CL Sites and/or Rallies

AaronIps

Hi, Just joined the Club! (see my post in introductions) And also joined the Suffolk Centre.

I am very keen to try a CL local to us, preferably one with facilities, but my fiance isnt so keen at the moment as she likes a bit of "activity" on site if that makes sense! Do you guys recommend them? I see the benefit in terms of cost.

Also, I quite fancy trying a rally but again my partner isnt, based on peoples preconception of what they are all about, do you recommend?

thanks!

JVB66

Hi, Just joined the Club! (see my post in introductions) And also joined the Suffolk Centre.

I am very keen to try a CL local to us, preferably one with facilities, but my fiance isnt so keen at the moment as she likes a bit of "activity" on site if that makes sense! Do you guys recommend them? I see the benefit in terms of cost.

Also, I quite fancy trying a rally but again my partner isnt, based on peoples preconception of what they are all about, do you recommend?

thanks!

...How much  more"activity "do you need ,you are stiil not married

there are some lovely cls out there,it depends what other things you want to do 

paul56

Difficult to catagorize CLs as they all vary so much. We use them 95% of the time and use them as bases for further travel/exploration. We say hello to our neighbours if the occasion permits - as we do on Club sites but they are basically a base rather than
a source of entertainment. Just try a few. check out there locations on Google Earth etc. Rallies - sorry never done one.

HelenandTrevor

We were in Suffolk last week, there are some good cls, we were at Briarwood Farm, ehu and toilet, but no shower, loads of room  and quiet, loved it. We are now using more cls now that there are only the two if us and the dog.

Pippah45

I would find out exactly what her expectations are - and perhaps try a club site first and then a CL.  As has been said it is important to know what you expect from the "parking place".  Rallies seem to differ in content too - from what I can gather - although
I have only been to one.  I think all sites are pretty much what you make of them and want from.  

nelliethehooker

There's usually plenty of "activity" on rallies and it's up to you whether younjoin in or not. Don't forget that most rallies are held on fields without EHU or other facilities, apart from water and waste disposal, so you'll have to use your caravan's battery
for power, gas for cooking and your own shower.

JillwithaJay

Hi Aaron,

I've amended your thread title to include rallies as you're asking about both.

Biggarmac

Not all rallies are without EHUs.  At the beginning and end of season many are held on sites (both commercial and club) which offer special rally rates to centres to fill empty pitches. Have a look on the centre websites or contact the secretary. As you
are fairly new to caravanning you might also pick up some tips from other members.   Rallies are good for finding out about CLs as many ralliers also use CLs. Enjoy your caravanning whatever sites you choose.

brue

Some rallies take place at big events and shows, so there'll be plenty do nearby. You can join in any centre rallies whether you are a local member or not. Lots to choose! 

Tammygirl

I am very keen to try a CL local to us, preferably one with facilities, but my fiance isnt so keen at the moment as she likes a bit of "activity" on site if that makes sense! 

Yes it does make sense but CC sites are not known for having 'activities' more people yes, lots of dogs, children in school holidays but activities no, unless people watching can be classed as that.

Cl's are 5 vans or less, so usually quite, if you have friends who caravan/motorhome then Cl's are great for being able to holiday together as are rallies. Club sites if with friends, need to arrive together  or you won't neccassarily be able to pitch together
as there is no reserving of pitches allowed. Commercial sites tend to have more activities, there is a thread somewhere on here that mentions 'Haven' sites which gives good discounts, these might be more entertaining for your fiance.

Fiona11

We mostly use CL sites and appreciate the relative peace compared to larger sites. However we do try to find out as much as we can about the area and try to plan some walks and activities before we go.

We haven't been to any ralliies yet so cam't comment.

Aspenshaw

We've hardly rallied. We've tried numerus different types with different clubs but they all leave us cold. They are good for making friends and getting involved in numerus activities. It's just we prefer to do our own thing and use the van as our base. We
know plenty of people who enjoy trallies and some get you into places you wouldn't normally get into - such as camping next to a Country Fair or Steam Engine rally.

CLs we like but my missus is never keen on those without a toilet. Again, we are only looking for a base although CLs do provide more interest than a CC site. For example, we visit a marina once a year to watch the canal boats.

I have a suspicion that your fiance is going to be disappointed with the CC offering! Try and link the sites you choose with activities off the site.

Pippah45

Some friends of mine were thinking of joining the CC to have a social life on site - if that is what your fiancee is looking for I believe it is a mistake - while some people seem to make friends on site it isn't the way things really go in my experience
- apart from the useful information picked up in the dishwashing area etc.!  And quite a few people go with friends and family - I think years ago friendships were made more often than now. 

AaronIps

I don't think i put my point across very well when I said "activity" what I meant was i don't think she likes the idea of being the only ones on a site! We are most definitely not in to big parks with entertainment etc and not to make friends, we do like
a friendly chat on site though. The thing she doesn't like the sound of rallying is though that everyone is a little too friendly and you don't get to have space! So no pleasing her haha

markflip

We love CL's: for a weekend we are happy with a basic one, but have stayed longer on those with a shower & toilets.  We find that most owners are very friendly and helpful and that the small sites tend to make it more likely for you to bump into the other visitors for a quick hello or longer chat if you wish; we find many guests are regulars and very useful for where to go and which pub is best etc.  I would advise you to give it a go and try a couple - the reviews on here are really helpful to give an idea of the atmosphere and welcome particularly.

neveramsure

Judging by your last post I would recommend that you give CLs a try. As there are only a maximum of five units you can usually be as chatty or otherwise as you wish. IMHO people choose a site by its location, facilities and price, most of the day they are
off site doing other things.

Good luck with whatever site you choose.  

AndyNYorks

I don't think i put my point across very well when I said "activity" what I meant was i don't think she likes the idea of being the only ones on a site! We are most definitely not in to big parks with entertainment etc and not to make friends, we do like
a friendly chat on site though. The thing she doesn't like the sound of rallying is though that everyone is a little too friendly and you don't get to have space! So no pleasing her haha

Don't dismiss the idea of rallies until you have tried it. When asked, I always say that on a CC site, very few, if any talk to you, on a CL they talk to you as you are about to leave and on a rally they talk to you from the start. This does not mean that
you cannot get your own "space" when attending a rally. You can take part as much or as little as you like but you will ordinarily get a warm welcome.

jennyc

Look up the CL at Eels Foot on the edge of Minsmere. It's attached to a pub with good food and Adnams beers. Or there's another CL at Thornham Parva, just down from the fine dining at the Bull Auberge. There's a lovely church in the village and Thornham
Walks nearby. Rallies attached to an event like an airshow can be great fun, while simple centre rallies can be a bit cliquey until you get to be known.

Pippah45

You could always ask the CL owners if they have anyone else booked.  I am perfectly happy as a  Solo to have a whole field to myself but its not everyones idea of fun.  I enjoyed a CS alone somewhere near Darlington although there were quite a few folks
walking their dogs past and lorry drivers going to the Sports Centre for food.  I guess if I didn't have my bodyguards I might not have been too comfortable there! 

I like Andy's description of the 3 different sites - very interesting!