CL of the Year 2026: The Stables in Norfolk Takes the Top Spot

If you have ever pulled onto a quiet farm field with just a handful of pitches, a kettle on the go and a friendly owner waving you in, you will know the particular charm of a Certificated Location. On 13 October 2026, the Caravan and Motorhome Club announced its CL of the Year 2026 winners, and this year’s top spot has gone to The Stables in Norfolk.

We recently covered the Club’s 2026 Site Awards, led by Clumber Park, which focus on the Club’s larger sites. The CL awards are a different, more homely affair, so here is a light-hearted look at the small sites that came out on top.

First, what is a CL?

A Certificated Location is a small, privately owned campsite, exclusive to Club members, that can take up to five caravans or motorhomes. The Club is authorised to issue these certificates under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. CLs are often found on farms, country estates and at inns, and they can bring a useful income to landowners and their local communities.

The best bit? Club members nominate their own favourites each year, so these awards are very much a reflection of what touring holidaymakers actually love.

Overall winner and Best CL in England South: The Stables, Norfolk

Paul and Sue Townsend have a double celebration on their hands. Their site, The Stables in Forncett St Peter, was named both Best CL in England South and Overall CL of the Year 2026.

The Club describes it as a welcoming base for exploring Norfolk, from the historic city of Norwich to the Norfolk Broads and the county’s long coastline. It is open all year with fully serviced pitches, which means a Norfolk break is on the cards whatever the weather is doing.

Best CL in England North: Yew Tree Farm, Lincolnshire

Run by Andrew Wrisdale, Yew Tree Farm sits on a 50-acre farm near Tetney Lock and offers a peaceful lakeside stay. Pitches are hardstanding with electric hook-up and individual water supplies, and there are heated showers and toilets plus an enclosed dog exercise area. Guests can wander along the nearby canal and the Humber Estuary, or head out to the Lincolnshire Wolds. Lakeside relaxing and happy dogs: hard to argue with that.

Best CL in Wales: Fron Deg, Gwynedd

Martin and Alison White’s Fron Deg is an adults-only site in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula. It has five spacious, fully serviced grass pitches, its own shower and toilet block, free WiFi and a dog exercise area. Abersoch, Aberdaron and Llanbedrog are all nearby for days out, and the owners are on hand with tips on local walks.

Best CL in Scotland: Firbank Park, Aberdeenshire

Tucked among Douglas fir, Scots pine and oak trees in Royal Deeside, Firbank Park is owned by Archie and Justine Buchanan. It is adults-only, sits within the Cairngorms National Park, and spreads its generously spaced hardstanding pitches across four acres of grounds. If your idea of a holiday is trees, birdsong and not much else, this one sounds ideal.

Best Newcomer: Five Oaks, Ceredigion

Kelly Ellis’s Five Oaks, near Llandysul, has made an impressive start. It is a quiet, adults-only and dog-friendly retreat with spacious pitches, a small oak and silver birch woodland and a communal picnic area. A village pub and shop are within walking distance, and the coast at New Quay is within reach. A pub you can stroll to is surely a strong contender for any award.

Sustainability Award: Llainfran, New Quay

The Sustainability Award recognises CL owners who are working to make their sites more sustainable. This year it goes to Llainfran, owned by Gary and Jane Soltys, in a peaceful coastal spot near New Quay in Ceredigion with countryside views out to Cardigan Bay. That gives Ceredigion two winners this year, which is quite a result for one corner of west Wales.

A word from the Club

Harvey Alexander, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said the awards were "a wonderful opportunity to recognise" the hard work of CL owners, adding his congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

Why small sites matter

CLs show just how varied the UK’s holiday scene is. Some people love the buzz of a big park with a clubhouse and pool, while others want five pitches and a view. Plenty of holidaymakers move between the two over the years, and it is not unusual for someone to start out touring, buy a static caravan on a holiday park, and later return to touring, or the other way round.

If this year’s winners have you dreaming of a change of holiday style, it is worth thinking about what suits you now. For more on how bigger sites fared this year, take a look at our Site Awards round-up.

Congratulations to all six winners. We suspect a few more members will be adding these sites to their bucket lists for 2027.

Ready for something new?

If you own a static caravan you no longer use and fancy freeing up time and money for touring adventures, we would be happy to give you a no-obligation valuation. We aim to contact you within 24 hours, and to make an offer within 48 hours after that contact. Payment is made on collection day before the caravan is loaded.

Call us free on 0800 644 5000 or visit Static Caravan Buyer to find out more.