Recent figures show that in 2022:

• sales of touring caravans increased by 23.5% compared with the previous years – with a total of 17,639 being sold;
• sales of campervans and motorhomes increased by 12% – to reach a total of 14,074 vehicles sold; and
• there was a 38% increase to a total of 19,624 holiday homes or static caravans sold during 2021.

This increase was undoubtedly fuelled by the pandemic where overseas travel was restricted and staycations came in to their own.

Against this ever-growing popularity then, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about buying a caravan.

Why buy a caravan?

If you are thinking of buying a touring caravan or a static caravan, you are likely to have one thing in mind – holidays.

Whether it is a tourer or a static holiday home, it makes it so much easier to plan your holidays – and you can set off any time you choose. With a touring caravan, you simply hitch it up behind your car – and follow your planned route to the campsites you’ve booked beforehand. Trips to your holiday home will be to the park or resort you have been to before and have already grown to love.

When you own a caravan, you immediately cut the costs of your holidays at a stroke. For one thing, of course, you no longer have to pay for what is often the most expensive component – your accommodation.

But you might also make savings by having the equipment on which to make your own meals, and also cut the cost of travel from one hotel or bed and breakfast to the next.

If you want to learn more about the relative benefits of owning either a touring caravan or a static holiday home, then look no further than the whole bookcase of easy to read guides we have published.

What do I need to consider when buying a touring caravan?

The frequently asked questions become more detailed, of course, once you have chosen the type of caravan you want to buy. If it is a tourer, for instance, you must consider:

• your budget – and how you plan to finance the purchase of a caravan;
• the size of the touring caravan – typically a balance between the length and spaciousness for comfortable living, yet a sufficiently compact wheelbase to allow easy manoeuvring and parking;
• a welter of caravan and towing measurements – from the weight of the caravan, the kerbweight of the car towing it, the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) of your fully-loaded caravan, together with the trailer’s “noseweight”;
• the category of driving licence you will need – for the majority of caravan weights and sizes, your regular car-driving licence should suffice. You can refer to the Government website as to what driving licence you need in order to tow a caravan;
• suitable touring caravan insurance; and
• your options for storage when your touring caravan is laid up for winter – and the opportunity to take advantage of the insurance premium discounts available (at Cover4Caravans) if you use a storage site authorised by the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA). You can read more about this here Choosing a caravan site (to store your tourer).

Please also refer to our: Cover4Caravans’ Guide to buying a tourer.

What do I need to consider when buying a static home?

If you choose a static home, you have none of the potential worries about learning to tow a caravan behind your car or wondering just where in the country – or abroad – you decide to take your holidays.

A static home is just that. It stays in the one place – somewhere that becomes ever more familiar with each visit and that you look forward to returning to again and again. For that very reason, of course, the location of your holiday home, the part of the country it is in, and the type of amenities offered by the site, park or resort on which it is pitched may become greater considerations than the overall size of the static caravan itself.

Along with that, of course, you also need to choose the park or resort on which the static caravan is berthed. You will be paying for the lease of your pitch, so that is one of the running costs which you need to add to the purchase price of your holiday home when preparing your budget and arranging suitable finance.

Do I have to take the site owner’s insurance?

When it comes to insuring your static home against loss or damage, you are almost certain to be offered an insurance package by the managers or owners of the park or resort on which your static caravan is berthed.

In the vast majority of cases, you are not obliged to buy that insurance but may look for competitively priced static home insurance cover elsewhere. One of the conditions of your lease agreement, however, may be a requirement for adequate third party, owner’s liability indemnity insurance – and you might need to furnish evidence of your having arranged such cover.

Can I live permanently in my static home?

One of the biggest and most frequently asked questions is whether you can live in a static caravan or holiday home all the year round. The answer is almost certainly not. The site on which your holiday caravan is berthed is subject to local authority licensing which is almost certain to ban year-round residence and require holiday home owners to maintain a permanent residential address elsewhere.

The current licensing regime is subject to the Mobile Homes Act 2013 and explained in more detail in official guidance published in March 2015.

Further reading: Guide to buying a static home.

Summary

Owning any type of caravan, therefore, opens the door to as many staycations as you desire.

With a touring caravan, of course, you have the freedom of the open road and the possibility of exploring any corner of these beautiful islands. If you choose a holiday home, you never have to worry about choosing the location for any staycation again.

Either way, buying a caravan not only gives you the freedom to take a holiday whenever the fancy takes you but also significantly reduces the costs of those holidays – the accommodation is already taken care of and paid for.

Date of Visit:    August 2023

Overall View

This is a family friendly Caravan and Motorhome Club site close by the village of Dulverton, Somerset in the Southwest of England.  The site itself sits on the border between Devon and Somerset and is usually open from March until the end of October.

Access is straightforward until the last few country road miles.  We are, however, pleased to note that since our visit earlier in the month, the problem road surface is about to be redone which will greatly improve matters.  Access from the M5 (J27) is advised.  Please see arrival video HERE.

The site is situated in a very beautiful countryside area with great views across the valley.  The site is broadly tiered and there are a range of types of pitches available out of a total of 79, from grass up to and including fully serviced, hardstanding pitches – arguably some of the best view pitches, particularly if you place your van front in.

The site sits alongside the A396, although it is not of the standard of the A1 or A5 for example, there is some road noise – particularly farm traffic during the daytime.  At nighttime it was perfectly quiet and did not affect us during our days at the site.

The wardens were very friendly and available to help if require and the upkeep of the site overall is a tribute to them all.

Facilities

This site has the full range of facilities you would expect from a Club site.  There is a main facilities block which encompasses showers, toilets, dishwashing area, laundry room and accessible bathroom. The facilities were kept immaculate throughout our stay.

The drive over motorhome service point is to one side of this building and behind that is an EDP and bins with a recycling area.

Security on site is good as there is a barrier card system in operation.  The Reception being just by the gate and also includes the well-stocked information room.

There are other service points dotted around the site.

There is a fully enclosed dog walk at the far end of the site which was very popular.

Unfortunately, the children’s playground is still out of action due to the equipment being unsafe.

The WiFi offering on club sites is being gradually upgraded and we didn’t try it this time. However mobile wise both 3 and EE were excellent up to 4G and the coverage maps from O2 and Vodafone indicated the same.

TV reception was reasonable but don’t expect to get as many channels as you may get elsewhere.

Review of Site Pitch

We had opted for a fully serviced hardstanding pitch and on arrival quickly decided to place the van front end in so as to get the best views, we were not to be disappointed.

The pitch was level and legs down were quick and easy.  One point to note, however, is that if your van has its disposal points to the rear of the van then it will be necessary to ensure you have sufficient pipe length to reach the grid which is at the opposite end of the pitch.

Pitches were clean, tidy and the area around regularly maintained.  There are also hardstanding and a good number of grass pitches – some which are only in use if the rest of the site is occupied.

Around and about

The site’s location lends itself to a wide range of activities to suit all ages and abilities.  As the site is close to Exmoor, there are numerous walks and hikes plus mountain bike trails for the most active.  Towards the coast there are plenty of seaside towns and villages with history a plenty.  The nearest big town is Tiverton where all the big supermarkets reside, and relatively cheaper fuel is available.  A good starting point is to visit this website:  www.visit-exmoor.co.uk

The nearest towns and villages to visit on the coast are Dunster and Minehead.  Dunster is very traditional and has a very wide high street and medieval marketplace at the top of the street.  There are many independent shops including cafes, delis, pubs, clothes, and gift shops.  Parking can be very busy but there are larger car parks on the outskirts. www.Dunster.org.uk  Dunster is also home to a National Trust Castle – members entrance is free. 

A few miles further on is the traditional seaside town of Minehead – all the usual activities are available, and it is one end of the Southwest Coast Path, marked by a statue.  (The other end is in Poole some 630 miles away).

It is also one end of the West Somerset Heritage Railway and runs between here and Bishops Lydeard.  It is a good way of seeing the coast from the comfort of your seat and stops at most of the seaside villages along the way – usually right by the coast.  Dogs are allowed on the trains. 

There are a good range of pubs/restaurants in the vicinity of the site.  The nearest one is walking accessible, (although a steep hill on the way back) from the bottom of the site and sits on the River Exe.  The Anchor Inn. Food is available and is dog friendly. 

Slightly further afield, but highly recommended is the Royal Oak, Winsford, Exmoor.  The food is excellent, a very old and much-loved pub with family run service both friendly and efficient.  The pub is dog friendly

There are also a number of pubs/cafes in the town of Dulverton – which also houses a Co-Op, Post Office, and gift shops. 

If you are looking for a full day out including visiting the well-known surfers paradise, then it is possible to visit Croyde Bay on the North Devon coast.  It’s beach is known for its surfing and is a very popular destination.  Parking is costly but if you are NT members, there is a free car park at the far end of the bay.  There are numerous cafes, beach bars and surfing shops in the Bay and in the village is all the traditional amenities you would expect including a Post Office.  Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach from end of March until beginning of September. 

Whilst visiting Minehead you may wish to add on a short detour to visit the tiny fishing village at Porlock Weir and the adjacent Porlock village which is chocolate box pretty and can be very busy indeed during the peak season.  There is reasonable parking at the Weir and there are a couple of pubs, gift shops, cafes, and a walk along the harbour wall.  Care should be taken as the infamous Porlock Hill (1:4/25%) with hairpins is just north of the village and definitely not one to attempt to tow your caravan up. 

On the way back to Minehead and then on to Dunster you pass a National Trust sign for a village and church called Selworthy.  It is well worth making the short detour, (you return the same way back to the main road)for the views and the history of the area.  Parking is free but please note is it quite steep and access is limited.  However, that should not deter you from visiting as it is possible to see the views from the car park itself.  We did not find any toilets or facilities.

There is a bus stop a few minutes walk from the site, by the Toll House on the Dulverton road. Check out Buses of Somerset for up to date routings and timetables.

The nearest railway station is Tiverton Parkway, with trains to a number of destinations, operated by Cross Country and GWR.

Summary

A lovely countryside site – up to the usual Club standards and very well maintained by the wardens.  Its location allows you to tailor what you do to suit your own individual needs and interests.  A site to which we would return.

Just as an extension or sunroom can give you extra space at home, so an awning can increase the space and comfort of your caravanning experience – at a fraction of the cost and without any building works at all.

An awning might double the covered ground area of your caravan pitch, giving you not only somewhere to dry out wet clothing and boots, but also a store for bikes or your water sports equipment.

Some awnings might even give you a room kitted out to sleep additional guests, a separate space for leisure and recreation, or a covered dining area. Indeed, they could serve all three functions at various times during the day.

The awnings available on the market today are all relatively easy to put up and take down. They’re lightweight and typically pack into a compact space for convenient storage and transport.

The different types of caravan awning

The awnings from which to choose also differ in design and function explains a guide published by the Camping and Caravanning Club, making them highly adaptable for use on practically any type of caravan:

Full awning

• this is the type of awning that fills the entire side of your caravan from front to back and, in doing so, is likely to double your floor area;
• they come in a range of different qualities and fabrics – and, rather like a tent, may have internal partitions for use as bedrooms, sides that can be lifted to let in the air on sunny days, and even “windows” with their own curtains;
• since it’s designed to cover the entire side of your caravan, this type of awning clearly needs to be measured and fitted according to the particular model of trailer you own – you cannot switch it from one caravan to another;

Porch awning

• these are sometimes called universal awnings because unlike the full awning they occupy only a part – though probably the major part – of the side of your caravan;
• the awning can be moved from one end of your caravan to the other, therefore, or – perhaps more importantly, can be taken with you for use with an alternative trailer if you subsequently decide to upgrade;

Canopy or cassette awning

• this variant relies on a box-like structure – the cassette – permanently fixed along the top edge of the caravan, with an awning that can be drawn out rather like a roller blind;
• there are typically foldaway legs at the corners of the canopy-like awning to add stability – and, in some cases, fabric walls that can be used to enclose the space covered by the canopy.

The awning you choose depends on the way in which it is likely to be used – and the Caravan and Motorhome Club suggests some of the questions you might want to ask yourself to help you decide.

The importance of insurance

Like any other valuable piece of caravanning kit, your awning also needs the protection of suitable insurance – awning insurance.

In many ways, though, the awning itself might be regarded as separate from the caravan itself. While your awning extends the useful ground area of your caravan pitch, it remains a separate extension – which can be dismantled entirely from the caravan – and is constructed from different materials.

The risks to which any awning is exposed are likely to differ substantially from those affecting the caravan itself – if you are caught out during storms on your caravanning holiday, for example, loss or damage is more likely to be suffered by your awning than the caravan.

Some – but not all – caravan insurance policies typically incorporate awning insurance as a separate part of your caravan insurance. And, because of the different nature and order of the risks to which any caravan awning may be exposed, it is important that you check your awning insurance is separately and specifically identified on your policy schedule.

As with the cover for the caravan itself and other pieces of valuable caravanning kit, the total sum insured for your awning has to be sufficient to cover the cost of repair – or replacement in the event of a total loss.

Keep records of your awning’s purchase, installation, and any maintenance performed. This documentation can be valuable if you need to file a claim as it provides evidence of the awning’s value and care.

Be aware of any policy exclusions

As with all insurance policies, do be aware of the policy exclusions typically associated with this type of cover.

An exclusion that is likely to have caught out many a caravan owner, for example, is loss or damage to an awning out of season while the caravan is laid up in your driveway or otherwise in storage.

Most awning insurance policies make clear that cover is in operation only when the caravan itself is in use – and cover may be excluded if you are away from the trailer for longer than a day or night or if you have already returned home and it is no longer being used. For example, storm damage to your awning may be excluded if you have left the awning up and are away from the caravan.

Some insurance policies might require you to perform regular maintenance on your awning to ensure its longevity and prevent avoidable damage. Failing to meet these maintenance requirements might affect your cover.

Also, do note that the contents of any awnings may not be covered under your caravan insurance policy, so do check with your insurance provider.

Summary

An awning is likely to prove an indispensable, versatile and highly adaptable piece of caravanning kit – that may well double the usable ground area at your caravan pitch.

Like any piece of valuable equipment, your awning also needs cover – and, in this case, cover that is distinguished from the regular insurance for the caravan itself.

If you have any questions relating to your awning insurance, please do not hesitate to contact us – we will be very happy to help.

Further reading: Guide to Awnings.

Whether you have a static or a touring caravan, safety is clearly an important consideration. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is one of the most common fuels used for heating and cooking in caravans of all shapes and sizes.

What is LPG?

LPG is a mixture of propane and butane gases, and it is stored in pressurised tanks or cylinders. It’s popular for caravan use due to its efficiency, versatility, and relatively clean-burning characteristics. LPG is typically used in caravans for cooking, heating, water heating, refrigeration, and other appliances.

Using LPG in caravans offers several advantages, such as being an efficient and cost-effective fuel source. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when using LPG in caravans. The materials used in the construction of any caravan and the relatively confined space inside it make the risks of fire or asphyxiation from carbon monoxide particular hazards.

Gas safety regulation

Specific legislation regulates gas safety in touring caravans that are commercially let and static caravans – whether let to tenants or not – permanently sited on a residential caravan park, a holiday home park, or even a farm. The regulations in force are the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (commonly abbreviated to GSIUR).

As the Gas Safe Register points out, these regulations not only have the force of law but anyone renting a touring caravan must also be given a copy of the trailer’s gas safety certificate.

Maintaining gas safety

Here, then, are some tips and suggestions about maintaining gas safety in your caravan – whatever your level of static or touring caravan insurance, you are still responsible for taking every possible measure to reduce the risks of fire or the escape of poisonous carbon dioxide:

Touring caravans

• many safety precautions are a matter of common sense – never search for a gas leak with a naked flame, or smoke whilst changing gas cylinders;
• if you suspect a leak, put washing up liquid on the hose or fitting and watch for air bubbles that help pinpoint the leak;
• gas cylinders – especially larger ones – should preferably be kept in a secure on-board locker;
• periodically check the gas supply regulator and the pressure at which it is designed to operate, remembering, too, that hoses deteriorate over time – and then, of course, need to be replaced;
• don’t use gas-fired barbeques (fuelled either by the caravan’s supply or an independent cylinder) under the awning of your caravan, because of the risk of fire and often poor ventilation which may encourage a build-up of smoke and carbon dioxide – this may be a particular temptation when attempting to shelter from a typically British summer downpour;
• adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent the build up of gas fumes. Ensure that vents and openings are clear and not blocked by any obstructions. Proper airflow will help to dissipate any potential gas leaks and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up;
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using gas appliances. Don’t use appliances for purposes they weren’t intended for. For instance, don’t use your oven to heat the caravan, as this can lead to safety hazards;
• while cooking, ensure that the caravan’s cooking area is well-ventilated, and keep flammable materials away from open flames. Never leave cooking unattended;
• familiarise yourself with the location of the emergency shut-off valve for the gas supply. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the gas supply immediately and ventilate the caravan by opening doors and windows;

Static caravans

• all of these safety considerations apply equally to the gas you use in your static caravan;
• bear in mind, too, the potentially greater and more sustained use a static caravan might experience, so the possibilities of wear, tear and deterioration in supply hoses and fittings may be greater;
• an increasing number of static and residential caravan park owners now insist that any caravan berthed on its site must have an annual gas safety inspection;
• as we have already noted, if your static or touring caravan is let to paying guests, the law requires that the caravan has a valid annual gas safety inspection certificate, completed by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. It is a toxic gas produced when carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, coal, and wood don’t burn completely. It can be emitted from common appliances found in caravans, including gas stoves, heaters, ovens, and even engines if you’re using a caravan with an integrated motor.

The escape and build-up of carbon monoxide may result from a number of causes – including, the way a gas appliance is being used and the efficiency with which it is operated, inadequate ventilation, inadequate flues, and a lack of routine maintenance and servicing.

Risks of carbon monoxide poisoning

The dangers of carbon monoxide cannot be overstated. Exposure to even low levels of CO can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations can result in severe health complications and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.

Carbon monoxide detector

Highly toxic carbon monoxide (CO) is a peril in both touring and static caravans and a CO detector might be considered a vital part of your safety equipment. Some caravan insurance policies may be invalidated if no CO detector – or fire alarm – is installed.

Further reading: Carbon monoxide dangers.

Summary

Gas safety is a vital consideration for any caravan owner and a failure to take adequate and reasonable steps to use and maintain gas supplies and appliances may seriously affect your caravan insurance cover – or invalidate it altogether.

Date of Visit:    August 2023

Overall View

Brookside CL is a family and dog friendly CAMC members only 5 pitch site just on the outskirts of Newland in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.  It is situated in the bottom of a small valley and surrounded by trees and green fields in all directions.

Care should be taken to follow the site’s directions to access the site and do not use Sat Nav at all from the A40 by Monmouth.  Please see arrival video HERE.

Facilities

This is a no facility site with the exception of a clean water, grey water, Elsan disposal point in one corner of the field.  The motorhome service point is in the entrance car parking area.  All appear relatively new and are kept very clean indeed.

There are two large waste bins at the road entrance to the site, one for general and one for recycling.

There are a number of picnic benches dotted throughout the site which you are invited to use if you so wish.

There was also a box of cooking apples for you to help yourself if you wished to.

All the main TV & radio channels were available but the line up of others was understandably somewhat limited compared to more open areas. Mobile wise, Three’s coverage checker suggested only 3G was available where in fact 4G was picked up and good enough for streaming. EE was fine on 4G and both Vodafone and O2 indicated that 4G was available. There was no WiFi.

Review of Site Pitch

The site is level and laid to grass which is kept well mown and swathes of wildflowers distinguish between each of the pitches.  It is fenced off to the road and there is a good area in which to pull off the road before entering the CL itself, the gate is not locked, however.

There is the choice of EHU or non EHU grass pitches and similarly there are a couple of hardstanding pitches just outside the fencing. EHU is metered and £5 cards can be purchased. At the time of visiting the rate was 35p/unit and our electric cost just over £2/day which included running the fridge, heating water, watching tv and charging phones etc.

We stayed oh Pitch 1 and no blocks or levelling aids were required – pitching up was a matter of moments which was very pleasing. 

Each grass pitch is generously sized and easily accommodated caravan, awning and car alongside.

Alongside one side of the site is a brook, (not fenced), which ran quite strongly after some heavy and prolonged rain.  For that reason, you are required to keep pets on leads at all times and care should be taken with young children.

There was a very pleasant aspect from the front of the van and it is very peaceful.

Around and about

Please note that although most of the places listed here are not too far away, the roads and need to climb in and out of valleys does affect journey times considerably.

The Forest of Dean has a very mixed and interesting past, with at one time being a hunting grounds for the Kings in the Tudor era, then more later becoming very heavily industrialised with iron foundries, quarries, charcoal making – there are reminders and remnants of these all over the Forest.  Seeing the valleys today it is hard to recognise the history – including the more recent industrialisation.  The Dean Heritage Centre is a great place to visit and shows you a good range of artefacts and exhibitions to accompany your tour.  The centre is relatively accessible and there is a good café.  Dogs are allowed in the café and the shop but not on the heritage trail and museum itself.  There is also a playground for children and a Gruffalo trail to walk round.  Further details, please see: 

Tintern Abbey – This is a very famous abbey ruins on the banks of the River Wye between Monmouth and Chepstow.  It was, up until the time of King Henry VIII’s dissolution of all these buildings, a Cistercian monks abbey.  There is ample parking, including all accessible parking.  A high quality gift shop is available at the entrance, plus the usual toilet facilities and despite the ongoing structural re pairs remains largely accessible to all.  There is no café at the venue but a very nice café is about 50 yards away.  It serves all manner of usual café fayre including highly recommended cakes, coffees and teas. 

Monmouth – This is the nearest large town to the site – after Coleford.  This sits on the River Wye and the A40, the main trunk road through the area.  There are good car parks dotted throughout the town, markets are regularly held and there is a good range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as the usual high street suspects.  Please note that the high street is on the side of a hill so may well require relocating the car and completing the visit in two halves.  The medieval bridge which is at one end of the high street is of particular note, being one of very few that still exist which could be locked by the use of a portcullis or wooden doors.

https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/explore/monmouth

https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/monnow-gate-and-bridge-p1504521

Coleford – This is known as the central administrative town for the Forest of Dean and has a good range of shops, supermarkets, including the nearest fuel stop.  There is a small railway museum in the centre of the town, showing the industrial past of the area.

https://colefordtown.net/

https://www.gwrmuseumcoleford.co.uk/

We opted to have Sunday lunch out during our stay and after perusing the internet, we came upon the Woodman Inn in Parkend.  We were not to be disappointed and the most delicious Sunday lunch was had and at a reasonable price.  Dogs are allowed and there is level access and plenty of parking to the front and side of the building.  It is about a 15 minute drive from the site.  https://woodmaninnforestofdean.co.uk/

Lydney & Harbour – This is a small town on the A48 and is also home to the nearest National Rail service.  There is a small harbour which is currently being renovated into a tourist destination.  Fabulous views of the River Severn and the newer Severn Road bridge can be seen – if you have good weather, you can see for miles in either direction.  There are toilets, a small café/visitor information centre, disabled parking and access is reasonably flat enabling you to get up close to the banks of the River Severn.  https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/lydney-harbour-p1312571

Ross on Wye – This is the furthest venue from the site but can be combined with a visit to Weston’s Cider and then on the way back to site, Symonds Yat.  A market town close to the Wales/English border and at the western end of the M50.  About 15 minutes away is the famous Weston’s Cider farm, home to a lovely café, shop and tour, (book ahead for tour is advised).  Good parking but none near the entrance.  Dogs allowed in the garden area outside the café where seating is available for you to have a drink etc.  https://visitrossonwye.com/          https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/summer

Tram Stop – Fish & Chip shop Coleford – This is the nearest shop to the site, was well patronised when we passed it one evening. 

https://www.zmenu.com/tram-stop-fish-and-chip-shop-coleford-uk-online-menu/

For something slightly different you may wish to pay a visit to a micro pub which is conveniently next door to the fish and chip shop.  It is an independent place with an eclectic mix of drinks, decorations etc.  It is built on several levels, access is not good for people who find steps etc difficult.  It usually closes at around 9.30pm so please check web-site before setting out.

Forest of Dean Railway – This was a surprise to the trip – expecting something akin to a miniature style railway, (there is a small one a few miles away but we did not visit on this occasion), to find a full sized heritage railway and to learn of its industrial past was very interesting.  It is well worth a visit, good parking at Norchard, which is pretty much mid-way and the railway recommended starting point.  Access is very good, toilet and café facilities offering the usual fayre, (very efficiently too).  You are able to order ahead online for a breakfast bap and a hot drink if you wish – a good number of people had done so.  The line then takes you first to the southern most point at Lydney Harbour – a couple of minutes flat walk and you will be at the National Railway line/station.  It then returns to Norchard High Level and proceeds on to the northernmost station at Parkend.  With stops for photos etc, 1.5 – 2 hours is required.  Dogs are allowed in all areas including the museum and shop at the entrance.  In busy times you are advised to book online ahead.  

Kingfisher Cruises & Symonds Yat – This is a very famous area on the River Wye, favourite spot of canoeists and there are rapids a little further on the River.  It is a very small area so can get very busy at the weekend and in high season.  The views are amazing and there is lots to see.  A comfortable and informative way to visit is on the Kingfisher Cruises, there is a Facebook page but currently no web-site.  It is a case of turn up, pay by card or cash and enjoy a 40 minute journey up and down the section of the River Wye including a very informative commentary and history of the area.  Access is difficult so it is advised to call ahead to discuss suitability.  Dogs are allowed and light refreshments are available onboard.

https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/information/products/symonds-yat-east-and-west-p1313151

The Saracens Head is the main pub/restaurant on the East side, (and more commercial side of the river).  Booking at peak times is essential although it is possible to take a chance and turn up to see if a seat outside is possible.  Dogs are welcome throughout and the meals are of a very high standard.

Buses – The nearest buses are available at Coleford.

The nearest caravan dealers are Forest of Dean Caravans in Parkend – they are a full dealer with service and accessory shop.

Summary

A very pleasant stay in a well looked after and popular CL.  There are plenty of activities to do in the surrounding area to suit all.  A site to which we would return.