sandy balls site in new forest or ready-pitched tents

[fibernie]

Has anyone visited this site? We're thinking of going in summer and they have ready-pitched tents. Thought it would be a good 'taster' to camping. We're coming from Newcastle so it would be great not to have to buy/pack lots of camping paraphanalia only to find we don't like it!
Thanks if you've got experience of this to share!

Mate of mine went to Sandyballs. No only is having the tent put up for you a great 'tester' this is also a very good site, with lots of things for the whole family to do. Many of these things are also indoors, which can be a plus if the weather turns shabby.

They had a great time and would deffo go again

I have been to Sandyballs a few times. I recommend it highly.

And if you don;t have to fart about transporting a tent and all the other gubbins, then it's worth it IMHO!

We live 5 mins from sandy balls and we use the gym/pool. I've heard lots of good things about it as a place to stay but it is having major work done at the moment so it's a complete building site. It shouldn't affect the camping sites but e.g. the swimming pool was out of action for 10 days because of some cock up with the electrics for the new buildings. I'd phone and check when the building work will be finished before you book. It was supposed to be finished before Easter but they've had to revise all that.

also it will let you find out if camping is your 'thing' without having to shell out on the kit up front.

then when you are hooked you can ask us all about which tent to buy And we will al get very excited!!!

Thanks for info all, really appreciate it. We're not going until July but want to get ready-tent booked asap if we decide to go for it. I think I'm nearly convinced!