Owning a holiday home is a big lifestyle change: a chance to escape and enjoy a different experience away from it all.
The choice of locations, park styles and facilities is huge, and the accommodation available has moved on significantly over the last few years. There are many models to choose from offering modern, bright and spacious living, fully equipped with everything you need.
So, if you are planning to buy a static caravan, here are a few top tips to consider.
Holiday experience
Purchasing a static caravan is a big financial step so it’s important to reflect on your reasons for doing so. Whether it is spending more time with family, exploring new areas or looking for a different pace of life, everyone finds something positive about having their own holiday home. Many of our caravan owners tell us it is a lifestyle change for the better, giving them a perfect base from which to enjoy fabulous holidays year after year.
Location
When it comes to buying a home, location is the number one factor and the same applies to holiday caravans. You will want to choose an area you love, and that you are going to be interested in exploring for years to come. Equally, it is important to think about the activities you enjoy, whether it is walking, cycling, shopping, eating out or anything else. Ask yourself, can you do these easily at your preferred location? Our parks are a superb base to explore North Yorkshire and beyond with hundreds of recognised attractions within close reach, not to mention the breath-taking scenery. We find our holiday home owners are able to enjoy a huge range of hobbies from their base at our parks and this was a significant factor in their choice.
Distance from home
Don’t forget to consider how far you want to travel to reach your holiday home. If you want to escape on a regular basis for weekends, it is unlikely you will want to travel for more than a couple of hours. However, if you are planning to be away for several weeks of the year, a destination that is further afield may not be a problem. Other factors may include the location of family and friends, especially if you are inviting them to stay at the caravan too.
The park
Another important step in the process is getting to know the holiday park that you are going to get years of enjoyment from visiting. When choosing a park, we would always advise you to think and talk to us about your preferences. Are you looking for peace and quiet, somewhere to bring the family, a nice local pub, countryside walks, shops in walking distance, organised activities? Each of our parks has its own unique look and feel.
York House Holiday Park near Thirsk, for example, is ideal for families. It has spectacular views of the Hambleton Hills, a five-acre playing field, play area and indoor games area. And visitors of all ages love our Old Barn Coffee Shop on site offering home-cooked meals and treats. Just over the road, we have Monk Park with only 22 plots and a perfect spot if you are looking for quieter surroundings and lots of relaxation. Swaleside, in Topcliffe, by comparison, is popular with couples who enjoy socialising, fishing and being part of a community in this easy-to-reach location.
Choosing the right caravan
Selecting the right holiday home for you will depend on your priorities and preferences. Our static caravans come in many different specifications and are all well-appointed with modern kitchens and comfortable lounge areas. With lovely verandas, you can sit and enjoy the views, read a book or dine al fresco. The most luxurious holiday homes have additional home comforts – and we’re always happy to talk to you about any features you’ve seen elsewhere and how we can bring them to your chosen site for you.
It really is best to see the layout for yourself before making your mind up. New and pre-owned holiday homes are available at each of our parks and our mangers can show you around and talk about the benefits of each individual caravan. Some of our parks also have holiday homes for hire so you can try before you buy to give you a true feel of the size, atmosphere and facilities. The location of the caravan on the site itself is another important consideration and factors such as views and amenities come into play. We can move caravans around and bring new ones on site to ensure you get the combination of facilities and position to suit you.
Finance
A finance agreement is a good way to spread the cost of your static caravan purchase over an extended period and we are happy to discuss the options available. Take into consideration the annual fees at each site before signing on the dotted line. At YHL Parks, we’re always open with you about the costs involved and happy to advise on the finance options we offer.
Feel good factor
To increase your chance of finding the perfect static caravan, having a good look for yourself is key. Get an idea of the benefits – does it tick all the boxes? Are there small compromises that need to be made? It’s surprising how often people will overlook aspects which don’t meet their initial requirements because they simply fall in love with the location and the park – and we always enjoy finding that perfect match for our new owners!
Most of all, get a sense that it is a home ‘away from home’ where you will be able to create happy memories for years to come.
To find out more about buying your own holiday caravan at one of our parks in beautiful North Yorkshire, contact us now.