I think I have a very sensible solution - my boss has stepped up and offered to lend me his caravan on an as and when basis. I'm thinking of biting his hand off as it would be free, dry, and give me a good insight into whether its for us or not.
So, assuming the caravan bit is sorted, I'm now looking at sites. I know there are numerous threads about whether CC or C&CC are better, and the general response is: it depends what you want.
If it were just me, I'd be going straight for the hideaway certified sites, as quiet as possible. However I'm not sure this would be compatible with a toddler (we would be the family everyone glares at for causing noise!)
So what sort of site would be better for us? I really don't want to use the big club sites unless we'll really be disturbing everyone else on the small sites.
The C&CC club allow me to search for sites with playgrounds/good for children, can I do the same search through the CC?
Hi,
I don't think I could advise you which club to join as we did belong to the c&cc last year but found the UK Campsite listings far more helpful and informative. My only advice would be to try and get on the actual various sites own web pages where usually they list all the info that you need and will normally tell you whether it is adults only or if their are play areas for the kiddies etc. Good luck - but most of all take up the offer - its the only sure-fire way of knowing if its for you.
Almost all of the official c&cc sites have playgrounds. Why not go to a local one for a weekend to test the water.
You can go as a non member but it costs extra.
Hi, i have been taking my 18 month old toddler grandson with us and have used CS/CL's and the bigger club sites. Solway view, near Kirkcudbright is a certified site and fab for families (you havent put your location on so I dont know how close you are) and there are lots like it. There are all different types of certified sites - I often prefer them with or without children.
Most CL and CS sites have a lot more space for 5 caravans than you would have on a Club site, I would not worry about having a toddler with you.
Only the C&CC list "family friendly" CS's and you can search before joining. To get access to full CL information you have to join the CC first. CL's only take 5 caravans, CS's take 5 caravans plus tents if there is room.
Do you want\need EHU, if not you will likely find a cheap CL\CS and could even have it to yourself.
Or you could just look at privately run sites and not bother joining either the CC or C&CC! You don't have to, you know, it's not compulsory!
Just look for sites where you want to go on the UKCS campsite search and see what comes up. Prices vary enormously. If you are only going to get away for a few weekends or so, then you will probably not need to join either. Private sites don't often charge for children under 5, and so you would only have to pay for yourself and the pitch+EHU on some sites, as they charge per person. Be aware though that some charge per unit, which typically includes 2 adults and two children, sometime you can negotiate a discount, sometimes not.
I'm a member of the C&CC, but recently couldn't find a site near where I wanted to be, so went for a private one which was pretty reasonably priced.
There are lots of small campsites endorsed/recommended by the C&CC but you pay the price as set by the site, and quite often don't have to be a member to go and camp on them.
As Jax says I wouldn't bother joining for a trial run.
You could try a C&CC club site and pay the pitch fee for non members and same with some CC club sites and see if that suits you
Alternatively hundreds of private sites out there to trial it out
If sites don't want children they will be adults only and marked as such. If other caravaners don;t want children around them then they should also choose an adults only site - simples!
join the camping and caravanning club the subs are cheaper you get family package price NO pitch fee and the
campers are more friendly and helpful to young folks with kids
I'd say C&CC is better - purely from a searchability point of view, but I probably take more notice of the reviews on here than on there.
Does your boss have children? Our toddler has been going away in a caravan from birth and still hasn't exhausted all the possibilities for destruction-testing - my heart would be permanently in my mouth if our caravan belonged to my boss!!
Yes, boss has two small children and caravan is very preloved if you catch my drift.
Good point about the number plate - I think we're ok as the dealers sent us the wrong shaped plate for our cattle trailer when we got the vehicle so we've got one spare.
I'll look at the C&CC site search, and the one on here and pick somewhere!
thanks again (I'm sure I'll be back with more questions...)
Quote: Originally posted by Jax365 on 03/7/2013
Or you could just look at privately run sites and not bother joining either the CC or C&CC! You don't have to, you know, it's not compulsory!
Just look for sites where you want to go on the UKCS campsite search and see what comes up. Prices vary enormously. If you are only going to get away for a few weekends or so, then you will probably not need to join either. Private sites don't often charge for children under 5, and so you would only have to pay for yourself and the pitch+EHU on some sites, as they charge per person. Be aware though that some charge per unit, which typically includes 2 adults and two children, sometime you can negotiate a discount, sometimes not.
I'm a member of the C&CC, but recently couldn't find a site near where I wanted to be, so went for a private one which was pretty reasonably priced.
There are lots of small campsites endorsed/recommended by the C&CC but you pay the price as set by the site, and quite often don't have to be a member to go and camp on them.
Something else I thought of - if not borrowing his car as well, you will need a temp number plate for the caravan for your own car! :)
Post last edited on 03/07/2013 12:07:31
Post last edited on 03/07/2013 12:10:46
Post last edited on 03/07/2013 12:12:43
Op did mention using a CS and would\should be a member to do this. Also Cl\Cs's normally have a fixed price per pitch and most are a lot cheaper for a family weekend than a commercial site.
We have kids and I joined the cc which I never used, I just sesrch on here or google etc for caravan parks and do it that way, we found a few nice ones for kids that way.
Don't take to much notice of reviews either they always seem to be from people who for some reason have reason to moan but never the people who have good time.
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: CS vs CL sites: I have a sensible option!
