Highlights from the Caravan Club National, Cornbury Park
I got the chance to relive a piece of my childhood over the Spring Bank Holiday by attending the Caravan Club National at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire.
It’s difficult to describe the scale of a National, but it’s like a small temporary town of caravans with a central hub of shops, an arena and marquees. I’ve been to Nationals when there were about 5,000 caravans and motorhomes from as far away as Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands. It’s a significant event in the caravanning calendar.
I would be lying if I said it was just the same as it’s always been. The Caravan Club has changed the event’s focus from being about the regional Centres into more of a commercial weekend designed to attract non-rallying members. Prices have gone up, the number of people attending has gone down – there were about 1,500 this year – and there’s less focus on the inter-Centre competitions that used to keep us in sports kit and cheering at the pitches all weekend.
However, the National still has a lot going for it. Here are our highlights from the event:
The venue
The MayDay Zone
With less sports competitions for families than when I was a teenager, the MayDay Zone kids club has really taken off. Tin Box Tot had a great time doing crafts, jumping on the bouncy castles and attempting to play crazy golf. There was also a climbing wall, cookery and a Wii for the older children and teens.
Arena displays
Services
We had a lot of fun at this year’s National and it was interesting to see how it compared to my childhood memories. Next year the event is being held in Cheshire, which is a bit of a trek for us, but I’m sure we’ll attend another National sometime in the future.
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She got particularly messy because it was chocolate coated – thanks Grandpa! 🙂 x
It's great for young families and a variation on a holiday park. There's lots more temporary sites popping up around the country now. I think the Caravan and Camping Club also do them so it's worth looking up if you have a tent as well
The Quack Pack were a highlight. The Tot was a bit young to go into the arena on her own when they were looking for volunteers but Mr TB didn't take much persuading to go in with her 🙂
It is great fun even though it has changed since I was a bit (a lot) younger than I am now 🙂
We love it and I hope the kids continue to do so to 🙂
No probs, thanks for hosting!
The location was amazing. I recently realises that the Wilderness Festival is also held there so I reckon we'll be going back to Cornbury in the next few years!
I grew up caravanning with my parents, but in Australia I have never seen an organised caravan event like this – so many fun things to keep the kids amused.
I've never heard of the National, but it looks like a brilliant weekend. I love how they have all the country shows. Love the photo of TBT and her icecream. She's adorable. #MondayEscapes
You must have had a wonderful time there as a child!! Look amazing!
Love the dog with the ducks hahaha soooo cute <3
Thank you for linking up to #Monday Escapes 😀
I love country shows this looks so amazing, our boys would love this x
I love camping and I wish we have a caravan! This made me miss camping a lot more. I cant wait to start again. Its so nice that you have shared a family tradition with your children and made them a part of it =) #countrykids
I've never heard of these events but it does remind me of a country show and sounds great fun with your caravan there to retreat back to at night. I can see why you enjoy this as a family event. I hope it continues to be supported even if it is changing in focus. Thank you for sharing with me on country Kids
It does look like a beautiful location but a shame it isn't quite the same as you remember, still really lovely to be doing something with your children that holds such fond memories for you! #countrykids