Some 12 years ago a bunch of Kent & Sussex Scooterists gathered again at an early season rally in Dorset, enjoying another weekend of rally-going, safe in the knowledge they had a roof over their heads in the poor March weather. They all loved summer camping rallies, but an out-of-season covered rally was dear to their hearts.
The Camber Sands Winter Warmer had ended and options had dwindled to the further-flung Winter Rallies of the South West. A long way for local scooterists to get together.
So the germ of an idea was born: why couldn't the South East have its own Winter Scooter Rally?
A group was formed from scooter clubs across the South Coast, and a neat caravan park near Hastings was found, set around a lake in the rolling Sussex countryside. Some may remember riding out to Coghurst Hall with the Saxons 1066 SC.
Park Holidays agreed to host the first Shakedown Winter Scooter Rally in 2014. They agreed a fantastic accommodation deal which meant a great value, top notch weekend could be offered.
An immediate success with scooterists, the atmosphere was electric, friendly, and everyone had a good old party. More surprising was the way everyone immediately made this first Rally their own. The event was cemented in the calendar.
The Rally has moved from Coghurst Hall, for a while at Winchelsea Sands near Rye, then New Beach in Dymchurch. Now at Harts Holiday Park on Isle of Sheppey.
This has been 'needs must' to keep the event going when holiday parks have changed their business models for fewer caravans - but we think it keeps the sense of adventure alive, and most scooterists like the road less travelled. No doubt in future, we may have to move again, but Shakedown will always be Shakedown.
So now in 2026, having had our tenth anniversary event and on our 12th WSR, our relationship with Park Holidays is as strong as ever and now we are getting attendees coming from far and wide. You'll be rubbing shoulders with good old friends and making new ones.
Just attend once and you become Shakedown family. Don't take our word for it. Give it a whirl!