Why Your Park Choice Matters More Than the Static Caravan You Buy

1. Why the Park Matters More Than the Caravan

When you buy a static caravan in Aberystwyth, you're not just buying a holiday home. You're buying a lifestyle on the Welsh coast.

You can change the sofa. You can update the curtains. But you can't install a view of Cardigan Bay or move the beach closer to your door.

That's why smart buyers choose the park first.

About Green Meadow Holiday Park

If you're looking for a static caravan holiday park in Aberystwyth, Green Meadow offers unbeatable coastal views, a peaceful 5-star setting, and exceptional accessibility.

Just a few hours' drive from the North, Midlands and South Wales — and only 10 minutes from Aberystwyth's train station with direct links from Birmingham — it's incredibly easy to reach.

With direct access to Clarach Bay, modern serviced pitches, quality on-site facilities and stunning coastal walks nearby, Green Meadow gives owners the perfect mix of convenience, comfort and unforgettable staycations in Mid Wales.

2. The Two-Hour Rule: Travelling to the Welsh Coast

Most owners underestimate how distance affects usage.

From speaking with our owners here at Green Meadow, the same pattern comes up again and again:

• Up to 2 hours: Easy, repeatable, high usage
• 2.5 hours: Still workable for most families
• 3+ hours: Usage drops dramatically

It's not just the miles — it's how the drive feels. If you dread the journey home, you'll visit less.

Be honest with yourself: "Would I enjoy doing this drive twice a month?"

3. The Park-Buying Checklist

Follow this before you put money down anywhere.

Distance & Drive Comfort

• Draw a 1–3 hour radius around your home
• Test the drive at real times (Friday after work, Saturday morning)
• Be brutally honest: "Would I enjoy doing this twice a month?"

Most regrets are about distance, not décor.

Setting: Coastal vs Countryside

Green Meadow offers the classic coastal experience. If you want the beach-focused atmosphere shown in the table below, this is the place for you:

Park Size & Feel

• Larger parks: Bars, entertainment, pools → busier
• Smaller parks: Quieter, more personal, fewer crowds

Choose what you'll enjoy repeatedly, not just once.

Facilities: Only Pay for What You'll Use

• Facilities increase pitch fees
• If you're a walker, don't pay for waterparks

Local Area Essentials

At Green Meadow, here are some of the nearby highlights our owners love:

• Golf: Aberystwyth Golf Club offers breathtaking panoramic views over Cardigan Bay, with several other excellent courses nearby including Capel Bangor, Borth and Llanrhystud
• Thrill-seekers: Canoeing, climbing, sailing and pony trekking in Aberystwyth
• Walkers: Stunning coastal and countryside walks, including the Cardigan Bay Coastal Trail and Devil's Bridge Falls, with routes for all abilities
• Family fun: The Silver Mountain Experience offers mine tours, mythical adventures and gem panning — just 30 minutes away
• Fishing: Great year-round fishing at the Stone Jetty, with species like bass, mackerel and bream

You're not just buying a pitch — you're buying the area too.

Season Length

Holiday parks vary:

• 12-month season: Holiday access all year (no residential living)
• 8–10 month season: Winter closure period

If you love crisp winter weekends, check this before you buy.

Green Meadow is open from 1st March to 30th November (9 months).

Community Vibe

Visit at different times:

• A sunny Saturday
• A quiet weekday
• A rainy afternoon

Chat to owners. Ask:

• "Do you use it often?"
• "What's the atmosphere like in summer?"
• "How quiet is it at night?"

You'll get honest answers very quickly.

Pet Rules

If dogs are part of the family, check:

• Breed rules
• Number allowed
• On-lead / off-lead areas
• Access to dog-friendly walks and beaches

Most buyers overlook this.

Choosing Your Pitch

Never choose from a map alone.

Consider:

• Sun direction
• Noise levels
• Parking
• Privacy
• Views

Pitches feel very different in person.

Understanding the Real Costs

Typical annual costs:

• Pitch fees: £3,500–£6,000
• Utilities: £500–£1,000
• Insurance
• Gas/LPG supply
• Maintenance and upkeep

A good park will give you a clear breakdown upfront. At Green Meadow, pitch fees start from £4,200 for a standard static pitch, with a full, transparent breakdown.

Park Rules & Licence Agreement

Look for:

• Caravan age limits (often 15–20 years)
• Selling/transfer fees
• Upgrade rules
• Contractor restrictions
• Decking/veranda guidelines

This shapes your long-term experience.

Park Type: Choose What Fits You

Research, Visit, Compare

Don't buy on the first visit.

Return when:

• The weather's bad
• The park is busy
• The park is quiet

Parks change personality. Make sure you've seen all the sides.

4. Advice for Upgraders & Relocators

If you already own a caravan and you're thinking about upgrading or moving parks, read this first.

Look Beyond the Caravan

A new model doesn't automatically mean a better lifestyle. Upgrading is about improving your experience, not just your floorplan.

Protect Your Equity

Get part-exchange valuations and compare with selling privately. Know what your current caravan is worth before you commit.

Understand Transfer Costs

Some parks restrict incoming caravans. Moving can be expensive — get quotes before you plan.

Compare the Park Feel, Not Just the Pitch Fees

Ask yourself: "What wasn't working at the old park, and does this new one fix it?"

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the walk to the beach from Green Meadow?

We have direct access to Clarach Bay, so you can be on the sand in minutes without needing to drive.

What is a pitch fee?

Your annual payment for your pitch. It covers grounds maintenance, park operations, and communal facilities.

Can I live in my caravan all year?

No — holiday parks require you to have a permanent residential address. You can visit as often as you like during the open season, but you can't move in full-time.

Do pitch fees go up every year?

Usually yes, often in line with inflation or park improvements. A good park will be transparent about how increases are calculated.

Can I move my caravan to another park?

It's possible but can be costly, and not every park accepts incoming caravans. Check restrictions before you plan a move.

Chain vs independent park — which is better?

It depends on what you want. Chains offer more structure and facilities. Independents feel more personal. Choose based on your lifestyle.

What happens when my caravan reaches the age limit?

Most parks require an upgrade or removal after 15–20 years. Always check your agreement so you know what to expect.

5. Why Choose Salop Caravan Sites?

Across all Salop Caravan Sites parks in Shropshire and Mid Wales — including coastal locations like Green Meadow in Aberystwyth — owners benefit from:

• 60+ years of expertise
• Premium, owners-only, independent parks
• No rentals or subletting → a quieter, more exclusive community
• Stunning coastal and countryside settings
• Peace, privacy, and long-lasting owner relationships

The Bottom Line: Choose the Park First

Your caravan gives you comfort. Your park gives you your lifestyle.

Get the park right — the distance, the feel, the community — and every visit feels like pressing a reset button.

Picture it: Friday evening, the drive behind you, the sound of the sea ahead. Your own place on the Welsh coast, waiting exactly where you left it.

That's what the right park gives you.