Caravan Club, Worth Joining?

[Lozzyf]

People do get a bit uptight about the CC at times, the main complaint revolving around its commercialisation and lack of a 'club' feel. Whilst I understand the complaint, in this day and age the CC has to be more hard headedly commercial in order to survive as a member owned entity. People do lose sight of the fact that all the money it earns is invested back into the club and the profits aren't siphoned off to anonymous hedge fund owners.

 

To clarify, as a non-member you can't use their CLs and you also get charged a premium for using Club sites. Using a few of those as a member will quickly pay for itself.

 

Cheers m'dear

[mindy]

we've been a member of cc for 2 years now, stayed on 1 site down in exmoor house with friends, the site was very nice and tidy, and we all enjoyed our stay there, but the warden was a bit over the top asking me to move our wind break over by 2 inches as it could be a fire hazard,, but joining the cc has saved us more than we have paid them through the £30 we saved staying at exmoor house, over £84 saving from towsure in southampton on items we have bought since starting out, every bit of saving helps out these days

 

mindy

[chrisn7]

Been a member for very many years, and the CC does have a lot to offer:

-the tailored for caravanners Green Flag service to take you on to your holiday destination and bring you home again if necessary

-excellent travel service, where the phone is answered promptly by ladies who really know what they are doing

-The Red Pennant service for foreign travel, which is second to none (if pricey), though of course its worth it if things go wrong.

-Sites which are consistently to a high standard, so you can be sure of what you get wherever you go.

-they keep up with changes in legislation and give advice through the mag

 

The only real downside for us is that, in striving for site standards, the rules have made sites rather sterile, and sometimes boring in appearance with regimented van spacing, compared to sites in, say, France. There, you can arrange your caravan and awning in whatever position you want, without this pitching up to a peg business. The use of low hedges significantly improves the ambience of pitches too This more relaxed approach makes sites much more visually interesting-3 weeks in France then an overnight at Black Horse farm really brought this home to me again this year.

[DeeTee]

The Black Horse farm CC site has a dedicated section catering specifically for Channel tunnel and ferry traffic.

[Lozzyf]

Well I have just looked at the "caravan club only" sites and whilst doing so, because they don't put picture on of the sites or address' I tried a search on the net only to find that the two I found ( quite easily) had their own web site and the prices were the same!!! Now do they discount after you join, do special offers ?? . I think the people that run these must have to make a living so that is why they advertise separately . . These were definitely Ccc only . . Also when I booked my tickets for the NEC in a few weeks. I ticked the box that asked if I was a CCC member ( to see what difference it made) and then went on to pay no problem ( the discount was pennies ) they didn't ask for a number or any proof, I expected to have to untick the box because I didn't have a number etc . Maybe I'll get asked as I walk through but having been to many shows at the NEC as exhibitor and visitor I very much doubt it. The point I'm making is do other " discounted " and "members only" items get discounted anyway do other members have to show their CCC I. D. to obtain a saving??

[Steamdrivenandy]

That reminds me of when we stayed at Rookesbury Park CC site a few years back. We pitched with the rear of the van facing the edge of a large thicket. There were about 8 pitches spread around the thicket's edge and it was nice and snug and protected, with shrubs and undergrowth right up into the tree cover.

 

One morning a whole heap of wardens turned up with serious looking cutting gear and laid into the brush cover, reducing it down to about waist height throughout the copse. The result was a rather unnatural looking level hedgeline with the tree trunks poking through and our nice green backdrop had become a view of more caravans on the rest of the site that had been hidden before.

 

I never did discover what the purpose of all the hard work was and have always felt there were much better things they could've done with the time. It seemed to me to be part of a mania to bring suburbia to caravan sites.

[Motobiman]

Some might say joining just to save money is not what a club is about.

 

I would say it's worth it for access to the CL sites alone.

Well I have just looked at the "caravan club only" sites and whilst doing so, because they don't put picture on of the sites or address' I tried a search on the net only to find that the two I found ( quite easily) had their own web site and the prices were the same!!! Now do they discount after you join, do special offers ?? . I think the people that run these must have to make a living so that is why they advertise separately . . These were definitely Ccc only . . Also when I booked my tickets for the NEC in a few weeks. I ticked the box that asked if I was a CCC member ( to see what difference it made) and then went on to pay no problem ( the discount was pennies ) they didn't ask for a number or any proof, I expected to have to untick the box because I didn't have a number etc . Maybe I'll get asked as I walk through but having been to many shows at the NEC as exhibitor and visitor I very much doubt it. The point I'm making is do other " discounted " and "members only" items get discounted anyway do other members have to show their CCC I. D. to obtain a saving??

We were always asked for our membership number when booking a CC site.

[Steamdrivenandy]

You seem to be mixing up your clubs and your sites Lozzy.

 

Club sites, both CC and C&CC, do always charge a premium to non-members on sites where non-members are accepted. A few weeks ago we stayed at Boroughbridge C&CC site for six nights as non-members and were charged an extra £55 or thereabouts. We decided to join and had the premium refunded.

 

Some sites are member only and you can't book or pitch without membership. Sometimes if you've booked via the club websites you won't be asked for a membership card because you need membership to be able to book via the web, so it's assumed you have it.

 

CL's and CS's on the other hand are individual independent small businesses and can charge what they like. Legally non-members of their licensing club are not allowed to use their pitches. However there are a few places who operate a non-CL/CS site alongside a CL/CS five pitch area and they are quite at liberty to charge the same for both.

 

As to the security of the NEC's booking system that's down to the NEC to worry about. I do know that to get the discount on the M6 Toll they require your membership card and note down the details at the toll booth.

[Motobiman]

You seem to be mixing up your clubs and your sites Moto.

Club sites, both CC and C&CC, do always charge a premium to non-members on sites where non-members are accepted.

How come?

 

All I mentioned was IMHO Caravan Club membership was worth it just for the CL sites and the Caravan Club had asked for my membership number when booking sites, nothing more.

[Steamdrivenandy]

How come?

 

All I mentioned was IMHO Caravan Club membership was worth it just for the CL sites and the Caravan Club had asked for my membership number when booking sites, nothing more.

Abject apologies it was Lozzy's post that you quoted that I should've referred to. Very sorry.

[Motobiman]

Abject apologies it was Lozzy's post that you quoted that I should've referred to. Very sorry.

No worries and no offence taken.

[Lozzyf]

You seem to be mixing up your clubs and your sites Lozzy.

Club sites, both CC and C&CC, do always charge a premium to non-members on sites where non-members are accepted. A few weeks ago we stayed at Boroughbridge C&CC site for six nights as non-members and were charged an extra £55 or thereabouts. We decided to join and had the premium refunded.

Some sites are member only and you can't book or pitch without membership. Sometimes if you've booked via the club websites you won't be asked for a membership card because you need membership to be able to book via the web, so it's assumed you have it.

CL's and CS's on the other hand are individual independent small businesses and can charge what they like. Legally non-members of their licensing club are not allowed to use their pitches. However there are a few places who operate a non-CL/CS site alongside a CL/CS five pitch area and they are quite at liberty to charge the same for both.

As to the security of the NEC's booking system that's down to the NEC to worry about. I do know that to get the discount on the M6 Toll they require your membership card and note down the details at the toll booth.

 

 

I may well have done but the ones I looked at I couldn't book unless I was logged in an couldn't see pictures or address' . . That's why I searched on line. they were " red flagged" if that makes a difference .

In all honesty I will join and see what the saving is over 12 months as I'm new to this . the European ones are a great interest to us as well, we travelled across to our relatives in italy ( mikes mom was italian) and stopped over in France and Switzerland in hotels. That said I have experience of driving in a fiat 500 around italy and that is scary enough so having a caravan on the back ( NOT ON A FIAT 500 lol) will be a bit of a challenge !!!!!

[Lozzyf]

Some might say joining just to save money is not what a club is about.

I would say it's worth it for access to the CL sites alone.

 

We were always asked for our membership number when booking a CC site.

I agree it's not. I just like making an informed choice.

And here I'm going to ask what everyone will think is a daft question and probably the reason why I'm getting confused but. . . . What's a CL site. . . Are these the club only ones? , because that's what I thought I was talking about in the above post. . They were " red flagged" on the map?

[Steamdrivenandy]

CLs and CSs are the two clubs own names for the network of five pitch sites that they certify under a dispensation in planning law. As said each is individually owned and run and only members of the relevant club can use those pitches.

 

The standards, facilities and prices vary tremendously, varying from the totally luxurious to a spare old turnip field that a farmer can't think what else to do with. The availability of pictures etc depends totally on the site owners, some may choose to supply them, others might not even own a computer to post them. It's rich vein of unending diversity and long may such things prosper.

[DeeTee]

A CL is the abbreviation for a Certificated Location which is privately owned site for Caravan Club (CC) members only. The maximum number of caravans on the site at any one time is limited to five.

 

As others have said a CL can vary from the owners back garden to huge fields with toilet block, an EHU (Electrical hookup) and other facilities which are sometimes included with the pitch charges.

 

All CLs must have as a minimum a drinking water supply and somewhere to dispose of the contents of the chemical toilet cassette and other waste.

 

A CS (Certified Site) is the C&CC equivalent.

 

Site fees can vary in price depending on what facilities are offered and whether extra charges are levied for dogs, awnings or EHUs.

Edited September 30, 2015 by DeeTee

[Disco Kid]

The thread is a mix of fact and opinion . .

 

The only way to be certain whether it suits you, is to join for 12 months, try everything on offer, then make up your own mind whether it would be worth continuing . .

 

Use of a few CLs could soon save the membership fee.

 

Me, I've been a member for 1964, and have been involved since 1948 when my parents joined.

 

I think it must provide what I want . .

Edited September 30, 2015 by Disco Kid

[Lozzyf]

 

So which one is which?

Where are the C. L's

Edited September 30, 2015 by Lozzyf

[fleetgold]

That is the Camping and Caravan club not the Caravan club. The C and CC have Certificated sites not CL, and on your picture they are labelled Certificated Site.

 

One difference between the CLs and CSs is that although both have a limit of 5 vans the CSs can have tents in addition to the 5 vans. This could mean that the CS is much busier than you expected.

[Lozzyf]

That is the Camping and Caravan club not the Caravan club. The C and CC have Certificated sites not CL, and on your picture they are labelled Certificated Site.

 

One difference between the CLs and CSs is that although both have a limit of 5 vans the CSs can have tents in addition to the 5 vans. This could mean that the CS is much busier than you expected.

So do I have to join both then?. . NOW I AM TRULY CONFUSED !!!

[Motobiman]

image. jpg

So which one is which?

Where are the C. L's

CL = Certified Location = Caravan Club = CC = five caravans maximum, no tents.

CS = Certified Site = Camping and Caravan Club = C and CC = five caravans and numerous tents.

 

You look at both websites and makes your choice.

 

As a NEWBY I decided to join the CC this year to see how I got on and I have to say I have been totally satisfied with their prices and facilities at six different CLs and eight Club and affiliated sites.

Edited September 30, 2015 by Motobiman

[Lozzyf]

CL = Certified Location = Caravan Club = CC = five caravans maximum, no tents.

CS = Certified Site = Camping and Caravan Club = C and CC = five caravans and numerous tents.

You look at both websites and makes your choice.

As a NEWBY I decided to join the CC this year to see how I got on and I have to say I have been totally satisfied with their prices and facilities at six different CLs and eight Club and affiliated sites.

 

So what was the decision point for you . . No campers,? is the CC more couples than families?

[chrisn7]

CL = Certified Location = Caravan Club = CC = five caravans maximum, no tents.

CS = Certified Site = Camping and Caravan Club = C and CC = five caravans and numerous tents.

For the avoidance of doubt and further confusing Lozzyf: CL=Certificated Location (as CC handbook)

[Motobiman]

So what was the decision point for you . . No campers,? is the CC more couples than families?

Nah it was just a 'caravan club' as opposed to a 'camping and caravan club' and we have a caravan, no more complicated than that.

 

If there was a Caravans without Dogs Club I would try that too.

Edited September 30, 2015 by Motobiman

[Lozzyf]

Nah it was just a 'caravan club' as opposed to a 'camping and caravan club' and we have a caravan, no more complicated than that.

If there was a Caravans without Dogs Club I would try that too.

 

Hahahahah

I have dogs but I can relate to THAT one I also have four grown up ( I say that loosely ) children but if there was a club without screaming kids that stay up too late I wouldn't have a problem joining . .

Maybe it's the "miserable old person's " club I need to join. . .

[Steamdrivenandy]

1. Neither set of five van sites are 'Certified', they are 'Certificated'. Not sure what the difference is though?

There isn't a miserable old persons club, but Tranquil Touring Parks are sort of part way there.

Having just joined the C&CC a few weeks ago and stayed at their Boroughbridge site I can say that tenters tend to be noisier and more boisterous than caravanners. I've also noticed a similar phenomenon when walking out of the Malvern CC site and past their neighbouring C&CC site.

I did notice that C&CC wardens are dressed in bright red and CC wardens in medium green. After 6 weeks using such sites I longed for a touch of blue, or yellow or anything but green/red.

CC wardens are happy for you to find a vacant pitch and tell them where you are. C&CC wardens will lead you to the pitch they've allocated to you. Before I get ripped into the C&CC wardens are usually happy to change the pitch, if you ask.

The CC seem intent on covering the world with hardstanding pitches and there's an almost militiaristic liking for straight lines and regulated gaps etc. Whilst that means people get consistency and know what to expect, the C&CC seem to prefer grass (probably because of the tenters) and have a more laissez faire attitude.