We've compiled some useful information for new ralliers to help you get started and make the most of your rally experience. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us using the details below.
Booking a rally
The easiest way to book your first rally is through our website. Simply navigate to the Rallies page, select the rally you'd like to attend, and follow the booking instructions. Make sure you have your Caravan & Motorhome Club membership details handy, as you'll need them to complete the booking and don't forget to check the 'first rally' box if it's your first time! If you're not yet a member, you can join the Club via their website.
Each rally is run by a volunteer Rally Officer, who is there to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to them before the rally. Their contact information can be found on the rally details page - you'll need to be logged in to view this information.
What to expect on a rally
No two rallies are exactly the same, but you can generally expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you will meet fellow caravanners and motorhomers. Once you've arrived and set up, there will usually be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the local area. Rally fields are a great place for children to play and make new friends in a safe outdoor environment; mum and/or dad may even get some unexpected time to relax!
Some of our rallies are arranged to coincide with and are located near to (or even inside!) local events and attractions such as the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford and the Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza at South Cerney, making them the ideal base to explore from.
Rallies sometimes include opportunities to socialise, take part in activites, and occasionally even outings to local attractions, but participation is entirely optional; take part as much or as little as you like.
During each rally, usually at the end, there will be an event known as "Flag". This is when Ralliers assemble to thank the Rally Officers for ruuning the Rally on behalf of the Gloucestershire Centre. Competition winners may be announced along with any celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries. There are ususally free sweets provided for any children present and a raffle for the grown-ups.
Arriving at a rally
It's always a good idea to plan your journey in advance to avoid any narrow or unsuitable routes. Each rally listed on our website will include a postcode, a what3words location, and most will include directions from major routes that have been checked for suitability. Whilst a postcode can be helpful, what3words provides a precise location that can be especially useful for rural rally fields without traditional addresses. W3w allows you to click through to navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze.
Once you're close to the rally site, look out for our yellow Gloucestershire Centre rally signs to guide you in. Once you arrive, the rally office will be clearly marked with a sign. Please head to the rally office to check in. The Rally Officer or their assistant will usually greet you and help you find a suitable pitch. Don't worry if you're unsure about anything - they're there to assist you!
Each of our rallies will have a start and end time, please respect these time and plan your arrival and departure accordingly. If you expect to arrive after 20:00, please inform the Rally Officer in advance using the contact details provided on the rally page.
What equipment to bring
Generally speaking, you'll need to bring your usual kit for caravanning or motorhoming, including essentials like water and waste containers, electric cables if your pitch has electric hookup, and any personal items you may need. We recommend also bringing levelling blocks and wedges for uneven ground and bin liners to take your dry waste home with you.
Most rallies require you to have your own facilities such as toilets and cooking equipment. At a minimum rallies will provide fresh water and toilet emptying points. Some rallies, especially those held at commercial sites, may offer additional facilities such as electric hook-up and showers. Pitches that include electric will be clearly marked on the rally details page with an EHU (Electric Hook-Up) icon. If you're unsure about what facilities are available, please check the rally details page or contact the Rally Officer in advance.