We're considering buying a caravan (budget >£5k) and finding somewhere to put it for 6 -12 months that's within 2-3 hours of SW London - for weekends/weeks away - to see if it suits us.
We want to go into this with our eyes as wide open as possible so hope forum members are able to give us the benefit of their experiences and knowledge.
We'd be really grateful for advice/suggestions on:-
- finding & buying the best caravan we can
- what we should look for & consider when evaluating possible sites
- how to find possible sites within our search area (any recommendations gratefully received!)
- what we should budget for in terms of site fees, utilities etc.
- the things we should consider that we may not have thought about
- the things that all of you who do this wish you'd known before you did it!
We realise this is quite a long list of 'asks' so please feel free to offer your experience/advice in whatever area(s) you wish.
Many many thanks for whatever advice or suggestions you can give.
Hi, the only thing that I can say is that you may find it more difficult than you think to find a seasonal pitch. I have been looking in a different area to you and things may be different in different parts of the country but everywhere I have tried is already fully booked for the 2022 season.
The prices on the sites we have been looking at are around £2500 - £3000 for the season. Some include electric, others meter it and charge separately.
I would start with the campsite search on this website and select the seasonal pitch option and your general area to see what comes up. Then it might just be a case of emailing/phoning around to see if anyone has any availability. Many sites won’t tell you their seasonal prices online so you have to phone them anyway to find out!
I would sound out the options for seasonal pitches before even looking for something to put on it. Once you have a location and price agreed to your liking, then look for the van. Make sure there are no age limits to what you can put on there, as well.
Try buy a van that has had at least one recent service (within a year). Then, if the layout is what you think you need - fixed bed/or more 'living space' etc. (its usually one or the other), and the van doesnt have a funny smell or staining on the ceiling or walls, start haggling!
Also, make sure your licence/car will cover the towing side.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Advice please: Siting a caravan
