A couple from Somerset are enjoying near-year-round holidays for as little as £3.60 per person per night thanks to a seasonal touring pitch at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon. The park offers access to a private beach and numerous on-site facilities.

Rising Holiday Costs

Holiday costs are soaring due to factors like the jet fuel crisis, global conflicts, and increasing prices, significantly impacting travel plans. Many are finding it difficult to afford traditional vacations.

The Affordable Solution

However, Louise and Hayley Gould from Midsomer Norton have discovered a remarkably affordable way to enjoy vacations, spending as little as £3.60 per person per night and gaining access to a private beach. The couple, long-time caravan owners, have maximized the benefits of a seasonal touring pitch at Ladram Bay Holiday Park.

A Seven-Year Relationship

They initially discovered the park seven years ago through a recommendation and committed to a seasonal pitch three years ago, a decision they haven’t regretted. Louise explains they spend at least four nights a week at the park, appreciating the diverse range of activities available for both themselves and their grandchildren.

On-Site Amenities

These include an indoor pool with slides, an arcade, an indoor ball pit, an adventure park, an art studio, a park, a bar and restaurant, a dog-walking field, mini golf, and a football pitch. The private beach is a major draw, offering opportunities for boating, dolphin watching, and fishing, with ample space and rock pools for children.

Significant Savings

They now enjoy frequent, hassle-free weekends, longer stays, and adventures along the Jurassic Coast, even spending four continuous months at the park one summer. The seasonal pitch at Ladram Bay, costing £5,200 for 240 nights (March to November), works out to just over £21 per night for up to six people, or as little as £3.60 per person when fully occupied.

Fuel Efficiency and Convenience

This represents significant savings compared to peak summer touring rates, which can exceed £100 per night. Louise highlights the value, emphasizing the beach access, space, and facilities. The shift to a seasonal pitch has also resulted in improved fuel efficiency, with their car achieving around 44 miles per gallon without towing the caravan, compared to 21 miles per gallon when towing.

A Growing Trend

This reduces both costs and emissions. The convenience of having a permanent base eliminates the stress of planning routes, booking sites, and repeatedly setting up and packing down. Louise’s brother and nephew have also adopted this lifestyle, securing their own pitches at Ladram Bay.

The couple’s experience demonstrates how a seasonal caravan pitch can transform occasional holidays into a near-year-round lifestyle, offering affordability, convenience, and access to desirable amenities. They effectively converted a potential two-week, £1,000 August holiday into over 200 nights for under £10 per person per night. This innovative approach to travel allows them to switch off and enjoy the seaside whenever they desire, without the financial burden of peak season pricing. The ease of simply driving to their pitch and immediately relaxing has significantly enhanced their holiday experience.