Old Hartley First Day after Refurbishment, Whitley Bay North East

[@KarenHall-us6rx]

So lovely to see you both, such a brilliant night🤗 Next time stay for longer and we’ll show you around 🥰

[@LeisureBit]

We had such a lovely time - thank you x see you very soon x You showed us round your van - which was epic. Loved the workshop too x Rachel x

[@danielrussell446]

Hi David and Rachel another great video and what a great place to stay with those gorgeous views and that beach and so much to see and do in the area it looks like you all had a wonderful time and Roxy looks like she loved the beach! Can’t believe how the price has increased sign of the times sadly hope you are all well Daniel

[@jimmyporter2008]

Thank you David, Rachel and Roxey. Another great video and fantastic info for visiting the area and the campsite. We just did the old stone trough from one of your previous videos (Unbelievable value with the breakfast included), great staff and a nice place too stay. We planned to only stay for one night, but ended up up staying for 3 nights (our entire trip)

[@LeisureBit]

Thank you - the old stone trough is fantastic isn’t it - I can understand why you would stay for the whole trip 🙌 Have a fantastic weekend, all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@patsherwood9460]

Yes we are very lucky to live here , Whitley Bay has been revitalised in the last few years. Will be even better when the Lighthouse has been refurbished. Look forward to your next vlog 😊

[@LeisureBit]

It’s a good reason to come back 💗💗💗

[@LesMore335]

Thanks for the video...just one thing to note...Awnings are not allowed because of the exposed aspect of the site

[@LeisureBit]

Thank you for the comment and good point Les appreciated x Rachel & David 💗💗

[@brianridley1102]

That price is crazy!!! No wonder so many are off grid these days. They will do themselves out of business if this goes on

[@prou5]

We stayed there a few years ago, can’t remember how much it was, but today’s price is a little eye watering & as nice as it is I will not be paying those prices.

[@LeisureBit]

It is a lovely site, with great views. The new toilet block was an improvement. It’s such a shame that prices have gone so crazy. You never know they might get like van prices and start coming down. Thank you for your comment. Rachel & David 💗

[@M..R....]

Lovely video I used to go there as a kid on the bus with my gran. At the next roundabout up is Seaton Sluice with a pub called the Kings Arms ...beside which is a small bridge to walk over the "gorge" to see the small moored up boats . Thumbs up and looking forward to your next vlog!

[@LeisureBit]

We are so glad it brought back some memories for you. It is such a lovely part of the world and well worth a visit xx we do need to go to Seaton Sluice too xx Thank you so much for your comments & encouragement 💗💗

[@paularmstrong2724]

Our territory. If you ever go back great fish n chips in the village.The Harbour View. A great campsite to visit in Haltwhistle Northumberland is Herding Hill Farm 👍

[@LeisureBit]

It’s a lovely area! Ohhh thank you for the fish 🐟 n chip 🍟 recommend 💗💗💗 I have obviously just jumped straight to Herding Hill website to have a look and it looks lovely so we have book marked it and added it to our list - thank you 🤩 Rachel & David

[@paularmstrong2724]

Brilliant. You will love it 😊

[@fg-pv5ht]

Takes me back does this video, use to court a girl who's parents use to be wardens on this site we use to visit for the day. It is a lovely location.

[@LeisureBit]

It’s nice to trot down memory lane every now & then! Her parents were lucky to be wardens on such a lovely site 💗💗 Thank you for commenting Rachel & David 💗💗💗

[@martylawrance]

First visited that site in the late 70s in a caravan owned by my parents. I later bought my own caravan, joined the, then, Caravan Club and visited many times over the years. We were last there round about 1993, this brought back lovely memories. Apart from the electric points very little has changed in all of those years.

[@LeisureBit]

Ahhh I’m glad it brought back memories for you. The site & location are really nice. The toilet blocks had been refurbished but as you say apart from that it remains relatively unchanged. Thank you so much for your comment x Rachel & David 💗

[@DragonFly-Adventures]

We had to give up caravanning in 2022 after 34 years because of my wife's mobility issues, we did stay at Old Hartley on several occaisions laterly as our son went to uni at Durham. We left before the deposit system came into being, it was already expensive before we left, 2 weeks at our beloved Chatsworth on a super pitch was a quite considerable sum of money ! In the summer I called in the Thursaston site (whilst walking the Wirral Way) to buy amn ice cream from the shop and I was told that the caravan club no longer has shops on site as the insurance costs are prohibitive. When we started caravanning wardens would make up, ariel leads, steel awning pegs etc for sale to members. Looking back I think we had the better times with the club. My only regret is that I didn't have a drone back then, now I have three !

[@LeisureBit]

Thank you for watching and commenting 💗 that’s such a shame that you had to give up caravanning after all those years. Old Hartley is a lovely site but the price has crept. Chatsworth I loved- with the secret door to the gardens - stunning! I would love to go when it’s dressed for Christmas It’s a shame about the shops - H&S gone too far! Rachel & David 💗💗

[@kerryrichardson3174]

Hi, St. Mary's Island is closed for renovation to the lighthouse at the minute. So no visitors can cross until it's finished.

[@LeisureBit]

Hi Kerry that’s such a shame as I was looking forward to going over but it gives a good reason to go back and visit again 💗 Thank you for your comment Rachel & David 💗

[@kerryrichardson3174]

@@LeisureBit it'll be worth the wait to see it all painted and beautiful again 🥰

[@timw2973]

As always another good vlog. Nice walks to the beach and Roxy having a dig 🐕😉. The site fees have generally gone up so no great surprises. Please you noted the power usage as some people seem to get excited about meters but you have proved that there is nothing to fear - like our sub £1 use at the meet last October #rachelgate 😂😂. Thanks both and Roxy of course 👍

[@LeisureBit]

#rachelgate 😂😂😂😂 Now you would think it mighty suspicious if I confused your new wheels 🛞 😂😝ohhh sorry I thought it was grey!!! 😂😂😂 Roxy loves a dig after a swim! 🏊‍♀️ Rachel,David & Roxy 💗💗

[@jeffngill]

We had a part seasonal pitch here ten years ago or so. Lovely site.

[@LeisureBit]

It’s got a beautiful outlook hasn’t it - bet that was brilliant - all the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@danielrussell446]

Hi David and Rachel what a great place to stay with those fabulous beaches walks views and lots to do in the local area looks like the kind of place you can relax and it looks lovely clean and modern I can’t believe how the price has gone up but sign of the times I guess I bet Roxy loved the beach and playing in the sand hope you are all keeping well Daniel

[@LeisureBit]

Good morning Daniel. The site is lovely and so well positioned with great facilities. We are hoping that the price increases may start levelling off much like the van prices. Roxy loved the beach and of course swimming & digging!! Rachel & David 💗

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Stayed on that site when the kids were little but couldn’t have predicted the current cost ! That’s eye watering.

[@LeisureBit]

It’s a cracking site isn’t it but you’re right the cost compared to what it was has got a bit steep. Thanks very much for watching - Have a lovely weekend, all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

Wow that has gone up even since we went last September we paid £36.10pn. It does have lovely views and we walked across the causeway to St Mary’s. We were lucky enough to see the seals. Take care Gill

[@LeisureBit]

It is a lovely view isn’t it - St Mary’s was closed this time unfortunately as would have been nice to wander across. Have a lovely weekend - all the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@juliegough350]

Hi David & Rachel cracking vlog 😊 that sites a bit steep price wise, i know everythings gone up, and electric wasn,t included i thought some of the Camc sites were dear 🤦‍♀️ See you soon x

[@LeisureBit]

It’s a cracking site but the price is steep. I suppose it’s location and paying for the refurbishment 😤 See you soon Rachel & David 💗💗

[@robswiseways5697]

Hi David & Rachel, Lovely site and area for exploring and thanks for the tour 👍. It’s a shame the club didn’t install a few fully serviced pitches like the other redevelopments they have done. Bit expensive for a standard pitch. Best regards, Rob & Gail 😀

[@LeisureBit]

Hi Rob & Gail, yes - I wondered why they didn’t do more changes to the pitches especially access not needing to be over the grass. Lovely area and site though as you say. All the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@tommo9757]

Great vlog. Nice to see somewhere I know well. You should have walked down to Seaton Sluice harbour. It's a pretty little place, the walk up Seaton Burn from the harbour is lovely and the chippie is not bad. All the best,

[@LeisureBit]

Funny you mention it - heard loads about the chippie. Seaton Sluice is lovely, great place Thank you for your comment xx Rachel & David 💗

[@gordonbradford4054]

Wow, I have stayed at this site a few times in the past, however the CMHC is getting far too expensive! £46 + electric that is ridiculous. I have been a member for £30 and the club sites were always my first choice, at these prices they will be my last choice.I notice there is no reduction due to electric now being extra.

[@LeisureBit]

Hopefully the price will come down a bit but maybe that’s wishful thinking, it was the increase more than the actual cost which surprised me most. All the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@steamdrivenandy6880]

Electricity is included, the reading was to provide information because there are meters there.

[@Wizardinthewild]

Prices do still seem to be steadily increasing which does make it expensive to stay on a site. Did look a nice site though and wow what a view. Nice places to walk as well. Roxy was in her element. Bless her . Love a lighthouse. I bet the views are spectacular. ( if you can manage the steps!) £46.70 is rather steep. Main thing is you enjoyed it 👌🏼😊👍

[@LeisureBit]

Hopefully they will normalise it and move to metered electric in the future to help make it fair. It is a lovely location though and as you say we did enjoy it 😀 All the best, David & Rachel 👍❤️

[@davidcolman6260]

Shocking price

[@LeisureBit]

It’s certainly gone up a lot - all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@bobmckayfreedom]

Love the beach at season sluice….plus Seaton Deleval house is good too

[@LeisureBit]

Ahhh Bob! Hopefully see you soon! Seaton Sluice is epic ! Rachel & David 💗💗

[@bobmckayfreedom]

@@LeisureBit I remember the sand being so soft and there was a great chippy at blyth

[@glyn829]

Hi David and Rachel I’ll go for C lol looks a great site and nice film 👌 regards Glyn

[@LeisureBit]

Ohhhhh I was going to tell you if you were right or wrong but I realised I would give everyone the answer! 😂😂😂😂 I would be rubbish on Who wants to be a millionaire! 😂😂😂 Rachel & David 💗

[@patsherwood9460]

Hi David Rachel and Roxy😊 We actually live in Whitley Bay so walked past the site but never actually stayed there but friends visiting have. The new toilet block looks nice and modern but can you tell me do they have the timed push buttons on the showers ( my pet hate !). Surprised they haven't done anything to the pitches themselves as small for a longer van. The price was eye watering especially compared to somewhere like Pheasant Hill which I know you have been to ( we loved it there too ). CAMC need to be careful they aren't pricing themselves out of the market!! Thanks for another great vlog.

[@LeisureBit]

Whitley Bay hasn’t half changed! It’s a lovely site but slightly underwhelmed with the refurb. The shower block was lovely. I don’t think it had the push button showers ( I hate them too) We thought they might have levelled the pitches and made them bigger too. The turf was shocking - Roxy could have done better! Still a cracking site though! Rachel & David

[@brianridley1102]

Are you using one of those Hover X1 drones? Those walking shots looked like it

[@LeisureBit]

Morning yet it is x they are good fun and easy to use x Thank you for your comment Rachel & David 💗

[@andyblake1849]

We were going C but aren’t surprised at D. Prices are getting ridiculous now , we’re new to this but £35 is pretty much our top price tbf. We are members of said club.

[@LeisureBit]

Yes it’s getting a bit steep - hopefully it will normalise a bit over the coming years back to what it was. Thanks for watching - all the very best, David & Rachel 👍

[@malcolmcharlton6954]

Hi there David Rachel and Roxy it's us a agen fray west cumbre. We love at Whitley bay and Seaton Sluice have you ever been to Spanish City it's plush in there fish and chips are spot on. We've been over to Lanercost Priory today and came back the scenic way by Port Carlisle Kirkbride Abbeytown and Silloth. Stopped at Allonby for a mind blowing Twenty man's Banana split ice cream 😮. All the best till next time. Malcolm and Sheila from Workington. PS all the tomatoes have gone now❤

[@rpbarnett123]

Note the new EHU meters. Sign of the times.

[@LeisureBit]

Indeed - imagine they will be in use in the non too distant future 👍 All the best, David and Rachel👍

[@johnwalker6710]

That price is disgusting for a small site with pitches right close to each other if you don't use the facilities you should get a discount why pay for something you don't use the club is greedy like the rest of the caravan industry now

[@LeisureBit]

Hi John thank you for your comment - really appreciated. Hopefully site prices will start to fall in line with van prices 💗 Rachel & David 💗💗

[@lys823]

I've stayed there a few times as it's only 1/2 an hour from where I live. It ticks all the boxes for me, dog walks, views, pub, fish and chips but to me that price is ridiculous. When you add on your annual fee £63 spread over the year you're looking at £50 a night. I personally wouldn't pay that.

[@LeisureBit]

The prices have certainly jumped up! Let’s hope they follow van prices and start going down! In fact we are on a site now & there is hardly anyone on it! Rachel & David 💗💗

[@johnmcclurey4035]

Enjoyed the video, however comparing prices from April 2022 and July 2024 isn’t a true comparison. April 2025 prices are a maximum of £41 over Easter and considerably less outside of school holidays. Also the electricity price cap does not apply to businesses so the cost could well be much higher than you quoted. The only downside to this site for us is that we only live 10 miles away but I’m thinking that a night away could be enjoyable and the fuel cost is negligible.

[@LeisureBit]

You are absolutely right on the cost part, it’s based on the domestic price cap not business so could be more or less. Sometimes it’s nice to go local isn’t it - all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@MikeTudor-r1w]

Camc couldn’t run a bath. I told this lot 3yrs ago to go metered leccy because electricity was expensive. But I bet they only knock off £4 for metered leccy

[@LeisureBit]

Morning! Thank you for your comment. It’s always a compromise meter / non meter etc. Lovely site though! Rachel & David x

[@RickandHeather]

No way on earth I’d pay that. CAMC sites are ridiculous prices. We only stay with them for the odd CL

[@LeisureBit]

Yes, we know lol 😂 only kidding - it is getting a bit steep now - we don’t mind paying a bit more for something a bit special but it seems to have shot up of late - have a lovely weekend - all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@paulreid2613]

Hi David and Rachel, we agreed with the comments about the price of UK sites. To put some perspective on it, we paid roughly around £20 for hard standing pitches with electric, showers toilets, sometimes bars, restaurants and swimming pools in France in June this year We also paid similar prices two years ago at similar sites in France. We all have our opinions on why we pay so much in this country and l won't get into that debate. Great vlog and nice to see the weather has improved. Kay and Paul x

[@LeisureBit]

We are looking forward to going to France in the next couple of years - hopefully the prices will stay sensible 🤞 All the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@kennyrodg]

The price is a joke....

[@LeisureBit]

Morning thank you for the comment. 💗 Hopefully the price of sites might start falling the same as van prices x Rachel & David 💗💗

[@alanjackson4646]

Supposedly prices went up because of extra electricity costs, CMC are now really kicking the sh1t out of people now. I left for this reason after 24 years of membership !

[@LeisureBit]

We are really hoping that in line with the reduction in van prices that sites begin to lower their prices x It’s a shame after you bring a member for so many years Thank you for your comment Rachel & David 💗💗

[@steamdrivenandy6880]

The price comparison is being a bit disingenuous. Next year in April for 2 adults the price is between £31.20 and £41 30 per night. So depending on date you could stay for less than in 2022. General inflation on your 2022 price would have increased yout £32.70 to £36.07 and a refurbished site surely earns a price increase, otherwise why spend money upgrading?

[@LeisureBit]

There’s a lot of variability there - not sure there was anything special about the date I stayed both times - other sites not seeing the variability like that - let me check back and see if it was in a different period. Thanks for flagging will check. All the best, David 👍

[@steamdrivenandy6880]

It's interesting. I've just checked the pricing for 2 adults August '25 and it's either £40.70 or £41.30 per night. So substantially down on the price you paid. I wonder if the CMC add a premium for a short while after a site has been refurbished?

[@marleymac370]

Rip-off Britain..

[@LeisureBit]

Thank you for your comment. Hopefully prices will start coming down like van prices Rachel & David 💗💗

[@peterfawcett9969]

Overpriced

[@LeisureBit]

Hi - thank you for your comment. It certainly wasn’t cheap Rachel & David 💗

[@peterfawcett9969]

It only the rich who will be able to afford in future. I attended one site for 45 years, until management changed. They can get the rich trade now. This has happened at quite a few sites.

[@margaretlupton8131]

When you randomly see yourself on a KZbin video 😂

[@LeisureBit]

Hope you had a lovely time at Old Hartley, fantastic you spotted yourself! Hello!! All the very best David & Rachel 👍

[@MikeTudor-r1w]

Over £46 no electric 😂😂🤡

[@LeisureBit]

Morning - thank you for your comment Rachel & David 💗

[@MikeTudor-r1w]

David after watching you install lithium 460amp why do you still visit the dick turpins of camping 🤷‍♂️