We have been members of both, dating back to mid 80's...then sold van. When we started again 2008 we joined both.We have just cancelled a week and 1/2 ago, our membership of Caravan Club. Everything seems such a chore with them, booking is hell..I am sure if you just turn up at one of their sites...you would most probably get on/in. (Providing you are a member that is) Loads of block bookings seem to tie up the system...they must get left with pitches? Oh, and it was even a problem for the wife to cancel the membership (direct debit). They HAD to speak to me...however are we not both members? They believed her when advised by bank that D.D was cancelled. Caravan and Camping Club are as they say more friendly, less starchy, and I have never stayed on any site,Club/private that is not up to scratch. Altough one was rather 'iffy' the site itself was fabulous...the facilities, loos showers etc.......would never have used them...disgusting.It was a private site. Down south near Poole, look at reviews on here,before you book is my advice.
Austin's point re booking is very valid.
The CC [well its poor members really] is a victim of its own policies and popularity. It has over sold itself to the point that it is near impossible to book in school holidays or weekends, unless you are proactive very early in the 'booking' season.
Just check on their website the 'pitch' availability of a few sites that might appeal for this years school holidays. I think you will find that whilst they have lovely sites you will not be going to the ones you like during the school holidays this year, its got that bad.
If you want to use this years membership you will need to embrace the 'holiday meets' and 'rally' systems, together with the 5 van site network. Then be poised on the CC's booking release date in Dec 2012 to 'bag' your 2013 choices. Don't leave it too late, even on the first couple of days if you want a two week school summer holiday slot at Haycrafts near Swanage as I know from personal experience you can fail!
We have been members of both for over 30 years and feel they both have their strengths and weaknesses. The issue above now means we tend to use the CC's main sites only in the winter and shoulder seasons, the rest of the year its with rallies, the C&CC and both club's 5 van networks.
Whichever you choose do yourself a favour and at least try the more peripheral small sites and rallying/holiday meets offerings, you might well find they work well for the family.
We joined the C&CC last year purely because there was a specific site we wanted to use.
Used one other since and I like the fact that the wardens are vigilant esp. to anti-social behaviour etc. which has blighted more than one holiday we've had on commercial sites.Facilities were spotless and the staff very friendly, we did have a choice of pitches, not just given one as was suggested by an earlier poster.
------------- Are you sure you've read the instructions?
I joined the CC because people said it was less child friendly but every site I've been on has been crawling with kids and they all seem to be having a great time.
What I need is a club which is 14+
Have to agree that CC facilities are fantastic and it's been a real let down when I've been to a non-CC site since
We have been CC member since getting our van in 2008 and at times used commercial sites, however we have always gone back to CC sites due solely for the standard you get. Our two kids 6 and 14 also love them especially those with a play park. We looked at couple of C &CC sites but thought they were of a lesser standard in terms of pitches, roads, facilities etc.
We only go at school holidays and bank holidays due to working a school etc and although the christmas booking system is different we have never not got what we wanted as i book all holidays at this point, as we know where we are going whom is on holiday etc at what time (two different schools)
Therefore CC sites for us all the way with some commercial sites we have found which are particularly beautiful
Chris W
We are members of both clubs and have been in the C&CC for over 25 years so have seen many of their sites. Don't be put of by comments about poor toilet facilities by people who have only ever been on one C&CC site. By and large the facilities are as good as CC sites - modern and not run-down at all. There are admittedly a few sites where the facilities are a little tired or "past their sell by date" but they are always clean and perfectly useable. We've been on one or two CC sites where the facilities are just as tired by the way.
There's really nice sites in both Clubs.
No one had yet mentioned the Member Family Deal on the C&CC sites, which even with two children works out a couple of pounds a night off (even more with more children) and in the Low Season all children camp free anyway. And though it doesn't apply to the OP children under 6 camp free all year round.
Quote: Originally posted by evenstephen on 22/5/2012 No one had yet mentioned the Member Family Deal on the C&CC sites, which even with two children works out a couple of pounds a night off (even more with more children) and in the Low Season all children camp free anyway. And though it doesn't apply to the OP children under 6 camp free all year round.
I have been a member of both the C&CC and CC for 7 years. I rarely use their Club sites but do ise the CL, CS, THS and rallies which give me access to some excellent value trips away with like minded people.
Personally I seem to be using my CC membership more this year and I did consider cancelling my C&CC membership this year but I do particulalry like one of their CS's so have kept the membership purley so i can go to that lovely little site!
The CC accept caravans, FC and TTs and some sites accept tents. The C&CC accepts all units.
Quote: Originally posted by scarletsfan on 21/5/2012
Quote: Originally posted by dazzer252 on 21/5/2012
We like the CC as have a 17 month old and the CC toddler bathrooms are excellent and always spotless. We have stayed at one C&CC site and agree with the above comments in that we felt the facilities weren't quite as good. If you are happy using your van shower / facilities then maybe look at the C&CC but if high standard washrooms are important then consider the CC.
We looked at the cost benefits of joining before we did and I have to say that the membership pays for itself very quickly. When you add in all the extras on many private sites (ehu, awning, dog, etc) the CC sites work out good value for money.......their on line booking system is also excellent and you have the benefit of been able to cancel up to 72 hrs before going which is handy if the weather changes or you can't go!
Best bet is to find a site close to you from each club and just pop along for a look...it will at least give you an indication of what might appeal to you.
So it's you that's booking up the sites and not going just because the weather's not great!
Ummm...NO! I was just pointing out to the OP that you have the option. I have only ever cancelled once since been a member but its useful to know that if gale force winds are forecast, and its not safe to tow, that you have this as an option! Not so with many other private sites where you may loose a desposit, etc!
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: Caravan Club or Caravan and camping club
I was just pointing out to the OP that you have the option. I have only ever cancelled once since been a member but its useful to know that if gale force winds are forecast, and its not safe to tow, that you have this as an option! Not so with many other private sites where you may loose a desposit, etc!
