If you’re stuck between seasonal or casual touring when it comes to your next getaway, keep reading this blog.
Both are great options and allow you to enjoy a trip in your own home-away-from-home, but they differ in a few ways. The key difference is location.
Simply put, seasonal touring means staying in a fixed location for a certain length of time (i.e. a season). In contrast, touring means travelling to different places with no fixed location so you can take in different sights.
Both have their advantages and it all really comes down to your budget and preference.
In this blog post, we’re exploring the key things to consider when deciding between seasonal or casual touring as well as recommending some great spots where you can park up and enjoy the surroundings.
At Meridian Parks, we have holiday homes and residential homes across stunning locations from North Yorkshire to Northumberland. We also offer seasonal touring pitches at various parks and casual touring at our Brompton on Swale park, allowing you to enjoy the same facilities whilst having the familiarity of your own caravan.
What Is Seasonal Touring?
Seasonal touring means keeping your caravan on the same pitch for an extended period, giving you a home-away-from-home for the season. It’s perfect if you have a favourite site or location and want the freedom to explore the surrounding area without having to pack up each time.
How Does Seasonal Touring Work?
Seasonal touring gives you the freedom to enjoy a home-away-from-home for months at a time.
Usually your caravan is towed to the park by your car, SUV, or suitable vehicle. Once you arrive, pull up onto your designated pitch and you’re all set for the season.
Opening times for pitches vary depending on the park you choose. At Meridian Parks, seasonal touring availability is as follows:
- Brompton on Swale Holiday Park: 1st March – Early November (8 months per year)
- Carlton Miniott Holiday Park: 1st April – 31st October (7 months per year)
- Burtree Lakes Holiday & Touring Park: Open 12 months per year
- Derwentside Holiday Park: Open 12 months per year
- Hillcrest Holiday Park: Open 49 weeks per year
If towing your caravan isn’t an option, or you simply prefer not to, Meridian Parks can help. We offer a collection and siting service that means our team can pick up your touring caravan and safely place it on your pitch, so you can start enjoying your seasonal stay without the stress.
Benefits of Seasonal Touring
One of the biggest key benefits is the sense of familiarity and comfort that comes from staying in the same spot. You’ll also get to know other visitors, making it ideal for socialising and forming a sense of community.
While you have a permanent base to return to, you’re still free to explore the surrounding area giving you the best of both worlds – a sense of stability and adventure.
You can also enjoy the on-site amenities which make your stay even more comfortable. At Meridian Parks, this includes facilities block, waste disposal, and water points. Also all meridian sites are safe and secure as they are fully staffed with CCTV coverage.
Seasonal Touring FAQs
How many nights can you book with seasonal touring?
With seasonal touring, you don’t pay for a few nights, you’re paying for a season (whether that’s 8 months or 12 months depending on the site). Once your pitch is secured, you can stay as few or as many nights as you like during the season rather than paying for individual nights.
Do you allow dogs?
Many of our touring sites are dog-friendly including Brompton On Swale, Burtree Lakes, Derwentside, and Hillcrest.
Do you offer winter storage?
Yes, we offer winter storage during months the site is closed, meaning your caravan is safely stored on‑site until the next season, giving you peace of mind.
What Is Casual Touring?
Casual touring means you can visit and explore different places without committing to one location. Instead of booking a pitch for a full season, you book individual nights or short stays, making it a flexible option for getaways.
As you’re not tied to one site, casual touring is ideal if you enjoy moving around. It’s a great choice if you don’t have one particular site you’re drawn to and prefer the flexibility to stay where and when it suits you.
How Does Casual Touring Work?
Unlike seasonal touring, you pay per night for your pitch rather than the whole season. Booking can usually be done online or by phone and then it’s just a case of towing your caravan to the park and onto your allocated pitch. As mentioned, at Meridian Parks we offer a siting service if you prefer not to tow your caravan yourself.
At the end of your stay, you can simply pack up your caravan and move onto your next destination. The flexibility of casual touring means you can hop between different parks whenever you like.
Benefits of Casual Touring
One of the biggest benefits of casual touring is the freedom to explore different locations. You can move between parks, try new areas, and plan your trips around your schedule, making it perfect for those who love variety.
Casual touring also allows you to make the most of on-site amenities at each park, which makes short trips more enjoyable. At Meridian Parks, our Brompton on Swale site caters for casual touring and includes well-equipped facilities blocks, waste disposal, and water points.
As you’re not committed to one location, casual touring is ideal if you enjoy spontaneous trips.
Casual Touring FAQs
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes – for casual touring, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak season. This helps ensure your preferred park and pitch are available for your stay.
What facilities are on-site?
Casual touring guests can enjoy all the essential park facilities, including toilets and showers, water points, and waste disposal. All Meridian Parks are fully staffed and monitored with CCTV, so you can fully relax during your stay.
Can I bring a campervan or motorhome?
Yes caravans, campervans, and motorhomes are all welcome on our sites.
Choosing Between Seasonal and Casual Touring
Both seasonal and casual touring have their advantages and both options allow you to enjoy a peaceful and care-free getaway.
The choice really comes down to personal preference but we’ve listed a few things to consider which might help with your decision making:
- Location – Do you have a favourite area or park where you’d like to stay for an extended period? Or do you prefer to explore multiple locations, moving from park to park? Seasonal touring suits the first, while casual touring is better if you want flexibility.
- Park rules – Check whether the park has restrictions, such as the age of caravans, length of stay, or limits on visitors.
- Season length – Consider when the seasonal pitch is open as some parks open all year-round, whereas others are seasonal. You want to make sure the opening period matches when you want to use your caravan,
- Social element – Seasonal pitches often create a sense of community as you’ll see the same people regularly, which can be great for socialising. With casual touring, social opportunities depend on who else is visiting at the same time.
Seasonal or Casual Touring? Choosing the Right Caravan Holiday Style
Whether you choose seasonal or casual touring comes down to personal preference and how you like to spend your time away.
Seasonal touring offers the comfort and familiarity of a home-away-from-home in one favourite spot making it ideal perfect for long stays and enjoying a sense of community. In contrast, casual touring gives you the freedom to explore different locations at your own pace – ideal for those who love variety.
At Meridian Parks, we offer both options to suit you and your family complete with all the facilities you need to make your stay hassle-free and enjoyable. Simply visit one of our parks to find out more and a member of the team will be happy to help.
