Smart Static Caravan Buyers Choose the Park First — Here's Why

Everyone starts the same way.

Browsing caravans online.

Comparing layouts.

Imagining which sofa would look best in the lounge.

But here's what nobody tells you until it's too late:

The caravan is the easy bit to change. The park isn't.

You can upgrade your caravan in five years.

You can't move the view, shorten the drive, or change the neighbours.

This guide is about making the decision that actually matters first.

1. Why the Park Matters More Than the Caravan

When you buy a static caravan in Shropshire, you're not just buying a holiday home. You're buying a lifestyle in the English countryside.

You can change the sofa. You can update the curtains. But you can't install fishing lakes or move the Shropshire Hills closer to your door.

That's why smart buyers choose the park first.

About Spring Lea Holiday Park

If you're looking for a static caravan holiday park near Shrewsbury, Spring Lea offers a brand-new countryside setting with exceptional fishing, a peaceful atmosphere, and easy access from the Midlands.

Just 5 miles from the medieval town of Shrewsbury and within easy reach of Birmingham, Wolverhampton and the West Midlands — it's incredibly convenient for regular weekend escapes.

With four well-stocked fishing lakes, a new children's play area, enclosed dog walking area, and south-west facing pitches with piped gas and wired broadband as standard, Spring Lea gives owners the perfect mix of countryside tranquillity and modern convenience.

2. The Two-Hour Rule: Travelling to the Shropshire Countryside

Most owners underestimate how distance affects usage.

From speaking with our owners here at Spring Lea, 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

Spring Lea offers the classic countryside experience. If you want the peaceful, nature-led 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 an angler, a park with fishing lakes makes sense

Local Area Essentials

At Spring Lea, here are some of the nearby highlights our owners love:

• Fishing: Four on-site coarse and carp lakes with fish up to 33lbs — no need to leave the park
• Watersports: Paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Kingfisher (BYO equipment)
• Walkers: Shropshire Hills AONB on your doorstep with breath-taking scenery and routes for all abilities
• Town life: Medieval Shrewsbury (5 miles) with the Severn Theatre, award-winning indoor market, and riverside walks through the Quarry
• Family fun: Children's play area on-site, plus attractions across Shropshire

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.

Spring Lea offers a 10+ month season, so you can enjoy your holiday home for most of the year.

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

Spring Lea has an enclosed dog walking and exercise area set around an attenuation pool — perfect for letting your dog run free.

Choosing Your Pitch

Never choose from a map alone.

Consider:

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

At Spring Lea, all holiday home pitches are south-west facing with tarmac double driveways — designed for maximum afternoon and evening sun.

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 Spring Lea, pitch fees start from £3,600 (single) or £4,215 (double), with piped gas and wired broadband included as standard.

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

Is Spring Lea a fishing park?
Yes. Spring Lea features four well-stocked coarse and carp fishing lakes set in 12 acres of countryside. Fish up to 33lbs, and the lakes cater to anglers of all skill levels.

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 have a hot tub at Spring Lea?
Yes — hot tubs are allowed subject to park approval. This is different from many other parks where they're not permitted.

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.

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 Spring Lea?

Spring Lea is part of the Salop Leisure family, with over 60 years of expertise in holiday home ownership across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

• Brand-new development (completed 2023)
• Four on-site fishing lakes with carp up to 33lbs
• Paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Kingfisher
• South-west facing pitches with piped gas and wired broadband
• Children's play area and enclosed dog walking area
• Hot tubs allowed (subject to approval)
• 5 miles from medieval Shrewsbury
• Near Shropshire Hills AONB

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 Shropshire countryside ahead. Your own place by the fishing lakes, waiting exactly where you left it.

That's what the right park gives you.