Funny how the culture can change on C+C sites. One positive experience I have had was after being washed out on Borrowdale and trying to find a site we could get on that wasnt flooded the Keswick site put us up even though they were full and booked up on their emergency pitch. It was a lifesaver!
The discount for old farts and on insurance and RAC makes it almost free for us £35 for the two of us ???, we have been to some good ones too , as for tape measure ,weve always had enough room and anyway we like to get close .
I have to say we are considering if it's worth signing up again next year. We used to go to alot of the sites when we had our tent and I have to say I didn't find the friendly club very friendly, they only seem to be friendly if you are in a massive white motorhome or caravan and anyone else is just an inconvienience. We have only visited 2 C&C sites this year and had issues at both: We booked up at Crowborough and it was bad weather however despite half the site being empty we were still pitched at the bottom of a hill in what I would describe as a bog. It was only when we advised 3 hours after arriving that we were leaving that they offered to move us (and then had to tow us out when we insisted on leaving still as by that time everything and all our clothes were covered in mud) The toilets were filthy with toilets and showers covered in mud which ok it was bad weather, however we had had to wait 45mins to check in (we arrived after the specified 12pm) as they were apparently cleaning?? so would have thought they would have been clean. Also at the sailsbury site as mentioned in my previous post the pitches were in rows side by side with 2 rows backing onto each other. All other people had car to the left, caravan next to that and then awning attached so 3 things side by side. We had the camper with a small daytona storage tent attached and were told that because of the walkthrough we were too wide and would have to put the camper at the top of the pitch with the awning in front, I advised I was not moving as we advised what we had when we arrived and that was how they pitched us, also if we went the other way we would not get the camper out. After the Hitler walk I got out my own measuring tape to prove that there was 2 meters gap as specified and queried why we were too wide with 2 small items and others with huge caravans, massive awnings and 4x4's side by side weren't and suggested they go and measure them. We were then allowed to remain as we were. But then got hounded with rude phonecalls when we got home as we left one day early (left n day 6 instead of day 7) The toilets at this site were clean though. We asked if we could have a BBQ but they advised they would need to check the BBQ was at the right height C so we didn't bother. However we also stayed at a non C&C site in Kent which was just brilliant, someone had parked thier car in our pitch on arrival so we asked if we could go in the next pitch which was fine, toilets were heated and immaculate, lovely polite staff who came round to check every couple of days if everything was alright and had a little chat, all other campers were friendly and all said hello and good morning (I often get ignored by caravan owers on C&C sites) BBQ's were allowed with no specified height other than 'off the grass' We also stayed at another non C&C site above Fleet Lagoon the year before and again that one was brilliant and immaculate with polite staff. I know not everyones experience will be the same but for this year that was 2 out of 2 on bad experiences so I think next year I would rather stay at more private sites. Grumble over ;D
Rules are only a guide for the wise and an umbrella for the foolish. The site at Cley was good toilets heated and clean, lots of space on a hard standing pitch. The main reason for joining was the excellent choice of sites and locations, cost and facilities. I am sure we will along will keep you posted. Tilly is 105 posts that is a mere sprog though compared to some
Not used any for a few years as we go that France but in the past its mainly been the certificated sites so no rules as such and often more space.
We found that friendlier sites, run by nicer people, albeit with not quite so immaculate facilities, are to be found by using campsite websites like ukcampsite.co.uk.
I'd rather crap in a plastic bag. When we've been to their sites they are thee most awful sites to go to with their regulations. Me too
Some of the popular one's are frequented by major issue and Doting Doris's but if you get off the beaten track and use the less known one's you would be surprised how welcoming they are . Lou and me were at loss and it was getting late one night and we just pulled in and blagged a place at a ccc park in Harlech -- they were great to us and made us very welcome . At another site later on the same year ( after we had joined ) some bloke who was camping just as we were came over and recited the whole rule book to us , i listened intently pretending to be engrossed , when he had finished i leaned slightly toward him and said - " WOW YOU read tHe whole rule book - how f-ing boring are you ? please go away and let us get on with our holiday in peace !" Lou wacked me but it did the trick in general i have to say the are decent sort's but Major issue and Nobby no mates do my head in and they go to ccc sites
We've never had any issues though we have probably used them less and less due to the great review system on UK Campsites. Though in Keswick C & CC site an old woman came wandering into the gents,looked at me with my todger out(giggled a little !!!) and said " oh I must be in the gents" She must have thought it was an okay todger though as she did exactly the same the next morning
The reason for the existence of these type of sites, is planning Law. "The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 gives the Camping and Caravanning Club (and a select band of other organisations) the right to allow landowners to establish small campsites on their land without the need for planning permission. The Club calls these Certificated Sites (CSs). A CS can accommodate up to five caravans and motorhomes, along with as many tents as can be comfortably and safely fitted in the designated area."
