Hollands Wood or Holmsley - which to choose?

[MollieO]

Complete rethink for my weekend plans I have decided to go to the New Forest instead. I have read various postings on both but not sure how to choose. I know Holmsley has a play area and HW doesn't but then HW has woods and Holmsley doesn't. Will have 5 yr old ds in tow so whichever will be more fun for him would be my preference.

Hollands wood is brilliant fun. The trees make a fab playground. However, if he is a wanderer it is quite easy for them to get lost.

very different sites

Holland's Wood is wooded with lots of earthy / twiggy picthes and lots of tree cover and can feel a bit cramped.

Holmsley used to be an airfield so is very open with grassy pitches and fewer trees, also big concreted areas (where the aeroplanes used to turn) that are fab for ball games / scooters etc and prevent the pitches overwhelming the site but are a bit unsightly. The play area isn't all that either - assault course thing, two towers (one with ladder one with slide) linked by wobbly bridge and a couple of springy animals.

HW is also much better located - near B-road and within cycling (or walking if you are tough) distance of small town with cafe, restaurant, a Tesco Local, hardware shops etc. Holmsley is inaccessible except by car.

I liked HW more but dd (2) did have fun at Holmesly

I'm sure there was a (possibly small and crap) playground at HW but do not quote me.

Massively prefer Hollands Wood myself,found Holmsley ahrd tp pitch on due to stoney ground, though they haev shop / chippy etc which was handy.

Don't think there is an official play area at HW but kids use the very shallow stream and set up rope swings etc. My experience with 4, 6 and 7 year olds at last visit was HW.

Do haev a soft spot for Holmesley as ds4 conceived there (if that doesnt put you off nothing will LOL)

I don't want any more children so you've put me off Holmsley Peachy . Think we will try HW as it sounds like a place ds will enjoy (and if he enjoys it then so do I ).

Do I need to get a windbreak to defend my tent against ponies?

We pitched at the far end of HW and had no hassle with ponies. All our food was kept in the car. I did see them trying to trash a kitchen tent though!

There is a huge field to the right where they congregate, but we played football etc easily there.

the road to the left is not well fenced off so I'd avoid that side if you go.

We had a fab time there - miles of cycling off the site with no roads to cross - you can even get your bikes delivered on site or hire in Brockenhurst.

Hop you have fun!