Are racecourse sites starting to sell caravanners

BillTheBus replied on 16/07/2014 13:13

Posted on 16/07/2014 13:13

This February we took a big decision to sell up and take a gap year before relocating so are spending the year touring the great country of England. We are currently staying on our 7th site of the tour, we like to sit out where possible so try to pick sites that are likely to be quieter, 3 so far have been on racecourses,

On the first stay, 14 nights at Uttoxeter, was brilliant apart from the weekends. The first weekend we were treated to 'The Bus Stop Over' festival. On the Friday afternoon and teatime around 1000 units from VW campers to caravans tents etc converged onto the course, using the only road that gives access to the club site also. Signs went up around the perimiter of the festival stating that all music must cease by 12.00 midnight, looks like our quiet weekend has gone. Both nights the noise went on until after 1.00 in the morning and was clearly disturbing the peace in the van let alone outside. On the Saturday we took the decision to go out for the whole day returning around 11.00 PM, should not have to do that!!. 2nd weekend we looked to see if another event was planned and if soi we would leave early. Some sort of food exibition, so decided to stay. Again a lot of noise and again noisy music but this time did finish at a reasonable hour. Given that there was a tribute band on the Thurs evening after racing, there was a tribute band on in the same area and we never heard a thing, it must have been loud

So next we head off to Stratford racecourse, again for 14 nights, first checking that no events were planned via their website and none were. Lo and behold Friday afternoon vehicles started arriving and setting up for another festival. Early evenin g the music started again and continued until late into the night, both evenings i was forced to turn off the commentary on the football and put on our radio to drown out the sounds. We were at the furthest point on the site from the music, a good 5 minute walk, so the people nearer must have had it very bad. Contacted Stratford racecourse to explain the problems we had had and got rather a curt reply 3 days later to say there was only an indoor computer jam on, no appology explanation etc and if we wanted to leave early speak to the wardens. 

We are currently on Cheltenham Racecourse and i contacted them to see if any events were planned and a very nice lady called Laura emailed me several times to say not but there was some noise from the building work ongoing. Checked out what was planned and true to her word there is some noise but nothing loud enough to spoil the peace.

As we have never used racecourse sites before is this a common occurance or have we just been unlucky, have looked at many reviews and am surprised it happens at lots of other courses. I have absolutely no problem with the courses using resources to the full but should caravanners be informed prior to arrival, should the noise be monitored by their security and should it end at a reasonable hour?

I understand totally this is out of the Caravan sites hands but think the racecourses have a duty to keep us informed and a control on the noise that comes along with these events

Thoughts anyone??

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook