After my first couple of replies to the "older vans" post I am now going for it & posting my first topic ever on a web forum!
Thanks to the good advice given on the other topic, which has lead me to pick Home Farm Holiday park near Brean/Burnham for my first ever caravan trip with my boys (first with me running it, that is, I can remember loads of great hols in Wales with my parents in their tourer). I've booked for the 2/3/4 next month, so fingers crossed for the weather.
I still can't believe that at the end of a bank holiday week I can book a long weekend for me & two boys, use of swimming pool, club, playground, etc, for less than £30!
I'm assuming I just turn up at reception, get my pass, etc, drive to the pitch, set down & hook up.
Just one point... Do I empty waste water in "chemical disposal point" or is that for the porta pottie only?
Any hints & tips for a complete newbie would be more than welcome.
Hi Syeve, well done on the first topic, won't be long till your as good as the best on here! And that ain't me either!
As shoohie says yup pay on arrival and most sites will either point you in the direction of your pitch or get you to follow them on their bike to the pitch, still to find a site that isn't helpful to newbies so if in doubt just ask, they will be happier if you ask and get help than blunder through and make a mess of it. As you have been away with your parents we will assume you know roughly what you are doing so it remains to remember the two basic rules
Have Fun
Relax
Thats about it!
Had a look at the pictures in your profile - what a great looking van, looks like you got the pick of the litter with that one, well done you!
Hopefully we will get to meet up one day when you attend one of the many ukcampsite.co.uk meets, that will be yet another first for you and the lads!
Well done on the van, the posts and the first topic, if you hadn't said you were new to all this I wouldn't have thought it!
Good luck to you on your first outing, and of course all your outings, do get along to a ukcampsite.co.uk meet, the lads and yourself will enjoy it even more, regards B.C.
Thanks for the big welcome guys, the compliments on the van & the advice.
The van was professional resprayed last year & has been kept very tidy over the years inside & out. It came with all the original documentation, which is always a good sign in my book.
The only problems I know about is water coming in around the grab handles both ends... it looks to me like they were just screwed back on after the respray without being sealed & the roof vent has been cracked & repaired over the years.. doesn't leak but I have a new one to replace it anyhow . It's not to bad so after looking through the damp repair links I am going to make it my autumn/winter project.
Re your 'grey waste' (ie - waste water) - ask at Reception when you book in about disposal - some sites like you to use the CDP, some have dedicated grey waste disposal points. Never hurts to check!
No worries about little lanes. Home farm is only a stone's throw from the M5 exit and has an easy & wide approach. It was the first site we chose when we were caravanning virgins and we picked it for its easy access.
Home Farm has a large reception beside the barriers, where they will give you your pass cards and your window stickers (which I suggest you don't 'stick' to the window.
Just be careful that the site has some 'rocks' on the corners of the site roads, to dissuade people from cutting corners and damaging the grass. Personally, I hate obstacles of this kind which I can visualise ripping the side out of our caravan. They're not a big deal, but keep them in mind!
When you choose your pitch, think about matters such as drainage if the weather turns wet, your location in relation to the loos, play area, water supply etc, and which way your caravan faces - ie if you want the sun on your awning, or not. There are a few trees dotted around Home Farm - and you may prefer not to pitch under them as they do tend to drip sap, bird poo etc, and raindrops falling from trees onto your roof can drive you crazy!!
Also, just down the road is Highbridge Caravans - you might find them a godsend if it turns out you are missing any essential equipment, or if you have any technical issues with your van.
Welcome, good choice Home Farm for first outing you will enjoy it clubhouse is good, I live in the same area as you and should you need advice/help later on with the rooflight then let me know.
Micky
------------- Yesterday is history,tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift,that's why they call it"the present"
Thanks for the gen on Home farm, I'm really looking forward to it now.
Yes, I did get it on Ebay, paid a fair price I think considering the condition. Thanks for the offer & advice Micky, I might end up taking you up on it yet!
I've just been out doing the final jobs on her, putting number plate on ,etc, getting everything ready for the off while I have the time.
I didn't realise there was so much to remember, but made myself a list & think I've got everything... roll on next Friday, can't wait now!
And may I offer you and yours a warm welcome on behalf of all the members to the UKCS Tin Tent Brigade and what a smart neat outfit you have as our revered one with the Hallowed name which is spoken whith great reverence "Papa Pip" says relax and enjoy everyone had to start at the begining and we all had to learn
enjoy every minute with your new pride and joy which! by the photos will certainly be a talking point once you are on site.
dont forget send in a report about your first outing.
While on the subject of home farm,we stayed there overnight enroute to cornwall. After a fairly long drive i was really looking forward to a nice shower, on opening the cubicle door i was confronted by a large notice stating that this is a shower not a TOILET?? Make's you think doesn't it!!!!! Other than that it seemed a very nice, well run site.
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: Have I hit gold?
