More Sites Lost

DavidKlyne

Some will remember when Bo Peep Farm at Adderbury was a Club AS site. We used it a lot as it was close to where we live. I understand that they left the network because of a hike in fees. I am sure the sites weigh up the merits of being an AS site and perhaps after a few years, having built up a good customer base, decide that its not really to their advantage. Its probably the fees charged to be in the scheme that actually limit the discount offered to members.

David

PS Bo Peep Farm mentioned above is no longer a touring site. 

Tinwheeler

I'm hoping that's the case, Brue. I couldn't find anything on the racecourse website but it could be early days yet. 

If travelling the A303, it was a handy stop off for us. A lovely spot in peace and quiet.

Takethedogalong

Yes I looked as well. Be good if someone local could keep an eye out for any news, and let those interested know of what might be available. Later in Summer I might email racecourse direct if nothing is heard.

Takethedogalong

Duplicate post, out of my control, sorry

Tinwheeler

I'll be checking their website from time to time, TDA.

Fisherman

The reality is we users have more access to web sites etc. and now look at a destination, see what is on offer and vote with our wallets. Before internet access  became commonplace we were to a great extent limited to the handbook. Both CC sites and Cls now have to up their game to meet the competition. No doubt the AL sites have looked at their  market and can see it better to go it alone. They are still there if you make an internet search and as someone said the price discount was minimal.

Takethedogalong

I see Club is offering Longleat as the nearest alternative to Wincanton. Looks a nice site, much more a conventional Club Site. Huge difference in price though, more than double for a couple in peak season, although you do get 20% off a ticket into Longleat attractions. Bit too far North for us as well when travelling our usual route.

SteveL

It does not affect us, but I don't think it's as good for those with dogs, as these are only allowed on the non ticket part of the estate, which has fairly restricted walking off road. There is also the point that you can't now walk in the grounds without a valid ticket. OK if you want to visit Longleat and take advantage of the discount, but not so good if you just want a site to stop on and walk from.

ABIPete

I too am sorry Wincanton Racecourse site has closed. We have used it 4 times in the last 2 years. It was a really good half way stopover on the journey to Cornwall close to the A303. (Sorry about the pic we always seem to have something hanging out to dry!)

Tinwheeler

I'm hoping it may continue under the operation of the racecourse, ABI.

brue

There is the Stourhead Estate CL about 15 mins away. see here I put a distant photo shot of it in the story section recently. It's only a few minutes from the A303 too. Pub, cafe and farm shop on site.

IamtheGaitor

I agree with others that the affiliated sites arent a great loss - they are just using the club for publicity and dont give a lot back.  I hope the club does invest in more sites - older facilities as long as they are clean are fine, and I prefer out of town sites.  Places like Baltic Wharf dont really appeal to me. 

robsail

So according to the magazine the braemar site is the site that is supposed to be the alternative to inverhavonl,  only thing is that there are some mountains in the way and a long route between the two........

We were going to look at inverhavon as there was an event nearby that we were going to attend. Braemar is not an alternative!

brue

Agree with you there, best to look up sites around Aviemore instead. A few lessons in geography needed. (I presume they meant the nearest AS site but that is a mountain too far...) 

nelliethehooker

Robsail. The Invernahavon site has not closed. It is still advertising as open next year. See below to web pages

http://www.invernahavon.com/

http://www.laggan.com/invernahavon-caravan-site.asp

The prices do not look a lot different from what one was being charged there last year as a CC member.

Mod Edit

Links made live. 

robsail

Thanks for the info, however as my wife has to have a tweak to her eyelids about the time that we were due to go up there so that one was cancelled!

EasyT

I agree that to most they are not a great loss. For me however they di help fill some gaps in CC network

Navigateur

I visited the Scottish Caravan Show this week and just out of interest started picking up leaflets and maps for "proper" touring sites in Scotland and North England. Jings!  There is a huge number of them out there that are not Caravan Club or Camping and Caravan Club! And many of them are better placed for location we want to visit as well. 

Prices seemed to vary a lot, but as independent operators deals will be done, so we will be basing our choice of site on precise location this year. Could be an interesting wxperience and I think it could end up costing less as well.

Kennine

As far as Private sites previously affiliated to the CC are concerned, They are NOT lost to  caravanners. They are still there and provide an alternative to CC sites. Some are of much better quality and are in more scenic locations. 

What can be concerning is that the CC seem to be reducing the number of their own sites on their network. Not many so far.

Cheers..................K

Tinwheeler

Wincanton

A couple of weeks back I emailed the Jockey Club and asked if the site at Wincanton Racecourse would continue being run by another operator.

Today I had a reply which says the site has closed permanently.

Unlike the disenfranchised Affiliated Sites, this truly is a site lost from the network. A sad day for the many who used Wincanton.

JollyKernow

Hey, you lose some, you win some, watch this space.

Takethedogalong

Thanks for the update TW. Personally, it is a great loss for us, we loved this site.