Wide roads, easy access coastal sites

Mama Shell replied on 09/09/2021 13:23

Posted on 09/09/2021 13:23

We are planning to buy a tourer next spring.  Being the planner that I am I'm keen to start looking for places to stay, particularly during the summer months when I will be in charge of towing.  Never towed before, car is medium size max towing weight 1300.  Worried about driving to a site down tricky narrow, windy roads, meeting oncoming traffic and having to manoeuvre accordingly!   Of course, my towing skills will become more proficient as time goes on but keen to find sites that will build my confidence.

So lovely people, what sites would you recommend for a newbie?  Sites where the access roads are wide, enough for cars/caravans to pass.  Love the coast and being near a beach, that said, lakeside sites do appeal too.  any advice most welcome.

KeithL replied on 09/09/2021 22:18

Posted on 09/09/2021 22:18

Pembrey Country Park is a nice site with easy access and access to a huge beach. We live in Cheshire as well and it's not too big a haul to get down there

cyberyacht replied on 10/09/2021 08:46

Posted on 10/09/2021 08:46

Best advice is to take your time. In narrow situations keep well to the side and let the rest sort themselves out.

brue replied on 10/09/2021 08:55

Posted on 10/09/2021 08:55

I unwittingly chose a site in Porlock for our first caravan trip, we survived it so don't be put off by the prospect of narrow lanes etc. Near Porlock is the Minehead site, access is easy and the roads in are ok, nice place too. smile

DEBSC replied on 10/09/2021 09:03

Posted on 10/09/2021 09:03

If I were you Mama I would leave the Devon and Cornwall sites until you are really confident. It’s not just the site entrances, we have seen many caravan drivers having real difficulty when taking the wrong turning or a road that they thought was ok. We had to sit with one lady passenger while she calmed down when her husband took a road that he thought was ok and ended up in country lanes, his wife was distraught, we eventually helped them out. A friend visiting recently shouted, while in our car, when a car came the other way on one of our quieter roads, she thought it was one way! We still giggle about it with her.

MikeyA replied on 10/09/2021 09:06

Posted on 10/09/2021 08:55 by brue

I unwittingly chose a site in Porlock for our first caravan trip, we survived it so don't be put off by the prospect of narrow lanes etc. Near Porlock is the Minehead site, access is easy and the roads in are ok, nice place too. smile

Posted on 10/09/2021 09:06

Narrow lanes are not too much of a problem if there are suitable passing places, the real concern is when passing places are none existent or too short.

brue replied on 10/09/2021 09:26

Posted on 10/09/2021 09:26

Where we live narrow lanes are a way of life but if it's a concern it's probably not worth the worry. We visited a CL in our motorhome a few weeks ago which required a lengthy maze like narrow laned  drive on the approach. The owners had sent detailed instructions with photos, we remarked how difficult it would be towing a caravan...when we got there a big fifth wheeler was  on site, the owners said it was fine getting there! Everything depends on your level of confidence so the OP is being sensible but may find that confidence improves.

replied on 10/09/2021 09:32

Posted on 10/09/2021 09:26 by brue

Where we live narrow lanes are a way of life but if it's a concern it's probably not worth the worry. We visited a CL in our motorhome a few weeks ago which required a lengthy maze like narrow laned  drive on the approach. The owners had sent detailed instructions with photos, we remarked how difficult it would be towing a caravan...when we got there a big fifth wheeler was  on site, the owners said it was fine getting there! Everything depends on your level of confidence so the OP is being sensible but may find that confidence improves.

Posted on 10/09/2021 09:32

When \i first started towing I had no qualms. At 28 I had a young man's confidence wink

Mama Shell replied on 10/09/2021 10:26

Posted on 10/09/2021 10:26

Thanks everyone, super advice.  Great to have a good steer when starting to plan our adventures. 

Takethedogalong replied on 10/09/2021 11:41

Posted on 09/09/2021 13:39 by Mama Shell

Apologies, too keen to explore the UK!  I'm based in Cheshire.  Definitely booking onto a towing course in the new year. Sites 2/3 hours from me initially. Totally love Cornwall and Devon, so that would be my target once I'm confident, plus the Northumbrian coast.

Posted on 10/09/2021 11:41

Northumberland shouldn’t pose too many problems. Lovely Sites all over. You just need to check out your route using a small scale map to get an indication of road sizes, either paper or digital. Cornwall and Devon are a bit more challenging, but there are thousands doing it, so you will be fine.

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