CLs - how they work

They vary a lot GC. Some require full payment, some require a deposit which may or may not be refundable. Others are more laid back and you pay nothing until you turn up. 

We always look upon using a CL as a form of contract with the CL owner. If we book, we turn up, or at the very last resort in an emergency cancel. In 30 years of touring, mainly on CLs, we have only had to cancel at short notice once, and as we knew the CL had turned away other users, we did not expect our money back. They were kind enough to refund our fees for the nights they could relet, which we thought was very fair. 

Most CLs don't take a deposit except at bank holiday times. Why not look in you site directory, or on the club's web site, for one in the area you hope to visit, read the reviews and then, if you find one that suits your requirements have a word on the phone, or by e-mail, with the owners and explain the situation. Most are very understanding. 

I think the answer, gc, if you're woried about not being able to go, is to leave it until as late as possible before booking. Unless you're very fussy about what facilities you need, leave it until a couple of days even before you're going and ring around a few CLs to see if they have a pitch going. I know Brid is a popular holday aea and you may be looking at busy times but i bet you'll probably find somethig to suit if you do.

Good luck!

was thinking tonight about my ealier post on prices at Brid quite a few said try a Cl in the area near my sister she not live in Hornsea just has her caravan there ,so I was thinking how do Cls work ,do you have to pay a deposit or upfront for all of the fee?? ,which is no good to me ,if the weather is nasty my sister wont go away and as I'm on my own if I'm ill or anything I can't drive so I will lose any monies paid ......

A CL can only accommodate 5 caravans or motorhomes, now if you book one and pay no deposit then because it rains you don't visit that CL as not only lost money from your stay but also from a member who would attend come rain or shine.

I agree that letting a small business down by not attending due to the weather is not the best (obviously unless it is unsafe to travel).  If it was me and I was not going fort this reason I would always pay the money as principle anyway.

CLs are fantastic sites and good value for money.  I would always recommend giving them a go and seeing if they are for you or not.  If you go into the holiday section and search by map you can quickly see what CLs are in the area and what facilities they have.  We usually pay between £10-£12 per night for EHU or £5-£7 for non EHU. However, if you think you are likely to cancel then I agree with the above post and book at last minute.  We have always found one in the area we want to viisit.

there,s no need to have a dig at me because I said I may have to cancel because of the weather I was referring to my sister not visiting her caravan if the weather is poor I would only be going to that area to meet up with her ,there wouldn't be any point in going if she is not there ,if she stays at home problem solved as her house is a damn site nearer than the East Coast 

It's not about having a dig GC.  It's about highlighting that CLs are different to large CC sites and that there are more significant implications to cancelling due to there on being space for 5 vans. 

I can recommend two CLs in the Bridlington area. We have stayed on both and they have been lovely, nice owners, lovely locations. Both are slightly North of Brid, so outside of the town itself (a blessing as far as we are concerned!). Branwood, at Bempton, and Hartendale Farm in Flamborough. Not knowing a deal about your circumstances, ie if you need loos and showers, not sure if either will suit. We book a few days prior to going, and have managed to get in. 

Grange Farm at Ulrome is a lovely site with great owners.  Only a few miles from Hornsea.