What do people want or expect from a CL ?

JohnM20 replied on 25/09/2018 08:50

Posted on 25/09/2018 08:50

We have just returned from a wonderful 10 days on a lovely CL in the New Forest. This was exactly as all the reviews had stated, flat, peaceful, lovely owners and very well kept. We were surprised, however, by the remarks of one couple who were staying there who didn't like the CL one bit. They were complaining about the fact that there were three horses in the adjoining paddock (excuse me but we were in the New Forest famous for horses!), They claimed they could smell them and there were flies, neither point we could agree with at all. They also said that they thought the site was bigger than it was. The handbook states it is half an acre which is possibly underestimating the actual size as there was far more space per unit than any CC main site but this couple were trying to judge the size from the photos online. (If they looked at the photos they would also see horse jumping 'jumps' in the adjoining paddock which might have given them a clue as to the possible proximity of horses). Why not believe the owner's description? They then went on to say that they didn't believe the reviews on line claiming that they were probably all written by the owners themselves. What an insult.

Talking the the owners in very general terms about people going into the countryside and then complaining about the characteristics of the countryside, sounds and smells etc, I was told that one couple staying on the site last year asked the owners to do something about the noise of the sheep (which they didn't own) in a neighbouring field. What do people expect ? If you don't like the characteristics of the countryside stay in a city and listen to the traffic and breath in the fumes.

replied on 06/11/2018 09:46

Posted on 05/11/2018 22:36 by Takethedogalong

We always expect to see what we call a "hoying". Some form of stock will require moving from one place to another, and it usually involves a dog, two quads and few humans flapping something and yelling "hoy, hoy" to keep things moving. It's part of the holiday seeing farming professionals at work. In our time on farm sites we have helped round up loose sheep, the odd cow or two, seen lambs and calves born, watched milking and sheep dipping, and encountered all sorts of farming machinery. Wonderful wildlife as well.

Posted on 06/11/2018 09:46

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Takethedogalong replied on 06/11/2018 11:04

Posted on 06/11/2018 11:04

Sounds lovely AD. Yes I think milking must be learned behaviour, often see lines of cows placidly making their own way home for milking. My OH did some walking in proper rural Spain, really enjoyed it. Said it was fabulous watching vultures wheeling around, and the scent of rosemary as they brushed past the bushes. He took some photos of wild goats for me as well. 

We would much rather be in more remote places when we go away. Few and far between in this tiny island, but some spots give the illusion. Probably why we love moorlands so much. 

replied on 06/11/2018 12:18

Posted on 06/11/2018 11:04 by Takethedogalong

Sounds lovely AD. Yes I think milking must be learned behaviour, often see lines of cows placidly making their own way home for milking. My OH did some walking in proper rural Spain, really enjoyed it. Said it was fabulous watching vultures wheeling around, and the scent of rosemary as they brushed past the bushes. He took some photos of wild goats for me as well. 

We would much rather be in more remote places when we go away. Few and far between in this tiny island, but some spots give the illusion. Probably why we love moorlands so much. 

Posted on 06/11/2018 12:18

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Wherenext replied on 06/11/2018 18:28

Posted on 06/11/2018 12:18 by

Flocks of Vultures are not uncommon there and when 50 or more are circling I do wonder if somethings died nearby which is not impossible with such large flocks of sheep (I suspect a vet is rarely called out to them).

Posted on 06/11/2018 18:28

Natures very own recycling unit in action. Vultures are always a  wonder to watch, well for me they are.

thebells replied on 18/11/2018 19:50

Posted on 18/11/2018 19:50

Well I admit it I am a very inconsistent caravanner! Just back from long weekend at Sweethope Loughs CL in Northumberland and it has now (with the sad closure of Faugh Head Farm), been placed at the top of my "favourites" list.

I have criticised other sites in the past for dilapidated facilities etc, but in this instance I chose not to take off my rose tinted spectacles ( we had the whole site to ourselves ) and look beyond the stunning views and absolute peace and quiet.

The toilets and showers were definitely in need of a good sweep to clear the leaves and cobwebs and the grass was too boggy,  between hardstanding pitches that had moss growing through, to erect an awning: but I didn't care!

If I could have a permanent pitch anywhere this would be it.

I have now come to the realization that my caravan heaven is somebody else's caravan hell and vice versa. I have changed my mind entirely about "what I expect from a CL" and am just grateful that these places still exist!

Ps I actually loved hearing the wild pheasants squawking at each other and the owl whose hooting caused my two terriers to howl back!

Wherenext replied on 05/12/2018 15:03

Posted on 05/12/2018 15:03

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the User.

I have been reading various reviews of Cls in trying to "plan" next summers outings and came across one CL that was alternatively described as an "Unpleasant Pigsty" deserving of no stars if possible or "Heaven" and given 5 stars.

To each his own.

nelliethehooker replied on 05/12/2018 19:30

Posted on 05/12/2018 15:03 by Wherenext

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the User.

I have been reading various reviews of Cls in trying to "plan" next summers outings and came across one CL that was alternatively described as an "Unpleasant Pigsty" deserving of no stars if possible or "Heaven" and given 5 stars.

To each his own.

Posted on 05/12/2018 19:30

Maybe some people love pigsties!!wink

ocsid replied on 06/12/2018 10:09

Posted on 05/12/2018 19:30 by nelliethehooker

Maybe some people love pigsties!!wink

Posted on 06/12/2018 10:09

Or maybe they have no idea what these are like? wink

It is hard to credit the club's inspectors would actually approve one for camping.

fatbelly replied on 23/12/2018 18:27

Posted on 23/12/2018 18:27

Regarding some people being hard to please, I've read a review on tripadvisor regarding a club site and the reviewer complained because it rained for 3 of their 6 day tour and the Warden never warned them about this when they rang to book. The reviewer took 2 starts off in their score and only gave 3/5

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