Frequently Asked Questions
How many tents per acre?
Local councils often set a limit of 60 tents per acre with spacing of 6 metres between tents. Each pitch can include more than one tent if within a family group. An acre is 4840 square yards (about 4050 square metres). For comfortable camping, no more than 30 per acre is preferred.
Caravan and Camping Club
This non-profit organisation offers annual membership for £39, this includes a family group. Members benefit from being able to book sites online.
Certificated Sites (CS)
These are small, privately run sites that are for Caravan and Camping Club members only. Certificated Sites allow a maximum of 5 vans and as many tents as may fit. The sites are regularly inspected by the club. There are currently about 1400 Certificated Sites.
Certified Locations (CL)
These are small, privately run sites that are for Caravan Club members only. Certified Locations allow a maximum of 5 vans and as many tents as may fit. The sites are regularly inspected by the club.
Club Sites
Sites run by either the Caravan and Camping Club or the Caravan Club (or both), generally the best sites for members, but often open to non-members. Reduced rates for club members.
AA Rating System
The
has a campsite rating system,
from 1 to 5 pennants for campsites. There is no AA star rating for campsites. The Pennant ratings increase with the quality
and variety of facilities a park offers. They do not apply to Statics or Chalets. Ratings are assigned by AA inspectors.
One Pennant Parks
One-Pennant parks offer a simple standard of facilities. You can expect to find no more than 30 pitches per acre, with at least 10% of the pitches allocated to tourers. There will be an adequate drinking water supply and reasonable drainage, plus a washroom with flush toilets (if there are no toilet facilities this should be clearly stated). Chemical disposal arrangements are provided, ideally with running water and clearly signed refuse disposal arrangements. The ground will be well-drained with some level pitches, and entrance and access roads will be of an adequate width and surface.
Two Pennant Parks
These parks offer a better level of facilities, services, customer care and ground maintenance. You should find separate washrooms, including at least two WCs and two washbasins, with hot and cold water, per gender for every 30 pitches. Toilet blocks will be externally lit and a warden will be available, at times indicated, during the day. Covered and lit dishwashing facilities are provided and you can expect to find a park reception area.
Three Pennant Parks
Three-Pennant parks are of a very good standard with well-maintained facilities and grounds, and attention to customer care and security. You can expect to find modern toilet blocks and also modern shower cubicles (one per gender for every 35 pitches). The parks offer some electric-hook-ups, hardstandings, wheel runs and/or firm level ground. A laundry with at least one washing machine and drying facilities will be available, and you can expect to find a children's playground.
Four Pennant Parks
These parks have achieved an extremely high standard in all areas. You can expect fully tiled shower cubicles and some combined toilet-washing cubicles. A warden is available at all times, and there is a good level of security and supervision. At least half of the pitches will have an electric hook-up and there will be a maximum of 25 pitches per camping acre. There will also be a shop on site or nearby, and the park will have a reception area and a late-arrivals enclosure.
Five Pennant Premier Parks
Premier Parks are of an extremely high standard, set in attractive surroundings with mature landscaping. Facilities, security and customer care are exceptional. You can expect to find electric hook-ups at most pitches, and first-class toilet facilities, including several self-contained cubicles ideally with a WC, washbasin and shower. At many Premier Parks you will find a well-equipped shop, a heated swimming pool, and a cafe, restaurant and/or bar.