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Topic: Peeved with last minute discounts!

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dk168

30/7/2024 at 8:56pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Joined: 19/6/2009

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Forum Posts: 9601
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Booked the adult-only site for my August 2024's trip nearly a year ago for 6 nights, got a discount for being part of the site's "club" for 12.00 GBP at time of booking; for them to offer a 20% discount of pitch fee today, for weekdays in August with a minimum of 2 nights!

The 20% for 4 weeknights at full pitch fee of 31.00 GBP = 24.80 GBP.

12.80 GBP difference in savings, enough for 2 pints of cider and a pack of crisps!!!

Apparently it is their attempt to fill the remaining availability, etc. etc... Lucky for those who can leave it so late to book, hey ho!

It was my choice to book early to avoid disappointment; however, it leave a sour taste in my mouth!

DK

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Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!

arthurdent

via mobile 30/7/2024 at 8:59pm
Location: N. Ireland
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 304

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Joined: 10/1/2005

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Forum Posts: 2025
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	31

Site Reviews 2024:	6
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	4
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	6
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	54
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	39
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	4
Site Nights 2019:	68
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you thought it was a good deal when you booked, then it's a good deal for you. Just because someone else got a better deal at a late stage doesn't negate that you considered it a good deal at the time.

dk168

30/7/2024 at 9:04pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Joined: 19/6/2009

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Forum Posts: 9601
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 30/7/2024
If you thought it was a good deal when you booked, then it's a good deal for you. Just because someone else got a better deal at a late stage doesn't negate that you considered it a good deal at the time.

I paid what I was prepared to pay to stay on an adult-only site during the summer school holidays.

If I wanted a good deal, I would not choose to go camping during the summer school holidays.

DK

Colin21

30/7/2024 at 10:56pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Joined: 05/11/2013

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Forum Posts: 6279

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

One of the reasons why we never go away in school holidays. It's got nothing to do with kids directly, we could always go to adults-only sites if that was the case, It's got far more to do with everywhere being crowded and the ridiculous high prices.

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Best Regards,
Colin

Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!

birdman101

via mobile 31/7/2024 at 8:00am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

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Joined: 30/8/2011

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Forum Posts: 2693

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We are presently having a 6 week break whilst school holidays, only due to rip off prices and everywhere crowed when you want to go out for the day. September resume with 5 sites already booked,up until end of November.

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2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.

iank01

31/7/2024 at 9:06am
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

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Joined: 30/6/2004

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Forum Posts: 4062

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	5
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	10
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Camp sites are struggling to fill pitches during August. yesterday I had to change a booking and rebook. No problem selecting different dates on a previously popular CAMC site in New Forest.

bofs

31/7/2024 at 9:14am
Location: Cumbria
Outfit: Coachman VIP 520

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Joined: 10/1/2008

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Forum Posts: 2672

Site Reviews Total:	102

Site Reviews 2024:	5
Site Reviews 2023:	4
Site Reviews 2022:	11
Site Reviews 2021:	6
Site Reviews 2020:	9
Site Reviews 2019:	10
Site Reviews 2018:	8

Site Nights 2024:	22
Site Nights 2023:	25
Site Nights 2022:	54
Site Nights 2021:	24
Site Nights 2020:	36
Site Nights 2019:	55
Site Nights 2018:	47

We are currently away at the CMC site near Kendal. We rarely go away in main school holidays, unless to a CL or CS, for the reasons given above and the eye-watering prices, but had a free night offer that needed to be used within a certain time frame so decided to go for it.
Surprisingly the site is far less busy now than when we’ve been previously in early and late season, and is really quiet and peaceful. The good weather is also a bonus.
It seems to be mainly couples on site rather than families, though to be fair the site is not particularly child-friendly, maybe okay for a few days but not for a main holiday.
We suspect it may be the high season cost that is keeping people away - at around £40+ per night (for 2 adults) we certainly wouldn’t be here were it not for our voucher! Maybe the relatively low occupancy at peak season will lead the CMC to reconsider their pricing structure - though I won’t hold my breath.

Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!

Fiona W

via mobile 31/7/2024 at 9:54am
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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Joined: 10/4/2007

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Forum Posts: 5147
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	234

Site Reviews 2024:	18
Site Reviews 2023:	8
Site Reviews 2022:	12
Site Reviews 2021:	10
Site Reviews 2020:	4
Site Reviews 2019:	9
Site Reviews 2018:	18

Site Nights 2024:	37
Site Nights 2023:	25
Site Nights 2022:	32
Site Nights 2021:	25
Site Nights 2020:	20
Site Nights 2019:	28
Site Nights 2018:	30

We were at CAMC Berwick upon Tweed (Berwick view”) recently. Full both nights, £42, saw no children (no play area might be why?), but a high one-night stopover turnover rate. Sites on major transit routes do book up eg Moffat CCC, Strathclyde CAMC. Could have booked CAMC Melrose a week before but full by the day before - more people booking last minute when they see where it’s good weather maybe? So we went to an Independent site in the Cheviot Hills instead, away from main roads, not full £28. Independent site at Berwick was £46, better facilities but more expensive than a Club site.
What I’m saying is: so many variables. And sometimes I think we’re paying for features that are nothing to do with the site itself - a view seems to attract a premium.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

Mrs. Bonce

via mobile 31/7/2024 at 10:04am
Location: Luton (no jokes plea
Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai

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Joined: 05/6/2006

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Forum Posts: 12699

Site Reviews Total:	384

Site Reviews 2024:	21
Site Reviews 2023:	26
Site Reviews 2022:	37
Site Reviews 2021:	26
Site Reviews 2020:	11
Site Reviews 2019:	30
Site Reviews 2018:	31

Site Nights 2024:	102
Site Nights 2023:	119
Site Nights 2022:	154
Site Nights 2021:	140
Site Nights 2020:	63
Site Nights 2019:	132
Site Nights 2018:	134

Now at Stone House Farm, Little Hadham. The only CL this year which has been full. One quiet child next door. £20 pn all in.

dk168

31/7/2024 at 10:32am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9601
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

It is the second time I have experienced reverse sliding fees and demands.

The first was in Netherlands when one of the sites insisted 7-night bookings during Whitsun holidays when I booked well in advance, for that to be lifted to just overnighters so as to fill up the campsite, much to my annoyance as I could have had a shorter stay and go elsewhere.

Now this.

Probably a practice that I have to get used to.

DK

RainMagnet

31/7/2024 at 10:34am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Karsten 350

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Joined: 28/6/2017

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Forum Posts: 185
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	12

Site Reviews 2024:	2
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	14
Site Nights 2023:	7
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	10
Site Nights 2020:	14
Site Nights 2019:	14
Site Nights 2018:	8

We have just come back from a 7 night stay at a really nice site (Big Barn Camping in southern Wales), it was the first week of the school holidays and for a couple of nights we where the only tent on the site of a 11 pitches. We loved it but I felt for the site owner who has put a lot of effort into maintaining the site.

Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!

dk168

31/7/2024 at 11:03am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9601
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I could be wrong, however, back in the days when I was working in manufacturing facilities, the norm was to have a 2-week shutdown period in the first 2 weeks of August, to enable essential maintenance etc...

I am planning to take a 2-3-week trip in Europe in July 2025 with the aim to be back at base when the schools break for their summer holidays.

My preference would have been mid May or in June to be away for that long. However, I would miss out on too many events/functions like I did this year being away for a month in total in April and May!

July and August are better months to be away for 2-3 weeks as there are less events/functions being organised by the services charity of which I am a member.

DK

Colin21

31/7/2024 at 2:30pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Joined: 05/11/2013

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Forum Posts: 6279

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 31/7/2024
Now at Stone House Farm, Little Hadham. The only CL this year which has been full. One quiet child next door. £20 pn all in.

If that is Little Hadham in Hertfordshire you are not far away from where I live. Strange I've never heard of the site, but perhaps its because it is too close and I've never looked.

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Best Regards,
Colin

Mrs. Bonce

via mobile 31/7/2024 at 3:17pm
Location: Luton (no jokes plea
Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai

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Joined: 05/6/2006

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Forum Posts: 12699

Site Reviews Total:	384

Site Reviews 2024:	21
Site Reviews 2023:	26
Site Reviews 2022:	37
Site Reviews 2021:	26
Site Reviews 2020:	11
Site Reviews 2019:	30
Site Reviews 2018:	31

Site Nights 2024:	102
Site Nights 2023:	119
Site Nights 2022:	154
Site Nights 2021:	140
Site Nights 2020:	63
Site Nights 2019:	132
Site Nights 2018:	134

It's only 35:miles from us Colin, but very different countryside.

Colin21

31/7/2024 at 10:50pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Joined: 05/11/2013

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Forum Posts: 6279

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 31/7/2024
It's only 35:miles from us Colin, but very different countryside.

Yes surprisingly different considering how close it is relatively speaking. When I worked on the trains at Bishops Stortford I used to go through Little Hadham every day on my way to work. When I left the railway I worked for a short while as an agency driver on the shuttle-buses at Luton Airport so I know both areas reasonably well. I did look up the site and I see it's quite close to the A120, my route to work before they built the bypass.

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Best Regards,
Colin

billy

via mobile 01/8/2024 at 7:37am
Location: North Essex
Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400

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Joined: 19/4/2002

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Forum Posts: 4364

Site Reviews Total:	39

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	6
Site Reviews 2022:	7
Site Reviews 2021:	10
Site Reviews 2020:	7
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	121
Site Nights 2023:	45
Site Nights 2022:	91
Site Nights 2021:	112
Site Nights 2020:	84
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

In a different version of history dk your chosen sites could have been fully booked & therefore not had to discount their remaining pitches so had you not booked early you would have been disappointed.

Some like yourself do your research & book early whereas some like me do not want to commit & take a chance. So 2 completely different customers for the same sites whose business model allows them to suit the needs of both of us.

Fwiw I find turn up at any site on the continent works ok at any time of year. For the UK I phone first but usually on the day before. Looking at online booking sites I can see there is space on plenty of coastal UK sites even now at peak holiday period. Some prices are outrageous others less so.

I do not recommend my way as better than yours. We have different visions of our common method of taking a break & it is good that campsites can cater for us both.

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Every day should be a holiday!

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