Loosing More CLs, why?

Yes, EBJ, I've just done a quick check through the last site directory, where I mark off lost and add new site each month, and there's been about 95 new CL and we've lost about 200 in the last 2 years.

Why can't you accept that some people only need a flattish pitch, water and, for us anyway, EHU? We do like H/S during the winter months but have no problem using grass pitches at other times.

You asked for an opinion as to why the number of CL's is dwindling and I gave my thoughts, if you don't like what people may say then don't ask and please get off your high horse

Many, maybe most people would have stayed in a hotel of some sort and probably travelled abroad so you may be in the minority who knows but I still say that the way people holiday nowadays has changed.,  Perhaps when you were younger a tent in a field or maybe a holiday camp were the de-rigeur but now its not its all inclusive holidays, decent hotels with hot and cold running water etc.

MT,  dont entirely disagree with you, but not everyone likes Plane/hotel type holidays abroad, doesnt mean we havnt done them,we have. We now prefer discovering far flung parts of the UK with our dog,  in Some areas  a CL is all thats anywhere near,and legal.

Some of our most memorable holidays have been on a CL, one particular springs to mind,  near Cape Wrath. Hamnavoe .  Long may they exist !

Holidays are about memories that doesnt always mean luxury.

I seem to remember the question of how many nights I had spent on CLs and how many on club sites in a survey I completed for the club some years ago. I suspect that those of us who use CLs are in the minority of members and that is why we don't see much about them in the magazine.

Certainly if they didn't exist I wouldn't be a member of the club.

im glad to say i like vanning at all types of venues.....from far flung sites with all the trimmings (pools, bars, restaurants) to a field with a tap....

sites, CLs, THS sites, all suit at that particular time....

re: the 'demise' of CL numbers, im sure there is an element of truth in what Michael says, in that folk might be moving towards more 'upmarket' van breaks...and those posh trips abroad....

however, the supporters of the cl type of stay are very loyal to the cause and are doing their best (with their usage) to keep them viable.

as i said, we do use them, but not exclusively as some do, we mix and match but enjoy our cl stays as much as the others.

my own view is that (struggling) CL owners should try and keep costs down and (to me) this isnt building shower blocks and the like, ot might lead to too big a shift in price, and even the cl diehards want value fpr money.

so...leave it to the big boys....who can afford it...

We too mix and match depending on the area we are visiting and available sites.  Like you say BB a lot of people don't just want a tap in a field any more but some thing more, weather that be EHU, toilet, shower etc. or even entertainment for themselves or children.

We had a discussion last night, my son is looking to book a summer holiday and looked at Spain, Forest Holidays and Centre Parc's (they do not have a caravan or MH) for them and their kids aged 14 months and nearly 4.  Spain was a little expensive, Forest holidays have nothing to do if its inclement weather but Centre Parc's have it all, plenty to do outside if nice, indoor activities and swimming pools. 

So using the same analogy to someone who uses a caravan or MH they may want more to do than just sight seeing especially if its wet.

I agree its all horses for courses, one mans meat etc.  But a lot of people do want a hotel with all inclusive and maybe more important some sun

We to have had some great holidays in the van on all types of sites and locations as well as hiring chalets, hotel holidays etc.

Michael, you have a point....

we took our children their partners and our granddaughter to CP last year, and they all loved it.

we will ne going back this year and taking my inlaws, so four generations being able to find things to do, even in a british summer

You asked for an opinion as to why the number of CL's is dwindling and I gave my thoughts, if you don't like what people may say then don't ask and please get off your high horse

MT, I am certainly not on a high horse. I too use club and commercial sites. What I asked was what gave you the right to say that everyone used hotels & went abroad, when it's blatantly obvious that some of don't? See Rayj's post above.

Here is a thought. Brue has just posted a story about Stourhead and mentioned the CL there. If more people who use CL's were to contribute stories of their trips and also add a selection of photographs that might well be a good way of promoting the use of CL's.

David