Where would you buy a static caravan?

[AbuAlf]

Rather bizarrely my mother has decided she might buy a static caravan or chalet/lodge. She thinks this would be nice for her grandchildren.
We are of course very pleased at this turn of events but the first place she looked at sounded a bit cheap and nasty. All fruit machines, chicken nuggets and minature crew cut thugs.
We live in West London. So ideally we would like somewhere in Dorset or somewhere else you can get to in a couple of years. Are there any upmarket holiday parks where you can buy a lodge/chalet/caravan? Has anyone stayed somewhere they would like to go back to year after year?
I'm aware this sound a bit snobby but I had a bad holiday as a teenager in a Camber Sands chalet. Also this could be my only holiday location for the next ten years.

Look for a smaller site that's within walking distance of shops/pubs, but pref doesn't have pub on site - less chance of people coming back p**d and being noisy.
Check the rules re:renting out caravans. Our site will only allow relatives/friends and you have to inform owner in advance. He's actually requested that all non-owners using caravans are introduced to him by the owner this year, as I think someone was renting the van out. If you rent the vans out there is no way of checking whether the people are going to be noisy etc.
Prior to buying on a site, check through the 'net to see if there are any reviews, most of the bigger sites will have had some comments.
Finally, be wary of buying new as caravans lose HUGE amounts of money in the first few years. Most sites will have secondhand where you can see if you like it before spending lots of money.

HTH

A friend of mine had a caravan at Mudeford. She invited me and the kids for a week a couple of years ago and it is a lovely, unspoilt park. It's relatively small, right next to a harbour on one side and a beach on the other, has a small swimming pool, shop and take away bar. There's a little stream for the children to fish and paddle in. Cars stay in the car park so no cars driving around the park. Also has licensed bar and games room but there was no trouble/noise at night.

Oh yes it had a launderette too.

My Nan and Grandad had a static caravan about 10 years ago in Weymouth. It was just a field really witrh a shop/toilets etc - no amusements, take-aways or the like. It was lovely, there was a little tree swing for the kids and the local farmer let us walk up to his fields to see the horses etc. It was only about 5 mins drive from the town/beach as well, so they do exist! Unfortunately I discovered last weekend that that site has now closed but I would go back to a caravan in Weymouth in a second!

We own one in Camber Sands and LOVE IT. Mind you a chalet holiday is enough to put anyone off the site forever

Park Resorts brought Camber Sands last year and it is really amazing the change in the site. Chicken nuggets? It has it's own carvery/upmarket restaurant now . Crew cuts? we had Bucks Fizz last weekend (the group that is). Oh and don't worry about a launderette - we have our own washing machine.

We too live in West London and do the journey every weekend/holidays. Our kids are 8 and 5 and love it. Mind you, the location (being close to beautiful Rye which your parents would love) also does it for us.

If you want to go for something on the South West side, agree with zc that Weymouth has a few sites - but avoid Haven (they cram the vans in). Also Selsey Bill always held memorable holidays for me.

We'd go for the Isle of Wight, as we love it there- also Park Resorts; Node Point is our favourite but they're all nice (54 days till we go back!). Assuming the Camber Sands one is similar- ie not too Butlins but still hyper kid friendly- then I'd recommend them like a shot.

Yes defo - Peachy - that's Park Resorts down to a T. I have horrid memories of Butlins. Peace and quiet (apart from the seagulls) when you want it - activities when the kids want it - you choose. Also PR do beautiful owner's breakfasts every fortnight - lots of fresh fruit/continental style. Oh and the owner's parties every month - free food and drink.

AbuAlf - if you want to check out Camber Sands - I could get you a van for the weekend to try it out (for next to nothing).

ps - I don't work for them just think they have turned Camber Sands around since taking it over.