Seaside Rendezvous

In general terms, a seaside location for your holiday home is best if you’re attracted by the idea of enjoying the fresh sea air, spending time on the beach and/or in the sea, mooching around gift and craft shops, spending time in amusement arcades and constantly being tempted to have ice cream! If children (either your own or grandchildren) are going to be regular visitors to your holiday home, a coastal park might provide more options to keep them entertained for the duration of the holiday, whether it’s building sandcastles, exploring real castles or rough and tumbling around an on-site play area. An excellent example of a seaside holiday park with plenty going on is Park Lane.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that coastal parks are more exposed to the elements, so a greater likelihood of wind and salt in the air are factors for consideration from a maintenance perspective.

Rural Retreats

A countryside holiday park is more likely to be about tranquillity and rejuvenation – experiencing the sights and sounds of nature, sitting outside your home admiring the rolling hills and flourishing trees, watching the sunset with a glass of wine, or taking the dog for countryside walks on hills, in woods or alongside streams. This doesn’t mean that countryside parks are no-go areas for children, there are still going to be plenty of things to do and places to go. Indeed, children who are better attuned to the environment might find a countryside park more rewarding and educational. For a quieter, more relaxing holiday park, something like Castledene Holiday Park near Durham would be ideal.

On-site facilities

Another factor to consider is what amenities and activities you want to have on-site at your chosen park.  Bear in mind that there’s also likely to be a greater amount of noise being generated by your fellow residents, whether it’s the barking of excited dogs, the shouting of excitable children or even the sound of music wafting on the breeze from clubs and bars. Seaside parks are more likely to have a greater quantity and range of amenities and activities, although some countryside parks will offer their fair share of these. As a rule of thumb though, a rural park will offer a quieter and more peaceful environment.

Best of both worlds

Perhaps you’re looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to your holiday home location? If so, have a look at our Riverside Holiday Park, between Morecambe and Lancaster, which sits on the banks of the River Lune and yet is also close to the sea.

When buying a holiday home, make sure to choose the location carefully. Get it right and you’ll be able to spend many happy years having ideal holidays and creating memories.

Don’t forget, our staff are always available to give advice, information, answer any questions and arrange tours. Please feel free to contact us.

The post Seaside V Countryside – Where’s Best To Buy A Holiday Home? appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Britain’s decision to exit the European Union was for some completely unexpected.  Now, three years on, and with Brexit’s second date drawing close, it appears that we still have a lot to grapple with when trying to understand its complexities.

Naturally homeowners are worried about how Brexit will affect them. Will property prices suddenly drop when we leave the European Union or will it result in a slower moving market, benefiting first time buyers and holiday homeowners?

The current marketplace

Since the 2016 referendum, the market has continued to rise, but at a much slower rate. As of January 2019, statistics show the lowest growth rate in nearly six years – evidence that both sellers and buyers are cautious, waiting to see what Brexit brings.

What can the holiday park, holiday home and residential park owner expect?

Higher incomes, cheaper travel, the introduction of the Euro as a trading currency,  coupled with healthcare and insurance agreements across the EU have resulted in many thousands of us buying holiday homes across Britain, France, Spain and beyond.  Is all this about to change?

The sunny side of Brexit –  the UK Holiday Home Sector

Uncertainty regarding Brexit negotiations, confusion over travel implications and being able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as EU citizens are likely to have a positive impact on the UK holiday home sector.

Why worry about exchange rates, new rules at UK borders, taking pets abroad etc?  Taking a break at a UK holiday park or buying a retirement home within a UK residential park not only continues to be a safe option, avoiding a lot of unnecessary hassle, but is also an attractive financial alternative.

Today’s upmarket lodges, chalets and park homes offer all the luxury and comfort you could ever expect, and are a realistic alternative to traditional bricks and mortar accommodation. Holding their value well, it may surprise you to learn that you could afford a home in an area you’d never have dreamt possible.

The enhanced safety and security of a residential home are added plus points, and with the extra investment available from a buoyant market, the UK holiday park, holiday home and residential park home industry is set to expand.  This means over time there’s likely to be a wider choice of homes for both rental and ownership, as well as improved amenities, activities and on-site entertainment facilities. We think that’s definitely a win : win scenario.

Hill Brothers operate a range of residential parks sited throughout the UK’s most tranquil locations.  So whether you’re looking for a family base, a weekend retreat or a peaceful setting for a retirement home, why not put all the worry and uncertainty of planning around Brexit behind you and opt for a UK based park instead?  Our team are always on hand to give further information and advice, arrange tours or answer any questions.

Contact us today on 01524 831 182 or email sales@hill-brothers.com.  We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Will Brexit Affect Holiday Parks, Homes And Residential Park Homes? appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Love at first Site

When car-pulled caravanning started in the 1920s, there were no official sites; holidaymakers typically just pitched up by the side of a road or in an obliging farmer’s field. This started to change in the 1930s, when small caravan sites started to appear, enabling people to either bring their touring caravans for short stays, or alternatively spend longer periods in larger tourers – known as statics – provided by the site owner. These early sites were extremely basic with very few facilities, but the beginning of a new-found love of caravanning and camping was forming.

Fuelling Development

Petrol shortages during the Second World War meant that people left their tourers at particular locations and, once the war ended, many of these sites became permanent ventures. However, a lack of general standards, planning and scrutiny resulted in caravanning earning itself something of a bad reputation.  Legislation was then introduced requiring sites to improve the minimum facilities that they offered by, for example, providing proper road surfaces and, even more useful, toilet facilities.

It was at this time that newly manufactured caravans were longer and wider than the time-honoured tourers. The age of the truly static caravan was born!  Consequently, sites started to provide plumbed in water to these larger caravans and, as comfort and convenience levels increased, so did the public’s desire to spend their holidays in static caravans.

Blithe Spirit

Caravan sites were quick to capitalise on this and developed into fully-fledged holiday parks by providing cafés, shops and entertainment activities. Most popular of all were those located on the coast, as people enjoyed being able to spend their holidays within a stone’s throw of the beach, whilst being free from restrictions imposed by hotels or bed and breakfast establishments.  Although space and some home comforts were at a premium in caravans, this was easily outweighed by the freedom and community spirit of sharing a site and common interests with newly found neighbours.

Static Electricity

The growth of holiday parks, in every sense of the word, continued throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s. Facilities continued to be expanded with, for example, improved sewerage being provided and a gradual switch from gas to electricity. Toilets and showers were increasingly being incorporated into new caravans as standard.

Design and layout of holiday parks was also given greater consideration, with landscaping and tree planting performed to enhance the overall appearance. Holiday parks had become big business.

Thoroughly Modern

In recent decades, caravan park sizes have continued to grow, to such an extent that many now offer chalets or lodges to holidaymakers, Others are fully residential sites, perhaps with restrictions on owners being able to reside there all year round, but welcoming children and pets.

On-site entertainment has also kept pace with the times, with bigger parks offering facilities such as leisure centres, sports halls and indoor spas. Various activities are also organised for residents to attract customers.  Wi-fi and park-specific apps are also now commonplace.  Holiday parks and residential sites have emerged as a viable alternative to guest house options or traditionally built static second homes, and are regarded as affordable and desirable destinations for holidaymakers and travellers.

Hill Brothers’ personal journey through the holiday park life story is now in its third generation. We have an extensive range of holiday homes and residential parks in the UK’s most scenic coastal and countryside locations, catering for all age groups, and interests.

Why not take a wander through our individual site pages?  You’ll be amazed at just how far the holiday home and residential park sector has evolved!  Our staff are always delighted to discuss options and arrange site visits, so if you do have any further questions or require information and advice, please do feel free to contact us.

The post From Chyrsalis To Butterfly – The Evolution Of The Holiday Park appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Drain Down Your Caravan
This is one of the most important tasks when it comes to protecting your holiday home against frost damage. If you’re not confident with conducting the task yourself or don’t have the equipment to do so, ask staff members of your park for help. However, if you plan on doing the process yourself, then make sure you do so safely.

Turn the water off at the stopcock to minimise potential damage that could be caused by burst pipes. If you’re unsure about where things are, use your handbook to locate drain town taps beneath your home so you can open them, too. Once these tasks have been completed, turn on all taps until the water runs out, then pour a small amount of antifreeze into the plug holes to make sure leftover water doesn’t freeze in the system.

Protect the Exterior
To save yourself a heap of trouble once winter ends, give the outside of your caravan a thorough clean before it even starts. Remove any built-up dirt and grime, check all seals and seams are airtight, and examine the anchor points as well as jacks for any sign of rust. It shouldn’t take long to double check these things and will majorly help your holiday home during the wetter months. Should you find any issues or broken objects, contact your park manager and a caravan repair engineer so all problems can be solved as soon as possible before the worst of the weather arrives.

Don’t Forget About the Interior
Damp is one of the most popular sights people are greeted with after failing to properly prepare their holiday home for the winter. You can prevent this, though. As well as giving your caravan a deep clean, strategically place bowls of salt around the rooms. The salt acts as a deterrent and absorbs moisture in the air rather than letting it soak into your furniture. For your furniture, cover it with sheets and move what you can away from walls and windows, as these areas are more prone to condensation.

Check Your Insurance Policy
Depending on what insurance policy you have, there may be certain criteria you’re required to stick to, to ensure your insurance is kept valid throughout the season. Read through the documents and look for terms and conditions referring to when the park is closed or any time your holiday home is unoccupied. The last thing you want is your static caravan be damaged only for your insurance to be invalid.

Although you should be safe after these checks, it’s wise to visit your holiday home (if possible) at least twice whilst it’s unoccupied. If any incident has occurred while you’ve been away, then it will be resolved sooner rather than later.

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Lancaster Castle
Dating back to Roman times, the fascinating building is definitely one for the history buffs out there! Spend the day learning about Lancaster Castle and the incredible scenes it has been a part of, such as the Lancashire Witch trials, religious persecution, the outbreak of the Civil War and its recent use as a prison. What more could you want? With ticket prices coming in at less than £10 (or £20 for a family of four), it’s a great way to spend your day if you’re on a budget or simply looking for a cheap trip away from your holiday home.

The White Cross
Just a stone’s throw away from Riverside’s caravan park, The White Cross sits in a refurbished cotton mill warehouse alongside Lancaster’s main canal. The restaurant offers canal side seating, giving you the ideal spot to sit and watch the sunset while you finish off the last of your drinks. Suitable for all kinds of dietary needs, including vegan options, The White Cross is a place we recommend to anyone in the area wanting a delicious lunch or a romantic night out by the water.

Morecambe Bay
It would be a waste to have a caravan holiday in Morecambe and not take the time to visit Morecambe Bay. Watch the sun set over the magical scenery or let your wild side out and get involved in the outdoor activities Morecambe Bay has on offer. Choose from sailing, paragliding, windsurfing, horse riding and even parachuting! One thing for sure is that you’ll never run out of things to do. The incredible Bay stretches Barrow-in-Furness to Fleetwood, meaning you can take the day driving along the whole coast in under two hours, giving you more than enough time to stop and enjoy the beaches. Dogs are banned from the beach throughout the months of May to September, but you can walk them along the promenade. Why not head towards the Eric Morecambe statue? Set against the spectacular view of Morecambe Bay and the hills of the Lake District, it’s the perfect place to take out your camera and snap a few photographs with the legendary comedian!

Williamson Park
Home to spectacular views, exotic butterflies and a small animal zoo, Williamson Park is definitely not an experience you want to miss out on. No matter what the weather’s doing, the Butterfly House is always open so you’ll never miss out on watching the beautiful butterflies, tortoises and Koi carp. Alongside the Butterfly House is the park’s own mini zoo! Meet the zookeepers and learn more about the rescued meerkats, marmosets and even little beasts to make anyone squirm! Don’t worry, all the animals are well looked after and are incredibly safe to be around. If you need a break from the excitement of spending your day with the animals, relax in the Pavilion Café with a wide range of food options to choose from.

Want to take things further and book your stay at the best static caravan site in Morecambe? Contact us today!

The post Things To Do At Riverside Holiday Park appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Used Static Caravans
Purchasing a used caravan is the most ideal option for those who are on a budget but still want a luxurious holiday home without having to take out a mortgage. There are amazing deals when it comes to previously owned static caravans so don’t be afraid to have a look around, both online and in person, before buying. If owning a caravan is something you’re not sure about and would just like to see if it’s for you, this is one of the most important things. Realising it isn’t for your way of life after buying a used holiday home won’t be as defeating as if you had bought a new one.

For those with children or pets, the inevitable event of damaging a piece of furniture, whether that be spilled drinks or scratched fabric, will seem less problematic with pre-loved caravans. A second-hand static caravan holds its value better than a new one, so those accidental wear or tear incidents shouldn’t make much of a difference if you ever plan on reselling.

New Static Caravans
Brand new static caravans have a high level of luxury. There are no wear or tears in the furniture; all surfaces are sparkling clean and you’re the first one to live there. Sounds perfect, right? Although there is the added cost of buying new, you get exactly what you pay for with the more up-to-date technology, furnishing, and construction materials.

As well as having the advantage of being the only owner of your new holiday home, you’ll more than likely have the opportunity to customise it to how you want. Not all companies allow this, and your input will vary, but having the ability to make your new purchase truly yours is something to think about when weighing up your options. If you want to change the layout of a used caravan, the amount it could cost might not be worth it, and instead the money could go towards purchasing a new caravan.

Do Your Homework
As with any investment, whether that be a holiday home, a house or a car, it will always need research. Especially for first-time buyers, it’s important to know exactly what you’re putting your money into. Don’t jump into a decision with little thought because it could end badly and don’t forget that each family has different needs with which holiday park they want their static home in. Know what you want, but be open to change or compromising. With all purchases as big as this, what you think you want might not be what you end up with because you’ve simply changed your mind.

Interested in viewing the static caravans we have on offer? Get in contact today.

The post New or Used Caravans: Which Is the Best Option for You? appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Park Site Fees – What You Need to Know

Put simply, this is how much it costs to keep your caravan at the park and can therefore differ. Other than actually purchasing your static home, this is the largest payment involved with ownership. These site fees tend to be charged at the end of the year, so a bill will usually be sent around October time to be paid come January. Always check with your park manager whether they offer a discount for prompt payment because it can save you a good chunk of money. It’s incredibly important to enquire about these costs as well as if there are any added benefits included in the price, such as the facilities offered or how ‘exclusive’ the park is.

On the lower end of the spectrum are parks that charge £1000-£2000. These sites tend to be of a smaller size with funds spent on the upkeep of the park as opposed to facilities and members of staff. The attraction to these smaller static caravan parks would be that there’s more peace and quiet, which is perfect for those wanting to relax on their holiday.

For those wanting their caravan to sit in a prime holiday location, prices can reach £3500-£5000plus. From these holiday parks you can expect a large number of facilities suited for the whole family, from multiple swimming pools as well as entertainment venues that offer shows and acts suited to both adults and children.

What About Insurance?

In the same sense that you’d insure your house or car, caravans should be insured too. From recent research, the average cost of insurance is just under £300 at a static caravan valued at £45,000. Of course, the price will fluctuate based on what you want your insurance to cover and how much the estimated value of the property is.

When meeting with your park manager, ask about insurance. It’s possible that they’ll have a partnership with an insurance company who will be able to offer you a discount by going through your park. Before buying any insurance though, ensure you receive a physical copy of the policy.

Electricity and Gas

Gas and electricity will need to be paid for when the caravan is in use. As the sight owner will be reselling the mains gas and electricity, they can only charge as much as they paid and cannot make a profit from any sales. On the other hand, if you decide to purchase gas cylinders yourself, you may be able to find a better deal.

How long your gas cylinder will last will depend on how much you use it, so keep that in mind when comparing the different prices with the size of the cylinders. However, the typical lifetime can be between a couple of months to a full season, but we always advise to have a spare on hand just in case.

Don’t Forget to Get Everything in Writing

If you’ve discussed everything with your park operator and are happy with the terms, ensure you receive a physical copy of the site charges that’s signed by both parties. It’s rare to have issues, but should you need it, you’ve got the documents if a problem ever comes up.

The post Are There Any Hidden Costs To Buying A Static Caravan? appeared first on Hill Brothers.

Start With The Basics

Not everyone has the time or money to entirely change their holiday home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make minor changes. Beginning with a simple declutter of your possessions can do wonders. It’s only natural to accumulate unnecessary clutter through the years and it will only increase if you don’t go through it to get rid of anything you don’t need. Recycle what you can or check if your local charity shops accept anything you don’t want. No matter how much you decide to renovate, decluttering is always the best place to start.

A Dash of Paint Goes a Long Way

Many static caravans look incredibly similar from the outside, but that doesn’t mean the interior of your holiday home can’t stand out from the rest. Whether you’re focusing on the walls or adding accent colours to brighten up the place, using the right tone can make your caravan feel brand new. Before you start, ensure the floor and all pieces of furniture are covered to protect them from any splashes. Pick a good quality paint for the kitchen and bathroom so it will be more durable for the different temperatures those rooms go through. You’ll be surprised at how much difference just one new coat of paint will make.

Top Tip: Lighter colours make smaller spaces appear bigger, which is perfect for static caravan homes!

Maximise Your Outdoor Space

Investing in some new outdoor furniture can often be the key to feeling even more relaxed. During the hot summer months, you’ll be spending most of your days outside soaking up the sun, so why wouldn’t you want to do that as comfortably as you can? If you have a decking area, potted plants are perfect for adding brighter colours to the exterior. For those who aren’t lucky enough to have green fingers, take the time to find good quality artificial plants to place around the decking – it’ll also be the best option for those who suffer with hay fever.

Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference

Replacing small fixtures such as door knobs, faucets and accessories can give your home a modern feel without having to splash the cash. Static caravans can often feel a little too cosy, so simply adding a mirror in the right place can make the space feel a great deal bigger and also bring in extra light to brighten up the area a bit more. Want to just focus on one room? Add a few soft throws to snuggle up with after a day of exploring outside and upgrade the curtains as a final touch to pull everything together. These tiny touches can create a whole new feel to your home away from home.

The post Our Top Static Caravan Makeover Ideas appeared first on Hill Brothers.

River Dane
The number one recommendation is, of course, River Dane. Just over a ten-minute drive from the holiday park, River Dane is the perfect place for you to take an afternoon stroll. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful sights along the three-mile stretch. If you’re bringing your dog along for the hike, be sure to keep it on a lead. The river is also a wonderful place for those who enjoy fishing. With fish like Dace, Grayling and Chub swimming along, you’ll always catch something no matter your level of experience.

Congleton
Located just under four miles away from the River Dane Holiday Park in one of the most affluent parts of Cheshire, sits the flourishing market town of Congleton. Explore the Congleton Museum, go antique shopping at Victoria Mill Antiques and Collectors Centre, or relax with a beer at Beartown Brewery. Visiting with children? Congleton Paddling Pool is the perfect place to splash around and cool off in the summer heat. The free pool has been a hit with youngsters since its opening in the 1930s and will only continue to grow more popular. As you can see, there’s something for everyone!

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Explore the wonders of the universe at the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Hosting the world’s first completely steerable radio telescope, the Centre is home to a number of exhibits for people of all ages to enjoy. Start your day at the Planet Pavilion with the largest working scale model of our solar system in the world. Through interactive screens and games, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the Milky Way and the size of the universe. In the Space Pavilion, you’ll come to know more about how scientists discover and understand foreign objects floating around in space, as well as how the universe began, what exactly a black hole is, and what the Lovell Telescope actually monitors. It’s the perfect day trip for those budding scientists!

Copyright: © Credit: Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Peak District National Park
Appreciate the awe-inspiring views at the Peak District National Park. Although just over an hour drive away from the caravan site, the experience will be one you’ll never forget. Whether you want to challenge yourself with a hike or relax on an easy walk, there’s plenty of routes for you to choose from. Fancy something a little more exciting? The National Park offers a range of bikes to hire for the day, including mobility scooters, tricycles and electric bikes. Not only will the views on your route be magnificent, but you’ll also be in the company of some amazing wildlife!

Oulton Park
Ideal for the thrill seekers out there, go against the clock on one of the most exhilarating drives of your life and put your skills to the test at one of the country’s toughest driving circuits. The wide range of cars will suit any petrolhead, with the chance to drive a BMW M4, Toyota GT86 rally car or even, most excitingly, a spectacular F4 single seater. Prices vary depending on the experience you want, but this isn’t an opportunity you can turn down.

The post Why River Dane Is The Perfect Destination For You This Summer appeared first on Hill Brothers.

The most important thing to remember is food. This may seem like an obvious thing to bring, but even the simplest of things can slip the mind. You may not be able to get your dog’s favourite treats where you’re staying, so it’s best to stay stocked up to reward them for good behaviour around the park. As well as food, packing their own food and water bowls will not only give them something to eat from, but the familiarity will help ease your dog into its new environment, especially if it’s their first time away from home.

When packing a first aid kit for your family, don’t forget about your dog. In fact, have a completely separate dog first aid kit. Make sure you are prepared for any accidents and in case of an emergency, check beforehand where the nearest veterinary clinic is from your holiday park. It would also be a good idea to make a visit to your local vet ahead of the trip to ensure your pooch is healthy and ready for the drive with all the necessary vaccinations.

Before you begin your holiday, it’s a good idea to get your dog used to travelling by car, no matter how long the drive will be. If you’re thinking about how to travel with a dog in a car, then take some time encouraging them to get in and out of the vehicle. You can even go on short drives around where you live so they can get used to the motion. If your dog seems nervous after these trials, let them travel with their favourite toy for a bit of home comfort. When travelling long distances, make sure you take a few rest stops, so not only you can stretch your legs, but your dog can too. This is a great trick for tiring out excitable dogs to keep them calmer for the rest of the trip.

Dogs are incredibly clever, but even the smartest of the bunch can get lost in foreign locations. At our dog friendly holiday homes, like many others, we do have a rule of keeping dogs on a leash, but we do understand that accidents happen and dogs can be let loose, which is why we advise a tracking device be considered, whether that be a GPS tracking collar or having your dog microchipped. Whatever option you prefer, it’s recommended to keep any contact details on the collar to be reunited faster should your pooch run out of sight.

These are just a handful of tips for travelling with a dog, but if you have any more questions don’t be afraid to contact the park you’re staying at and they’ll be sure to give you the answers you need!

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