It was the events that took place here 25 years ago, on this bit of remote countryside in England, that sparked my interest in the whole van thing – back when I was in school! I’ll explain at the end of this post.
So let me show you Castlemorton Common…
You go down some of these roads
Until you get to Castlemorton Common
This is where it is…
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Bio4u7GCtkq
You can drive straight from the road onto the common
I had no problem camping here
Common land, in the UK, usually means you have the right to roam
25 years ago it looked like this…
With people who look like this…
But now it’s mainly just sheep
I stayed here for a few days
Bike off the roof. Explore
This is the nearby Malvern Hills
Formed 680 million years ago, this was Britain’s biggest volcanic range
360 view of some of the best English countryside
The historic town of Malvern is down the road
But I think I prefer it here
Watching the sky go by
The Castlemorton Free-festival
25 years ago over 30000 people in buses, trucks and van-homes came here, to Castlemorton Common, this remote bit of countryside in England, equipped with huge soundsystems and generators, to have a massive week-long gathering. It was called the Castlemorton Free-festival.
I was reading about this whilst I was in School, fascinated by the photographs: people living in all kinds of vehicles that they’d converted themselves. That’s where my interest in the whole van thing started.
But things got a bit out of control. What started as a free-festival turned into a full-on rave when some of the biggest travelling soundsystems came and setup. The crowd only grew as the event got covered on national TV and the news.
It was this that led to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which made things difficult for people living alternative lifestyles in England – for many it meant the end of living and travelling in their vehicles. Many left the country and I’ve even met some of them on my travels. They never returned to England.
Anyway, I recommend this beautiful bit of English countryside if you’re nearby in your van. The locals seem to be van friendly also.
P.S. Maybe you were at the Castlemorton free-festival? let us know in the comments below
Hi Mike, I attended some festivals at Castlemorton common 25 years ago, as well as numerous smaller free festivals along areas near to The Ridgeway, I recall there were many ‘tribes’ of semi nomadic groups such as ‘The Spiral tribe’ at the heart of many of these free festivals. You would be very interested in some of the unusual vehicles they lived in.The innovation used on some these vehicles was no small feat. Great blog by the way, wish you good luck heading up towards the article circle!
Hi again Mike….. Nice to hear about your latest trip…..
As regards Norway, I was in Kirknes many years ago, it is up there at the northern tip….Arctic Circle stuff.
It was the time of year when there was no daylight in the 24hours….
It was impossible to see where the roads/pavements started & stopped, they were totally obscurred by packed ice…..even in the town centre.
But I recall being amazed at the driving skills of the locals, it was as if the margins were plain for all to see….. a weird experience.
The downside of the place, was the cost of living, way out of my league!
Cheers.
it’s interesting that this was the case 25 years ago. I absolutely love camping out in UK and it’s thanks to you that we’ve got a van. Certainly Malvern Hills is beautiful. John has just moved there!
I really enjoy your stories….. Thanks
Welcome back.
Welcome back fella,high five where you been….new book soon or what?
Welcome back.
Welcome back fella,high five where you been….new book soon or what?
I really enjoy your stories….. Thanks
Hi again Mike….. Nice to hear about your latest trip…..
As regards Norway, I was in Kirknes many years ago, it is up there at the northern tip….Arctic Circle stuff.
It was the time of year when there was no daylight in the 24hours….
It was impossible to see where the roads/pavements started & stopped, they were totally obscurred by packed ice…..even in the town centre.
But I recall being amazed at the driving skills of the locals, it was as if the margins were plain for all to see….. a weird experience.
The downside of the place, was the cost of living, way out of my league!
Cheers.
it’s interesting that this was the case 25 years ago. I absolutely love camping out in UK and it’s thanks to you that we’ve got a van. Certainly Malvern Hills is beautiful. John has just moved there!
Hi Mike, I attended some festivals at Castlemorton common 25 years ago, as well as numerous smaller free festivals along areas near to The Ridgeway, I recall there were many ‘tribes’ of semi nomadic groups such as ‘The Spiral tribe’ at the heart of many of these free festivals. You would be very interested in some of the unusual vehicles they lived in.The innovation used on some these vehicles was no small feat. Great blog by the way, wish you good luck heading up towards the article circle!