Thinking of giving up our membership

I have just found Newlands Caravan Park, near Stratford upon Avon and they have a storeage site next to the caravan park.  I don't know if they will site the caravan for you, when you want to go, but it could be a question well worth asking?

David 

Having once done exactly what you are considering, I would certainly agree with most of the advice offered so far with regard to the pitfalls. We were very lucky to find a vacant pitch on a site right where we wanted to be, and were even able to go and buy a new static from wherever we wished with no fee going to the site owner. So far so good. The contract was typical and not too worrying as they promised at least 10/12 year ownership before having to replace the van. Site fees were about the same as we were paying annually whilst touring, so all looked good. 

We kept it for 5 years and initially loved it, but the neighbour's became the problem!  Some seemed to always be there and eagerly expected to party & socialise the moment we arrived. Our immediate neighbour turned out to be a noisy "full timer" who had a succession of dodgy lady friends, all with noisy terriers. That really was the only problem, and we were lucky to get out and only lose about 50% of what we paid for the van. 

Personally, I think the neighbour problem is potentially the biggest, but there are other aspects that you can't change once you get there. At least you can move on when touring. 

I have just found Newlands Caravan Park, near Stratford upon Avon and they have a storeage site next to the caravan park.  I don't know if they will site the caravan for you, when you want to go, but it could be a question well worth asking?

David 

That's an over and above piece of research ? CT at its best.  Not something I would hgave considered without this prompt.

Whatever your decision I wish you all the best.

Thank you David, that was good of you to look. That may be an option. I looked at their website and like that they have hard standings and that the bus to Stratford stops at the end of the lane. This would save us towing etc. We are looking at the other site next week so will also go there and have a look. Just goes to show it is worth posting on here sometimes.

Stratford upon Avon is on our doorstep so we regularly visit.  If its the big site on the banks on the River Avon please be aware of the flood risks. Some of the statics are fitted with buoyancy aids as it regulary floods.

We lived in Northampton for 12 years Jazzy, our daughter was born in the Barrett. Yes aware it floods in that area, but thanks for the tip off.

Another site you might want to consider, no as close by, is Milestone near Newark. I know that they store and will site your caravan for you because I've seen them doing it.

Agree that Stratford is a great area, DEBSC. Loads to see and do in the area and the town itself is lovely, with lots of green space and really attractive.

If you are going to chose a 'semi-permanent' base, then this would be a great one,

The problem with seasonal pitches for a touring caravan is that they are not easy to get. The demand seems to outstrip the supply on the Caravan Club sites in this area of the south coast.

Well we have done it! We have spent some considerable time viewing sites and also viewing their Terms and Conditions and their contracts. We have found a site that suits us, we have a very long lease. We appear to have very nice neighbours - been in for a cuppa while viewing the site. Spoken to lots of other people on site, who recommend it, saying they are happy there. We take ownership of our static van in September. Grandchildren all excited, as are we, and looking forward to all spending time there. We did look at sites where we could pitch our caravan, as suggested by some other posters on here, but it wouldn't have worked for us. Only sad part is we will now have to sell our lovely Cadiz and superb kampa awning.