It depends.
I am a member as I like to attend rallies - I caravan alone so I find this is a good way to make friends and spend time with other like minded people (my husband has no interest in camping or caravans)
I also like to visit the small 5 van sites called Certificated Locations (CLs) which are open to members only.
You can also access other services such as insurance, breakdown cover, technical support etc....
Some of the sites in the Club network are members only but the majority accept non members.
I would suggest you visit some Club sites and see if you like them and what they offer.
Then maybe consider joining the Club for a year and see if you believe the membership fee is worth the cost for you and your family and what you get out of being a member.
yep: just join, we did, we dont go to caravan club sites, but enjoy the benefits of discounts on stuff, as well as enjoying the monthly caravan mag that gets delivered to your door.
we are intending to do cl sites this year and also meeting up with our local club. i think the cost of joining is well worth it.
happy days.....
------------- life may not be the party we had hoped for, but whilst we are here, we might as well dance.....
Why not give it a try for a year? Whether its worth it will very much depend on how much you will use their sites or services they offer. Without having a clearer idea of what you want its not as easy a question to answer as you might think. Everything it offers is of a high standard but some think this comes with a price. Having been a member for over 30 years I could be a bit biased!!!
Depends if you would use it. Don't join for the magazine because it looks like its days are numbered. You need to be a member to use a lot of club sites but frankly they are overpriced anyway. Rallies and CLs are a cheap way of caravanning which can recover the membership fee in a few weekends when you consider the potential savings to be made in comparison to commercial site fees.
Mind you if you take any notice of most of the posts you see about rallies usually posted by someone who's mums friends dogs cousin once saw what might have been a caravan rally then you will be aware that only weirdos are allowed and it is compulsory to wear a bra on your head and dance round the flag in your underwear... Or you could find out for yourself what really happens.
We looked at both, but didn't bother joining either of them. As 'DaveCoaches' says above, the club sites seem overpriced.
I think if you intend using CL's etc then it would be worth joining, but there are plenty of private sites that are as cheap (if not cheaper) than the club sites.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 08/1/2013
Why not give it a try for a year? Whether its worth it will very much depend on how much you will use their sites or services they offer. Without having a clearer idea of what you want its not as easy a question to answer as you might think. Everything it offers is of a high standard but some think this comes with a price. Having been a member for over 30 years I could be a bit biased!!!
David
This is the best advice. How easily, and when, you can get on a pitch will depend on how you plan your holidays - there will be opinions at both ends on this. Also, during the season, try the alternatives like private sites. In the end, only your personal findings will give you a true decision - third party opinions can be too affected by their own personal opinions. Happy camping!
like some others we're members of both clubs and have benefitted from both one way and another from preferential site fee's for members , to discounts on gear purchases from retailers such as towsure as well as the breakdown/ recovery service which guarantees car and 'van will get home in case of emergancy
so my advice would be to join at least one
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
Quote:
Mind you if you take any notice of most of the posts you see about rallies usually posted by someone who's mums friends dogs cousin once saw what might have been a caravan rally then you will be aware that only weirdos are allowed and it is compulsory to wear a bra on your head and dance round the flag in your underwear... Or you could find out for yourself what really happens.
Post last edited on 09/01/2013 06:39:35
Re: DaveCoaches - laughing a lot here re: rallies. I haven't ever been brave enough to see what really happens after I put my name down for one and then some complete loony called me at home. I cancelled. Club / rally details shall remain nameless. Maybe I'm too scaredy.
We're members of both clubs and have found it super-useful. It's just good to know that we can pull up pretty much anywhere listed as a campsite and be welcomed. We do go away pretty often though - if you stop going for a period of time it's probably quite pricey / visit.
Heidi
------------- We rent fabulously fitted out truck campers in San Francisco, USA.
We were members of both clubs for years - C&CC being the longest membership when we changed to CC only. The main reason for choosing the CC was because our van is insured through them, we have Green Flag with them, and we use Red Pennant (CC) when we go abroad. Since that change, we cannot say that we have lost out on anything, as in the main we pick selected private sites, usually adults-only, with CC sites and CLs very much in the minority.
We are members of the CC and this will be our 4th season coming up. We use both the big CC sites and also the CL's. The large sites we have been on have been very good, the facilities have always been excellant and the wardens friendly and helpful. The CL sites that we have used again have been good, providing you select the ones that have the amenities you are looking for i.e electric hook up, toilet, showers, if these are what you want. But also available are ones that do not have this and they can be cheaper still. The CL's are quite a bit cheaper than the big sites but obviously not as many amenities. I like the CC magazine which comes each month it has lots of information in it. I am still getting to grips with the Club Together side of the website but again that seems to be helpful once you learn to navigate it.
I would advise you to try the CC for a year and see if it is for you. Explore both the big sites and the CL's to get a feel for both. Possibly, if time permits, try a private site and see what you think about that. The best thing you have done so far is join this forum the help and advice you will gather from here is fantastic.
Happy caravanning Twurly
------------- You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option!
We're members of the CC and don't use any of their products (i.e insurance or breakdown) but we do use their sites and I don't find them anymore expensive than a comparative private site. In fact out of season they can be cheaper.
We use them for short weekend breaks and you know what you get wherever you go!
Our favourites are Pembrey, Tredegar Park and Longleat!
We are also members of the CC and use their breakdown cover.
The plus points for us are the location of some of the local sites Craigie gardens and Edinburgh which are ideal for short breaks and still allow a walk,bus journey or short car journey to the main shops.
We don't find the cost of the sites to be excessive compared to private sites and you still have the option of using CL sites which allow cheaper breaks.
Wow thanks for all the replies, i certainly have a lot to think about and can't wait to hear the rain smashing down on my caravan roof(reminds me of when i was a kid).
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
