Independent Site Reviews:
9 Winter chill-out sites
Full information and more photographs about this month's parks can be found in the January 2007 issue of Practical Motorhome. For back issues telephone 08456 777812.

Bryn Gloch Caravan Park Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Auchterarder Caravan Park Auchterarder, Perthshire
The Grange Durham City, Co Durham
Bainland Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Lickpenny Touring Park Matlock, Derbyshire
Shardaroba Caravan Park Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Alderstead Heath Merstham, Surrey
Cornish Farm Touring Park Taunton, Somerset
Stowford Farm Meadows Combe Martin, Devon

The Grange Caravan Club Site
Website: www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Caravan Club has ploughed an impressive £1m into this site and in so doing has created a real gem. Built on the site of a former colliery and iron works, the Grange has been fitted out to the highest standards and is perfectly located for a relaxing stop-off on any trip involving the A1.
As such, there is some traffic noise, but it's hardly obtrusive. What's more, the club has taken steps to combat this by planting an army of young trees that will help absorb the noise as they mature. As they are, they don't obscure the panoramic view of open farmland and hills enjoyed by the site.
A new purpose-built block houses the pristine washing facilities, which includes two individual shower-and-toilet cubicles, and a dedicated room for the disabled. The attractive city of Durham is only three miles away and there is a riverside path that runs directly into the city centre.
What the Caravan Club has done very well is to transform The Grange from a simple stop-off location, to a proper touring site in its own right, which makes it a perfect base from which to explore this popular area of the North East.
Beamish Open Air Museum
 • Ten miles to Beamish, North of England Open Air Museum. A day out here is akin to a day spent in the 19th century. Knowledgable staff in period costume and a town and railway station enhance the experience. Closed Mondays and Fridays, £6 per adult in winter. Tel 0191 370 4000. Web www.beamish.org.uk.

Full information and more photographs about this park can be found in the magazine
FULL CONTACT DETAILS, PITCH CHARGES, GUEST RESTRICTIONS, PITCHES, TOILET/SHOWERS, OTHER FACILITIES, ON-SITE LEISURE, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND SECURITY.