Club prices getting silly

Well, we will be in North Devon next weekend, but won't be concerned about towing on those narrow roads! 

Special "Valentines Weekend" break at what looks like a first rate hotel with sea views at (sharp intake of breath ) a touch over  £100 a night including all meals and the dogs come with us for free (and probably get more attention than us!) 

I do think there is a real issue about providing for what people APPEAR to want but ignoring what those who don’t visit want. I hope that makes sense. It applies to other things not just caravan sites.

I wonder if many CAMC members who have been members for a long time appreciate the security of club sites which are usually well kept, but because they have been caravanning or motorhoming for a while have gradually upgraded to vans with more facilities and so are happy with no facility sites, whilst families like all the facilities. Families probably spend less time away than us oldies, so higher prices become less of a problem.

I had gained the impression that CLs were gaining in popularity, so I am surprised at the low occupancy you report. I suspect that some members are still afraid of them! They really are not sure of what to expect. Also, from some site reviews you read, people are unduly cautious about driving down lanes even for short distances.

Some CLs need to sell themselves, I suspect. But how much effort and money you put into such an exercise will surely depend on how important the CL business is to your overall income. the Club also should be selling CLs to a far greater extent than they do.

All generalisations of course. And there will be plenty of members who say “that doesn’t apply to me”.

I suspect if you took into account the wider ownership than just those in the Club, I am guessing the majority would not opt for service pitches. Hard standings maybe but not serviced pitches. That is my judgement from using a wide variety of sites many of which are just as well used as Club sites even though there may not be EHU or hard standings. I think there will always be a good demand for a vairiety of sites and pitches. One size fits all will never be the answer.

peedee

It's a great site for walking.

The path all the way to Ilfracombe is downhill. For an easy return just use the bus.

Very easy walk to Woolacombe.

Club Sites aren’t giving us the value for money we seek any more. They are fine if you want to stay in one location, have decent standard facilities if you don’t use your own, and don’t want the bit of exercise involved in daily camping chores. But beyond that, we find they lack any kind of space, privacy, and are too noisy for us nowadays generally. And by far the priciest sites we use occasionally.
I won’t rule out a return to Clumber, but only because at the moment it’s about the only place close enough to take a couple of nights while caring for Mum. But there are a lot of other, less pricey, nicer options not far as well. And with a decent phone signal. 

It’s a shame, because we do like some Club Sites, but we prefer to spend our money on more nights away, rather than less nights at a higher price. We look at options for holidays based on value for money, and we can and do find lovely cottages snapped up late that compare with a week on a Club Site. 

We did nine nights last year on Club Sites. I think we might only need one hand this year, if that. 

I prefer Ilfracombe or even Damage Barton.

peedee

Totally agree PD👍 If you remove choice, then some folks like us will go elsewhere. The Club is now using its partnership CLs as the less pricey, more choice element of its provision (other than rallies which are not for everyone). A do think a lot of folks would walk away if it wasn’t for the CLs. We have never seen CLs as busy as they have been this last couple of years, even the No EHU ones we have just driven into we have had to check before going.

...wider ownership than just those in the Club, I am guessing the majority would not opt for service pitches

So now you are discussing what the majority of the wider ownership (of outfits) outside the club and how they wouldn't want SP? Really?

Well of course, if they wanted SP and club sites they would join the club and use them, so if they don't want them then they won't. 

But it is totally irrelevant what people outside the club want, the club will look at what it's members want and no matter how much posters try and deny this SP are proving very popular, and very profitable as well - of course.

One size does not fit all yes, so those that do not want what the club offers will go elsewhere (and no doubt post on here to say so). Yes there will always be a demand for different sites and pitches. The club offers this style and others will offer something different, there you go just what you want and there for everyone to choose. 

I don't know what you're complaining about? You're not going to use club sites and have found just as good for you elsewhere, so it's a win.

Willingcott is on one of the much better roads around here ADavid, our daughter lives almost next to it so a very regular journey for us main roads all the way, except for the very last bit. Obviously we have never stayed there but it always looks a very nice site.