CL of the Year

Supporting your favourite CLs

Certificated Locations (CLs) are five-pitch privately owned sites that are sprinkled across the UK. They offer a wide variety of holiday locations to choose from, whatever your interests.

The CL of the Year Awards recognises the very best sites and reward hard-working owners who pull out all the stops for members. If you regularly use CLs, you’ll know what they have to offer – some sit in picturesque rural settings and others are near to the city for a sightseeing break. 

This year, there will be three National CL awards, as well as recognition for Best Newcomer (for all CLs that have opened in the last two years).

Take a look at this year's winners

The winners of Certificated Location of the Year 2019 were Brunette Cottage Caravan Park. Close runners up were Cherry Cottage CL and Marylands.

First place winner: Brunette Cottage Caravan Park

About this Certificated Location:

Brunette Cottage Caravan Park is run by Paul and Helen Clarke. They started the CL eight years ago on the field adjacent to their home, wanting to share their tranquil location with other caravanners and motorhomers. Their CL is based just in North Wales on the Cheshire/Shropshire border, making it ideal for visiting Llangollen, Chester and Shrewsbury.

Local attractions and things to do:

You can visit the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (a World Heritage Site) or explore two National Trust properties located within 35 minutes of the site.

The site is popular with walkers and cyclists as you can explore the Sandstone trail and canal networks with ease from this site, whilst enjoying views over the Welsh Hills.

Highlights of this site:

• Last year Paul and Helen introduced a mini croquet pitch which has been very popular with guests
• All pitches are hard standing with electric and own water point
• Each pitch is named after a bird, and offers its own bird feeder and food supply
• On-site washroom with shower and underfloor heating 
• Dog-friendly with small dog walk adjacent
• Fresh cakes and jams made weekly

Second place: Cherry Cottage

About this Certificated Location:

Cherry Cottage CL is a peaceful Certificated Location, located south of Sherborne, Dorset. The CL is run by Lynn Pearcey with the support of her husband and daughter, and is ideally located for exploring the countryside and coast. Having been a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club for the last 10 years, Lynn decided to open her dream CL in June 2019.

Local attractions and things to do:

Visitors to Cherry Cottage can expect a peaceful break. The CL is centrally located for exploring Dorset and the surrounding counties and is only 30 minutes from the coast.

Sherborne is only a short drive or bus trip away and is self-proclaimed the 'prettiest town in Dorset'. It has two castles, an Abbey and a plethora of independent shops and cafes to explore.

Equally, the county town of Dorchester is 14 miles to the South and is home to Roman ruins and plenty of museums to explore.

The stunning Minterne Gardens, the village of Cerne Abbas and its famous Giant are only a short drive or bus ride away.

Highlights of this site:

• Mix of hardstanding and level well-drained lawn pitches, all positioned to maximise countryside views and amazing sunsets
• All pitches have 16 amp EHU and WiFi
• Use of toilet and laundry facilities
• Small shop for necessities
• Dog-friendly with popular on-site dog walk around the hay meadow

Third place: Marylands

About this Certificated Location:

Members of the Club for over 30 years, Jane and Ray Chilvers run Marylands Certificated Location in Pembrokeshire. They have stayed on many Club sites across the country with their two sons, moving to CLs when their sons stopped holidaying with them. They have recently celebrated their first year of CL ownership and love hosting and meeting new people.

Local attractions and things to do:

Guests have commented on how lovely the area is, and there's easy access to plenty of beaches and coastal paths in Pembrokeshire.

Highlights of this site:

• Welcome pack on arrival with information about the local area
• Dog-friendly with play area

Best Newcomer: Barn Owl Meadow

About this Certificated Location:

Roger and Pauline Dixon have been running Barn Owl Meadow for just over a year, welcoming plenty of guests in the process. The site is a purpose-built CL site on a small farm, which offers a unique caravan experience. 

The CL gets its name from the barn owls that are often seen flying over the meadow and shares its home with other wildlife such as deer, hares, pheasants and sheep.

Local attractions and things to do:

Barn Owl Meadow is situated on the Suffolk Norfolk border, 9 from Diss and Stowmarket and 15 miles from the beautiful historic town of Bury St Edmunds. Visit the Cathedral and Abbey Gardens, or visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the market.

If you want a relaxing break in lovely countryside surrounded by nature with mod cons at your doorstep then this is the place for you.

Highlights of this site:

• Super pitches are fully serviced, and large enough for caravan/motorhome, awning and car
• Custom-built 5-star luxury amenity building with two large bathrooms
• Wheelchair-friendly accessible facilities
• Dog-friendly with dog wash area and waste bin

See all previous CL of the Year winners >>