The Enid Blyton Society

I just came across this online and thought I'd share with everyone.
It was the FF 1978-79 series that got my interest in gypsy caravans in the first place, I was fascinated with them.
I have had a wkend break in one to get the experience but not with this company below however I am planning on booking due to the FF link

http://www.gypsycaravanbreaks.co.uk/the ... e-caravan/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh wow!! If only they had several of them, we could book them for a Society weekend...

I think I know someone who spent their wedding anniversary on one of these breaks last year - a friend on facebook.

I thought the link merited being quoted!

The only thing that's a shame is the last sentence! NOT very Blytonian!

I love the idea of being able to get eggs and bacon etc from the farm!

"You will sleep in the Famous Five, a bowtop gypsy caravan (once used in the TV series of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five) pulled on to a secluded and charming cider apple orchard overlooking the Somerset Levels. The bow top sleeps two in a traditional, cosy double bed with room for a young child underneath!

There is an open fire for cooking and nearby in the same orchard there is a heated vintage caravan, with fridge, gas cooker and additional seating or sleeping space.

What do you get?

Bed linen is provided as are all utensils, crockery and cutlery. There is hot running water and a shower nestled in a traditional shepherd’s hut.

James and Emily rear their own chickens, sheep and pigs. Sausages, bacon and eggs are available to buy from them on arrival or pre-order in advance.


Our aim is that all our visitors leave refreshed, relaxed and revitalised.

Children are welcome. Younger ones can sleep in the wagon with you in the traditional manner, cosily tucked up under the main bed but older children would need to sleep in the vintage caravan or bring a tent. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate dogs."

I spent a long weekend staying in a Gypsy caravan in the late 1980's. It's a great experience, but I wish I had the opportunity to do so when I was a lot younger! Would love the chance to take this beauty on the road! Cool stuff!

That's lovely, Helenbee! Traditional gypsy caravans are beautifully-crafted and look very snug.

Rob Houghton wrote: The only thing that's a shame is the last sentence! NOT very Blytonian!

"... Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate dogs."

Don't worry — George will always find a way of smuggling Timmy in somehow...

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate dogs."

I wonder why so many people don't accommodate dogs!!!

I can't understand why dogs are not allowed in certain places.

Maybe, in this case, it might chase the chickens or sheep. I guess they have to have one rule for all, even though many dogs are very well behaved.

Not everyone wants to have to spend hours getting dog hair off of all their upholstery etc every time they let out a house/caravan/chalet. Nor do they want to have to risk ruined carpets from dog mess etc. It's their business and their choice.

Then that's people's narrow mindedness about dogs. Not all dogs shed their fur, nor do they mess on carpets. Mine never have, but then I train my dogs properly. Nor do I let them off the leash where chickens and sheep are. Most dogs are better behaved than kids. Kids spill drinks on carpets and upholstery!

It could also, of course, be to do with the owners being allergic to dog fur - or other caravan customers. I think some can even get reactions from a few pet hairs - though that's just a suggestion. I guess it is their choice whether they want animals or not - though I agree about children, too, Julie!

It is the allergies, Rob. It's all about fir and feathers. Many people have said to me they prefer dogs in their properties than the kids!

Julie2owlsdene wrote:
Then that's people's narrow mindedness about dogs. Not all dogs shed their fur, nor do they mess on carpets.... Kids spill drinks on carpets and upholstery!

I would hardly call it narrow-mindedness. Certainly not all dogs shed or have accidents but how do you put on your website that you only accept non-shedding and fully housetrained dogs? What do you do when your guests insist their dogs fit firmly into those categories and then go on to leave dog hair and whoopsies everywhere? A juice spill is pretty easy to clean up, urine and faeces are much harder to get rid of. Not to mention the trouble with dog-claws on sofas etc.

I go away next week with Ewan's family and their large and enthusiastic but well behaved rescue dog. He sheds horrifically, so much so they take huge blankets with them to try to protect the upholstery but it only helps so much. He hasn't (to my knowledge) ever had an accident indoors, but their previous dog in her elderly years began to wee all over their house.

Like I said, it's their property and if they don't want to take the risk of letting in dogs they know nothing about, well, that's their prerogative. There are always plenty of places who do happily take dogs anyway.

I'm not arguing with you Fiona. Most owners are responsible where their dogs are concerned.

But some people just have pre-conceived ideas about dogs, and stick with that, narrow minded way of thinking.