Why Smart Buyers Choose the Park Before Buying the Caravan Holiday Home

It's easy to fall in love with a caravan. You can picture weekends there
before you've even sat down.

But if you're looking to buy a static caravan holiday home or lodge,
choose the park first. The caravan can change. The park can't.

1. Why the Park Shapes Your Ownership Experience

When you buy a static caravan or lodge, you're not just buying a holiday home.
You're buying what your weekends feel like when you arrive.

You can update a caravan over time.
You can't update the setting.

You can replace furniture.
You can't replace the atmosphere.

That's why smart buyers choose the park first.

2. Distance Decides Usage: The Two-Hour Rule

Most people think they'll visit all the time.

Then life shows up. Work runs late. Plans pile up.
And the long drive turns "this weekend" into "not this month".

From speaking with owners, the pattern is consistent:

• Up to 2 hours: easy to repeat, high usage
• 2.5 hours: still workable for many
• 3+ hours: visits often drop sharply

It's not just miles.
It's whether the journey feels like a chore.

Ask yourself: "Would I happily do this twice a month?"

If the answer is no, it's too far.
And it won't get easier after you buy.

3. The Essential Park-Buying Checklist

Use this before you pay a deposit anywhere.

Distance & Drive Comfort

This is where most regrets start.

Not because the park is "bad".
Because it's too far to use properly.

• Draw a realistic 1–3 hour radius from home
• Test the drive at real times (Friday evening, Saturday morning)
• Ask: "Would we still do this in November?"

Distance regret is brutal.
Because it's not fixable.

Setting: What Do You Want It To Feel Like?

Be honest here.
Different settings suit different people.

Some want bustle and activity.
Others want quiet, space, and a proper reset.

Choose what you'll enjoy on your tenth visit.
Not what sounds exciting once.

Park Size & Feel

Larger parks can be great.

But if you bought for peace, "busy" gets old fast.

• Larger parks: more activity, more noise, more turnover
• Smaller parks: steadier community, quieter weekends

Facilities: Only Pay For What You'll Use

Facilities look great on a brochure.

But you pay for them every year.

So be picky.
Pay for what you'll actually use.

Local Area Essentials

You're not just buying a pitch.

You're buying where your weekends happen.
So check the area properly:

• A decent town nearby for supplies and a change of scene
• Walks and beaches you'll genuinely enjoy regularly
• If you golf, whether it's convenient (not a mission)
• What the area feels like outside summer

A great caravan in the wrong area still feels like the wrong choice.

Season Length

Don't assume a park is open all year.

Some parks close for months.
And that changes ownership value overnight.

• 12-month season: access all year (holiday use, not residential)
• 8–10 month season: winter closure

If you like winter breaks, check this early.
Don't leave it until after you've fallen in love with the caravan.

Community Vibe

Visit more than once.

See it busy.
See it quiet.

Then talk to owners. Ask:

• "Do you use it often?"
• "How quiet is it at night?"
• "What's it like in peak season?"

You'll learn more in five minutes than any website tells you.

Pet Rules

If you've got a dog, check rules early.

• Breed rules
• How many are allowed
• On-lead/off-lead areas
• Access to good walks and beaches from the park

Most people remember this too late.

Choosing Your Pitch

Never choose from a map alone.

Pitches can look identical on paper.
They don't feel identical in real life.

Check:

• Sun direction
• Noise levels
• Parking
• Privacy
• What you'll actually see from your decking

Understanding the Real Costs

This is where good parks earn trust.

Typical yearly costs often include:

• Pitch fees: £4.5k–£7k (varies by park and location)
• Utilities: often £500–£1k depending on usage
• Insurance
• Gas supply
• Maintenance and upkeep

Ask for a clear breakdown.
If you can't get straight answers, don't rush.

Park Rules & Licence Agreement

This shapes your next 10–15 years.

Look for:

• Age limits (often 15–20 years)
• Selling/transfer fees
• Upgrade rules
• Contractor restrictions
• Decking/veranda guidelines

It's not exciting.
But it's the difference between smooth ownership and constant hassle.

Park Type: Choose What Fits You

If you want calm and consistency, owners-only tends to suit you better.
If you want income, you'll need a park that allows it.

Research, Visit, Compare

Don't buy on the first visit.

Go back when:

• The weather's grim
• The park is busy
• The park is quiet

Parks change personality.
Make sure you've seen all sides.

4. Guidance for Upgraders & Relocators

If you already own and you're thinking about upgrading or moving parks, slow down.

A new model doesn't automatically mean a better lifestyle.
The real win is improving the experience.

Look Beyond the Model

Upgrade for weekends you enjoy more.
Not for a brochure.

Protect Your Equity

Get part-exchange valuations.
Compare them to selling privately.

Know what your current caravan is worth before you commit.

Understand Transfer Costs

Moving a unit can be expensive.
And not every park accepts incoming caravans.

Get quotes first. Then decide.

Compare the Feel, Not Just the Fee

Ask: "What wasn't working before — and does this fix it?"

Common Questions Answered

What is a pitch fee?
Your annual payment for your pitch.
It typically covers grounds maintenance and park operations.

Can I live in my static caravan all year?
No. Holiday parks require a permanent residential address.
You can use your holiday home during the open season.

Do pitch fees go up every year?
Often, yes. Usually linked to costs and sometimes improvements.
A well-run park will explain how increases are handled.

Can I move my caravan to another park?
Sometimes, but it can be costly.
And not every park accepts incoming units.

What happens when my caravan reaches the age limit?
Most parks require an upgrade or removal after 15–20 years.
Always check your agreement so you know what to expect.

Where is Llandanwg and how do I get there?
Llandanwg is in Harlech on the North Wales coast (LL46 2SB).
Most owners approach via the A496 coastal road. The park is in Llandanwg village, near Royal St David's Golf Club (1.6 miles).

What are the season dates at Llandanwg?
Open 1st March to 2nd January (10 months).

Can I sublet at Llandanwg?
No. Static caravan and lodge ownership at Llandanwg is owners-only with no subletting.

5. The Salop Caravan Sites Approach

Across Salop Caravan Sites parks, owners benefit from:

• Decades of experience
• Independent, well-run parks
• Clear rules and transparent ownership
• A quieter, more stable community focus

If you're buying, consistency matters.
It's the difference between "nice on day one" and "still great in year five".

The Bottom Line: Get the Park Right First

Your caravan gives you comfort.

Your park gives you the lifestyle.

Get the park right and every visit feels easy.
Like a reset you can reach whenever you need it.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects typical industry practice as of 2025/2026. While we aim for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information provided, and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Costs, policies, licence terms, and facilities vary between parks and manufacturers and may change without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk — always confirm details directly with the park manager before making any purchase decision. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.