We literally jumped at the chance, now we are not what I would call `seasoned` campers but have been a fair few times and have most of the kit needed for fun and comfort.
Seeing as we haven`t camped in the New Forest for a long time we didn`t know what to expect, plus I had read the campsite`s website and was a little worried with some of the reviews that had been left. I shouldn`t of worried about a single thing!!
The car was packed up Friday afternoon, the kids were collected from school and we were off.
We were camping at Holmsley Campsite near Christchurch, just inside the New Forest national park and were met by the lovely Abi from The Camping and Caravanning Club, who explained where we were to pitch up and get settled.
Literally as soon as we got there the weather had decided to challenge us and the heavens opened...trying to pitch a tent in the rain is more fun, right??
After pitching the tent in what I am sure was the quickest time ever that we`ve done it ,we finished unpacking and waited to see who else was coming along for the weekend.
In total 13 bloggers attended with only us and Elaine Croft from Canvas Pretty having camped before; all the rest were first timers. And boy did they have a baptism of fire...it started to rain early evening and didn`t stop till the early hours. Luckily their tents had been set up ready for them with all the essentials sorted.
Now then the camp site was beautiful. Being a WWII airstrip there are large open pitching areas dotted with trees and wide and smooth roads (the old runways) snaking around the site.
There is a large reception area with a shop and small cafe/take-away attached to it. The shop is very reasonably priced; so too is the take-away and cafe. Plus a lovely play area for the kids.
The toilet and shower facilities were one of the cleanest we have ever seen, every time we were there (which is very often with 3 boys!) we saw a member of staff checking the condition of the blocks. With the wet weather the floors can become very muddy and slippery but they were constantly being cleaned by the staff.
There are only 3 toilet blocks for the whole site so if you pitch up on the outer areas of the site it might get a bit annoying having to walk a fair way to go to the loo. We were pitched in the rally area which was next to the reception/shop and toilet blocks so only had to dash across the main road to get to them.
On Saturday morning we were left to get to know each other a little better and feel very privileged to of met such a lovely bunch of people. We felt at home straight away and the kids played with each other so well.
Saturday afternoon was earmarked for forest activities and lunch. A very posh looking catering van appeared in camp and provided us all with the most amazing bbq lunch.
A forest ranger then came in their cute little van and set up some educational activities for the kids. My 3 boys loved them and were transfixed by the ranger, drinking in all the knowledge. A bug hunt ensued and everyone was sent off to find some creepy crawlies. Alfie and Jacob were very proud of their finds...a woodlouse and a worm!!
The New Forest is a stunningly beautiful place and the camp site is perfectly located with the forest literally just over the boundary of the site with horses and cows roaming past.
Benjamin loved the trailer and we went for a lovely long ride together. Now I made a rookie mistake of bringing my camera fully charged but in the panic of making sure everything we needed was packed I forgot to pack my memory card....doh! My phone was my only means of taking photos so I apologise for the quality of the photos I managed to take before my battery ran out. I have to say a huge thank you to Elaine from Canvas Pretty who charged my phone for me but alas the battery isnt great and it died again on the Sunday morning.
The New Forest is a beautiful place to stay, a definite must-stay if you are a new camper or a seasoned expert!!
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| No camping trip is complete without toasting marshmallows over coals!!! |
Thank you to the Camping and Caravanning Club for including us in this amazing weekend. We loved every second and have made some amazing memories and friends xxx
It was lovely meeting you and your family last week. X
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