First Rally
My wife persuaded me to try a rally. Given that I only joined the caravan fraternity reluctantly and with the proviso of on site facilities, I was not looking forward to it.
When we arrived, we were welcomed by the marshalls and shown to a pitch. The first thing that I noticed was that just over the road, maybe 20 yards away was a funfair 
Promptly at 6.30 it all kicked off, with three different sound systems shaking the air with dance/house/garage or whatever. This went on until 9.30. Imagine sitting outside in the sun with a book and a glass? No, neither could I. Inside the 'van, with the radio on, it was still a racket.
Day 2. the fair started at 2.30 in the afternoon, then in the field behind us, a rock band in a marquee gave them some competition from 7 until 10.15.
Day 3. the fair stared at 6.30 and in the field alongside us, several rock bands played from 7 until midnight.
.
Knowing that we were first timers, I wonder why the marshalls didn't forewarn us, I certainly would not have gone. Other regular ralliers on site said it's always like this, but other rallies are better.
Would I go again? Not on your life. Cost was just over £9 per night with minimal facilities, i.e. water and Elsan. Take your own rubbish home of course. The next rally is £50 for three nights!!!
The last time out on a CL we paid £10, EHU, toilet and shower available. It's a no brainer, as they say.
Comments
-
cannot all be like can they?
0 -
No, I'm sure they're not, but it does colour one's thoughts. Without the noisy neighbours, it would have been a different experience, but I wonder if it's worth the asking price? Especially when you can research and read member's experiences of CLs and CC
sites.0 -
Enjoyed reading the review of rallying, ,my family and I are new to caravaning , and have really enjoyed the sites we have stopped on so far. However , when speaking to hard core seasoned pro caravaners , there is much emphasis placed upon rallies and more
to the point our over paying on club sites with family facilities. My take like RedMIck is , cheap for a reason , our preference is basic comforts with facilities that suit the children, so what we are paying more, at least site rules prevent unforeseen hassle
such as 3 nights of Unhappiness. Will certainly be cautious of rallies without prior knowledge, cheers.0 -
I'm sure rallying suits a vast number of members. Some I spoke to go every weekend throughout the year!
I think it's mainly a social thing, meeting like minded people throughout the season. The cost of the rallies themselves don't stack up with facilities provided in my opinion. I would happily spend a two or three pounds a night extra and get basic facilities,
no swimming pools or playgrounds though.I'm sure that even Bank Holiday weekend, I could better £16 per night on a CL.
0 -
I thought rallys were organised with events of their own was there nothing going on at the rally to take your mind off the other 'noisy events' (personally I might have been tempted to join in)
0 -
got enough trouble with noisy neighbours at home without having it when you go away
0 -
I would love to know what exactly this rally was advertised as that convinced you to go on it in the first place, Mick. I certainly hope it wasn't as "a quiet weekend" ! Sounds like you had some kind of festival next to you, the centre really should have
advised you of this .0 -
It is a shame your first rally did not go well, and the costs you are quoting are nothing like what I have been paying. It also looks like it was the wrong rally for you to try if you were looking for something quiet. If you try another I would read the
information carefully, and then ask the mashal if it is just a quiet weekend before booking.My first rally was at Bolton Abbey for about £19, for the weekend, Friday through to Sunday late afternoon. It was a very quiet weekend.
My second rally was at Studly Royal, near Fountains abbey, I think that was was about £17, and there was EHU available for an additional cost. Thast was also extremly quiet.
My third rally was about £15 I think. That was a childrens sprts rally, so Saturday afternoon there was the noise of that, but that was it. There was also a social in the evening if you wished to attend that.
My next rally starts tomorrow. £22 for a bank holiday weekend, and that includes a social with food, that's only £7.33 per night for a bank holiday.
I am assuming for £50 for a weekend, that a lot is arranged, but if you are looking for a quiet rally, I would expect it to be a lot cheaper.
As other people have said rallying is more of a social event, rather than just a cheap get away, but it should not be very expensive.
0 -
Gulp. I'm off to my first rally next weekend, billed as "The Most Chilled Out Weekend Ever ... put your legs down and your feet up. That's it!!" Admin fee £3.60 and site fee £6.00. Most site fees in the Scottish Caravan Club book seem to be under or around
a tenner. I certainly couldn't afford £50 for a weekend - even at a site.0 -
I'm a rallier and I wouldn't pay £50 for an ordinary weekend rally, so I'm assuming that was a very special event. It is definitely a case of read the write up in the rally book (or on the website) and if there is any doubt as to what's on call the marshalls
or the rally Secretary and ASK ! Certainly pays to do your homework, if you are planning on attending a rally in an area you don't know I always google it and see what is on locally, then a) no surprises and b) you may actually find something you would like
to do .0
