A Toddler Friendly Campsite, 2hrs from Manchester ?

[Arlie71]

Hi All

I got my Motorhome in Snowy January, then spent Snowy & Wet February sat looking at it on the driveway. But now its MARCH !! and in the UK that means we are guaranteed 20+ degrees and dry sun for the next few months, especially up here in arid Manchester.

So am after recomendations for campsites / wild camping spots that are within 2 hours of Manchester.

We total newbies to Motorhomeing, so was thinking that for our first few trips out we should go to a proper campsite where there are people to help and facilities available in case we manage to break the loo or run out of water / gas / etc.

We have a 2 1/2 year old who loves to run around and make lots of noise, so must be family friendly.

Over to you, any recommendations or any places to avoid.

Cheers

Andy :-)

[e320dave]

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk
Lots of campsites on there and plenty of reviews. We use it all the time to pick where we are going.

[Odie]

Not sure its less than 2 hours but i highly recommend,

http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/spiers...

Highlights - Steam Train, near the beach (robin hoods bay, scarborough etc), short well sign posted walks in the woods, great facilities, childrens play area,

[Arlie71]

Thanks for the reply e320dave.
Have seen that website. But as we total newbies we wanted to try and get some personal recomendations.
Have you been anywhere good that you could recommend ? the 2 hour limit is not 100% strict, more just to go somewhere thats toddler friendly and where I can finally get to play with my motorhome :-)

[Arlie71]

Hi Odie
Have you stayed at Spiers yourself ?
Would love some feedback on it ? Had read its website but hadnt seen anyone on a Forum giving any feedback. We love Whitby and that area.
Thanks for the suggestion.
:-)

[Odie]

Arlie71 said:

Hi Odie
Have you stayed at Spiers yourself ?
Would love some feedback on it ? Had read its website but hadnt seen anyone on a Forum giving any feedback. We love Whitby and that area.
Thanks for the suggestion.
:-)

Yes maybe 20-30 times over the last 20+ years, second campsite I went to when I was about 10 (im 30 odd now), been back loads of times since, last time I went was a couple of years ago, its always been good for me.

[Arlie71]

Thanks Odie. Got to be good if you still going 20 years later.

Anyone else out there know any good sites , or even some nice Wild Camping spots ?

Cheers

Andy :-)

[j4ckos mate]

We wanted a nearby one for our first try,

this place is great

http://www.callowtop.co.uk/

swimming pool onsite brewery
nuff said

[nagsheadwarrior]

We used to give our customers a choice of a few campsites for a 2 night free stay,best feedback was for wild rose up in the eden valley,not been myself but sounds lovely.

[mat13]

Is it bad form for me to recommend my dads campsite?

[Arlie71]

Hi All
Thanks for your replies.

Mat13, dont see why it would be bad form, tell me more about your dads site.

Jackos Mate, That looks great, added to the "got to go there" list.

NagsHead, Again, looks ideal. I knew PH would know the best places.

One thing I noticed on most camping sites websites is a fairly long list of rules. Are they really run very strictly ? We are a family of night owls, so usually still up and about (not making lots of noise but awake and moving around, looking at the stars, talking quietly) till midnight - 1am and still snoring away till close to noon :-)

Is that going to be a huge "No No" on these organised campsites ?

On another forum I read about Shell Island in Wales, seems to have great reviews in 2009 but later reviews talk of quad bikes racing round, it not a pleasant family place anymore ? anyone been recently ?

Thanks again for all the feedback.

Andy :-)

[therealpigdog]

Odie said:

Not sure its less than 2 hours but i highly recommend,

http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/spiers...

Highlights - Steam Train, near the beach (robin hoods bay, scarborough etc), short well sign posted walks in the woods, great facilities, childrens play area,

Only just seen this thread, but we go to Spiers House fairly regularly for the weekend (it's 2 hours from us on the wrong side of Leeds, so probably bit further for you). Everything you need on site, and some great walks in the forest.

Alternatively, what about the Lakes? Castle Rigg Hall near Keswick is a great site - again, everything you could need to ease you into camping.

[mat13]

Arlie71 said:

Hi All
Thanks for your replies.

Mat13, dont see why it would be bad form, tell me more about your dads site.

Jackos Mate, That looks great, added to the "got to go there" list.

NagsHead, Again, looks ideal. I knew PH would know the best places.

One thing I noticed on most camping sites websites is a fairly long list of rules. Are they really run very strictly ? We are a family of night owls, so usually still up and about (not making lots of noise but awake and moving around, looking at the stars, talking quietly) till midnight - 1am and still snoring away till close to noon :-)

Is that going to be a huge "No No" on these organised campsites ?

On another forum I read about Shell Island in Wales, seems to have great reviews in 2009 but later reviews talk of quad bikes racing round, it not a pleasant family place anymore ? anyone been recently ?

Thanks again for all the feedback.

Andy :-)

Well my dads site is www.edentreecaravanpark.co.uk

Its in the village of bradwell in the hope valley so not too far from manchester, there's free hot showers and washing up facilities, a couple of good local pubs in walking distance and a kids play area also within 5 minutes walk. We dont mind you staying up late as long as your not disturbing others on the site. Hope this helps a bit.