Our needs are pretty simple, tidy, easy campsites with good quality facilities, that are not too expensive. We are not into rallies, they suit some, but we prefer our own company, although we do meet some lovely people on our travels that we are happy to socialise with. We are happy to mix with other campers, but we are not into sitting in circles, or doing quizzes ( with or without our own cups). We do use the forums and campsite searches on line frequently. This is not a criticism of rally goers, many people really enjoy rallies but they are not for us.
Caravan Club. We have been members of the club for many years. Sadly the booking system is dire and in all this time we have only managed a very few sites as we like to go at the last minute. The magazine is rubbish,the print is so tiny even I have problems with my glasses on, the website is getting better. We really only joined for the international camping card, now called Key Camp, which we find useful and the Europe Camping Books. Should we stay members....probably not! However, there is always a "but," we did actually manage to get on a site recently, Hurn Lane in Somerset and we had a great time. So there is some hope. Review of that site to follow and it was featured in the magazine this month. On reflection, Hurn Lane is now likely to be full for the rest of the year.
Camping and Caravanning Club. Much nicer feel to this one, easier to book sites and appears more friendly. Choice of on line or paper magazines, a bit cheaper on line. Linked to the ASCI club, so possibly a better alternative to Key Camp and a good choice of campsites. On a recent trip to France we got ASCI prices at all the sites we went to and we are not members yet! We joined this year as we are looking at some of their escorted tours. We have just booked on the two presentation days in November/December, so something to look forward to.
Motorhome Fun. This has got to be my favourite. Cheap to join, lovely website, forum and Facebook page. Good fun. Rallies for those who want to attend, but really useful information on loads of topics. This is always my first stop for information.
IH Owners Club. Most marques have their own clubs. This one has been great for us for information about our van and sharing hints and tips.
UK Campsites. This is a great little site and I use it all the time. The virtual brochure is a clever little tool. We always read the reviews and find them generally very enlightening.
Trip Advisor. Again, useful for information.
Searchforsites. Someone put a lot of work into this. A really handy site.
Social Media. Loads of clubs here just find one that suits.
Britstops. Lots of good feedback on this one from other travellers we have met but there is a limit to how many books you can carry.
All the Aires. BIG BOOKS. Hopefully we may get to try them out this year.
Finally, if you have a van join the National Trust, if you are over 60 ring them for a reduction! We use our membership a lot and find it well worth the pennies for us.
Hurn Lane Caravan Club Site.
Yippee!!! We did finally get onto a Caravan Club Site so all is not lost.
Caravan Club Site Hurn Lane
Hurn Lane in sunny Somerset, actually Brean. The site is of the usual high standards expected. We used the gravel hard standings, although there are some grass pitches, they were waterlogged, so closed. Very pleasant site, although a bit of a walk to the beach, we used our bikes. Lovely bike trail from the site. We stopped at the cricket club on the way home.
Bike Trail from Hurn Lane
If you are really naughty you can use the supermarket in the next door site Unity Resort, another of our favourite places. The only downside to Hurn Lane is "seagulls", they lurk as soon as there is food about. We had a very peaceful weekend and will be going back soon (if we can get in!!! )
We are currently exploring motorhome escorted tours with The Camping and Caravanning Club and have booked to go on their presentation days in November/December this year, so watch this space.
No comments:
Post a Comment