Autumn Availability
Autumn is officially here, and it's one of our favourite seasons for exploring. Take in the colours of the changing landscapes this October. Here's our top sites currently with availability in the next month:
Also don't forget to check our late availability discussion in the CLs Forum and our Late Availability on the Club website.
Comments
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As a motorhomer who likes to camp year-round and, throughout the shortened season we've had, has used on-board shower and toilet facilities and none of the Club's buildings, I'm puzzled as to why several of those sites which have no such facilities - and which we tend towards - close at the end of September, whereas most sites requiring considerably more maintenance are mostly open to at least 2nd November.
Have I missed an explanation appearing elsewhere? It doesn't seem entirely logical. Fortunately there should be some commercial sites to enjoy off-season.
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I agree whole heartedly Pard. We are Winter tourers, but seldom on Club Sites, they close too early in season for us. It’s bad news for you in Cornwall, all you get is Carnon Downs.
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Aren’t some of the non-fac sites all grass? For example, Marazion, St Agnes, Plymouth Sound. I suspect that's the reason they close at the end of Sept.
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You're very probably right, Tinwheeler, and if that's the reason then I'd not ask for hardstandings to spoil the greenness. Can't have it every way!
By the same token, though, it's a shame that those like Stover can't open more to compensate. The Club doesn't exactly spoil motorhomers who want to use them in Cornwall in November, let alone Dec-Feb). Carnon Downs - an affiliated site - is the only Cornish one open then. Devon isn't much better. Hillhead is open, and Dornafield (also affiliated) for 3 days.
Thankfully there are some commercial alternatives, and some CLs, some Britstops, and an enlightened local authority in north Devon, with Torridge Distriict Council allowing overnights in their car-parks. The challenge of fresh water refills, and grey water and black waste disposal remains though.
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But aren't there a few sites with facilities that are all grass and they stay open till early November? I could be wrong of course.
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As TW says grass pitch sites close quite early, only the ones with a mix of surfaces can stay open longer. Rowena's list is quite short, in the SW Exmoor House stays open til the New Year, Minehead stays open all year round etc. But Cornwall doesn't do well with winter visitors, most don't want to travel quite as far, Looe used to stay open but it wasn't very busy except at New Year.
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There are a variety of reasons why some sites close during the 'winter months'. I suspect some sites close as they are not economically viable, but others close as it might be to do with terms of the lease or even local authority regulations.
Sites will also shut down grass pitches out of season, and I get that.... If grass pitches are left open, but become unusable because of weather etc., sites would be in danger of having accepted more bookings than they have open pitches...
When we visit Cornwall, we use Globe Vale, just outside Redruth. It's quite close to he A30, therefore it's slightly easier to get to different places.
Never been to Carnon Downs although I believe it is run by the Vallance family..... Years ago, they owned Leverton Place at Greenbottom. Leverton Place has long gone, but I always think of it if I need to go to Wickes, Matalan or Home Bargains at Threemilestones! 😀😀
David
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We used Carnon Downs years ago, back in the 1980’s, so probably pre Club. Not keen on location, there are nicer alternatives.
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Lots of hard standing Cornwall availability all year round on the old WW2 airfield at Davidstow - about 5 miles inland from Boscastle. There were half a dozen motorhomes scattered about when we went by yesterday - all about a hundred yards apart from each other. No facilities but completely free of charge.
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