Your thoughts please - initial market research

[Balky001]

I've been looking around at B&B mad hotels for a break at Easter (not biking) with wife and 12 year old daughter and was surprised how expensive a decent hotel out of town is. We looked all around although concentrated on the Yorkshire Dales/Penines and Lake District (for 3 about £800 for 5 days). Caravan's appeal to different types, I know a few people who camp and would not touch a caravan. A week doesn't sound that bad to me but I wouldn't aim specifically at bikers as keep the market open although the awning would be great to cover bikes if going out without them.

[Gazza77]

Originally Posted by Balky001

I've been looking around at B&B mad hotels for a break at Easter (not biking) with wife and 12 year old daughter and was surprised how expensive a decent hotel out of town is. We looked all around although concentrated on the Yorkshire Dales/Penines and Lake District (for 3 about £800 for 5 days). Caravan's appeal to different types, I know a few people who camp and would not touch a caravan. A week doesn't sound that bad to me but I wouldn't aim specifically at bikers as keep the market open although the awning would be great to cover bikes if going out without them.

Balky, give here a try. http://www.bed-and-breakfast-cumbria.co.uk/ We stayed last Easter for 3 nights and it was a fantastic location.

[Viney]

Its about the right price as i was looking at the caravan prices in devon a while back. Caravans have always been on the expensive side compared to things like B&B's etc. A B&B is usualy about £70 per night in most places for a half decent one.

[chris8886]

Originally Posted by Balky001

I've been looking around at B&B mad hotels for a break at Easter (not biking) with wife and 12 year old daughter and was surprised how expensive a decent hotel out of town is. We looked all around although concentrated on the Yorkshire Dales/Penines and Lake District (for 3 about £800 for 5 days). Caravan's appeal to different types, I know a few people who camp and would not touch a caravan. A week doesn't sound that bad to me but I wouldn't aim specifically at bikers as keep the market open although the awning would be great to cover bikes if going out without them.

and i stayed here http://www.swinsidefarmhouse.co.uk/index.html a couple of summers ago. it was a great place to stay and there is a good pub litterally accross the road that do food and accomodation too.

I've never considered caravanning as a holiday destination. Is it one of those huge mobile homes that doesn't move or is it a caravan such as blocks the road every summer?

If it's a "mobile home", then I would consider it, but if it's a "caravan" then it's not for me - if I'm slumming it, then I'll use a tent otherwise I prefer better creature comforts i.e. something with a decent shower & kitchen.

hth!

Thank you everyone - some interesting opinions - it's very helpful.

Originally Posted by Viney

Its about the right price as i was looking at the caravan prices in devon a while back. Caravans have always been on the expensive side compared to things like B&B's etc. A B&B is usualy about £70 per night in most places for a half decent one.

I have to disagree; £70 is hotel money and not a bad hotel at that: I'm staying at a 4 star hotel on the royal mile in Edinburgh for £75 in a couple of weeks' time. Decent B&Bs are typically £35-50 per night, depending on their location. Cheap B&Bs can be had for £20-30 (and there are even sub £20 grot-holes).

Originally Posted by BigApe

Wouldn't appeal to me. I would rather rough it in my tent for far cheaper.

+1, camping all the way for me. However I can see this appealing to certain people.

What is provided with the caravan or what would you be thinking of providing in terms of comforts? I don't really know how these things work when loaned out, but comes with bedding and such I take it?

[Balky001]

thanks for the suggestions Gazza/Chris - all booked now - off to Majorca! Don't ask, it was a little random but our friends have a place. Staung in Lake District in May, in a tent though!

Ed, I think it's definately a plan, how much will it cost to buy the caravan/pitch costs/finance etc - how many weeks would you need to book it out to break even/covering costs and depreciation etc? I know you are at early stages in the planning but I guess profitability is the driver here

regarding the pricing, you need to check out a website called "welcome cottages". You wont believe how cheap you can get a place virtually anywhere in the country.

Weve just booked a week in a two bedroomed cottage in mid wales for £200 all in. we have stayed there before and the place is excellent.

You need to do a lot of research before you commit to see where your competition is coming from.