10 days East Midlands touring in our Motorhome within Covid guidelines
The Club Site
After many months of our motorhome glued to the driveway there was finally an opportunity to get away for a few days and learn how our industry is operating within the various restrictions.
First stop was into Derbyshire to the delightful Carsington Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site near Ashbourne.
Driving up the winding road leading to reception one could see the first indications of the new way of things with notices instructing you to stay in your vehicle in the waiting area until reception was clear of other visitors.
Into reception where there was clear one in, one out signage with two metre outside queuing markers on the ground.
Booked in, saw that essential items were available in the shop (even though the self service access was taped off) and off we went to find a pitch, the site being nearly full with an even mix of Caravans, Motorhomes and Campervans.
For the toilet and shower block there was an ingenues way of enforcing social distancing and capacity issues.
Each camper was issued with a pitch numbered wrist band when booking in for use when at the facilities. Outside the building were four hooks. If all four hooks had hand bands hanging on them then you waited outside (two metres, marked out, apart). When someone leaves, hang your band on the spare hook and in you go.
Inside several shower and toilet cubicle were taped off in order for you to keep your distance. The urinals were also closed off.
A novel way to keep everyone safe.
Reminder Covid signage was also in evidence for a walk round Carsington Water. — and a pointless sign
Find Caravan & Motorhome Club Sites here
An AA Inspected Commercial Site
Next tour stop was the Woodland Waters an AA Inspected Commercial Site near Grantham in Lincolnshire.
Similar stop in a waiting bay before entering reception with the now familiar perspex screen to keep the staff and yourself safe.
A large site very popular with fisherman with pitches spaced out giving several metres of social distancing for everyone.
Decided for the first time in a very long time to have a meal out in the onsite Bar Restaurant.
A double back queuing system to get to the bar area for ordering drinks (stopping on the way round to sign in with contact details). Drinks placed on a tray round the corner for collection.
Past two hand sanitation units to an allocated table several metres from everyone else.
Cutlery, condiments and the lovely meal served by friendly staff. How nice to have a meal out for the first time in months!
Also a useful Premier Shop for groceries, fishing and caravan equipment just outside the site’s entrance.
All About Woodland Waters Here
A Holiday Park
Next onto the Lincolnshire coast to another Commercial Site, Kirkstead Holiday Park at Trusthorpe, a listed Camping and Caravanning Club Site.
Reception was in the Clubhouse dealing with the friendly team behind the usual perspex screen and observing the strict one ways system in and out.
Lots of arrows everywhere and hand sanitiser units at key points. Tables all spaced out as per Government guidelines. Food available here (not tried) but the Sunday lunches looked really good!
The site had a large selection of static caravans, both owned and available for rent.
The spacious level pitches (some hardstanding) all had fresh water, drainage and electric points on them.
10-15 minutes walk to a near empty sandy beach
Kirkstead Holiday Park Details here
Camping and Caravanning Club Details Here
Wild Camping
Next stop by chance was just a few miles south along the coast at Huttoft Beach carpark, within the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.
No parking charge, no height barriers. About thirty cars parked up and half a dozen motorhomes.
Two steps across some paving and onto a wonderful sandy beach. Some fishermen at high tide otherwise Social Distancing of about 100 metres each was very easy. A bit different to Bournemouth!
Had some dinner admiring the view, most of the cars left with just us few motorhomes left.
Woke up to sunrise over the North Sea (not that cold even for a paddle)
Details about Lincolnshire Country Park here
Pub Stopover
Time to drive inland towards Newark finding the Wheatsheaf Pub Brit Stop in the village of Dry Doddington.
The car park looked choc a block but the very helpful locals all enjoying a pint in the front beer garden organised a succession of car moves and our large motorhome was neatly parked up in the corner.
Into the pub following the one way system, a pint of real ale served to our table (a good 2 metres away from any other) meal ordered, Track and Trace details given to the waitress and time to relax.
All in All Camping in our motorhome was still a joy, despite adhering to various protocols.