sandy balls, ready tents - anyone been?

[fibernie]

We've booked a ready tent at sandy balls in the new forest for next week. It'll be our first family camping holiday with DD (18months).
The site says we get a fridge and a hob and grill plus camp beds. Anyone been and can give me more of an idea of what to expect? I've no idea where the tents are in the site, whether we can park next to the tent etc etc.
Thanks if anyone can help!

[TranquilaManana]

never been but have driven past the site (you tend to notice a name like that lol)... is a lovely part of the world! enjoy

[fibernie]

It wasn't that much I think... about £130 for a mid-week break. mon-fri. We reckon if we like it then we can decide whether to invest in a family tent. It sounds a bit like it's a canvas caravan - just no loo!

[amidaiwish]

we are going next weekend with 3 other families
2 families in mobile home thingys
2 families in ready tents

any advice on what to bring? what's there?

DD2 is 20m and just moved into a toddler bed at home. Will she be ok in the bed do you think with a bedguard?

[amidaiwish]

bump

[fibernie]

Well it looks like we'll be reporting back to future ready tenters! Have a fab time, I really hope the weather brightens. I don't think we'll overlap btw, we get there next monday.
Is your DD going to be in caravan or tent? A readybed might be a good option - you can get them in argos for 30 quid.

[amidaiwish]

we're in the caravan - my friend has a blow up noddy bed which we're going to borrow for DD2, is that the same thing as a ready bed? The only problem is i bet DD1 (3.4) is going to want it. oh i can hear the fight already!

we're not going til next friday... do post if you get back before then! have a great time.

[sandyballs]

We've just come back from a week at Sandyballs - stayed in log cabin because we were with the in-laws but I did have a good old look at the ready tents and thought they were fab. You can park your car right next to them and they are near an excellent playground.

The site itself is undergoing lots of renovation and it is a bit chaotic with building work but that shouldn't bother you too much as the ready tents aren't near that bit.

I thought the food in the on-site pub had improved dramatically since last year, although a bit crowded in there, probably because of the atrocious weather and everyone being unable to have a bbq. If you walk out the site and do a left, a ten minute walk down the road will bring you to the Fighting Cocks which does fabulous food and also has a children's playground.

The pool at Sandbyalls is looking a bit tired, could do with a renovation and also a bit deep for tiny kids - my tall 6 year olds could only just stand up in the shallow end. There is a tiny little baby pool. Outside pool looked good - hope you get the weather to use it.

Have fun, it's a lovely part of the country, this was our fifth time there, hence the nickname

[fibernie]

We just got back from our mid-week stay. DD was a dream, no worries on that score (for any readers from the other thread about taking a one year old camping). She slept in her own section of the tent in her travel cot, wearing a vest, a fleece sleepsuit and a sleeping bag with a blanket over her (it was COLD) and was fine. She loved exploring the tent, the playground nearby was ace, and there is also a really good wee soft play area.

Despite terrible weather, we had a lovely time, as there is loads to do nearby - Marwell Zoo especially made for an excellent day out.

I'd not hesitate to recommend Sandy Balls. The renovations are nearly finished and didn't disrupt our stay at all. The toilet blocks were immaculate with constant hot water and never too busy. I'd go again (but would prefer if it was in southern spain so I could be guaranteed not to have to spend evenings sitting in a tent in pouring rain!)