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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Sandy Balls - what to bring

6 replies

reluctantbrit · 10/09/2021 10:20

Hi,
We are off to Sandy Balls in October half-term. Does anyone knows how the kitchens are set up with things like washing up liquid, dishcloths, tea towels etc?

We often self-cater but most properties we used do provide them. We have a Luxery Lodge if that makes a difference.

Also, how thick is the bedding? 2 out of 3 people going love to snuggle into the duvets and I wonder if we should bring extra blankets.

Any other practical tips are very welcome.

OP posts:
Jsgdud · 10/11/2021 16:11

@reluctantbrit we are off here in a week and would like to know the answers to these questions! Did you have a nice time?

FlaggRF · 10/11/2021 16:16

Bring bleach, rubber gloves, antibacterial wipes and possibly a blowtorch depending on how manky your accommodation is.

NewSB · 10/11/2021 16:20

We went in the summer and for the level of lodge we had they provided all of the above. But it was as part of a larger welcome pack with alcohol and chocolate etc. I would take your own tea towels though as the one provided left things pretty wet 😂

We found the site pretty good and most of the staff lovely. However, there was a fundamental issue with the lodge which they were terrible at sorting and we actually moved to a different site during our stay! But it was a lovely site and I can recommend the places to eat they have on site. The bike shop was also really helpful

reluctantbrit · 10/11/2021 19:08

We had a luxery lodge so it definitely depends on what you book I think.

The lodge was clean (could benefit from a really deep one though), we found the beds comfortable and we had bath and hand towels included in the rental, Superior lodges don't it seems, read the description carefully, friends had to rent towels.

I felt you need to bring everything and the kitchen sink though. From washing up liquid. to kitchen towels, maybe some basic cleaning material. The hob and oven is gas, doing pizzas on the first night was a challenge, it's decades since I used a gas oven, so it depends what you are having at home. There. is nothing in the kitchen for you apart from pots, pans, plates and cutlery.

Biggest issue
1: they only had four of everything, 4 sets of cutlery, 4 plates, 4 mugs, 4 glasses. So we had to wash up constantly instead of. using the dishwasher (for which they provided a tablet per day). Friends had the same issues in their lodges.

  1. The knives were useless, DH actually tried and can confirm that you can cut a brioche loaf using both sides of the blade with no difference. I cut (well tried) a chicken breast and totally butchered it,
  2. Hardly any digital data and wifi is very unstable. That was the biggest issues as we were there with 5 teens and one adult who had a zoom interview one evening.

DD liked the pool, we didn't do any other activity but friends did and said they were ok. Nothing really amazing but passing the time.

We went to the Fighting Cocks pub 10 minutes walk down the road, we were 16 in our group, they organised the extremly nice food for us with no delay, friendly staff as well. Book in advance though, it was packed on a Sunday evening.

There is a Waitrose 15 minutes drive away, we stopped on route to get some food and drink, friends did a collect order there.

Would we go again? Yes most likely but we see it as a base to go and. do things outside. We met with friends and looked for a place with not too much travel from home. The wild ponies nearby are definitely a bonus as. well.

OP posts:
Jsgdud · 10/11/2021 19:28

We have the heartwood lodge which is an exclusive lodge so from what I can see includes towels etc. But will bring some cleaning bits. Can you get takeaways delivered there? The restaurants onsite looked quite expensive and we will be with our toddler. Is the Fighting Cocks child friendly? Thanks!

reluctantbrit · 10/11/2021 19:33

We went with 8 children from 14-6 in age. A neighbouring table had even smaller ones. So yes to the pub being child friendly.

No idea about takeaway but there is not a lot around and not sure if there is anything to deliver. We had a microwave, you could stock up some meals and do them yourself.

The restaurant - you have a very short slot I think when you book. We went in while DD was swimming for a coffee and even a take away cup had a 1/2 hour waiting time.

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