We have identified sites we'd like to stay at for our visit to the Lake District this August. However, they don't allow pre booking and its a turn up a see process! is this as bad as it sounds or is pretty much OK? Also has anyone any tips like time to turn up or the like?
I guess the day and time you turn up may be a deciding factor - ie Friday night I would imagine would be busy with weekend campers. So turning up on a Thursday or Monday might increase your chances of getting in??
As MamaBear has said I would ring them and get their advice.
Quote: Originally posted by MamaBear on 08/8/2007
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I would suggest phoning them and asking questions to see what your chances are in getting a pitch without booking.
Yes, I'd say the same thing. There's a campsite I fancy in Cornwall which doesn't take bookings but we popped in for a look around and to ask some questions when we were down there last week and the owners explained that eg they are always full in school holidays but no problem outside of that. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
If one is Castlerigg Hall they do get full - they don't "squash" you in so the site full sign does go up quite quickly.
However, we were told that as long as you don't arrive on a Friday or Satuday you have a damn good chance of getting on. If we're going in August we usually go on a Sunday (when the weekenders are leaving) or on a Thursday (before they arrive!!) and we haven 't had a problem yet. We aim to arrive for 11ish and usually are allowed to pitch up early - if not they have a small parking area where you can wait. If it is Castlerigg Hall it is a fantastic site and worth it.
------------- Gail
March - Bamburgh
Easter - Low Park Wood CC Kendal
May - Yellowcraigs CC North Berwick
June - Wharfedale CC Grassington
Yeah, We were thinking of doing the Sunday mid-morning arrive so may just land on sites and try... and by the way yes the two site mentioned are on our hit list just need to decide from our long list where our faves are...
I suppose we all like a little bit of security from knowing that something is arranged. Just turning up is a great go-with-the-flow feeling, but not funny if you've got impatient kids/husbands/wives etc. I tried a campsite last weekend, not thinking for one moment that they would be full, but due to flooding on a nearby site, they were chocka. My guys would have been mighty mad at me.... On the other hand, some websites say minimum 2/3 night booking in peak times, but if you actually ring/call in, they will put you in for a night.
Jeff - although we've never not gotten on Castlerigg Hall we always have a "reserve list". Castlerigg Farm is a separate site on the same road, and also Fisherground which all don't take bookings so you have standbys if need be.
Have fun - if you do go to Castlerigg Hall have breakfast in the hungry hiker cafe one morning - delicious!!
------------- Gail
March - Bamburgh
Easter - Low Park Wood CC Kendal
May - Yellowcraigs CC North Berwick
June - Wharfedale CC Grassington
We are just back from a night at Caolasnacon in Kinlochleven who have a no booking policy. This made me very nervous as we have too kids and it's a two hour drive. Called the site and the lady advised she'd been there 34 years and hadn't had to turn anyone away. She did suggest arriving around midday or just after, as most of the campers leaving that day would be packed up by then. We arrived at 12.30 and had a great choice of pitches available.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: No Booking Policy
