent address for insurance/health purposes is frustrating though and not always easy to overcome sadly, but it is worth finding a solution to enable 'full time touring'. I highly recommend it and can't wait to get back on the road!
Have you got a permit for those trousers ?
Stevie Wonder
I knew you weren’t blind!!!
Or could you hear the squeaking?
😂😂🤣🤣
He heard them a mile off at 0:02 hahaha omfg best comment
I'm too sexy for a permit.
@@andrewjditton they look fabulous! I couldn't take my eyes off them and I don't even like black clothing generally. ;D Lovely to see people with their own style.
Just found your channel Andy,good stuff.I have been forced to live off grid due to this government cuts and red tape.I am not in good health,but I think that that issue is down to a sedentary life style,stress and dealing with the man.Rent is through the roof,ripped off by the water and electricity,cost of living is ridiculous,and debt.But I have just found a mobile on site,,no water no electric very basic,but no hassle I've lived like it before,it will be rough at first,but I am so looking forwards to my freedoms again,no bills,no rules or regulations,no man nocking on my door,debt free.To be totally self reliant again,positive,use my brain again.I got in a rut Andy,but I'm getting out of it rapid.Good luck.
Well done mate, and BIG respect to you for being your own hero and not succumbing to being a victim. All the best.
Well done for not giving up and for fighting for yourself and for fighting for your freedom against an oppressive system that humans have created full stop
I am in the exact same position now, my health is very poor and im sick of answering to people. I would rather a simply life with bare basics and freedom than opening another bill in fear that something will be taken away.
Please update us with how you got :-)
Love the rabbits in the background. 😊
Excellent video. Very sensible advice. Can never have too much advice to stay savvy. One thing I would also add is if you have a home, you could also rent a room to a lodger (ideally a person you can trust) and the money from this would help to offset some of the expenses you incur from being out on the road
whats the honest purpose of all these by laws? Just to charge taxes to keep people in a job? Crazy!
To keep people reliant on the government
Its because the UK is still basically a feudal nation, owned by the "landed Gentry".. Google "who owns Britain and Ireland by Cahill"
Was fab to see the bunny rabbits hopping across the yard (at 12:09 and 12:16). Great video with some sound information, thank you very much indeed. Can't wait to watch more episodes x
Hi, I'm an italian girl and I'm just graduated at University so I would like to go to London to improve my english and find a job and then go I don't know yet where, but I "unfortunately" discovered the van/camper life community, and I fell in love with it. So I thought I'm going to buy a van as a beginner and just go aehed with my plans (also but not only because the rent is so price in a city like London), but with my reaserches I found out how the van/camper life in Europe, both in laws and public opinion is so different and limited compared to USA or Australia and it's so frustrating to know that a thing that I want to do with all my heart since so many years, It's pretty "easy" on the other side of the world and so hard on this side. I mean the last thing I desire is to get trouble with law or police here in Italy or in England or in other places. I think that things need to change because now there are a lot of fulltimers all over the world more or less. Thank you so much for your video, It's so important to listen not only the american experience!
If you get away from London things are much more relaxed. London is like a police state with lots of restrictions. Get to Wales or Scotland or Devon and its much more free.
Did you ever manage to do it?
Francesca how is your life going now?
Pretty silly that there are rules about having to leave every few weeks, and other nonsensical limitations. I'm all for organizing society and all, and I suppose with 60 million people on a small fly speck of land like the UK, the rules get stricter, but even so. Just let people live as they choose, as long as they're not harming others...
This is why some people have no money when they come to retire they are forced to live in the system! When they could of lived more frugal and have money later in life..
Wow thanks for all the information! more difficult than I thought.
Glad it was helpful!
I have been watching your videos since 3days and find them absolutely great. I have a RV class A .my 4th motor home in the USA.
Palm Springs, CA.
Keep your videos coming.
Thx.Bernie .
Cheers Bernie! A bit warmer and drier where you are.. :)
am saving for land in scotland and to my knowledge they have just changed the legislation here for planning permission .you can build a cabin of up to 30 feet square without planning permission . It is not in place as we speak, but by the time I have the land, it will be. so i am hoping that this means i can put my caravan on my own land. this is scotland only. so its worth looking into if anyone is considering living full time on their own land. I need to do some more homework on this, because its my aim to get land and somewhere to live full time )
The Indigo Traveller This is exactly why I left Scotland out of this Kelly. Let's keep our fingers crossed it goes through.
it could be really exciting if it does . I suspect the highlands and islands will become more populated as a result. I read somewhere that the government are trying to repopulate the highlands. )
Hi richard. i am doing well thanks. just started another season at oban. I was hoping i would be a millionaire by now , but it didnt happen , so i am back to work haha
Thinking on doing the same, any luck yet?
Scotland has two seasons, June and winter.
Very interesting thanks. Can one ever really be free to do as one pleases without restriction. Answer, no, its always a compromise.
you said you can live legally in the UK being of no fixed abode. that is true. and you briefly mentioned one option is to become a fully time nomad. but it is my understanding that a motor vehicle needs to be registered to an address. so how can you be a full time nomad living in a van for example without an address?
philipb easy if you have friends or relatives with an address.
I have changed my mine, I no longer wish to live in my caravan. I want to go full time touring. ;)
To where? and how would you get money?
Thank you, Andrew. I found the answer to my question about postal addresses. In a couple of years I will be working in southern Scotland from my camper for part of the year and your winter trips there are very helpful indeed. Pete
The two of you are a wonderful duo. I trully enjoy watching your videos and learning from them. You are helping me a lot in terms of planning for my future life in a van, I hope. And Dougal is the goodest boi!!
Our pleasure!
REALLY great video and soooooo informative, Andrew. Thank you for taking the time. Full time touring sounds FANTASTIC. I will follow your further advice, as I totally appreciate that this knowledge is entirely essential. :)
By the way Andrew...I was checking out costs of things and I see that even with The Caravan Club membership, that a site can cost as much as £600 per 28 days (i.e. works out at £150 per week). Is that quite typical of costs, or are there better ways to get that down to size on a pitch with hookup?
Also are there longer term sites in Glamorgan, Wales?
Peak season pitches will always be expensive. That is where CLs come into their own. Most full-time tourers only use sites with hook-ups in the winter when they are at their cheapest. I paid £10 for a night at Chapel Lane Birmingham last night. It's all about avoiding the peaks and using CLs when you can.
Just about to go into a caravan full time! This has been invaluable thank you
Very interesting video. Just wondered if you've heard of 'permanent permission for a temporary dwelling'? Something I hadn't heard of but came to my attention during the last few months. Thank you & keep up the good work!
Nothing I have heard of Kevin but I shall keep my eyes and ears open, cheers!
Really informative and impartial advice Andrew. Many thanks. Jon
Great tips Andrew. I never knew about the seasonal deals.
Thank you - Just entering this life of 'full time tourer' (wasn't quite sure how to term my lifestyle choice to keep things 'legal', and satisfy 'the system'), at a mature age (just turned pension age)... I found your information very clear, and extremely helpful - I've just subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning many useful things! Thanks again.
Many thanks Sheila. Welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy the videos. As you will see, I have been through the whole thing and out the other side, but I’d never stop anyone from enjoying such a lifestyle for a few years.
@@andrewjditton Thank you so much!
Based in the USA will be using the British term "full time touring" great info !!
Another wonderful video, thanks Andrew. I think Dougal should be paying a little more attention to the moving snacks though!
Thank you for all this treasure of information, invaluable. Happy travels!
This is one of your best ever video's, well done, It puts a lot in to prospective, Thanks for posting it.
Thank you Andrew for some really practical information. I am looking at full time touring and having my home base at my mothers or daughters. Simply put i looked around at the amount of space i use in my house and realised i really only use a very small amount of that space. I love to travel and hate that paying for the upkeep and day to day expenses of living in a fixed place is wasteful and unfulfilling. Thanks again for the advice. I have subscribed so i can get any other gleanings of good advice from yourself and others who are actually living the life. Sallee.
Thanks Sallee, glad you found it useful. I have to say, part of the appeal of living like this is the cost-effectiveness of not leaving a place empty even if you are away on holiday or on business!
For myself it will be Freedom, peace of mind/healing. If you do not like the neighbours you can up and move on. I love to travel and have been stuck living in one place for 27 years over half my life now. Just to be able to explore this beautiful country of ours at my own leisurely pace. Meet interesting people along the way. And keep to myself when i am feeling so inclined is bliss to me. I know there is a lot of work involved sometimes and things are not all rosie, but i like a challenge.
Thanks Andrew, really clear layout of the options!
Cheers Mike!
Would you ever consider doing an updated video with the new laws the government have put through? Love this, thank you
I've not, but Nate Murphy has done some great stuff.
Love your dog. They make better company than people.
Really clear straight forward and helpful...looking forward to the costing blog!
That was really informative - thank you. Love the bike too!
This is where the people need to stick together and do what we want. Why shouldn’t we be aloud to get a camper or home and put it on some land. We are the people
Hya Andrew - spot on ! I've experienced first hand, at least 50% of the points you've talked about here and fully agree with you on all points, having done similar research. I found that having a legitimate address, was absolutely vital for me... I can't stress that enough to people. It helps immensely whilst travelling, and frankly, my return to buying a property would have been impossible without one. Money laundering laws prevent solicitors from assisting in house purchase, without a legitimate address. I'd advise getting periodic bank and tax statements sent to one's chosen address. They can be used as proof of a "current" address, in place of the often requested "recent" utility bills. All the best ...J
+jools.in.a.motorhome.uk A 'spot on' from Jools is the highest praise I could hope for with this vid! Cheers matey and I look forward to a tour of the new pad.
Sorry, Im just getting started in planning my escape. Regarding Mail Forwarding Address: I assume you mean mail would go somewhere that then would be forwarded to where one is at that time. Would it go to a post office for pick up? Please explain further. In a couple of months my house will sell and I will no longer have a physical address. I could probably use some family member's address but I don't plan to hand around there much as it is very urban. Would a MailBox Etc work for those of us in the US? So I am trying to figure this all out asap to avoid hiccups in the process.
They want their council tax !!!
so torn between a caravan or a van, i think a van is the way to go for me :/
Lexi Unicorn same here, I think a camper as it’s all set up already - I have a Renault Megan which is just not going to work lol
Lexi Unicorn a van is the more stealth option.
I started van life a year ago, I’m so glad I went for the van... Best thing i ever did
@@JM-or3ze still in a van now? No problem being attacked haha, I'm in essex, a bit worried about getting gangs coming and trying to break in at night..
Lexi..if your still going the van way of life, and your looking someone to join u hit me up..i want to leave the rat race too...
Thank you for your useful and honest information!😊
Thanks for making this video, that has cleared up a few questions for me
Hi Andrew, very informative chat. Caravanning here in the U.S. includes many of the same legal limitations. By the way, I liked seeing the rabbits running through the grass. A nice artistic touch!!
+Robert Morrison Yeah, it took me ages to get them to do that on cue... ;@) Cheers Robert!
Well, Doogal wasn't riveted, but I was. Hey, this video gave me everything I have been looking for all evening. Thank you so much. Subscribed and a massive thumbs up.
Cheers Frank!
Top notch info, Andrew! " I see the bunnies...... :)
Freedom is a joke here in UK...
Thank you for all of your videos, enjoy..
I lived in my touring caravan for 6 months on a rural site that was open for 12 months. Had to pay for a years pitch but was a very good price. Was a fantastic 6 months in the NE dales.. live the dream
Thank that's brilliant, I am full time touring. Been struggling with insurance.
Interesting subject and clearly explained. Thanks Andrew
You're welcome, cheers!
Hi Andrew, interesting video! I'm just about to embark on building a horse drawn caravan and start travelling (I live in Latvia at present but, am considering returning to the UK after more than a decade of being away, so this has given me some good insights into what I might need to deal with).
Over here, the general attitude to my plans have been positive, the police and local govt have been particularly helpful in giving me tips and suggestions. But some of the topics that you have brought up have given me pause for thought, although not put me off the idea.
Once again thanks for the practical advice :)
Sounds like a terrific idea Mike, would love to see how you get on.
That was really informative, thank you ✌
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video Andrew ... laws are about the same in France. Staying on your piece of land depends as well on who are your neighbors if they are nice people or jealous people ;-) if you leave far away in the country or in the woods you wont have next door neighbors ;-) dont park in a hunting zone ;-DDD and not in a protected zone . I am thinking of buying a small piece of land in south ouest of France and spend few months on it .... thank you very much Andrew for this very informative video . I wish you a fantastic new year with a lot of peace and serenity . Philippe
+PHILONMOOVE You are absolutely right Philippe - it's all about neighbours. Laws and rules are only worth worrying about if they are enforced. We have a crazy system in the UK where, if you manage to live somewhere 'illegally' for a certain period of times, it then becomes legal. It's as if you are encouraged to 'test' the system!
actnowone we say in France " when you dont have the right , you take the left ". ;=DDDDD I have a house but I prefer now to live in a motorhome for freedom ;-) do what you like and see , if you tell the government everything you do ,then you you need permission and have to pay taxes . "Just do it ". ;-DDD "think different". ;-DDD. Thats what Nike and Apple say ;-DDD
This is a great video. Thanks you for the clear and concise way you laid out the options. Very VERY informative. Liked and subbed
Thank you, welcome aboard!
I wouldnt worry too much about covenants. Check the age of it, they are only a problem if the person who set the covenant decides to enforce it, so in most cases they aren't really an issue.
Hi Andrew, Dougal. Another good one.
Amazing that at the end of the day it's all about semantics! Crazy world.
very informative ,, like the airstream andy ,, nice :)
Great vlog,really clear and concise information,are you sure you weren't a presenter in a former life.Lovely set up and rig, got yourself another subscriber.Happy travels to you and Dougal.
Thanks very much Mark - and Welcome Aboard!
Very informative and useful video that quite likely answers a lot of questions you get asked regularly. Think the beard looks better trimmed also 👍
very informative. i am in australia but much of this is still relevant.
I live on the road, going from job to job as on site builder and I carry my tools. I am also an amateur astronomer, which means I need to be in deep dark country to make observations over several days. That's why I need bed, food, warmth etc. It also means that one can be in Uk one minute then Euro the next, no need to pack, just go. Its the best thing I ever did, never want to live in a shit concrete box in debt with mortgage ever again. Getting things together in my stealth RV has been a learning curve, I will at some point produce web site to explain in detail/costs how I went about it. Am interested in getting a ltd company together with positive people (shareholders) to buy a decent size farm where it is warm, where we can share tools/experience to produce ECO zero cost lifestyle of about 5 separate houses. Will monitor this comment to see if any interest!
That all sounds really interesting! I'm guessing you've studied Findhorn to see how your plan could work?
Full time touring. Brilliant.
Can't really add much to earlier comments. Glad I was able to play a small part in prompting you to make it... :-)
(BTW 3,188)
Good video, I have another variation on the theme, I am freelance in the construction industry and full time tour when I work in the UK........then when I dont work I live in Bulgaria which is incredibly cheap, standing charges are round about 15 pounds per year, municipal tax so you have a full time permanent address and EU residency to go with it which now may become important. Depending on the duration and location of each contract I will buy a tourer then drive it down to Bulgaria and sell it on, a ready made holiday or I have my preferred option which is tour in my American motorhome when in the UK which I store when not here........you have to be organised especially with Juggling expiry dates on debit cards, MOTs,passports etc etc which I have now managed to synchronise to all expire in the same month................slightly off subject but maybe of interest
dolo gore Very much of interest, cheers!
if you have a residual income or are retired and fancy a life on the road then the continent beats the UK hands down in many ways, if you really wanted you can stop over free in service stations and parking places right across the continent.........fuel is cheaper, weather is better, Portugal is a very popular winter park up, many people wild camp although there are good winter long stay deals on campsites.....not taking anything away from the information here which is specifically about UK caravanning, the UK is very hostile to caravanning and any type of attempted alternative living
Yup, hostile indeed. Funny you should mention Portugal, I am seriously tempted to give it a go this coming winter. Cheers!
go for it Andrew , would make an excellent Vlog as well,the only real expense is the fuel and ferry to get down there but the savings on other things would outweigh that cost.
You sell your van in bulgaria? Can you legalise it before selling?
Thanks awfully, Andrew! Good show. Good man.
Thanks Sarah!
you just earned yourself a subscriber buddy ;)
Great video. Thanks! So informative. Although, I'm interested in the difference between the 'nomad' option and the 'full-time touring' option. Do you have a video that explains more of the constraints around the nomad option?
Very informative. Very well presented too. Thanks Will be tuning in regulatly.
+Izzy Walker Thank you Izzy, welcome aboard!
Concise and informative. Thank you for a great Vid-
Very valuable and helpful information! Thank you.
12:08 did anyone spot the rabbit? I did. Btw helpful video, great advice.
2 rabbits!
A man and his dog will be happy. A man and a women will soon become a nightmare
very good sensible speech
hi matey...that was all good...thanks I enjoyed it :)
Nice watch. NHS is finished now, I wouldn't be too worried about that. Buy a van, park where you like, nobody cares. 100s full timers all around us in Blackpool, most on streets parallel to the front. Council don't care.
I hate being in the same place for more than I have to. It had been my intention to live in a tourer moving on from a CL or CS every 28 days which seemed an ideal solution. I would not have had a base and a PO box was not considered permanent enough. The only person responsible enough is my ex-brother-in-law and I was thinking of asking him when I lost my driving licence due to failing eyesight. I cannot see my wife enjoying this lifestyle so this dream is over. Oh well, perhaps in the next life but I will probably come back as a slug!
great video thankyou. look forward to seeing Dougal awake 😄
+Poppy Saunders Ha ha! In some of the most recent vlogs we are walking through the woods, or check out the Dog-Friendly Break in Glasgow :)
excellent informative and easy to understand.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your valuable information Andrew! My dream is to have a plot of land myself and live in a caravan... kind of looks like the system denies me that. #bastards
the 28 day rule actually doesn't even allow for caravans or motorhomes, so you can't live in a caravan legally on a piece of land without planing permission at all.
Good vid. All I wanted was to get a used Airstream, plonk it in a field in Wales and live in peace. No chance. PS: Funny that your vid shows an Airstream. PPS: Rules exactly the same in ROI. I considered there as well.
Nice video:) Don't tell me you cant live on your own grassland in a caravan. How many times do they let you use the portaloo? Lawyers - bottom feeders.
What an excellent informative video Andrew thank you so much :)
Very informative mr Ditton.
Very informative thank you, do you happen to know how it works if you chose not to have a base? living no fixed abode, would you have a PO box, how would insurance work? and if you had a dental issue like the one you described, would you have had the full treatment in scotland instead of going all the way back down to southern england for it?
squat land, it's not as easy as it once was but as long as there ain't to many, it's possible to get two or three weeks from a camp, when you are eventually evicted, just go and find another
Full time touring I got it :-D actually I like it. I do as you but have my adress with my son. I am touring in Sweden. I will follow you.
Something ran across the screen, a boatyard can be an option
Hi, after my then landlord sold the house I was living g in. So I got myself a van and kitted it out. As a lorry driver I have to have a night out away from my base. So the van comes in handy. I have fitted a solar panel. Inverter. So have all the mod cons. I have three regular spots I stay one being my work place car park..
Been in the van a year now and enjoy this sort of lifestyle. Pop to my mothers two/three times a week, for a shower and top up on fresh water and other bits...
Nice one! Sounds like you have it sorted. Great to hear :)
The THUMBNAIL brought me here. Where is that trailer?
Thanks Andrew a very interesting article, we met briefly at the caravan show in Scotland last year you spoke Gaelic to my mother. Sadly she passed away this summer and now it's time to me to take a new direction in life.
You are you are ahead of me by a few years I'm aiming to sell the family home and your template seems the way to go. My family are orginally from the Outer Hebrides, I was thinking of a building project/ log cabin up there for 2018. Anticipating with interest (having now to be a canny Scot and not the pound haemorrhaging person of the past) at your next Vblog. Finally you mentioned the law in England and Wales how does this differ from Scotland? All the best and will you be at the caravan show in Scotland this year?
mark mckillop Hello Mark, i remember it well. So sorry to hear about your Mamaidh. Good luck with your new direction, all the best.
Interesting, I had not thought of it. By certain new look that beard is more arranged than in the year
Very informative cheers
Britain has way too many rules and regs,,,,,,!!!!!
why do you need planning permission for a moveable structure?
I guess it keeps the planners in a job? :-/
I was wondering about recreational land. Is that same as leisure. And can you maybe put a building or lodge or caravan as the leisure could be cooking or whatever you can come up with .. cant find information on that kind of land