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Hi

Due to a change in my work patterns (now have to work 2 out of 3 Saturday mornings) we are considering a seasonal pitch. We are used to about 60 nights a year touring (inc holidays), and use a mixture of CC and commercial sites.

I'm thinking of getting a seasonal pitch within driving distance of work, and can see some plus points to a semi permanent base, no towing, awning already up, use when you want, etc etc, but do you get fed up of the same site?

We worked out that for the cost of our 2 weeks in France, we could have a complete 8 month season including every weekend and bank holiday, and save on fuel, use the wifes smaller car, I just need some convincing.

Anybody got a seasonal pitch and can put my mind at rest.

Cheers

Paul.

we are thinking the exact same thing so will be interested in some views

Hi Paul

Nothing ventured nothing gained. Why not try it for a season and see how it goes. What one person likes might not suit another.

You have nothing to lose by giving it a go.

I've been seasonal for 3 years (this is our 4th year).  We think its great because we have two kids under 10 and we have peace of mind for their safety.  Its quite a small site with a lot of seasonals.  You get to know most people's faces to say hello.  There are a lot of older couples too, its a lot easier.  When you get there you just have to sort the aquaroll, waste and leccy and turn the gas on. 

We're not allowed to leave our awnings up (not that I mind).  If you can get a pitch within driving distance of work, I'd definitely think about it, best of both worlds. Our season is 8 months (March to October) and costs less than the price of a fortnight's static hire in high season.

Hi Diane

We went to look at Dacre Park near Brandesburton at the weekend, and have reserved a pitch for next weekend to give it a try, they have lots of seasonals, small bar / shop.

We usually go York / Harrogate or over the bridge, but thought that somewhere near the coast would give us greater scope for activities, and be nearer for the wifes family to visit.

We like Ripley Caravan Park, near Harrogate and would have a seasonal there, but I want to be able to get to work in under 30 minutes (Hull Centre).

I'm open to suggestions....

Paul

No you won't get fed up on  a good site - we have a seasonal and have made some good friends on site. my two kids ( 11 & 13) cant wait to go on Friday so they can meet up with the friends they have made also. Each weekend brings something new and lets be honest if the suns shining whats better that a couple of cold drinks a bit of chat or a good book on a sunday afternoon ( wouldn't get chance at home as the kids would be bored and need entertaining!) we have been on site since 5th April and have been there every weekend so far (this weekend was great weather). no hassle setting up just unlock the door unpack the shopping and youre sorted.

nina x

This is our first season on a seasonal pitch having been on a tow on/tow off arrangement at the site the last two years and we are loving it.  We are well positioned for Exeter and Plymouth, also the whole of the south coast of Devon and Dartmoor so I can't see us being bored any time soon.

To just turn up and connect the electric and water and turn the gas on is fantastic.

Ali

I doubt if there is a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this.

I regularly find myself thinking about trying out a seasonal pitch for all the same reasons you mentioned.  In fact, there are a couple of places I know near Chichester that would be great.  Of course, the idea seems most tempting about 4 hours into the drive to or from the site we have booked and we find ourselves stuck in yet another traffic jam! 

The thing that stops me is the thought that, if I did, I might miss out on all the other stunning places there are to try.

For instance, we went to the Gower just outside Swansea a couple of weeks ago and were absolutely amazed by just how many fabulous beaches there were - there seemed to be one round every corner.  As well as those, there were vast stretches of open moorland where you could spend hours just hiking around with the dogs and taking in the views.  Another bonus was that there were a couple of great pubs too!!

In August, we are off to a place called Fforest Fields near Builth Wells and all the reports we have seen about it are very positive so, if we stuck to Chichester, we would have missed out on that one too.

As I said, I wouldn't expect everyone to agree with this.

I think "seasonal" is a state of mind/physical needs.  We have just got a seasonal, nice site, lovely pitch, no furniture to unpack in and out of the van - just plug the electrics in and thats it.  Due to Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and osteo-arthritis in both knees and hips, I cant help him pack and unpack like I used to do.

We gave up caravanning when we came to this area and only returned to it about 4 years ago.  We intentionally weren't going to be towing - for 2 reasons - the roads here on the south coast are horrendous for traffic and we wouldnt use the van as much as we now if we had to tow it.  The site we were on before didn't do seasonals, but we kept it there all the year round and it mainly stayed on the same pitch.  We have never taken the van off site to holiday elsewhere, but there were no objections if you did.  The only thing that irked me somewhat was that were were charged winter and summer storage rates, and then full pitch fee when we occupied it - plus charge for awning, extra car, grandkids etc etc - if we stayed for a 2 week holiday, there was no reduction in the storage fee; and if my hubby went down to use it for a week - same again - full pitch fee - no reduction for there being one person.  Thats the beauty about a seasonal, there's no extras incurred and we find we use it more, we go down now on a Thursday evening (we used to begrudge being charged £16 just to sleep there, and would go down on the Friday morning instead).   We can use a smaller vehicle, so the fuel costs are reduced too.  We dont get bored with the area you see.  However, I think if we had children with us, they could get pretty well bored!!

Jenny