A static only site next to the beach. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, NE, NORTH EAST, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES, Tyne and Wear No Comments »
Tourers are accepted on the coastal park. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, NE, NORTH EAST, Northumberland, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
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No camping here. Direct access to the beach.
The site has an outdoor pool with waterslide, and an adventure playground. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, NE, East Yorkshire, NORTH EAST, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
Good clean site. Beach is a short walk. web link
Posted in Camping by coast UK, NE, Park Holidays, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES, Within 500 metres NE No Comments »
Posted in Camping by coast, UK EA, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES, Within 500 metres EA 1 Comment »
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This site can get pretty booked in the summer. A short walk to the beach. There’s a touring field for campers and caravans.
Posted in Camping by coast, UK EA, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES, Within 500 metres EA No Comments »
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No camping – statics only. web link
Posted in Camping by coast, UK EA, Park Resorts, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES, Within 500 metres EA No Comments »
BAR: Overlooking the Essex coastline
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SEAWALL: Walk along the coastal path
Statics for hire or sale on Mersea Island, but no camping here. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, SE, Essex, Park Resorts, SOUTH EAST, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
WILDLIFE: Marshland and beach surround the campsite
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SAND: Camp backs onto the beach
The holiday village is opposite one of Kent’s best beaches. No camping. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, SE, Kent, Park Resorts, SOUTH EAST, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
COAST: View from the campsite
PLAY: Plenty for children onsite
There’s a very good coastal path and access to the beach from site.
Three fields are available for tourers. web link
Posted in A campsite by beach UK, SE, Isle of Wight, Park Resorts, SOUTH EAST, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
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River is within 400 yards. Nearby beaches include Oxwich and Caswell Bays, and Rhossili. web link
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Posted in Camping by river UK, WAL, Within 500 metres WAL, Z Caravan Club Main Site No Comments »
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By Stephen Neale
I don’t like to think of us as a nation of moody, immature campers, but the craziness of wintertime angst has just arrived on my doorstep like a precocious 15-year-old at Holloween.
Flooding aside, Brits are like pathetic children who have been spoilt from birth when it comes to attempting to cope with a dusting of snow.
And like the pubescent teen playing dumb because it’s easier for nanny and mum to clean up, we relish the opportunity to blame and critizice the highways agency and councils for their failures.
Almost none will consider the safest, cheapest, best option of all: fitting low cost all-weather, winter tyres.
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They range in price from £60-£120, and are the common sense alternative to the ‘summers’ most UK drivers use 12 months a year.
So why the reluctance to change?
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‘Winters’ or cold weathers are specifically designed for temperatures below 7 degrees C. They shouldn’t be confused with snow tyres, although even ‘snows’ will perform better than ‘summers’, particularly for motorhomes and caravanners driving across a wet field in July.
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This is ’cause cold weather tyres contain more natural rubber and silica, which gives better grip on the road because the compound doesn’t harden so much in the lower temp’s.
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They wear out a little faster, but safety mitigates this marginal cost. Claims that fuel economy is compromised aren’t supported by any road tests.
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The main argument against ‘winters’ is that UK conditions aren’t cold or snowy enough to warrant a change of tyre. The reality is they perform well in all winter conditions and during heavy, summer rainfall. So much so, some drivers are now choosing to wear ‘winters’ or ‘all weathers’ all year.
While winter rubbers are compulsory in most European countries, they’re not even considered here.
The UK Government has failed (like a bad parent, you some might say) to introduce a law change, although some manufacturers are trying to get the safety message out. Suzuki GB is among those fitting vehicles from the production line with winters.
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Michael-Le Flay, Suzuki Aftersales Marketing Manager, said in November 2010: “Many people are unaware of the fact that when temperatures drop below 7°C, the rubber in standard tyres becomes harder and less flexible, which affects braking and cornering performance.
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“It doesn’t matter how many electronic aids your car may have, the quality of its tyres is critical.
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“The compound used for winter tyres, and their tread design are tailored to cope with adverse conditions, so that the best levels of car control can be maintained. The result is a significant improvement in braking performance of up to 25 per cent as well as better grip.”
The National Tyre Distributors Association is also supporting the introduction of winter tyre legislation. But like our congested winter roads, things need to get moving. According to chairman, Martin Rowlands, ‘progress has been slow’.
‘Winters’ are available from many UK stockists, with www.mytyres.co.uk among one the most popular I’ve found around the web, and local garages will usually fit for about £15.
For more information on tyres and the law visit: http://www.etyres.co.uk/winter-tyres-law
Once you’ve read that little lot, enjoy the sensation of moving forward on those open back-roads while the rest of Britain grinds to a halt – again.
Posted in Camping Features No Comments »
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There are loads of restrictions on caravans and motorhomes wanting to park in UK service stations at night.
But it’s not all bad for campers on tour.
MOTORWAY: Service? (by Nik Sibley)
More than 80 locations around the UK offer stopovers in relative safety for little more than £12, sometimes with breakfast vouchers thrown in.
The simple rule of thumb is always put in a call to station manager to check the latest situation, the price and availability.
Here’s a few possibile sleepovers:
>< M1 + JUNCTION 4 & 5. Welcome Break Service Area, Mill Hill / 02089 060611.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 11 & 12. Moto Service Area, Toddington / 01525 878400.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 14 & 15. Welcome Break Service Area, Newport Pagnell / 01908 217722.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 15a. Roadchef Service Area, Northampton / 01604 831888.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 16 & 17. Roadchef Service Area, Watford Gap
/ 01327 879001.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 21 & 22. Welcome Break Service Area, Leicester Forest East / 0116 2386801.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 23a. Moto Service Area, Leicester / 01530 244777. Restaurant available until 10pm.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 25 & 26. Moto Service Area, Trowell, Nottingham / 01159 320291.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 28 & 29. Roadchef Service Area, Tibshelf, Derby, / 01773 876600.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 30 & 31. Welcome Break Service Area, Woodall, Sheffield / 0114 2486434.
>< M1 + JUNCTION 38 & 39. Moto Service Area, Woolley Edge, Bretton / 01924 830371.
>< M11 + Just off JUNCTION 8 Welcome Break Service Area, Birchanger Green / 01279 653388.
>< A1 – M at Blyth. - Notts. Moto Service Area, Blyth / 01909 591841. On roundabout JUNCTION A1 – M/A614 near Worksop.
>< A1 – M at Scotch Corner. Moto Service Area, Scotch Corner / 01325 377719 . On roundabout JUNCTION A1/A66 at Scotch Corner 1½m from Southern end of A1 – M. Caravans park in the lodge car park.
>< A1 – M JUNCTION 46. Moto Service Area, Wetherby / 01937 545080
>< A1 – M at Washington. + JUNCTION 64. Moto Service Area, Washington / 0191 4103436. Birtley and Chester-le-Street JUNCTIONtion; 6m N of Durham; 6m S of Gateshead.
>< A1 – M at Durham. + JUNCTION 61/A17. Roadchef Service Area, Tursdale Road, Bowburn, Durham. / 0191 3779222.
>< M2 + JUNCTION 4 & 5. Moto Service Area, Medway / 01634 236900.
>< M18 + JUNCTION 5. Moto Service Area, Doncaster North Services, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN8 5JS / 01302 847700.
>< M20 + Just off JUNCTION 8. Roadchef Service Area, Hollingbourne, Maidstone / 01622 631100.
>< M23 + Just off JUNCTION 11. Moto Service Area, Pease Pottage, Crawley / 01293 562852. Restaurant 07.00 – 21.30 hours.
>< M25 + JUNCTION 5 & 6. Roadchef Service Area, Clackett Lane / 01959 565577.
>< M25 + Just off JUNCTION 23/A1 – M. Welcome Break Service Area, South Mimms, Potters Bar / 01707 631001.
>< M25 + JUNCTION 30/31. Moto Service Area, Thurrock / 01708 865487.
>< M27 + JUNCTION 3 & 4. Roadchef Service Area, Rownhams / 02380 734480.
>< M3 + JUNCTION 4a & 5. Welcome Break Service Area, Fleet / 01252 621656.
Caravans park in the lorry park.
>< M3 + JUNCTION 8 & 9. Moto Service Area, Winchester / 01962 791140.
Access Southbound only. Approximate price £10 – includes £2 meal vouchers.
>< M3 + JUNCTION 8 & 9. Moto Service Area, Winchester / 01962 791134
Access Northbound only. Approximate price £10 - includes £2 meal vouchers.
>< M4 - 2 & 3. Moto Service Area, Heston / 0208 5802152 East & West.
>< M4 + JUNCTION 11 & 12. Moto Service Area, Reading / 0118 9566966.
>< M4 + Just off JUNCTION 13. Moto Service Area, Newbury / 01635 248024. Access from A34.
>< M4 + JUNCTION 14 & 15. Welcome Break Service Area, Membury / 01488 674360.
>< M4 + JUNCTION 17 & 18. Moto Service Area, Leigh Delamere / 01666 837691.
>< M4 + Just off JUNCTION 23a. First Motorway Services, Magor, Gwent / 01633 881515. Access via a new exit A43. off eastern roundabout.
>< M4 + JUNCTION 30. Welcome Break, Cardiff Gate. Cardiffsitedirector@welcomebreak.co.uk
>< M4 + JUNCTION 33. Moto Service Area, Cardiff West, Nr Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan / 02920 891141.
>< M4 + Just off JUNCTION 36. Welcome Break, Sarn Park Service Area, / 01656 655332.
>< M4 + JUNCTION 47. Moto Service Area, Penllergaer, Swansea West, West Glamorgan / 01792 896222. Caravans park in a separate area.
>< M4 + Just off JUNCTION 49. Roadchef Service Area, Pont Abraham, Pontardulais, Swansea / 01792 884663. Access from A48.
>< M42 + JUNCTION 2. Welcome Break, Hopwood Park Service Area, Alvechurch,
Birmingham / 0121 447 4000.
>< M42 + JUNCTION 10/A5. Moto Service Area, Tamworth / 01827 260120. Caravans park in a separate area. - If petrol is required it meeds to be purchased prior to parking.
>< M40 + JUNCTION 8. Welcome Break Service Area, Oxford / 01865 877000.
>< M40 + JUNCTION 10. Moto Service Area, Cherwell Valley / 01869 346060. Caravans park in a separate area.
>< M40 + JUNCTION 12 & 13. Welcome Break Service Area, Warwick / 01926 650168. Northbound and Southbound
>< M48 + JUNCTION 1. Moto Service Area, Severn View Services, Aust / 01454 632851. By Severn Bridge; access from A403 - Aust; follow ‘Services’ sign. Caravans park in a separate area.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 3 & 4. Moto Service Area, Frankley / 0121 5503131.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 7 & 8. Roadchef Service Area, Strensham / 01684 293004. Northbound / 07980 510999 and Southbound / 07817 625365, 1 mile apart, no footbridge.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 13 & 14. Welcome Break Service Area, Michaelwood, Lower Wick, Dursley / 01454 260631.
>< M5 + Just off JUNCTION 19. Welcome Break Service Area, Gordano / 01275 373624.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 21 & 22. Roadchef Service Area, Sedgemoor / 01934 750888. Access Southbound only.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 21 & 22. Welcome Break Service Area, Sedgemoor / 01934 750730. Access Northbound only.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 24. Moto Service Area, Huntsworth Business park, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6TS, / 01278 456800.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 25 & 26. Roadchef Service Area, Taunton Deane / 07950
896646.
>< M5 + JUNCTION 28 McDonalds Restaurants Ltd, Cullompton Northbound
/ 01884 38054.
>< M5 + Just off JUNCTION 30. Moto Service Area, Exeter / 01392 436266.
>< M54 + JUNCTION 4 Welcome Break Service Area, Telford / 01952 238400.
>< M56 + Just off JUNCTION 14. Roadchef Service Area, Chester / 01928 728500.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 3 & 4. Welcome Break Service Area, Corley / 01676 540111.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 10a & 11. Moto Service Area, Hilton Park / 01922 412237.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 14 & 15. Moto Service Area, Stafford North / 01785 811188. Caravans park in a separate area. Access Northbound only.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 14 & 15. Roadchef Service Area, Stafford South / 01785 826300.
Access Southbound only.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 15 & 16. Welcome Break Service Area, Keele / 01782 626221.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 16 & 17. Roadchef Service Area, Sandbach / 0791 048002.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 27 & 28. Welcome Break Service Area, Charnock Richard / 01257 791494.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 32 & 33. Moto Service Area, Lancaster / 01524 791775. 5
>< M6 + JUNCTION 35 & 36. Moto Service Area, Burton in Kendal / 01524 781234. Access Northbound only.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 36 & 37. Roadchef Service Area, Killington Lake / 01539 620739. Access Southbound only.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 38 & 39. Westmorland Service Area, Tebay / 01539 624511. Separate caravan site adjacent Northbound services area – open March – October. November – February park on lorry park. Prices from £14.50 – £17.00.
>< M6 + JUNCTION 41 & 42. Moto Service Area, Southwaite / 01697 4747000.
Caravans park in the lorry park.
M6 Toll + JUNCTION T6 & T7. Roadchef Service Area, Norton Canes / 07776 408987.
>< M61 + JUNCTION 6 & 8 . First Motorway Services, Bolton West / 01204 468641.
Caravans park in the lorry park.
>< M62 + JUNCTION 8 & 9. Welcome Break Service Area, Warrington, Burtonwood / 01925 651656.
>< M62 + JUNCTION 18 & 19. Moto Service Area, Birch / 0161 6430911.
>< M62 + JUNCTION 25 & 26. Welcome Break Service Area, Hartshead Moor / 01274 876584. Price includes meal vouchers.
>< M62 + JUNCTION 33/A1. Moto Service Area, Ferrybridge / 01977 672767.
>< M74 + JUNCTION 4 & 5. Roadchef Motorways Service Area, Bothwell / 01698 854123. Access Southbound only. Price includes meal vouchers.
>< M74 + JUNCTION 5 & 6. Roadchef Service Area, Hamilton / 01698 282176. Access Northbound only. Price includes meal vouchers.
>< M74 + JUNCTION 11 & 12/A74. Cairn Lodge Happendon Services, Nr.Douglas / 01555 851880.
>< M74 + JUNCTION 13. Welcome Break Services, Abington. / 01864 502637. Access also from A74 / A702.
>< M74 + JUNCTION 21. Welcome Break Service Area, Gretna Green / 01461 337567. Caravans park in a separate area. A64 and A74/M, 2 miles North of Gretna Green.
>< A74 – M + JUNCTION 16. Roadchef Service Area, Johnstonebridge, Lockerbie / 01576 470870.
>< M9/80 + JUNCTION 9. Moto Service Area, Stirling / 01786 813614
Posted in Camping Features No Comments »
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Steeple Bay Holiday Park is situated on the Dengie Peninsula, in one of the most remote parts of Essex, great for walking, cycling, fishing, sailing and canoeing.
The park accommodates statics or tourers and has its own pub and swimming pool.
Small sandy areas surround the park and there are a few picnic tables dotted about, but it’s not an area renowned for its beaches. Boat access to Mayland Creek via the campsite slipway.
The slipway provides access to surrounding creeks and the River Blackwater and the North Sea to the east. The River Crouch is on the other side of the Peninsula, and forms the landmass.
The park is an ideal opportunity to sail or canoe, although the Blackwater is tidal. Caution needed. Keep and eye of the wind and the tide times.
There are good views across the water to Osea Island, where artists, writers, celebrities and millionaires fly in by helicopter to ‘de-stress!’
Cycling from the park along the adjoining seawall is excellent.
It’s possible to walk the entire length of the peninsula (not in a day) along much of the adjoining seawall.
The eastern part of the peninsula is marshy and forms the Dengie Marshes.
The touring park closes at the end of October and opens again in March. Some pitches (pictured) are right next to the sea-wall.
Fishing from the sea-wall is available and there is a small on site lake, although check availability.
Ramblers can walk east or west of the river through fields and along the sea wall. The Dengie Peninsula is home to thousands of waders, geese and warblers. The entire area is a haven for wildlife, ideal for bird watchers and naturists. More photos here.
Campsite web link
BAY: Eastern view of the campsite at Steeple © Stephen Neale
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BEACH: Camping and static homes riverside © Stephen Neale
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TOURING: Campsite is close to the sea wall on River Blackwater.
Posted in A campsite by river UK, SE, Essex, Park Holidays, SOUTH EAST, STATIC HOLIDAY HOMES No Comments »
By Stephen Neale
Pitches are a bit uneven, but this is a very clean site. Set in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Freshwater East offers walks along the coastal path with its grand cliff top views.
The coast is minutes away and Barafundle Bay (only accessible by foot) and Broadhaven beaches are among some of the best beaches around. web link
COAST: The Pembrokeshire shoreline (by dougwoods)
.jpg "Freshwater East Caravan Club, Trewent Hill, Freshwater East, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5LJ, 01646 672341")
SUNSET: Whitesands Bay (© Caravan Club)
RED: Freshwater East Caravan Site at Dusk (© Caravan Club)
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Posted in Camping by coast UK, WAL, WALES, Within 500 metres WAL, Z Caravan Club Main Site No Comments »
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We stayed here for five nights in September because it’s a good base for cycling and beautiful walks along the River Thames.
Phone signal is weak across some areas on the park, so you might want to check before setting up pitch – unless you want to remain incommunicado! web link
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MARSH LOCK: Henley-on-Thames (© Caravan Club)
Posted in Camping by river, UK CEN, Within 500 metres CEN, Z Caravan Club Main Site No Comments »
VIEW: Pitches overlooking the Great River Ouse
Huntingdon Boathaven is surrounded by the Great River Ouse on two sides. Rare to come upon a pretty site so close to town (just a few minute walk to Huntingdon).
The A14 overhead is another strange feature, but the drone goes unnoticed after a few hours.
The toilets and showers are spotless.
We paid £15, which was good value at half-term with hook-up.
Perfect location for river lovers, walkers, cyclists, canoeists, anglers and campers who like to have pubs, supermarkets and restaurants on their doorstep.
The river is beautiful and full of colour during autumn.
The owners are helpful and friendly. Wi-fi at £5-per day is handy too.
Posted in A campsite by river UK, EA, Cambridgeshire, EAST ANGLIA No Comments »
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Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park is next to the River Lee and surrounded on three sides by The Lee Valley Golf Course.
All three are inside the amazing Lee Valley Country Park. The park is council run, as is the campsite and golf course.
It’s one of my favourite campsites, not least because it’s within cycling distance of London’s City centre. A jewel, in every sense, at the heart of London’s industrial past, present and future. web link
CAMPING: Lee Valley site (© Stephen Neale/Campsites on Water)
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GOLF: The Lee Valley course surrounds campsite © Stephen Neale/Campsites on Water
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RIVERSIDE: Golf and camp by the River Lee © Stephen Neale/Campsites on Water
Posted in Camping by river UK, SE, LONDON, Within 500 metres SE No Comments »
