Cayton Village Winter trip

PJMEG
PJMEG Forum Participant Posts: 180
edited November 2023 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Good evening all.

We have made a decision to do something we haven't done in our 15 yrs of membership. 

We have booked a stay at Cayton from 29th Dec to 3rd Jan really looking forward to it.

Has anyone got any tips, is all the site open inc top and bottom sites.

Any feedback welcome.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #2

    Have you checked the reviews? TDA wrote one earlier today which answers some of your questions.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #3

    When we were there in June the main site, with reception, was about 80/90% full but the upper section about 80% empty. Moving forward to the time of year you want to be there I suspect it will be based on the occupancy rates. Christmas/New Year can be busy so it might be busy but maybe not enough to keep the upper site open especially the toilet block. My own preference would always to be on the main site as its nearer (if walking) to the village and the buses depending on your own personal circumstances. I think all the pitches in the main part have been refurbished but that is not the case with the upper section although they have installed some Premium Pitches in the upper section and a few serviced pitches at the furthest point from the entry into that section. It might be an idea to contact the site to ask if both sections will be open.

    David

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #4

    I am Yorkshire born and bred so it’s a stretch of coast I know and like. But although I have had many a happy summer holiday out there I would never dream of going to that part of the east coast in the darkest days and the depths of winter. 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #5

    Hi PJ, we are just back from Cayton Village. It’s a nice site, it was nearly empty when we were there, with only the lower part of the site open, but not sure how busy Xmas will be. Newish Club site, huge pitches, lovely clean, warm facility block. Staff were very welcoming, there is building work happening adjacent to site, so ask staff about quietest pitches. We didn’t found it very noisy to be honest. If you have a dog, the dog walk is excellent.

    It’s around four miles from Scarborough itself, easy drive in, and there’s lots of free sea front parking, just under the Castle. Scarborough was bustling with visitors when we were there, plenty of shops and things open. The castle is a great look around, stunning views, and Anne Bronte’s grave is up at the nearby church. Peasholm Park is always worth a visit, and either a walk or drive round the Castle headland, dolphin spotting is interesting.

    Whitby isn’t far, it was our go to Xmas week day out for years, lots open there and full of things to do. It will be busy, but there’s a P&R just outside nowadays. Then there’s the North York Moors to enjoy, NYM railway might not have trains running, but the Engine sheds at Grosmont, and Pickering Station might be open. It’s actually a lovely time of year to visit the Yorkshire Coast. Do a bit of pre visit research to find what you are interested in, I’m sure you will have a good time. There’s a Stained Glass Gallery in Cayton Village, looks to have a very nice cafe.😁

  • Ernie S
    Ernie S Forum Participant Posts: 47
    edited November 2023 #6

    We've gone away in the van immediately after Christmas until early New Year for many years; it's possibly my favourite trip of the year. We've used both large, well equipped, full amenity sites such as Cayton Village and basic CLs with few extras other than electric hook up.  The key is to be prepared, such as lagging the aquaroll if the temperature goes below zero and ensuring you have adequate outdoor clothing and footware.

    Cayton will be fine, good approach roads, local supermarkets, on a bus route and a canny pub in the village.

    Winter caravanning just takes a small shift in approach. No BBQs or late evenings sat outside enjoying the sun going down. Instead cosy days and nights in a warm van, good food and drink, books, films and games.  We're away to York over New Year, really looking forward to it!

     

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #7

    Agree Ernie, all it needs is a bit of thought, be prepared for cold and wet, and shorter daylight hours. York is lovely in Winter👍

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #8

    Yes, York has more going on and is a far better bet than bleak and windswept Cayton Bay.in winter.

    London is even better - illuminations, theatres, concerts in the Albert Hall, big stores, museums, river boats, changing of the guard,, all sorts of markets - and fireworks on New Years Eve.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636
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    edited November 2023 #9

    It might be fine for you, ET, but for us, and I would think many others too, it would be a nightmare. Much rather have scenic views, peace and quiet and far from the madding crowds. 

    (Predictive text inserted "jarring" for madding which was possibly the right word!!😆😁)

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #10

    Surely we visit places for a whole variety of different reasons. We use our van in all seasons though in winter it tends more to be used as a mobile hotel, to be honest it’s toasty warm and cosy and our own space, There are all sorts of seasonal events taking place across the country, just find the ones of interest.
    We do continue to cook outside even in the depths of winter if it’s not lashing down or too windy. Tonight its bbqing burgers under a starlit sky wrapped up warm and a beer in hand. We will retreat inside to eat though I think. We  even cooked a sort of Christmas dinner outside one year, such fun. Each to their own I guess!

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #11

    We like to mix it up a bit, although at the moment a tad restricted with our elderly pooch, and I know OH won’t leave him for too long.

    We did Edinburgh just before Xmas for a good few years, as it was easy and cheap on train, and we loved the vibe there. Have done London, it’s easy to get to via train for us, but it’s just so expensive compared with other places. Love the Museums, wandering around the streets, on the river, ok every once in a while, but we love being out in countryside more. Once the pooch goes (shhhh…) we shall have a dog break and do some short breaks to places like Bath, Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast, and probably use Eurostar for Paris, etc…..

    Meanwhile, it’s Snowdonia for us next, Cadw castles, Anglesey, beaches and try and find my Uncle’s grave half way up a slate mountain in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Not sure about that Zip wire though……🤔🤣

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,425 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #12

    I'm just packing our winter walking clothes for our lakes trip starting tomorrow (a 'cottage') and 'packing down' the down jackets, waterproofs, merino layers and other stuff and thinking I can't wait to be on the tops on a cold day next week, strange I know. I'm equally looking forward to the Christmas lights, warm pubs and tea rooms, and a relaxing warm house at night-time. 

    I think I basically I love and enjoy all holidays no matter what the weather and in any season, maybe it's a state of mind?

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,856 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #13

    ET 

    Whilst I sympathise with your view we don't know whether the OP is still working or retired. When we were working we did tend to get away somewhere quiet, especially at weekends, just to recharge, although not at Christmas/New Year as that was a busy time at work for both of us. Once we retired it was different, if we want to have a quiet relaxing time we just stay at home where we have all the creature comforts. The only exception perhaps is if we are away in the summer and it's too hot to enjoy doing anything. Last time we were away in the winter was 2019 when we stayed at Bladon Chains and we had three beautifully sunny, but cold, days in December. We went to Blenheim Palace for the Christmas Market and the House decorations, Woodstock and even walked down to see Winston Churchill's grave, so three pretty busy days. I tend to prefer locations which are buzzing with people than solitude, probably why I like large railway stations!

    David

  • Gillway
    Gillway Club Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2023 #14

    One of the best Christmases and New Years we’ve had was when we were at Lady Margaret’s Park. We cooked the turkey in the awning and I bet a few were wondering where the turkey smells were coming from 😂 The bulk gas in the toilet block was running on fumes as Calor couldn’t get the tanker up the slopped driveway due to the snow. The poor Warden managed to clear it enough for the tanker to finally get in at half ten at night!  Just Fab 👍👏👏

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #15

    A few years back we stayed on the CCC Keswick lake side site in deepest February. Snow on the ground and hills and the lake frozen over. Clear crisp skies, lazy getups, fabulous walks and warm evenings by crackling fires in local pubs. Back late to van to repeat the fabulous experiences the following morning. 
    Incidentally are are currently on a C&MC site which is full, has been since Thursday  but apparently it quietens down on Monday. Will add that I calculate that 90% of the pitches have motorhomes on them. Wherever we go in winter motorhomes tend to ‘dominate’, are we a hardier bunch?😉 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #16

    Swings and roundabouts Micky😁 Cayton Bay was dominated by MHs and campervans when we were there, if folks are anything like us, our MH is always ready to roll, and it’s merely adding a few minutes to stick in appropriate clothing, then off we go direct from home. We don’t miss getting caravan off drive and sorted……..however…..snow. Easier with a van in snow, if you have a 4x4 that can cope. Unless you have a 4x4 camper of course😁 

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #17

    That’s pretty much us! Motorhome ever ready with at least two edible meats on board! Off we go on the whim and at the drop of a hat! We have been known to drive off the driveway making thst destination decision.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,027 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2023 #18

    Yep, that’s us! Last thing we do before hopping onboard in Summer is check the ten day weather forecast, and choose the best direction to head towards. 🤣 We carry meals for a couple of days, then shop locally. Always got store cupboard items such as herbs, spices, oil, longlife milk on board. As MH is on drive, we do use such stuff out of there, so it doesn’t go out of date.