Camper Van Diaries | Seaview Country Park Mappleton | March 2024

For our second night in the camper van (Taylor), we decided to stay at a fully equipped campsite. This would allow us to test all the electrical systems and experience the contrast from the previous night when we were off-grid, parked in a layby.

Following the sat nav system’s malfunction in the morning, we returned to the lodge to inspect the van’s electrical systems and address any issues.

We surmised that water might have seeped into a few areas during the pressure washing we had done a couple of days prior.

Fortunately, the sat nav system started functioning properly later in the day and has been working fine since then (it still gave Nick a few sleepless nights while he wondered if it had fixed itself or not)

Booking the campsite

After browsing the Pitchup website, we selected a campsite that wasn’t too far away.

Our focus for this trip and the previous night was primarily on getting accustomed to the van rather than exploring the surrounding areas of any particular site.

However, this campsite offered the added advantage of a sea view, which is always a bonus.

Upon arriving at Sea View Country Park, we approached the entrance barrier where a staff member greeted us, confirmed our booking, and raised the barrier to allow us entry into the site. The process was seamless, and we didn’t even need to step out of the van.

Since the site wasn’t too crowded, we were advised to choose any available plot. Initially, we selected a pitch with a nice view overlooking a field.

However, we found it strange that a hook-up cable was left on the pitch. We assumed the previous guest had forgotten it. Soon after, we realised it was likely someone’s pitch, and they had gone out.

We promptly moved to a different pitch. Not long after, the occupants of the original pitch returned to their van. It was a valuable lesson learned – if a hook-up cable is present, the pitch is already occupied.

We unpacked a shop we had done for a few bits of food and got settled down for a chill. We were currently in the middle of watching through Downton Abbey series again (for about the fourth time) so switched on the television, got connected to our mobile hotspot, and started streaming.

The mobile signal was good and we could easily stream TV.

The wind was howling outside so we were happy to stay in the van. We did have a sea view although it was across a road and out in the distance but it was as advertised, a sea view.

Surrounding areas

Mappleton Beach is a short walk away but the weather wasn’t right for it. We had a little walk around the site but it almost blew us away.

The town of Hornsea isn’t too far away and Bridlington is a little longer drive, still within a reasonable distance.

Freeport shopping village is a short drive away with some good coffee shops and a few other shops such as Poundstretcher and the Works (its seen better days though and lots of the shops are unfortunately closed down)

Facilities

The facilities were very clean. Showers and toilets were spotless. As we had been greeted by a member of staff, we never went into reception but I don’t think there is a shop so make sure you stock up before you go.

Washing up facilities were outside so could get chilly if it’s in the winter months.

Right next to those is the chemical drop-off point. As Nick has always used the loo the most (I used the ones on the site, and I still only use the one in the van for emergencies😂) it was his turn to empty it.

The process of emptying the toilet isn’t as bad as you would maybe imagine (at least it doesn’t look like it from watching from afar 👀). Everything is contained in the cassette and using the blue liquid means it is all broken down and doesn’t smell

The site has static caravans, some around a lovely little pond.

Apart from the wind, it was a lovely peaceful night’s sleep. We headed back to the lodge to get to work on the upgrades we wanted to do. Two nights away had been enough to go home with a list of improvements for the van

Final thoughts on the site

This stay was to test the electrics and be fully on the grid. It obviously has a very different feeling than a park up in a layby.

Yes, you have to pay for it but it feels safe and you aren’t worrying about using all your gas or running the batteries down, and it’s convenient to use the toilets and showers on site.

We probably won’t ever stay on this site again as it’s not a long drive from the lodge.

For anyone wanting a good site on the east coast of Yorkshire, close to some great beaches then we would thoroughly recommend it

What3words for the park are ///bookmark.armrest.usage

We plan to do as many off-grid, wild camping nights as we can, it saves money but it’s nice to enjoy the luxury of being on a campsite with hookups.

It’s also a great feeling knowing other people are around, in their own vans, enjoying time away. You can meet some lovely people on sites, everyone is usually in a good mood and happy to chat.

Hope you enjoyed this Camper Van Diaries blog post More to come very soon as we head further away from the lodge and explore some more off-grid locations

You can watch our night at Sea View Country Park in the below video

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