Find me a campsite for May half term please!

[Bramshott]

We are reasonably new to camping, and just working out what suits us. We = DH and I plus 2 x DDs aged 7 and 11.

We've been so far (twice) to Hollands Wood in the New Forest (recommended by a MNetter) and loved it.
Also to Heathfield Farm on the Isle of Wight which didn't really work for us - too much tents in a row in a field (all up one end, despite the site being half empty), no campfires etc.

Sooooo..... We're keen to find a site to camp for a couple of nights in May half term. Criteria being:
Central southern England - ideally Hampshire / Dorset / Sussex
Relaxed feel
Okay to use our firepit with heatlogs
Good and ample toilets & hot showers (or DD1 and I won't cope!)

I told DH I would throw this conundrum open to the (great!) wisdom of Mumsnet camping!

Thank you!

[chicaguapa]

There's a nice relaxed site at Fairthorne Manor just outside Southampton. You can have campfires in a firepit (they hire them if you don't have one) and they have a big group campfire on the Saturday night. There are activities you can do too. Sounds like it would suit you. DC are 12 & 9 and play down at the stream in the woods.

[Cezzieb]

There's a brilliant series of books called 'Cool Camping' that me and my other half use. I would say if your going to be doing a lot of camping it's worth getting them. Obviously starting with Cool Camping England.

They categorise the campsites, including things like, suitable for families, allow dogs, close to beach etc etc xxx

[Bramshott]

Thanks guys - checking these out...

[Milliways]

Longthorns might not have facilities to your stadards, but right next to Monkey World and Tank Museum and close to lots of Dorset attractions if you have a car? Fires are allowed and you awake to Monkey shrieks....

[LeBearPolar]

Have you looked on UKcampsite? This link lists UK campsites which allow fires.

[TheBitterBoy]

How about Wellington Country Park, between Basingstoke and Reading. They allow supervised fire pits, the bathroom blocks are heated, decent free showers, well maintained. The best bit is being able to take bikes into the country park after hours ( bikes not allowed when the park is open to the public )

[chicaguapa]

Longthorns looks nice! I've pencilled in a stay there now and a visit to Monkey World.

at how expensive Wellington Country Park is.

[hz]

Suggest Inwood or abbotstone wood. Excellent woodland camping. I wouldn't call the facilities luxurious but showers are good and hot. Campfires very much encouraged and a very laid back, proper camping style with loads of space and plenty of different types of pitch to choose from. Either deep in try woods or in a sunny pasture. Rope swings and woodland are the main entertainment.

[Bramshott]

Ooh - more lovely ideas! Talking to DH though, it may well be August before we get the chance to do this trip as May half term now looking busy.

Unless we really get the bug and there are any warm weekends of course...!

Thanks all!

[TheBitterBoy]

Wellington Country Park is expensive, but it includes entry to the country park, which is also an attraction in itself, we worked out that camping there cost us only £2 more as a family than paying to get in for the two days of the weekend we were there. We have easily spent the whole weekend at Wellington and not been bored.

[Funnyfoot]

This is a useful website.

www.pitchup.com/

[Bramshott]

Love the look of both Inwood and Abbotstone Wood, and both are very close to us so may be good for a weekend recce in the spring. Love the idea of camping actually in the woods.

I was also looking at Postern Hill in Wiltshire, which isn't too far away. Doesn't have showers though.... Has anyone been there?

[Milliways]

WE have stayed there and loved it - but there are no showers. (They have a deal with local leisure centre that you can use theirs for reduced fee.) They do have proper loos though, and it is right next to a beautiful picnic spot in the forest with loads of space for kids to play.
We walked into Marlborough for a mooch round the shops and market, very easy walk.
Recommended for short breaks or longer if you have your own facilities for showering.

[Bramshott]

Thanks! Thinking it might work for us as we usually only go for two nights so it's possible with only one shower in the middle (for DD1 and I, DD2 and DH probably wouldn't bother!)

[Milliways]

All the kids were being flannel washed in the loo block - seemed to be quite a party atmosphere in there :)