Car park / Camping

[smogo]

All being well with the resale, I'll be doing Glastonbury for the first time this summer, but I don't know whether to drive or get the coach.

My missus claims that, when she used to go in the 80s & 90s, you could basically park anywhere and camp next to your car. She claims (this sounds ridiculous to me) that you could even park and camp in the main stage field if you wanted.

I'm sure that isn't remotely possible now, but how far from the campsites are the car parks?

If I wanted to camp near, say, the Dance Village, would I be able to use a car park fairly nearby?

And other than "get there as early as possible", what advice do you regulars have about finding a good camping spot to minimise trudging around the massive site for ages hunting for a spare patch of grass near to the action?

Edited April 21, 2014 by smogo

[The 38 year old virgin]

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/img/fests/glasto-sitemap-2013full.jpg

[bexj]

Theres 2 car park areas, east or west. Each area is made up of a good 10 or so fields, and depending on where youre coming from will determine which area you park in. It is a complete and total lottery after that, you could be put just outside one of the 4 main entrance gates, or you could be put in the furthest. Ive only ever been to West carparks, and last year i had approx 1 mile to walk to the gate. Advice is to pack well, with as much stuff as possible on your back, or in a decent quality trolley.

My advice is dont get too hung up about a specific field to camp in, as a newbie, you dont really know where youre going to spend a lot of time anyway, and wherever you are will be a good walk.

[grumpyhack]

Wherever you park there will be a lot of walking. The main decision is whether to go West or East. It might be worth trekking a fair way to pitch your tent on the side where you are likely to end up at the end of the night.

[UEF]

Back in the olden days you could indeed drive your VW Beetle or Citroen 2CV up to your tent

Imagine the chaos that would cause today... check out how scabby the Pyramid was too!

[sedra]

Your missus is right - I remember parking up my mini and camping right next to it in 1986! Unfortunately unless you have a camper van or disabled you aren't going to be sleeping anywhere near your car! Expect to be walking at least 30-45mins with your gear to get to gate and then a further 30mins to to camping spot of your choice! More if you have to trek further to find a space! I usually take essentials down on first trip( especially if it's wet) and then do another journey for the extras ( which can stay in the car if necessary). This year with my dodgy ankle I'm going Glastonbury 'lite' - bare essentials only and more money to buy on site. All my special treats will be left behind this year as I can't face the idea of 2 trips to the car!

Good luck and have fun!!

[glasto-worker]

All being well with the resale, I'll be doing Glastonbury for the first time this summer, but I don't know whether to drive or get the coach.

My missus claims that, when she used to go in the 80s & 90s, you could basically park anywhere and camp next to your car. She claims (this sounds ridiculous to me) that you could even park and camp in the main stage field if you wanted.

I'm sure that isn't remotely possible now