I still haven't worked out how to move things from Microsoft Excel to the blog, so it looks like I will have to do the statistics the hard way.
The 2007 figures are in brackets
Total nights in caravan 183 [167]
Total site fees £2138.15 [£1527.05]
Average nightly cost £11.68 [£9.14]
Nights on C/Club sites 44 [36]
Total site fees £765.90 [£517.05]
Average nightly cost £17.41 [£14.36]
Nights on C/Club CL's 131 [127]
Total site fees £1118.00 [£1008.00]
Average nightly cost £8.53 [£7.94]
Nights on other sites 8 [4]
Total site fees £254.25 [£28.00]
Average nightly cost £31.78 [£7.00]
I need to add a few notes about these figures.
The average cost for the whole year increased by approximately £2.50 per night, however these figures are dependant on the number of occupants on club and commercial sites. The same theory applies to the figures for Caravan Club Sites. These show an increase of just over £3.00 per night.
A more accurate indication of trends is shown in the CL figures which show an increase of about 60p per night
Thursday 11 December 2008
Thursday 30 October 2008
BACK HOME - GOOLE
Sunday 12th October – Until around New Year
I left Crystal Palace on Sunday 12th October and arrived home 4 hours later after travelling 207 miles. Not bad to say the first half of the journey was through London and involved the Blackwall Tunnel.
Anyway it’s good to be home again and find out what all the gossip is about. One thing that really is noticeable is how the economical climate is affecting local industry. My old business has had to put staff on a four day week, and the company I normally do some driving for during the winter has no vacancies.
Well that’s all for now. I do have some statistics about days onsite and cost etc which I will post in a few days. [When I can get my blog to talk to Microsoft Excel]
I left Crystal Palace on Sunday 12th October and arrived home 4 hours later after travelling 207 miles. Not bad to say the first half of the journey was through London and involved the Blackwall Tunnel.
Anyway it’s good to be home again and find out what all the gossip is about. One thing that really is noticeable is how the economical climate is affecting local industry. My old business has had to put staff on a four day week, and the company I normally do some driving for during the winter has no vacancies.
Well that’s all for now. I do have some statistics about days onsite and cost etc which I will post in a few days. [When I can get my blog to talk to Microsoft Excel]
CRYSTAL PALACE - LONDON [103]
Sunday 5th October – Sunday 12th October 2008
My approach from Leatherhead was faultless until I got in the wrong lane at Streatham and was unable to get onto the A23. My Sat Nav wanted to send me in all directions to correct my error but after being caught out down a very narrow lane in Devon a few months ago I thought better of it. So I drew on my commercial driving experience from 20 years ago and somehow finished up on the South Circular. After that I managed to arrive about 30 minutes after my wife and son who had been behind me in another car when we left Leatherhead.
If you haven’t been to Crystal Palace then you must book as soon as possible. It would take ages to tell you all the good points about this site so you must find out for yourselves. I cannot think of many bad points other than don’t get in the wrong lane when travelling and go careful onsite with long outfits; it can be tight in places. The site is terraced with a central toilet block in the middle and reception at the top. Not many [if any] long distance views except up, where plane spotters can watch aircraft approaching Heathrow. The Crystal Palace mast cannot be missed, except on foggy days and provides perfect TV reception. If you can’t get a picture here you need a new telly. [You may need to unplug your booster if you have one]
Getting about is easy, all you need is a Oyster Card [see http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for details] or use your over sixty pass if you have one. [Not sure if this can be used on the underground] The No 3 bus leaves from nearby into Oxford Circus and takes about 1 hour. If you wish to save time you can get off at Brixton and catch the underground, but you would miss most of the interesting sights on route. It cost us £13 each for an Oyster card that covered all our bus fares for 7 days. If you don’t have a card the newsagent in Crystal Palace is very helpful.
In Crystal Palace you will find pubs, restaurants, takeaways, shops and a supermarket. The Sainsbury supermarket has free car parking and our visit was the only time we used the car all week.
If you can’t find anything to do from this site you shouldn’t be using a pitch that could be used by someone with a life. Most British people from outside the area think that London is unfriendly and best left alone, but I find that not the case and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I don’t normally say this but I think I may be back.
Analogue TV signal very good with amplifier turned off
Digital signal available
£20.90 per night [3 adults]
My approach from Leatherhead was faultless until I got in the wrong lane at Streatham and was unable to get onto the A23. My Sat Nav wanted to send me in all directions to correct my error but after being caught out down a very narrow lane in Devon a few months ago I thought better of it. So I drew on my commercial driving experience from 20 years ago and somehow finished up on the South Circular. After that I managed to arrive about 30 minutes after my wife and son who had been behind me in another car when we left Leatherhead.
If you haven’t been to Crystal Palace then you must book as soon as possible. It would take ages to tell you all the good points about this site so you must find out for yourselves. I cannot think of many bad points other than don’t get in the wrong lane when travelling and go careful onsite with long outfits; it can be tight in places. The site is terraced with a central toilet block in the middle and reception at the top. Not many [if any] long distance views except up, where plane spotters can watch aircraft approaching Heathrow. The Crystal Palace mast cannot be missed, except on foggy days and provides perfect TV reception. If you can’t get a picture here you need a new telly. [You may need to unplug your booster if you have one]
Getting about is easy, all you need is a Oyster Card [see http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for details] or use your over sixty pass if you have one. [Not sure if this can be used on the underground] The No 3 bus leaves from nearby into Oxford Circus and takes about 1 hour. If you wish to save time you can get off at Brixton and catch the underground, but you would miss most of the interesting sights on route. It cost us £13 each for an Oyster card that covered all our bus fares for 7 days. If you don’t have a card the newsagent in Crystal Palace is very helpful.
In Crystal Palace you will find pubs, restaurants, takeaways, shops and a supermarket. The Sainsbury supermarket has free car parking and our visit was the only time we used the car all week.
If you can’t find anything to do from this site you shouldn’t be using a pitch that could be used by someone with a life. Most British people from outside the area think that London is unfriendly and best left alone, but I find that not the case and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I don’t normally say this but I think I may be back.
Analogue TV signal very good with amplifier turned off
Digital signal available
£20.90 per night [3 adults]
Thursday 23 October 2008
PATSOM COTTAGE - LEATHERHEAD [102]
Thursday 2nd October – Sunday 5th October 2008
The approach to this CL is simple being about a mile from the M25. Just be aware that the entrance is close to the final road junction and the sign may be obscured by trees. The site is a level firm area with a few trees scattered about to give a more pleasant feel. It is sheltered from the A245 by a mature hedge which helps to drown some of the road noise. The owner runs his business from the property.
Leatherhead is a short drive away and has all the services that would be required; there is also a Tesco on an industrial estate at the edge of town. I didn’t see a bus stop in the vicinity of the site however you can catch a train to London from the town rail station. I think the train goes to the south coast in the opposite direction.
Being close to the capital there is plenty to do in the area and I managed to fill all the time available during my stay.
Analogue TV signal variable depending on tree movement
Poor or intermittent Digital signal available
£9.00 per day
The approach to this CL is simple being about a mile from the M25. Just be aware that the entrance is close to the final road junction and the sign may be obscured by trees. The site is a level firm area with a few trees scattered about to give a more pleasant feel. It is sheltered from the A245 by a mature hedge which helps to drown some of the road noise. The owner runs his business from the property.
Leatherhead is a short drive away and has all the services that would be required; there is also a Tesco on an industrial estate at the edge of town. I didn’t see a bus stop in the vicinity of the site however you can catch a train to London from the town rail station. I think the train goes to the south coast in the opposite direction.
Being close to the capital there is plenty to do in the area and I managed to fill all the time available during my stay.
Analogue TV signal variable depending on tree movement
Poor or intermittent Digital signal available
£9.00 per day
Friday 3 October 2008
WILD RIDINGS - FLEET [101]
Sunday 28th September – Thursday 2nd October 2008
I used the directions given in the members’ handbook to approach this site but this meant that I had to use a roundabout route from junction 4A off the M3. I later discovered that any route from this junction is caravan friendly. This site is a gem. It is in a large lawned area with a few trees scattered around the pitching area. Each pitch is on a hardstanding and the owners ask you to leave your car in the car park which all helps maintain the quality of the grass. Entry to the property is through a security gate so it is important that the owners are aware of your arrival. After that you are provided with a control to operate the gate. The electric hook ups are meter operated by £1 coins which didn’t last long if you use your electric heating which was necessary in the late evenings at this time of the year. There is a free shower and toilet block. Unfortunately I had to use a pitch under a tree which was irritating as the first rain for weeks dripped all night onto the caravan roof.
I tried hard to find things to do in Fleet without travelling too far. I like canals so spent a few hours walking the Basingstoke Canal from the Visitor Centre at Mytchett. Another day I explored the shops in the town centre which are all placed down one street with a fairly modern indoor shopping centre. According to the internet Fleet is a young town built after the London to Southampton railway was constructed. However it has expanding rapidly with the construction of new housing and is now probably a satellite town for London.
I didn’t find a useable bus service near the site however all facilities including supermarkets are available in and around the town centre.
Analogue TV signal good
No Digital signal available
£10.00 per night. [I used £8 on electricity in four nights]
I used the directions given in the members’ handbook to approach this site but this meant that I had to use a roundabout route from junction 4A off the M3. I later discovered that any route from this junction is caravan friendly. This site is a gem. It is in a large lawned area with a few trees scattered around the pitching area. Each pitch is on a hardstanding and the owners ask you to leave your car in the car park which all helps maintain the quality of the grass. Entry to the property is through a security gate so it is important that the owners are aware of your arrival. After that you are provided with a control to operate the gate. The electric hook ups are meter operated by £1 coins which didn’t last long if you use your electric heating which was necessary in the late evenings at this time of the year. There is a free shower and toilet block. Unfortunately I had to use a pitch under a tree which was irritating as the first rain for weeks dripped all night onto the caravan roof.
I tried hard to find things to do in Fleet without travelling too far. I like canals so spent a few hours walking the Basingstoke Canal from the Visitor Centre at Mytchett. Another day I explored the shops in the town centre which are all placed down one street with a fairly modern indoor shopping centre. According to the internet Fleet is a young town built after the London to Southampton railway was constructed. However it has expanding rapidly with the construction of new housing and is now probably a satellite town for London.
I didn’t find a useable bus service near the site however all facilities including supermarkets are available in and around the town centre.
Analogue TV signal good
No Digital signal available
£10.00 per night. [I used £8 on electricity in four nights]
Monday 29 September 2008
YEW TREE COTTAGE - WINCHESTER [100]
Wednesday 24th September – Sunday 28th September 2008
This is the 100th site I have visited on my Grand Mooch and at the moment I have 744 to go. This varies every winter when I update the information as new sites appear and others close.
I made a mistake approaching this site by not checking the distance from the roundabout. Consequently I missed it and had to travel about two miles down the A3090 before I could turn around. It’s not always easy to spot entrances when you are on your own as most of your attention is on the road and other road users [that’s my excuse]. One thing I later noticed was the owner flew the St Georges Cross flag at his entrance which would have helped if I had known [I hope it’s still there if you are going to use this as a landmark].
The site is a level grassed field which was in very good condition in view of the wet weather that we have had this summer. It must drain well. The pitching area is along one hedge adjacent to the main road [which can be noisy at times] but gives good views to the North West. Each pitch had its own dustbin but it was not obvious what re-cycling requirements were needed.
There is a supermarket a few miles away towards the M3 and of course there is everything else in Winchester. I think the number 66 bus between Romsey and Winchester passes the entrance but I did not see a bus stop. Anyone who needs to use this service should check it out first.
I found plenty to do in the surrounding area with the Cathedral and the City Mill worth a visit in Winchester.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
This is the 100th site I have visited on my Grand Mooch and at the moment I have 744 to go. This varies every winter when I update the information as new sites appear and others close.
I made a mistake approaching this site by not checking the distance from the roundabout. Consequently I missed it and had to travel about two miles down the A3090 before I could turn around. It’s not always easy to spot entrances when you are on your own as most of your attention is on the road and other road users [that’s my excuse]. One thing I later noticed was the owner flew the St Georges Cross flag at his entrance which would have helped if I had known [I hope it’s still there if you are going to use this as a landmark].
The site is a level grassed field which was in very good condition in view of the wet weather that we have had this summer. It must drain well. The pitching area is along one hedge adjacent to the main road [which can be noisy at times] but gives good views to the North West. Each pitch had its own dustbin but it was not obvious what re-cycling requirements were needed.
There is a supermarket a few miles away towards the M3 and of course there is everything else in Winchester. I think the number 66 bus between Romsey and Winchester passes the entrance but I did not see a bus stop. Anyone who needs to use this service should check it out first.
I found plenty to do in the surrounding area with the Cathedral and the City Mill worth a visit in Winchester.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
Friday 26 September 2008
NEW FOREST CENTENARY SITE - BRANSGORE [99]
Saturday 20th September – Wednesday 24th September 2008
It is strange that this site is the 99th that I have visited on The Mooch and it is the clubs centenary site. If only I had done one more then it would have been spooky!!
The pitching area is level on a mixture of hardstandings and grass and all the facilities are new and equal to the normal Caravan Club standards. What this site looses in the way of stunning views it makes up for in many different ways. Around it are miles of mainly flat walking or cycling routes in the New Forest National Park. The coast is within easy reach with museums such as Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard nearby.
There are shops including a convenience store in Bransgore but many basics can be bought at reception. A farm shop visits on Mondays and Fridays and a large supermarket is a few miles away with a garden centre next door.
Many of the people I spoke to had been to this site before so it is starting to become popular. One person claimed to be its third visitor. If you are planning a visit to the New Forest this site would make a good base.
Analogue TV signal and
Digital signal available from bollard
£11.60 per night [1 adult]
It is strange that this site is the 99th that I have visited on The Mooch and it is the clubs centenary site. If only I had done one more then it would have been spooky!!
The pitching area is level on a mixture of hardstandings and grass and all the facilities are new and equal to the normal Caravan Club standards. What this site looses in the way of stunning views it makes up for in many different ways. Around it are miles of mainly flat walking or cycling routes in the New Forest National Park. The coast is within easy reach with museums such as Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard nearby.
There are shops including a convenience store in Bransgore but many basics can be bought at reception. A farm shop visits on Mondays and Fridays and a large supermarket is a few miles away with a garden centre next door.
Many of the people I spoke to had been to this site before so it is starting to become popular. One person claimed to be its third visitor. If you are planning a visit to the New Forest this site would make a good base.
Analogue TV signal and
Digital signal available from bollard
£11.60 per night [1 adult]
Sunday 21 September 2008
STOURHEAD ESTATE - MERE [98]
Tuesday 16th September – Saturday 20th September 2008
Arriving at this site when the Estate is open was easy for me. A member of staff stopped me and showed me where to go. For those not so fortunate just drive through the car park towards the additional/overflow car park and the pitching area is on the right. The five pitches are hardstandings and are almost level. After arrival go to reception and they complete all the formalities and give you a receipt to display in your windscreen. National Trust members get a discount on pitch fees. The site is very popular especially at weekends so it is advisable to book in advance.
The nearest shops are in Mere or Zeals and the only supermarket that I found was Waitrose in Gillingham about 6 miles to the south. There is a bus stop just down the road from the site entrance but I believe it was for one of those services that had to be booked in advance. All very good for locals but absolutely useless to visitors who are unfamiliar with the local area. The farm shop in the car park sells many products that are produced locally.
One of the places I visited whilst staying at Stourhead was Longleat and I can definitely recommend it. The whole visit takes at least a half day so allow plenty of time to get value for money. Don’t forget a visit to the Stourhead Estate with good walks around the grounds and gardens. There is a pub in the village a short walk away but I got the impression that they would rather serve you a meal than a beer. The National Trust runs a mini bus service to key points on the estate.
Analogue TV signal good
Intermittent digital signal available
£9.00 per night [£7.50 for National Trust members]
Arriving at this site when the Estate is open was easy for me. A member of staff stopped me and showed me where to go. For those not so fortunate just drive through the car park towards the additional/overflow car park and the pitching area is on the right. The five pitches are hardstandings and are almost level. After arrival go to reception and they complete all the formalities and give you a receipt to display in your windscreen. National Trust members get a discount on pitch fees. The site is very popular especially at weekends so it is advisable to book in advance.
The nearest shops are in Mere or Zeals and the only supermarket that I found was Waitrose in Gillingham about 6 miles to the south. There is a bus stop just down the road from the site entrance but I believe it was for one of those services that had to be booked in advance. All very good for locals but absolutely useless to visitors who are unfamiliar with the local area. The farm shop in the car park sells many products that are produced locally.
One of the places I visited whilst staying at Stourhead was Longleat and I can definitely recommend it. The whole visit takes at least a half day so allow plenty of time to get value for money. Don’t forget a visit to the Stourhead Estate with good walks around the grounds and gardens. There is a pub in the village a short walk away but I got the impression that they would rather serve you a meal than a beer. The National Trust runs a mini bus service to key points on the estate.
Analogue TV signal good
Intermittent digital signal available
£9.00 per night [£7.50 for National Trust members]
Wednesday 17 September 2008
OAKVIEW - YEOVIL [97]
Friday 12th September – Tuesday 16th September 2008
This CL lies within a few hundred yards of the A303 about 5 miles to the north of Yeovil. The grassed site was in superb condition in view of the wet weather but was slightly waterlogged at the unused bottom half of the field. Being so close to the A303 resulted in road noise but this died away during the night and was not intrusive. The nearest pub and bus service are in Tintinhull on the other side of the main road. I explained to the CL owner that this sounded like a Yorkshire man saying “It is not in Hull” but I think the joke was lost in translation. Shops are in Martock with everything else in Yeovil.
I found plenty to do during my stay and this was helped by the leaflet pack provided on arrival by the owner. One mistake I made was allowing insufficient time to visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton. You need to allow a minimum of half a day to explore this very interesting attraction.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal available
£9.00 per night
This CL lies within a few hundred yards of the A303 about 5 miles to the north of Yeovil. The grassed site was in superb condition in view of the wet weather but was slightly waterlogged at the unused bottom half of the field. Being so close to the A303 resulted in road noise but this died away during the night and was not intrusive. The nearest pub and bus service are in Tintinhull on the other side of the main road. I explained to the CL owner that this sounded like a Yorkshire man saying “It is not in Hull” but I think the joke was lost in translation. Shops are in Martock with everything else in Yeovil.
I found plenty to do during my stay and this was helped by the leaflet pack provided on arrival by the owner. One mistake I made was allowing insufficient time to visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton. You need to allow a minimum of half a day to explore this very interesting attraction.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal available
£9.00 per night
Saturday 13 September 2008
DAIRY HOUSE FARM - TAUNTON [96]
Monday 8th September – Friday 12th September 2008
The instructions regarding the approach to this CL look complicated but are surprisingly simple and it is advisable to follow them. Pitches are behind the family business of landscapers in a tree surrounded grassed area with hardstandings. TV aerial plug in points are provided around the site to overcome the tree presence. A hut is used as an information point but unfortunately most of the leaflets were out of date. At the bottom of the site is a small pitch and putt golf area but because of the heavy rain during the summer the owners had been unable to cut the grass to a useable level. Toilets and a shower are available in a building at the other end of the business vehicle park.
Across the road is a pub that is open at lunchtime and evenings. It serves food and has a good assortment of real ales. I don’t think there is a bus service until you get nearer Taunton. One useful thing I found was the car park at the Sainsbury supermarket in the town centre. For £2 you can park for two hours, go shopping in the town centre, then do your food shopping in the supermarket and get your car park fee refunded. One place worth a visit is Rumwell Farm Shop on the A38 towards Wellington.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal was a bit hit and miss depending on weather conditions
£8.00 per night plus 50p for shower
The instructions regarding the approach to this CL look complicated but are surprisingly simple and it is advisable to follow them. Pitches are behind the family business of landscapers in a tree surrounded grassed area with hardstandings. TV aerial plug in points are provided around the site to overcome the tree presence. A hut is used as an information point but unfortunately most of the leaflets were out of date. At the bottom of the site is a small pitch and putt golf area but because of the heavy rain during the summer the owners had been unable to cut the grass to a useable level. Toilets and a shower are available in a building at the other end of the business vehicle park.
Across the road is a pub that is open at lunchtime and evenings. It serves food and has a good assortment of real ales. I don’t think there is a bus service until you get nearer Taunton. One useful thing I found was the car park at the Sainsbury supermarket in the town centre. For £2 you can park for two hours, go shopping in the town centre, then do your food shopping in the supermarket and get your car park fee refunded. One place worth a visit is Rumwell Farm Shop on the A38 towards Wellington.
Analogue TV signal good
Digital signal was a bit hit and miss depending on weather conditions
£8.00 per night plus 50p for shower
Thursday 11 September 2008
HILLSIDE FARM - TIVERTON [95]
Thursday 4th September – Monday 8th September 2008
One thing I forgot to mention is that there is a new bypass to the west of Barnstaple which helps speed up anyone travelling to North West Devon.
Hillside farm is unsurprisingly on the side of a hill but this didn’t really help the surface water drain from the pitching area. There are two hardstandings with a third nearer to the owners’ home. Visitors in the field helped to conserve the grass surface by parking cars on a hard area. There are good views from the pitching area.
I hear from CL owners that many bookings have cancelled because of the bad summers that we’ve had in recent years and I wonder how much the whole tourist industry is suffering. Perhaps we have to accept the situation and adapt our sites both large and small to cater for all weather conditions. Local authorities could help with funding as tourism means income and work for local industry. Anyway that’s enough of that; I’ll get back to reality.
There are all shops and supermarkets in Tiverton but there isn’t a bus service for visitors that need one. The local area has many interesting visitor attractions with National Trust properties and the Grand Western Canal to name but a few.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available. [If you don’t pitch behind a tree]
£8.00 per night
One thing I forgot to mention is that there is a new bypass to the west of Barnstaple which helps speed up anyone travelling to North West Devon.
Hillside farm is unsurprisingly on the side of a hill but this didn’t really help the surface water drain from the pitching area. There are two hardstandings with a third nearer to the owners’ home. Visitors in the field helped to conserve the grass surface by parking cars on a hard area. There are good views from the pitching area.
I hear from CL owners that many bookings have cancelled because of the bad summers that we’ve had in recent years and I wonder how much the whole tourist industry is suffering. Perhaps we have to accept the situation and adapt our sites both large and small to cater for all weather conditions. Local authorities could help with funding as tourism means income and work for local industry. Anyway that’s enough of that; I’ll get back to reality.
There are all shops and supermarkets in Tiverton but there isn’t a bus service for visitors that need one. The local area has many interesting visitor attractions with National Trust properties and the Grand Western Canal to name but a few.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available. [If you don’t pitch behind a tree]
£8.00 per night
Wednesday 10 September 2008
PYEWELL FARM - BIDEFORD [94]
Sunday 31st August – Thursday 4th September 2008
The owners have operated a caravan site on their land long before it became a CL. Based around 3 lakes at the bottom of their farm it is very popular with the fresh water fishing set and I was told that they don’t advertise. All their bookings come from recommendations within fishing circles.
The CL is at the top end of the farm a short way down the entrance drive. Situated at the top flatter end of a large grassed field it looked idealic on the odd minutes that the sun put in an appearance. Unfortunately these were rare and once again this was another site suffering from the almost continuous rain that fell during August.
I had been looking forward to returning to this part of Devon as in the 1980s’ I was the captain of a coastal tanker that spent a few weeks working from Yelland jetty. However many things had changed and I could not find the pub that we used at the east end of Instow. I did find one down a side street but I remember the one we used was on the main road along the sea front. The only place I definitely remembered was the Instow Cricket Club pitch which we would walk across on the route to and from the ship and the town.
The owners have a visitor pack which they loan you on arrival. It has information about all the local attractions and facilities. The nearest supermarkets are in Bideford or Barnstaple and the nearest bus runs through Instow.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available.
£8.00 per night
The owners have operated a caravan site on their land long before it became a CL. Based around 3 lakes at the bottom of their farm it is very popular with the fresh water fishing set and I was told that they don’t advertise. All their bookings come from recommendations within fishing circles.
The CL is at the top end of the farm a short way down the entrance drive. Situated at the top flatter end of a large grassed field it looked idealic on the odd minutes that the sun put in an appearance. Unfortunately these were rare and once again this was another site suffering from the almost continuous rain that fell during August.
I had been looking forward to returning to this part of Devon as in the 1980s’ I was the captain of a coastal tanker that spent a few weeks working from Yelland jetty. However many things had changed and I could not find the pub that we used at the east end of Instow. I did find one down a side street but I remember the one we used was on the main road along the sea front. The only place I definitely remembered was the Instow Cricket Club pitch which we would walk across on the route to and from the ship and the town.
The owners have a visitor pack which they loan you on arrival. It has information about all the local attractions and facilities. The nearest supermarkets are in Bideford or Barnstaple and the nearest bus runs through Instow.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available.
£8.00 per night
Tuesday 9 September 2008
WILLINGCOTT - WOOLACOMBE [93]
Wednesday 27th August – Sunday 31st August 2008.
If you need to tow between Minehead and Woolacombe forget the A39. It wasn’t designed for very much that exists in the 21st century but that is probably one of the things that make this area so popular with tourists. I used the HGV advised route for North Devon along the B roads across Exmoor.
Willingcott Caravan Club site was suffering from the effects of the 2008 British summer. Predominantly on grass it was suffering from over a month of almost continuous rain. The site is very popular and in view of the now familiar climate it probably needs many more hardstandings than it has. Once again as at Lakeside I managed to get one, but had to feel sorry for the majority that were on grass. It will probably put off many of the novice caravanners for life.
There is a bus service between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe that runs along the B3343 and a pub/restaurant is a steady walk away. If you need any parts Mullacott Caravan and Marine Ltd is a short drive away. A fish and chip van visits the site on Saturday evening.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available.
£23.60 per night [3 adults]
If you need to tow between Minehead and Woolacombe forget the A39. It wasn’t designed for very much that exists in the 21st century but that is probably one of the things that make this area so popular with tourists. I used the HGV advised route for North Devon along the B roads across Exmoor.
Willingcott Caravan Club site was suffering from the effects of the 2008 British summer. Predominantly on grass it was suffering from over a month of almost continuous rain. The site is very popular and in view of the now familiar climate it probably needs many more hardstandings than it has. Once again as at Lakeside I managed to get one, but had to feel sorry for the majority that were on grass. It will probably put off many of the novice caravanners for life.
There is a bus service between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe that runs along the B3343 and a pub/restaurant is a steady walk away. If you need any parts Mullacott Caravan and Marine Ltd is a short drive away. A fish and chip van visits the site on Saturday evening.
Analogue TV signal good.
Digital signal available.
£23.60 per night [3 adults]
Friday 5 September 2008
MINEHEAD - MINEHEAD [92]
Saturday 23rd August – Wednesday 27th August 2008If you need to tow between Lakeside and Minehead and your outfit is more than 32ft [and a bit, or is it 31ft and a bit] forget using the A396 through Dunster. The local authority has imposed a length limit through the town because of narrow streets and sharp bends. I don’t think this is entirely necessary for caravans because unlike commercial vehicles the wheels are in the centre of the trailer and are able to negotiate tighter bends. However the local authority don’t think so and you have to take the longer HGV route down a B road towards Watchet until you reach the A39 that runs to Minehead.
Minehead Caravan Club site is a well established small site on the outskirts of the town but is within comfortable walking distance. On arrival you are advised to park at the entrance and walk the site to find a vacant pitch. This is because the site consists of several spurs that are dead ends with no room to turn. Many pitches are on hardstandings which were needed in view of the South West summer weather. A van visits each morning around 9AM selling newspapers, bread and milk.
There are a couple of small supermarkets within a few hundred yards with takeaways and a fish and chip shop, a bus also passes this area. Minehead has all the services including a farmers market and a steam train service to Bishops Lydeard, but I got the impression that it relied heavily on the Butlins customers. The North Devon coast has spectacular views and many interesting places to visit.
Analogue TV signal good but the services from Wales had the better signal from our pitch.
Digital signal available.
£23.60 per night [3 adults]
Tuesday 2 September 2008
LAKESIDE - DULVERTON [91]
Tuesday 19th August – Saturday 23rd August 2008
This recently redeveloped site is accessed from the A396 Tiverton to Minehead road. There is a road junction to the south of the site that needs a little concentration but there is a brown Lakeside sign and basically you stay on the A396. If you arrive before 1PM you are instructed to go to the late arrivals area as the wardens are busy on toilet block cleaning duties and you cannot get through the security barrier. The grass pitching areas were suffering from the extensive rain that had fallen on this part of the UK over August but I was lucky and managed to find a hardstanding on the top terrace that has good views over the surrounding countryside. Many people pitched nose first on one side of the road to take advantage of this.
There is a path from the back of the site to the Anchor Inn which is not very far away. However it is important that you follow the instructions given by the Wardens as the path is not a right of way. We had an evening meal in the restaurant and thought it was good value. The pre meal beer had me a little worried. The taste of the beer is superb but unfortunately it is flat with no head and looks horrible. If you bought it in Yorkshire you would be back at the bar in seconds.
There is a bus service from outside the pub that runs between Minehead and Tiverton. Shops, banks and a small supermarket are situated in Dulverton but if you require anything more substantial you have to travel to Tiverton. The whole of Exmoor to the north is available to explore.
Analogue TV signal good from bollard connection. [Got a watchable signal using aerial from our pitch].
Digital signal not available.
£20.10 per night [average] 1 adult for 2 nights. 3 adults for 2 nights.
This recently redeveloped site is accessed from the A396 Tiverton to Minehead road. There is a road junction to the south of the site that needs a little concentration but there is a brown Lakeside sign and basically you stay on the A396. If you arrive before 1PM you are instructed to go to the late arrivals area as the wardens are busy on toilet block cleaning duties and you cannot get through the security barrier. The grass pitching areas were suffering from the extensive rain that had fallen on this part of the UK over August but I was lucky and managed to find a hardstanding on the top terrace that has good views over the surrounding countryside. Many people pitched nose first on one side of the road to take advantage of this.
There is a path from the back of the site to the Anchor Inn which is not very far away. However it is important that you follow the instructions given by the Wardens as the path is not a right of way. We had an evening meal in the restaurant and thought it was good value. The pre meal beer had me a little worried. The taste of the beer is superb but unfortunately it is flat with no head and looks horrible. If you bought it in Yorkshire you would be back at the bar in seconds.
There is a bus service from outside the pub that runs between Minehead and Tiverton. Shops, banks and a small supermarket are situated in Dulverton but if you require anything more substantial you have to travel to Tiverton. The whole of Exmoor to the north is available to explore.
Analogue TV signal good from bollard connection. [Got a watchable signal using aerial from our pitch].
Digital signal not available.
£20.10 per night [average] 1 adult for 2 nights. 3 adults for 2 nights.
Thursday 28 August 2008
COURT FARM - EXETER [90]
Friday 15th August – Tuesday 19th August 2008
This site is conveniently close to the M5 that it must be considered as an overnight stop for people travelling to Cornwall or the ferry. However it makes a superb base for exploring the surrounding area and is close to the Exeter Park & Ride system for those who want to visit the city centre. There’s also a theme park close by for younger visitors.
Situated off the A376 dual carriageway, if approached from the M5 it is advisable to do a U turn at the Clyst St George roundabout and return to the farm road, this is because the central reservation is not wide enough to accommodate a car and caravan.
The pitching area is on mown grass at the flattish top end of a sloping field with good views out towards the west. There is a His and Hers toilet and shower block which the owner described to me as basic. However I found them to be as good as many that I have come across. The charge for showers is 30p on an honesty basis and the total charge for your visit is calculated when you leave.
Eggs are on sale from the site owners and there is a supermarket on the other side of the M5. There is also a bus stop on the A376 between the Clyst St George and the Topsham turning roundabouts.
Analogue TV signal is good
Digital signal available.
£7.00 per night plus 30p per shower
This site is conveniently close to the M5 that it must be considered as an overnight stop for people travelling to Cornwall or the ferry. However it makes a superb base for exploring the surrounding area and is close to the Exeter Park & Ride system for those who want to visit the city centre. There’s also a theme park close by for younger visitors.
Situated off the A376 dual carriageway, if approached from the M5 it is advisable to do a U turn at the Clyst St George roundabout and return to the farm road, this is because the central reservation is not wide enough to accommodate a car and caravan.
The pitching area is on mown grass at the flattish top end of a sloping field with good views out towards the west. There is a His and Hers toilet and shower block which the owner described to me as basic. However I found them to be as good as many that I have come across. The charge for showers is 30p on an honesty basis and the total charge for your visit is calculated when you leave.
Eggs are on sale from the site owners and there is a supermarket on the other side of the M5. There is also a bus stop on the A376 between the Clyst St George and the Topsham turning roundabouts.
Analogue TV signal is good
Digital signal available.
£7.00 per night plus 30p per shower
Monday 18 August 2008
CHIPLEY MILL - NEWTON ABBOT [89]
Monday 11th August – Friday 15th August 2008
The weather tried its hardest to spoil my visit to this CL. There was plenty of rain with high winds and gales. All this made the site very wet underfoot and caused vehicles to cut up the grassed pitching area. I have in the past seen cars banned from pitching areas during wet weather and I think using the car park at the entrance would have helped on this occasion.
The site is set amongst trees with a river running down one side so children need to be supervised. The trees interfered with television reception during the high winds although analogue and digital reception was satisfactory during calm conditions. There is a toilet and shower block with a few brochures about the surrounding area. The shower is operated by tokens that are available from the owner at 50p.
Inspite of the weather I managed to find something to do every day of my stay. There is a bus stop outside this site on the A383 and the Trago Mills shopping complex is within easy driving distance. Newton Abbot has a busy shopping centre and I found two supermarkets, one in the town centre. The racecourse is not far away for those who enjoy horse racing.
Analogue TV signal ok during calm conditions
Digital signal lost during high winds
The weather tried its hardest to spoil my visit to this CL. There was plenty of rain with high winds and gales. All this made the site very wet underfoot and caused vehicles to cut up the grassed pitching area. I have in the past seen cars banned from pitching areas during wet weather and I think using the car park at the entrance would have helped on this occasion.
The site is set amongst trees with a river running down one side so children need to be supervised. The trees interfered with television reception during the high winds although analogue and digital reception was satisfactory during calm conditions. There is a toilet and shower block with a few brochures about the surrounding area. The shower is operated by tokens that are available from the owner at 50p.
Inspite of the weather I managed to find something to do every day of my stay. There is a bus stop outside this site on the A383 and the Trago Mills shopping complex is within easy driving distance. Newton Abbot has a busy shopping centre and I found two supermarkets, one in the town centre. The racecourse is not far away for those who enjoy horse racing.
Analogue TV signal ok during calm conditions
Digital signal lost during high winds
£9.00 per night [had to pay deposit on booking]
Wednesday 13 August 2008
WHITEHILL COUNTRY PARK - PAIGNTON [88]
Thursday 7th August – Monday 11th August 2008
Once again this commercial site could not be faulted. The approach road was narrow in places but did not present any problems. Check in was swift and we were guided to our pitch by one of the staff. Many of the pitches are sloping but are generous in size. From the beginning of August the weather has been atrocious with heavy showers or longer periods of rain. However the sloping nature of this site helped drain most of the water away.
This site had everything including a bar and evening entertainment. Some of the guests needed a bigger car park as they found it impossible to move around the site without using their cars. I think it would have been beneficial to everyone’s health if the owners made a charge for people who used the car park without justifiable cause.
The main attraction in the area is Paignton Zoo but there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages. I believe that the owners of commercial sites need to make an effort to make their business a success and this and the previous site certainly achieved this. I would certainly recommend them both to people who enjoy this type of site.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£29.82 per night [3 adults + 1 infant]
Once again this commercial site could not be faulted. The approach road was narrow in places but did not present any problems. Check in was swift and we were guided to our pitch by one of the staff. Many of the pitches are sloping but are generous in size. From the beginning of August the weather has been atrocious with heavy showers or longer periods of rain. However the sloping nature of this site helped drain most of the water away.
This site had everything including a bar and evening entertainment. Some of the guests needed a bigger car park as they found it impossible to move around the site without using their cars. I think it would have been beneficial to everyone’s health if the owners made a charge for people who used the car park without justifiable cause.
The main attraction in the area is Paignton Zoo but there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages. I believe that the owners of commercial sites need to make an effort to make their business a success and this and the previous site certainly achieved this. I would certainly recommend them both to people who enjoy this type of site.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£29.82 per night [3 adults + 1 infant]
CARLYON BAY CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK - ST AUSTELL [87]
Sunday 3rd August – Thursday 7th August 2008
I don’t normally visit commercial sites for no particular reason except that it would take too long to visit them all. My main reason for touring the country is to explore what different areas have to offer and consequently only need to use basic C/L type sites that are a lot cheaper than big commercial ones, with the occasional Club Site thrown in to do my washing.
Anyway my daughter, son-in-law and grandson had joined me and it was thought they may enjoy a site that had a lot more to offer than my usual choice. They also have a baby that needs facilities and the Caravan Club sites were all booked up
Reception was faultless and we were quickly shown to our pitch which was enormous. Enough room for caravan, awning and two cars. The grass had suffered from previous guests but the site owners seem to accept this and I didn’t see any notices about lifting ground sheets. This is probably impossible on some tents that have built in ground sheets. If you are a windbreak salesman you’ll make a fortune on this site. Everyone seemed to erect windbreaks around the perimeter of their pitch as if they are their castle walls and beware anyone who enters. Everyone to their own, I noticed that some people would look anywhere rather than make eye contact.
The facilities were good with a heated pool [no lifeguard], a shop and a restaurant/takeaway, but there is no bar. The toilet blocks are adequate and cleaned daily, however it is prudent to use them before the kids manage to spread paper all over. The Eden Project is within walking distance and discounted tickets can be bought onsite.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£33.75 per night [3 adults + 1 infant]
I don’t normally visit commercial sites for no particular reason except that it would take too long to visit them all. My main reason for touring the country is to explore what different areas have to offer and consequently only need to use basic C/L type sites that are a lot cheaper than big commercial ones, with the occasional Club Site thrown in to do my washing.
Anyway my daughter, son-in-law and grandson had joined me and it was thought they may enjoy a site that had a lot more to offer than my usual choice. They also have a baby that needs facilities and the Caravan Club sites were all booked up
Reception was faultless and we were quickly shown to our pitch which was enormous. Enough room for caravan, awning and two cars. The grass had suffered from previous guests but the site owners seem to accept this and I didn’t see any notices about lifting ground sheets. This is probably impossible on some tents that have built in ground sheets. If you are a windbreak salesman you’ll make a fortune on this site. Everyone seemed to erect windbreaks around the perimeter of their pitch as if they are their castle walls and beware anyone who enters. Everyone to their own, I noticed that some people would look anywhere rather than make eye contact.
The facilities were good with a heated pool [no lifeguard], a shop and a restaurant/takeaway, but there is no bar. The toilet blocks are adequate and cleaned daily, however it is prudent to use them before the kids manage to spread paper all over. The Eden Project is within walking distance and discounted tickets can be bought onsite.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£33.75 per night [3 adults + 1 infant]
Tuesday 5 August 2008
CROSSLANDS - OKEHAMPTON [86]
Wednesday 30th July – Sunday 3rd August 2008
I had all sorts of problems arriving at this CL. The entrance is quiet steep off the narrow approach road and I was concerned that the back of my caravan would ground as I entered. Whilst watching this I failed to notice that the blind rear corner was scraping along a stone wall that was hidden in the hedgerow. When I finally noticed it was too late, the damage was done. It is advisable to get a passenger, if you have one, to watch you in. The owner told me he had not heard of anyone else having problems entering with long caravans so perhaps it was me, coupled with the fact I was on my own. In my defence I can only say that I have towed vans of this length since 2000 without problems and I am aware of were everything moves to when corners are turned. I eventually used a convenient crossroad junction opposite the entrance and reversed in.
During my stay, someone else, with a much smaller van, managed to scrape the ‘dreaded wall’ and I also discovered that someone with a twenty-six foot caravan had been warned by the owners when they booked to be careful at the entrance. All this made me feel a great deal better!
The pitching area is a mown part around one side of a large field that is big enough to exercise your dog. One unusual aspect of this site is the electricity is metered and is the third I have encountered on my travels. Including inherited credit I used £2 during my four night stay. Any unused credit is passed on to the next user.
Okehampton a few miles down the road is a pleasant little town with all services, including a few supermarkets. A bus service passes the lane end for those that require it. The Dartmoor National Park is adjacent for those that enjoy walking, and good views of the surrounding area can be glimpsed through the occasional gaps in the hedgerow. Road noise from the nearby A30 can be heard but is not intrusive.
Analogue TV good
Digital Signal available
£6 per night + electric meter
I had all sorts of problems arriving at this CL. The entrance is quiet steep off the narrow approach road and I was concerned that the back of my caravan would ground as I entered. Whilst watching this I failed to notice that the blind rear corner was scraping along a stone wall that was hidden in the hedgerow. When I finally noticed it was too late, the damage was done. It is advisable to get a passenger, if you have one, to watch you in. The owner told me he had not heard of anyone else having problems entering with long caravans so perhaps it was me, coupled with the fact I was on my own. In my defence I can only say that I have towed vans of this length since 2000 without problems and I am aware of were everything moves to when corners are turned. I eventually used a convenient crossroad junction opposite the entrance and reversed in.
During my stay, someone else, with a much smaller van, managed to scrape the ‘dreaded wall’ and I also discovered that someone with a twenty-six foot caravan had been warned by the owners when they booked to be careful at the entrance. All this made me feel a great deal better!
The pitching area is a mown part around one side of a large field that is big enough to exercise your dog. One unusual aspect of this site is the electricity is metered and is the third I have encountered on my travels. Including inherited credit I used £2 during my four night stay. Any unused credit is passed on to the next user.
Okehampton a few miles down the road is a pleasant little town with all services, including a few supermarkets. A bus service passes the lane end for those that require it. The Dartmoor National Park is adjacent for those that enjoy walking, and good views of the surrounding area can be glimpsed through the occasional gaps in the hedgerow. Road noise from the nearby A30 can be heard but is not intrusive.
Analogue TV good
Digital Signal available
£6 per night + electric meter
ORCHARDS - BRIDGWATER [85]
Saturday 26th July – Wednesday 30th July 2008
When you leave the A39 and make the final approach to this CL you get a strong feeling of anticipation. The narrow roads presented no problems, there is very little traffic, however if you do meet something coming in the opposite direction there are plenty of passing places. The site is full of character; set in a mature orchard, the friendly owners were on hand to point me in the direction of the pitch they wanted me to use. This is necessary as length determines which pitch is best suited for your unit, and they always ask for details when you book so as the correct pitch can be allocated to your needs.
There is a toilet and shower block which doubles as an information room with a folder showing details of local attractions. The showers are free and one feature that is unusual on a CL is the provision of a washing machine [only the second I have come across on a CL] and that is also free. [You can make a donation to a local charity if you wish].
The nearest pub is about 1 mile away on the A39 with plenty of other hostelries which serve food within easy driving distance. Nearby Bridgwater has shops and supermarkets to fulfil all needs. Didn’t spot any bus stops in the local vicinity; however Bob the CL owner told me he has in the past ferried motorhome owners to bus stops a little further afield.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
When you leave the A39 and make the final approach to this CL you get a strong feeling of anticipation. The narrow roads presented no problems, there is very little traffic, however if you do meet something coming in the opposite direction there are plenty of passing places. The site is full of character; set in a mature orchard, the friendly owners were on hand to point me in the direction of the pitch they wanted me to use. This is necessary as length determines which pitch is best suited for your unit, and they always ask for details when you book so as the correct pitch can be allocated to your needs.
There is a toilet and shower block which doubles as an information room with a folder showing details of local attractions. The showers are free and one feature that is unusual on a CL is the provision of a washing machine [only the second I have come across on a CL] and that is also free. [You can make a donation to a local charity if you wish].
The nearest pub is about 1 mile away on the A39 with plenty of other hostelries which serve food within easy driving distance. Nearby Bridgwater has shops and supermarkets to fulfil all needs. Didn’t spot any bus stops in the local vicinity; however Bob the CL owner told me he has in the past ferried motorhome owners to bus stops a little further afield.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
PASSAGE FARM - SLIMBRIDGE [84]
Tuesday 22nd July – Saturday 26th July 2008
The piece of land formed by a horseshoe shaped sweep of the River Severn is home to this wonderful CL. Situated a few hundred yards from the end of the road that leads to the former Newham Ferry and within a mile of the village of Arlingham. The flat grassed pitching area is situated behind the owner’s home and wonderfully kept gardens and is adjacent to a fenced course fishing pond, which, according to photographs is the home of some very large fish. The toilet block doubles as an information room and library and has a folder with advice on local attractions and places of interest.
The last time I spent any time in this area was in the mid 1980s when I worked on a ship loading waste just south of Gloucester on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. I asked a few of the British Waterways staff if anyone could remember the occasion but no one could. I think it would cause problems if anything of that size used the waterway now, although pleasure craft and commercial traffic manage to exist side by side on the Aire & Calder Navigation in Yorkshire.
The nearest shop is in the village of Arlingham with a small supermarket, other shops and banks in Stonehouse. There are bus stops in the area but I didn’t see a bus during my stay. The Old Passage which is close by on the banks of the Severn and was probably once a pub, now seems to be a restaurant specialising in seafood. The Red Lion less than a mile away in Arlingham is more of a village pub and offers a menu which should suit most needs.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
The piece of land formed by a horseshoe shaped sweep of the River Severn is home to this wonderful CL. Situated a few hundred yards from the end of the road that leads to the former Newham Ferry and within a mile of the village of Arlingham. The flat grassed pitching area is situated behind the owner’s home and wonderfully kept gardens and is adjacent to a fenced course fishing pond, which, according to photographs is the home of some very large fish. The toilet block doubles as an information room and library and has a folder with advice on local attractions and places of interest.
The last time I spent any time in this area was in the mid 1980s when I worked on a ship loading waste just south of Gloucester on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. I asked a few of the British Waterways staff if anyone could remember the occasion but no one could. I think it would cause problems if anything of that size used the waterway now, although pleasure craft and commercial traffic manage to exist side by side on the Aire & Calder Navigation in Yorkshire.
The nearest shop is in the village of Arlingham with a small supermarket, other shops and banks in Stonehouse. There are bus stops in the area but I didn’t see a bus during my stay. The Old Passage which is close by on the banks of the Severn and was probably once a pub, now seems to be a restaurant specialising in seafood. The Red Lion less than a mile away in Arlingham is more of a village pub and offers a menu which should suit most needs.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
Friday 25 July 2008
MAXSTOKE HALL FARM - BIRMINGHAM [83]
Friday 18th July – Tuesday 22nd July 2008
When you arrive at this site it is difficult to imagine you’re only 9 miles from the centre of England’s second largest city. The pitching area is a sloping grassed field but it levels off towards one end where the electric hook ups and individual water taps are situated. The whole site is bordered by trees and farm buildings where the toilet and free shower are situated.
The nearest town is Coleshill which has all the usual facilities including a couple of small supermarkets and there is a convenient park and ride at Coleshill railway station with gives access to Birmingham city centre. The site is also only a couple of miles from the NEC. There is plenty to do in and around Birmingham and Coventry is within 10 miles. There doesn’t appear to be a local bus service within walking distance from this site but there are miles of country lanes for cycling.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
When you arrive at this site it is difficult to imagine you’re only 9 miles from the centre of England’s second largest city. The pitching area is a sloping grassed field but it levels off towards one end where the electric hook ups and individual water taps are situated. The whole site is bordered by trees and farm buildings where the toilet and free shower are situated.
The nearest town is Coleshill which has all the usual facilities including a couple of small supermarkets and there is a convenient park and ride at Coleshill railway station with gives access to Birmingham city centre. The site is also only a couple of miles from the NEC. There is plenty to do in and around Birmingham and Coventry is within 10 miles. There doesn’t appear to be a local bus service within walking distance from this site but there are miles of country lanes for cycling.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£10.00 per night
Sunday 20 July 2008
PARK FARM - ILKESTON [82]
Monday 14th July – Friday 18th July 2008At this site it is difficult to imagine that you are less than 2 miles from junction 25 of the M1. The views over Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are superb and not what I expected. The helpful owner was on hand to assist with advice on the best place to pitch on this part sloping field.
On the drive down my trusty tow car had developed a minor fault and Dennis the site owner pointed me in the direction of a garage in nearby Sandiacre. The staff at R & K Sandiacre Garage were very helpful and quickly found the problem and made a temporary repair. Whilst doing this it was noticed that the fan belt was in poor condition and needed replacing. Not bad for a car that was serviced by a Nissan dealer just over 1000 miles earlier.
Because of my car problems I only managed to get to Kedleston Hall on the
outskirts of nearby Derby, however there is plenty to do in the local area. I haven’t heard much recently about The American Adventure Theme Park, however if it still exists it is not far away.A regular visitor that was on site told me that there are several good walks from this site however I did not find a bus service or any shops within walking distance.
Analogue TV good
Digital Signal Available
£10.00 Per night pitch fees
Friday 11 July 2008
BACK HOME
Sunday 6th July – Monday 14th July 2008
Left Rosedale Abbey Caravan Club Site on Sunday morning and arrived home just after midday. The main reason for the break is to attend my little sisters’ birthday party in Leeds on Friday 11th July. However it is nice to be back home to see my family and to visit friends and old work mates. A lot of the week has been spent booking the next part of The Mooch and so far I’ve organised up until mid October. It can be time consuming especially when contacting C/L’s, because on occasions it is necessary to leave massages on answer machines and await a reply. This holds up the whole process because of the uncertainty of getting a pitch hence wondering if subsequent destinations need to be changed. Anyhow it’s all booked and I am looking forward to getting back to my travels on Monday.
Left Rosedale Abbey Caravan Club Site on Sunday morning and arrived home just after midday. The main reason for the break is to attend my little sisters’ birthday party in Leeds on Friday 11th July. However it is nice to be back home to see my family and to visit friends and old work mates. A lot of the week has been spent booking the next part of The Mooch and so far I’ve organised up until mid October. It can be time consuming especially when contacting C/L’s, because on occasions it is necessary to leave massages on answer machines and await a reply. This holds up the whole process because of the uncertainty of getting a pitch hence wondering if subsequent destinations need to be changed. Anyhow it’s all booked and I am looking forward to getting back to my travels on Monday.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
THE HOWARD - ROSEDALE ABBEY [81]
Wednesday 2nd July – Sunday 6th July 2008
The drive from the A170 to the site is narrow in places with a few hills and sharp bends but did not present any problems. When you get here you’ll realise it was all worth while. This gem of a site lies close to the centre of this popular tourist spot and one of the many benefits is that you don’t have to fight for a parking spot if you decide to stay local, the village gets busy at weekends. A few things are not available at this site and include no toilet block, no mobile phone signal, no radio signal, no digital TV signal, and no supermarket locally. However there are shops, pubs, public telephones and restaurants within walking distance and I managed to get good reception on four TV stations [no channel 5]. Some people could not get a signal at all, so I think it depends on which pitch you are on. There is a bus service to Pickering but it only runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays March to October and daily from late July to the end of August. You can get more information on the Moorsbus website www.moors.uk.net/moorsbus
The list of things to do is endless especially if you like walking or cycling and there are loads of attractions within driving distance.
Analogue TV good [on pitch 59]
No digital signal
£6.48 - 1 Adult {mid week discount for part of stay]
The drive from the A170 to the site is narrow in places with a few hills and sharp bends but did not present any problems. When you get here you’ll realise it was all worth while. This gem of a site lies close to the centre of this popular tourist spot and one of the many benefits is that you don’t have to fight for a parking spot if you decide to stay local, the village gets busy at weekends. A few things are not available at this site and include no toilet block, no mobile phone signal, no radio signal, no digital TV signal, and no supermarket locally. However there are shops, pubs, public telephones and restaurants within walking distance and I managed to get good reception on four TV stations [no channel 5]. Some people could not get a signal at all, so I think it depends on which pitch you are on. There is a bus service to Pickering but it only runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays March to October and daily from late July to the end of August. You can get more information on the Moorsbus website www.moors.uk.net/moorsbus
The list of things to do is endless especially if you like walking or cycling and there are loads of attractions within driving distance.
Analogue TV good [on pitch 59]
No digital signal
£6.48 - 1 Adult {mid week discount for part of stay]
Tuesday 1 July 2008
THE HAWTHORNES - PICKERING [80]
Saturday 28th June – Wednesday 2nd July 2008
The 9 mile drive from Brawby Grange lasted less than 30 minutes and took me past the entrance to Flamingo Land. It seemed to be popular judging by the number of cars on the approach road.
The Hawthornes is just off the A170 in Middleton less than 2 miles to the west of Pickering and the C/L is behind the owners home which doubles as a bed and breakfast business. When I arrive at a new C/L I immediately get a feel for the effort that the owners are putting into the operation. Let’s face it you will not become a millionaire from running a C/L so anything that is above average is a credit to the owners. This one did not disappoint, the grass was well mown and a service point had re-cycling and waste water disposal. There is a slope on this site and my 26ft caravan just levelled out before the rear end touched the ground but blocks are available and did not give me any problems. One advantage is that it raises your van to give fine views over the surrounding countryside. A W.C. doubles as an information centre and buses to Pickering and beyond run on the A170 at hourly intervals. I didn’t manage to find the village pub open at times that suited me but that is common away from town centres, however the menu looked good... You can hear the road noise from the main road that boarders the southern end of the field but this becomes indiscernible during the night. The owners have a kitchen garden in the bottom part of the field and use produce from this plus locally sourced products in their guest house business. They will even cook you a reasonably priced breakfast if you require. Homemade preserves are available. Derrick Griffiths wrote about the owners in the letters section of the May 2008 edition of The Caravan Club Magazine. More info about guest house at http://www.the-hawthornes.com/
Pickering is within walking distance from the C/L or I recommend using the bus, parking in the centre town is in short supply at busy times and can be expensive. Plenty of shops selling every need and there is a small supermarket run by the Co-op. Market day is on Monday. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs from Pickering through Heartbeat country and now on to Whitby a must for one day of your stay. Don’t fail to visit Beck Isle Museum in Pickering which shows how the surrounding area was shaped through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
£9.00 – 1 adult
Monday 30 June 2008
BRAWBY GRANGE C/L – MALTON [79]
TUESDAY 24th JUNE – SATURDAY 28th JUNE 2008.
As you approach this site the roads get narrower and narrower although they did not present a problem to my outfit that must be around 35 ft long. Oncoming traffic can be seen and there are plenty of places to pass.
The property appears to be a farmhouse that the owners are modernising and the c/l is in a large well mown orchard behind the house. There is an additional area off the main field that could be used for rallies if required. The ground is basically level although it is slightly undulating; however it is large enough to find a level area. It was popular during my stay and I would advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Apart from the usual facilities of fresh water and chemical disposal there is a WC and a dedicated disposal point for grey water. It is obvious the owners take great pride in their c/l and even provide a washing line and pegs for anyone that requires them. The lawn mower must have cost a fortune and even cleans up after itself. Helps prevent walking those grass cuttings into your van. I did not notice a bus service in the immediate area, but there is a pub in Great Barugh about a mile away.
Further information can be found at http://www.brawbygrange.com/ or by telephoning 01653 668245
Malton is the main town in the area and is typical of the market towns found in North Yorkshire with all types of shops and a few supermarkets. There is also a bus and rail station in the town centre.
During my stay I chose to visit Nunnington Hall and Eden Camp but there is plenty to do in the immediate area with Flamingo Land and The North Yorkshire Moors Railway not far away.
As you approach this site the roads get narrower and narrower although they did not present a problem to my outfit that must be around 35 ft long. Oncoming traffic can be seen and there are plenty of places to pass.
The property appears to be a farmhouse that the owners are modernising and the c/l is in a large well mown orchard behind the house. There is an additional area off the main field that could be used for rallies if required. The ground is basically level although it is slightly undulating; however it is large enough to find a level area. It was popular during my stay and I would advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment. Apart from the usual facilities of fresh water and chemical disposal there is a WC and a dedicated disposal point for grey water. It is obvious the owners take great pride in their c/l and even provide a washing line and pegs for anyone that requires them. The lawn mower must have cost a fortune and even cleans up after itself. Helps prevent walking those grass cuttings into your van. I did not notice a bus service in the immediate area, but there is a pub in Great Barugh about a mile away.
Further information can be found at http://www.brawbygrange.com/ or by telephoning 01653 668245
Malton is the main town in the area and is typical of the market towns found in North Yorkshire with all types of shops and a few supermarkets. There is also a bus and rail station in the town centre.
During my stay I chose to visit Nunnington Hall and Eden Camp but there is plenty to do in the immediate area with Flamingo Land and The North Yorkshire Moors Railway not far away.
£7.50 - 1 Adult
Anologue TV good
Digital TV available
BEECHWOOD GRANGE – YORK [78]
FRIDAY 20th JUNE – TUESDAY 24th JUNE 2008.
I’ve always thought of this site as “The Other Caravan Club Site in York” and now I realize how wrong I have been. During my many years caravanning I have tried on several occasions, without success, to get a pitch at Rowntree Park. If you look on the club website you will find that it is fully booked at weekends for the rest of the year. I sometimes wonder if this is because of the ease of booking online, and being able to cancel at the last minute without penalty. Perhaps the club should devise a system that members are penalised for regular last minute cancellations. This should give more genuine members a fighting chance of booking.
Anyway because I was unable to get into Rowntree Park I’d booked Beechwood Grange and was pleased I had. I’d only travelled from a C/L listed in Market Weighton and arrived around Midday. Reception was the usual ease associated with Caravan Club Sites even though I’d booked for one adult, and on this occasion my wife and son would be joining me for part of my stay. I’ve always thought that not being able to declare extra persons for part of your stay when booking online would cause a problem, but in reality have found that wardens don’t have trouble with this.
According to the website the site was fully booked for the weekend, but there were plenty of pitches available when I arrived. I pitched on a level hardstanding and set up, which usually takes a little longer because I am on my own. I’m not bad at reversing, [my son who is a HGV driver thinks I’m rubbish] so don’t usually hold up any traffic and was soon on my way to reception to get my barrier key. Having been told that only one car was permitted on each pitch I left my car in the small car park so my visitors would be able to park on our pitch. The site was starting to fill up and seemed to be popular with families with younger children. This site has plenty of facilities for children of all ages with play equipment and a field dedicated to ball games etc.
To take full advantage of the attractions on offer in and around York you need to spend at least a fortnight in the area. Monks Cross Park and Ride is just down the road for attractions in town, with shopping close by. Other places out of town are easily reached by car. We chose to visit Castle Howard on Saturday which is well worth the travel, and was good value using the clubs two for one offer. I am a member of the National Trust so on Monday I visited Beningbrough Hall. Which has an audio guide available if you require?
So if you want to visit York don’t be put off by not being able to get in Rowntree Park. This site is not good for visitors that want to travel out of town, the traffic can be horrendous. Use Beechwood Grange you won’t be disappointed.
Charges on club sites vary and can easily be calculated from information currently available. However I intend to show the nightly charge so it gives me a comparison. The information after the charge indicates the number of people staying for the whole visit with guests staying for part of the time shown in brackets.
£15.60 1 adult [2 extra adults for 2 nights]
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
I’ve always thought of this site as “The Other Caravan Club Site in York” and now I realize how wrong I have been. During my many years caravanning I have tried on several occasions, without success, to get a pitch at Rowntree Park. If you look on the club website you will find that it is fully booked at weekends for the rest of the year. I sometimes wonder if this is because of the ease of booking online, and being able to cancel at the last minute without penalty. Perhaps the club should devise a system that members are penalised for regular last minute cancellations. This should give more genuine members a fighting chance of booking.
Anyway because I was unable to get into Rowntree Park I’d booked Beechwood Grange and was pleased I had. I’d only travelled from a C/L listed in Market Weighton and arrived around Midday. Reception was the usual ease associated with Caravan Club Sites even though I’d booked for one adult, and on this occasion my wife and son would be joining me for part of my stay. I’ve always thought that not being able to declare extra persons for part of your stay when booking online would cause a problem, but in reality have found that wardens don’t have trouble with this.
According to the website the site was fully booked for the weekend, but there were plenty of pitches available when I arrived. I pitched on a level hardstanding and set up, which usually takes a little longer because I am on my own. I’m not bad at reversing, [my son who is a HGV driver thinks I’m rubbish] so don’t usually hold up any traffic and was soon on my way to reception to get my barrier key. Having been told that only one car was permitted on each pitch I left my car in the small car park so my visitors would be able to park on our pitch. The site was starting to fill up and seemed to be popular with families with younger children. This site has plenty of facilities for children of all ages with play equipment and a field dedicated to ball games etc.
To take full advantage of the attractions on offer in and around York you need to spend at least a fortnight in the area. Monks Cross Park and Ride is just down the road for attractions in town, with shopping close by. Other places out of town are easily reached by car. We chose to visit Castle Howard on Saturday which is well worth the travel, and was good value using the clubs two for one offer. I am a member of the National Trust so on Monday I visited Beningbrough Hall. Which has an audio guide available if you require?
So if you want to visit York don’t be put off by not being able to get in Rowntree Park. This site is not good for visitors that want to travel out of town, the traffic can be horrendous. Use Beechwood Grange you won’t be disappointed.
Charges on club sites vary and can easily be calculated from information currently available. However I intend to show the nightly charge so it gives me a comparison. The information after the charge indicates the number of people staying for the whole visit with guests staying for part of the time shown in brackets.
£15.60 1 adult [2 extra adults for 2 nights]
Analogue TV good
Digital signal available
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)