The 2013 National at Belvoir Castle brilliant!

caro555
caro555 Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited June 2013 in Your stories #1

The National at Belvoir Castle at the end of May was our first visit to such an event. It was excellent and far exceeded our expectations and we will definitely be booking for next year! It was excellent value for money and great fun.

We booked back in the winter of last year to go along with our friends who also have their own van. We booked it as a bit of risk and a change from what we normally do together as we all apprehensive about an event where ‘Own Sanitation Facilities’ were essential. We were also not sure whether sharing a field with 2000 plus other caravans was a good idea.  But what a well organised entertaining weekend. In the end neither was a problem despite howling gales and a mud bath on the first day. 

Highlights

  • The fly past by the Battle of Britain Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber.
  • The glorious weather Saturday, Sunday and Monday after the bitter cold rain and mud bath on arrival day Friday.
  • Spot on organisation very well thought out and executed.
  • The very professional indoor evening entertainment on stage. We all love live music and the variety over the 4 nights from ‘Blondied’ to Elton, to Cliff and of course the Scissor Sisters and Killer Queen followed by a German Beer Fest certainly gave us a wide eclectic and enjoyable mix.
  • The day time show ring especially the Welsh Axe men.
  • The chance to shop in all the lovely stalls.
  • Great walks and a cut price visit to the Castle itself.
  • The on site supermarket and calor gas supplies neither of which we expected.

Most important though was that a team of very dedicated volunteers largely put this great event together. Congratulations to all of them and thank you for giving us all such a great time. Happy

Comments

  • Firedragon
    Firedragon Forum Participant Posts: 509
    100 Comments
    edited June 2013 #2

    See you at Arley caro555 Laughing

  • Smartalex
    Smartalex Forum Participant Posts: 11
    edited June 2013 #3

    I couldn't agree more; this was our first National and we were the same, not sure what to expect but blown away by how well organised and how enjoyable it was.  Will definitely be booking for next years.  Well done to all the volunteers and organisers for
    a brilliant time.

  • Crazy B
    Crazy B Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited June 2013 #4

    The National was our first ever time in a caravan so we weren't sure what to expect.  But we loved it.  Everyone was so friendly and helpful.  The event was incredibly well organised, goodness knows how it was all put together.  The entertainment was very
    enjoyable, the catering was excellent.  We're real converts to caravanning now and are busy planning our next trip already.  Thank you to everyone at the Caravan Club for putting on such a great few days for us.

     

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,056 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited July 2013 #5

    Looking at the photo sends shivers down my spine! Imagine a van fire in the middle of that lot! Just how the hell would a fire engine get to it? Can see headlines now.......!

  • cathytil
    cathytil Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited July 2013 #6

    Have to agree with caro, Battle of Britain flight was awesome, always sends a shiver down my spine!  Loved the National, definitely going next year.