Can anyone recommend a lovely little campsite?

[keepcalmandeatcake]

We've just been given a tent and lots of camping gear and I'd like to use it this summer. I'd love to know if anyone can recommend a site. I'd prefer to camp on a smaller site which feels more natural and even a bit wild. We don't need lots of facilities and want to avoid places with bars, discos and takeaways etc. We're not party poopers it's just that I have a different experience in mind. It would be wonderful if the site was in walking distance of a child safe beach but this is not essential and we'd consider a great inland site too. Similarly a small children's play area would be nice but not essential. Any ideas?
n.b. Forgive me if I pop off. I've got two preschoolers at home but I'll definitely be checking back soon. Thanks.

[RantyMcRantpants]

What part of the country are you looking for?

[keepcalmandeatcake]

Hello. We live in Berkshire. A campsite we could get to in a day would be good, so South East, South West, Wales, Midlands etc. However, we could be tempted further north.

[BorisTheBold]

We went here last weekend.

No electric hook-ups, bars, discos etc. No kids play area, but my 6yo and 4yo were happy playing in the woods and bike riding. Would think it'd only take you and hour or so to get there.

One toilet block which was spotless, despite the campsite being pretty full, would definitely recommend.

No beach within walking distance, but there are a few shingle beaches within driving distance, or you could always have a drive to Bournemouth for the day if you were looking for sandy beaches.

Also, Paultons Park is nearby if the kids do get bored...

[keepcalmandeatcake]

BorisTheBold - My kids love bike riding and playing in the woods too. I've had a quick glance at your link and the site looks very nice. I'll have to look properly once I've done baths and bed. Thanks for this.

[BorisTheBold]

No problem, the site wardens can be a bit "jobsworthy", but in all fairness they do a good job and the site was nice and quiet from around 10.30pm, although there were still plenty of adults enjoying a glass or two outside. We also took 7m old dd3 who was an angel - and met up with some other friends (12 adults and 6 kids) - plenty of alcohol was consumed in our little tent village , too much in my case!

There are a number of New Forest campsites, most of which have pretty good reviews on the UK Campsite website. We're off to Roundhills at the end of July so fingers crossed for good weather.

[keepcalmandeatcake]

Sounds like you had a great trip. I'll be taking a 16 month old, a 2 year old and a 4 year old - oh and a hubby and the vino of course. I'd still be interested to know if anyone has a beachside recommendation too.

[Marne]

We have just got back from a lovely camp site in Devon, in a forest, no bar, small swimming pool (which we seemed to be the only ones using it) and a small play area. Lots of wild life (very tame bunnies everywhere). We were about 15-20 minutes from the sea and not that far away from the M5. here.

[doozle]

What about Hidden Spring Vineyard or Welsummer Camping in Sussex and Kent?

Welsummer is lovely and small, can have campfires, eco-friendly, basic facilities, really nice owners, family-friendly.

I haven't been to Hidden Spring Vineyard yet but really want to - it sounds perfect for families and wine-tasting too.

Wowo in Sussex is also great for kids playing in the woods - although it's not particularly small. I wouldn't let it put you off though.

[doozle]

Oh yep none of those have bars etc. All allow campfires which is essential imo!

[keepcalmandeatcake]

Thanks for these. I'm going to look them up now.

[doozle]

You're welcome. None of them near the beach by the way. But nice woodlands, fields, chickens to feed etc.

[flagging]

www.wooda.co.uk/ is a really lovely, relaxed place that doesn't feel at all busy and has woodland, sea views a little shop with farm produce.

[keepcalmandeatcake]

and campfires. I really want a campfire.

[smugmumofboys]

here is fab.

Campfires, six pitches, lovely ageing hippy owner.

Fave campsite ever.

[doozle]

Here is a v useful page if you need to find sites which allows campfires. You can search by region too.

www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=4

[kalo12]

well dorset is fab for camping. we go to a lovely campsite called downshay farm , but there are many lovely campsites there, acton fields, tom's field.

another brill campsite is wowo in sussex, near lewes. glorious and fab for children, plus real fires

[keepcalmandeatcake]

I've had a busy weekend and have just seen these new ideas. Thanks. I'll check them out tomorrow. I'm getting excited about camping especially as it's been so sunny today!