How Much Does an Annual Lease at Pirateland Campground Cost in 2026?

If you’re thinking about renting a site at Pirateland Campground for the whole year, you’re not alone. More families in the UK are choosing annual leases over summer holidays - especially those with kids who love the rhythm of weekend trips, school breaks, and the freedom to come and go without booking ahead. But how much does it actually cost? And what do you get for your money?

Annual Lease Prices at Pirateland Campground in 2026

As of January 2026, an annual lease at Pirateland Campground starts at £2,850 for a standard family pitch. That’s for a 10m x 10m plot with access to water and electricity (10A), plus full use of the on-site facilities. If you want a larger plot - say, 12m x 12m - to fit a bigger caravan or a motorhome with an awning, the price jumps to £3,400. Premium pitches with better views, closer to the lake or forest edge, cost £3,900. These are limited to just 30 spots per year and usually get snapped up by families who’ve been on the waiting list for over a year.

There’s no deposit required to secure your spot, but you do need to pay the full annual fee upfront. You can’t split it into monthly payments. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re budgeting for the year. Some families find it easier to save £240 a month to cover the cost.

What’s Included in the Annual Lease?

At Pirateland, the annual lease isn’t just a patch of grass. It’s a full-service package. Your fee covers:

• Access to the site 365 days a year, 24/7 - no check-in, no check-out
• Water and 10A electricity hook-up
• Use of the heated shower blocks and flush toilets
• Free Wi-Fi across the entire site (no throttling, even during peak hours)
• Access to the kids’ play area, mini-golf, and weekly family movie nights
• Storage for your caravan or tent during winter months (if you don’t leave it on site)
• Priority booking for the on-site café and fishing pond

There’s no extra charge for bringing a dog. The site is fully dog-friendly, with a fenced-off walking trail and a dedicated dog wash station. You also get a free annual pass for the nearby nature reserve - that’s a £15 value right there.

What’s Not Included

Don’t assume everything’s covered. Here’s what you’ll pay for separately:

• Waste disposal: £50 per year for the recycling and general waste bins (required for all annual tenants)
• Gas refills: no gas supply on site - you’ll need to bring your own cylinders or refill at the nearby village store
• Extra parking: one vehicle is included. A second car or trailer costs £120/year
• Site upgrades: if you want to install a permanent awning, shed, or decking, you need approval and pay a one-time £200 fee
• Seasonal events: while movie nights and craft days are free, the Easter egg hunt and Halloween bonfire cost £5 per person

Most families budget an extra £150-£200 a year for these extras. It’s not much, but it’s easy to forget until you’re at the checkout counter.

Who Gets Priority for Annual Leases?

Pirateland doesn’t just hand out leases to whoever pays first. They have a points system based on loyalty and usage. If you’ve stayed at the site for three or more summers in a row, you get priority. Families who’ve used the site for five years or more get first dibs on the best pitches. Even if you’ve only visited once, you can earn points by volunteering - helping out at the kids’ club, cleaning the dog wash station, or joining the beach cleanup crew. Each hour of volunteering gives you 10 points. You need 100 points to qualify for the annual lease waitlist.

There’s no guarantee you’ll get a spot, even if you qualify. The site has 120 annual leases total. Last year, 217 families applied. The waitlist is now over 80 names deep. If you’re serious about getting one, start building your points now.

How It Compares to Other Family Campsites

Is Pirateland expensive? Compared to other family-friendly sites in the UK, it’s mid-range. Here’s how it stacks up:

Pirateland isn’t the cheapest, but it’s one of the few that balances price, facilities, and community. Greenfield is cheaper but lacks the weekly events. Harbour View has more perks but costs nearly £1,300 more. If you want a real sense of belonging - where the staff know your kids’ names and the other families become your friends - Pirateland delivers.

Hidden Benefits of an Annual Lease

Most people focus on the price tag. But the real value isn’t in the pitch - it’s in the lifestyle. Families who’ve been on annual leases for two years or more say the biggest wins are:

• No more last-minute stress booking over school holidays
• Kids build friendships that last all year - some have been playing with the same group for four years
• You learn the rhythms of the site: quiet mornings, busy weekends, best spots for stargazing
• You can come out during the week and enjoy the peace - no crowds, no noise
• It’s cheaper than a second home, and you don’t have to maintain it

One dad from Manchester told me he saved £4,000 last year by not renting a holiday cottage every other weekend. He’s now planning to retire at the site when his kids leave home.

How to Apply for an Annual Lease

If you’re ready to join, here’s the process:

1. Visit the Pirateland website and fill out the Annual Lease Interest Form - this puts you on the waitlist
2. Start earning points by visiting the site (each night = 1 point) or volunteering (1 hour = 10 points)
3. Once you hit 100 points, you’ll get an email inviting you to apply
4. Submit your application with your caravan or tent details and proof of insurance
5. Wait for your turn. You’ll be contacted by late February if a spot opens up

Applications open on February 1st each year. Don’t wait until March - the best pitches go fast.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you’re not on the waitlist by February, you’ll have to wait until next year. But there’s one loophole: if someone cancels their lease before March 1st, the site offers it to the next person on the list. That’s rare, but it happens. Last year, three spots opened up because families moved abroad or had unexpected life changes. If you’re flexible and keep checking the site’s Facebook group, you might get lucky.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Is a £2,850 annual lease worth it? If you plan to use the site more than five times a year - and you care about having a real place to call your weekend escape - then yes. It’s not a luxury. It’s a practical way to build memories without the hassle of booking, packing, and driving every weekend.

For families who’ve tried it, the cost isn’t the biggest question. It’s whether you want to be part of a community that shows up, year after year, rain or shine. That’s what makes Pirateland more than a campground. It’s home.