We are considering putting our van on a seasonal pitch and have found what looks like a lovely site at a brill price in Devon. We're going down on Saturday to see how long it takes to get there and to have a good look round before we commit.
The thing is that I'm worried I'll get carried away and sign on the dotted line without asking the right questions.....so can anyone advise what we need to ask/know beforehand?
------------- Carol x
Seasonally sited in Devon for the first time!!!
The best seasonal pitch sites should offer you a pitch without any restrictions for a set price
Once paid, you or anyone in your family should be able to use your caravan ANYTIME you or they want to without any additional fees.
the only exception would be a daily charge for electricity.
Dont be mislead by very cheap prices that rocket with lots of extras.
Look at it as an "all inclusive" pitch once paid thats it
One other important thing to think about is if you are allowed to put an awning up and leave it up when you go home, do you live close enough to fix it if it gets storm damage, if not who would fix it for you in your absence.
We are on a seasonal pitch and love it. Beforehand, were worried about the security of the caravan ,when we were not there. We were pleased to notice that the security came around every evening , at dusk and last thing at night and that they checked each plot when touring caravans were due to leave/arrive.. We also liked the added benefit of a security banner
We also got to know the other seasonal caravaners,( on a good morning , nice weather today type, not in and out of eachothers vans ! ) most of whom were retired/semi retired and " Kept an eye on our van while we were working .
We are on a seasonal pitch for the first time in East Anglia. It is also the first season for the van two pitches along from us. They moved this year from a seasonal in Devon as they found the journey hideous particularly in peak season and at peak times, so please factor in the additional journey times if that is relevant to you as it may limit your use.
Thanks everyone there's some really good thoughts there.
Electric is included and we can keep the awning up but I hadn't thought of damage and being so far away. The pitches are hard standing for the van but grass for the awning which is perfect as my OH hates walking on the stones and we have two dogs who ignore there nice comfy basket and lie on the floor!!
Asking about the weather and security are brill ideas.
And no I'm not spilling the beans till that dotted line is signed lol !!
------------- Carol x
Seasonally sited in Devon for the first time!!!
CatieB, yes that's the price we may have to pay for living in the wilds of Shropshire....I think it's the farthest county from any sea anywhere. Wales is obviously closer but it's travelling on twisty turny roads whereas motorway travel is easier.
------------- Carol x
Seasonally sited in Devon for the first time!!!
With the hard standing, awning on grass you are pegging into soft grass and might not be suitable for leaving awning up for months with High winds etc. If awning was on a concrete hard standing like ours you can drill and fix wood around the awning area and fix to that. Good for leaving awning up all season then.
I dont recommend going on a grass s/pitch,After a few weeks it will stink like a compost heap. Plus you will get condensation,awning windows misting up,You will find that your awning will suffer from mildew stains on the inside of the roof, poles start to rust (white powder)
My awning is on gravel,I put rubber matting down on the gravel, Then i have 3 layers of visqueen,On top of that i have 3 ground sheets, Then a carpet on top.This lot certainly keeps the heat in the awning and dont suffer with rising damp.
First question I ask the site, EHU how many amps, is it shared with another van.Is the electric included in the site fee.Is storage included in the fee,How much does the site fee go up each year,Find out what is on the site and surounding area that is in interest to you both,Another factor is security barriers etc, Can you leave the awning up if you leave for afew weeks,Is there room to park your car at the side of your van, how big is the pitch,
Then theres the toilet blocks, Look and see if they up to scratch,are the showers free (hot water)
Devon is a good drive, consider ... how often will you use the van its a four hour drive from shropshire,
Hope you enjoy it if you go down this route. We love it, My van is down cornwall,You certainly dont get fed up down there, so much to see and do.We can leave our awning up all year winter included if we wanted to, but we put the awning up just before easter, comes down end of sept, We stayed in cornwall for 7 months, and loved every minute, didnt want to come home and do the five hour drive,just seams longer going home.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
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: Seasonal Pitch...questions to ask
