There is a certain kind of bravery: or perhaps just a specific type of madness: that comes with being a caravanner in the UK during November. You know the score: the days are short, the ground is soft, and the "British Summer" is a distant, taunting memory.
In November 2025, we decided to hitch up the Coachman Acadia 565 and head over to Essex for a two-night stay at Colchester Country Park. We’d heard mixed things about the site, but with its proximity to the historic town of Colchester and its year-round opening, it seemed like a solid choice for a quick late-autumn getaway.
What followed was a weekend that didn’t exactly go to plan, but it certainly reminded us why we love the caravan life, even when the heavens decide to open and stay open.
The Arrival: A Warm Essex Welcome
As we pulled off the A12 and navigated the short distance to the park, the sky was already a bruised shade of charcoal. We’ve stayed at some incredibly high-end sites recently: places like Concierge Camping in West Sussex, which spoils you for life: so we try to keep our expectations grounded when visiting more traditional parks.
The first thing that hit us wasn't the rain (that came later), but the genuine warmth of the welcome.
The staff at Colchester Country Park were fantastic. Despite the dreary weather and the fact that we arrived just as the light was failing, they were incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed happy to have us there. There’s something about a friendly face at check-in that can turn a "meh" start into a positive one. They gave us all the info we needed, pointed us toward our pitch, and even shared a few tips about the local area.
First Impressions of the Site
Colchester Country Park is a large, well-laid-out site. It’s got a mix of hardstanding and grass pitches, and even in November, you could see that the grounds are generally well-maintained. However, it doesn’t take long to notice that the site is showing its age.
If you’ve read our review of Old Oaks in Somerset, you’ll know we appreciate a site that feels fresh and modern. Colchester Country Park, unfortunately, feels like it’s stuck a decade or two in the past.
The Facilities: A Step Back in Time
The elephant in the room (or the campsite) is the facility block. While the staff keep everything clean: and we really mean clean, the effort is there: the infrastructure itself is basic and dated.
The toilet and shower blocks are reminiscent of the 90s. Think functional tiling, older-style push-button showers that are always a bit of a gamble with temperature, and a general aesthetic that screams "modernization needed." For a 4-star rated site, it feels like it’s resting on its laurels a bit. In 2025, caravanners are looking for those little touches of luxury: or at least a building that doesn't feel like it belongs to a different era.
That being said, if you’re self-contained in a van like our Coachman Acadia 565, the site facilities become less of a deal-breaker. But for those relying on the site’s amenities, be prepared for a very "retro" experience.
The Great Essex Washout
We had grand plans. We were going to explore Colchester’s Roman history, maybe walk the walls, and definitely find a nice local pub for a Sunday roast.
The weather had other ideas.
About an hour after we unhitched and levelled the van (thank goodness for our Milenco Grand Aero mirrors making the journey there a breeze), the drizzle turned into a steady downpour. By the time we’d finished our first brew, it wasn't just raining; it was pouring.
This wasn't just a passing shower. It was the kind of heavy, relentless rain that makes a rhythmic "drumming" sound on the caravan roof: a sound that is either incredibly soothing or slightly maddening, depending on how much you want to go outside. For us, it meant the decision was made: we weren't going anywhere.
Hunkering Down in the Acadia 565
This is where the beauty of caravanning really shines. When the weather turns nasty, your caravan becomes a tiny, mobile sanctuary.
We’ve written before about the Coachman Acadia 565 and why we chose it, but this weekend really hammered home the value of a comfortable layout. With the rain lashing against the windows, we fired up the heating, pulled the blinds, and settled in.
Our weekend at Colchester Country Park essentially became a "Netflix and Chill" retreat: caravan style.
- The Food: Since we weren't going to a pub, we raided the fridge. We spent our time cooking up some seriously good comfort food. There’s something about eating a steaming bowl of pasta or a hot stew while you can hear the wind howling outside that just tastes better.
- The Entertainment: Thank goodness for decent mobile data and our pre-downloaded shows. We spent hours catching up on series, tucked under blankets with endless cups of tea.
- The Vibe: Honestly? It was exactly what we needed. Sometimes, the pressure to "go out and see things" can make a holiday feel like work. When the weather forces you to stay inside, you actually end up relaxing more.
A Note on the Site Layout and Noise
One thing to be aware of if you’re planning a visit to Colchester Country Park is the proximity to the A12. It’s a major road, and you can definitely hear the constant hum of traffic. For some, it’s white noise; for others, it might be a bit of a nuisance.
During the heavy rain, the road noise was mostly drowned out by the weather, but on the brief occasions the rain eased up, the A12 reminded us it was there. If you’re a light sleeper, definitely try to request a pitch further back from the road.
Is Colchester Country Park Worth the Trip?
This is a tricky one. If you’re looking for a campsite review in the UK that promises luxury and cutting-edge facilities, this isn’t it. Colchester Country Park is a "functional" site. It’s a great base for exploring Essex and Suffolk, and the staff are some of the nicest we’ve met.
However, the facilities are undeniably dated. If the owners were to invest in a complete overhaul of the shower blocks and perhaps modernize the utility areas, this could easily be one of the top sites in the region. The location is excellent, and the layout is spacious, but it currently lacks that "wow" factor.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit:
- Check the Weather: If rain is forecast, make sure your caravan is well-stocked with food and entertainment. You might find yourself spending a lot of time inside!
- Request a Quiet Pitch: As mentioned, the road noise can be an issue. Ask for a pitch as far from the entrance/road as possible.
- Explore Colchester (if it's dry): If you get better luck than we did, the town is only a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride away. It’s packed with history and great shops.
- Bring a Good Mat: The pitches can get a bit "mucky" in the heavy rain, so a heavy-duty outdoor mat is a lifesaver for keeping the inside of your van clean.
Final Thoughts
Our November 2025 trip to Colchester Country Park won't go down as our most adventurous outing, but it was certainly one of our most relaxing. It taught us that even in a site that needs a bit of TLC, a warm welcome and a cozy caravan can make for a great weekend. The one bit of timing luck we did get was that the rain finally stopped on the day we were leaving.
Will we go back? Perhaps: but maybe we’ll wait for a forecast that doesn't involve non-stop rain, and hopefully, by then, those shower blocks might have had a much-needed facelift!
For more campsite reviews and tips on making the most of your caravan holidays in the UK, check out our recent posts on campsite security and off-grid power solutions.
