I recall as a youngster going to Devon on holiday and going to Hookhills Campsite near Paignton, in 1975. I tried Googling to see if it was still around but it seems to have disappeared, and I have since heard that the area was used for housing.
Does anyone have memories of this site?
Paula
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I'm reading this 12 years on because I'm watching Fishtown about Brixham on TV. I remember going to Hookhills Campsite in the 70's too. I thought it was great. I remember playing that game with the claw but I never did win anything. I remember eating 'Golden nuggets' bubble gum that came in the little drawstring bag. 'Brown girl in the ring' and 'You're the one that I want' were popular songs when I was there. I tried to find the site too in about 2005 as it happens and couldn't. Anna Louise
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I never stayed at Hookhills camp but I can inform anyone who's interested that all that now exists is the old barn clubhouse and ballroom. It is now a social club(of which I'm a member) I believe where the swimming pool was is now a small children's play park. John
I have many fond memories of fabulous family holidays at Hookhills campsite,which was ran by the Rogers family (Father and sons). My parents brought our family of four(and the dog)every year from around 1960 to 1970.
Each summer we would look forward to 2 weeks camping and notice that something new had been added, such a new toilet block and showers, little barn shop extended, a swimming pool and terrace, a barn bar with sports room. Later on a number of static caravans for hire were added.
At 66 years of age, if I want to lift my spirits then I often think back and re-live the holidays at Hookhills.
Some years ago we brought our son down to see the site and my heart sank as we drove in from Totnes Road entrance to discover the site had been developed for housing.
Time may have moved on but I will never forget Hookhills campsite and the fabulous family holidays spent there.
We lived in Leyland in the 60s and 70s and we would drive down to Hookhills every year in my Dad's Rover 3 litre and caravan. The first time I remember being there was 1967... the memories I have are of the little tarmac roads, the dustbin men collecting the rubbish in an old wagon, the swimming pool, and the old grey fergie tractor embedded in the sand... the pictures I have show the high trees in the background which are still there... I also visited the site in 1997, it brought tears to my eyes... we'd go to Broadsands most days and we'd always be the first on the beach.. the area is now developed unfortunately.
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Hi, I've just stumbled upon this thread about Hookhills Farm and Campsite at Goodrington, Devon. My Grandparents Ron and Millie Rogers owned the farm and turned it into a campsite. I've been doing some family research and collecting photos which I've uploaded to Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmoTMF67
Ron Rogers died in 1968, Hookhills was eventually sold as part of his estate. The buyers kept it going into the 1970s but it was doomed to be sold for new homes eventually, it was prime land.
if anyone has any holiday pics I'd love to see them.
I guess many of the sites I remember from the 70s are long gone now, but one that I remember from that time was still there 3 years ago as I went there again for old times sake. That was Diamond Farm, near Oxford. It has changed, but not beyond recognition.
Hi Paula,
Lovely to see a message regarding Hookhills Campsite site in Churston, Devon and glad you remember it too.
Starting in 1960 at the age of 8 to the age of 18 my Mum Dad would bring their 4 children, as well as Dixie the family dog
together with a big tent and all equipment from Chester in Cheshire to spend 2 weeks at Hookhills Camp. I remember the site in my mind as if it was yesterday and it meant a lot to us. Whenever I want to be cheered up I think of Hookhills camp and the family fun we had. The camp was ran by The Rogers family (Dad and 4 sons) who were all farmers and they welcomed us every year like old friends. Each year something new was added, such as a little shop, a swimming pool, a bar which still remains as a social club and sadly is the only part remaining as it is now a massive housing estate.
That site had a special atmosphere to it with the smell and feel of the countryside which I am sure gave many camping families a great time and memories.
I hope you too remember Hookhills as a special place.
Best Wishes
Robin
Quote: Originally posted by Mrmagooo on 20/2/2022
Hi, I've just stumbled upon this thread about Hookhills Farm and Campsite at Goodrington, Devon. My Grandparents Ron and Millie Rogers owned the farm and turned it into a campsite. I've been doing some family research and collecting photos which I've uploaded to Flickr:
Lovely to read your happy memories of camping at Hookhills. There were 3 sons Bryan, Philip and Guy Rogers. I'm the daughter of the middle son Phil Rogers who passed away in 2009. I hope you saw my link to the old pictures of Hookhills. Best wishes, Deb
Thanks for your message and update.
The photos are great and bring back memories of great holidays at Hookhills. I can even now remember you Grandfather, your Dad and his brothers, often in the office when we arrived with a warm welcome. I also recall them coming around in a van, sounding the horn, selling fresh milk. I will show the photos to my sisters and brother next time they come around.
Sorry to hear of your Dads passing, your family provided the environment for memorable holidays which are irreplaceable in todays' world and they should be very proud indeed.
So glad you posted these pictures! I've passed the link to my parents and brothers too. We know Hookhills from the mid Seventies and have many happy memories of it.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrmagooo on 20/2/2022
Hi, I've just stumbled upon this thread about Hookhills Farm and Campsite at Goodrington, Devon. My Grandparents Ron and Millie Rogers owned the farm and turned it into a campsite. I've been doing some family research and collecting photos which I've uploaded to Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmoTMF67
Ron Rogers died in 1968, Hookhills was eventually sold as part of his estate. The buyers kept it going into the 1970s but it was doomed to be sold for new homes eventually, it was prime land.
if anyone has any holiday pics I'd love to see them.
Amazing pictures, huge thank you for posting link, I lived about a mile away from Hookhills for ten years after moving from Torquay, and my wife lived just around the corner after moving down from Scotland when she was young.
Very sadly, the whole area has changed beyond recognition, it would be very, very disappointing for anyone returning after 40 or 50 years and expecting it to be remotely as it was in the 70s. If it is called progress, then I despair!
We had reason to travel to Brixham two weeks ago passing very close to the old Hookhills site, we also lived there for 9 years, and, although Brixham was a pleasant stroll around the harbour, and reminisce about the pubs and the fun we had as a young married couple, you would not get us living anywhere near the Bay again. No amount of money, or the wildest of horses would work. Our life in the Dartmoor National Park, 31 years now, I moved there for my job, is a world, a universe, away from life in the Bay, and sadly Paignton……Well, I cannot use the words even the locals use! I have friends who live there.
Oh to turn the clock back 50/60 years, it may be rose tinted glasses………But life WAS better back then.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrmagooo on 20/2/2022
Hi, I've just stumbled upon this thread about Hookhills Farm and Campsite at Goodrington, Devon. My Grandparents Ron and Millie Rogers owned the farm and turned it into a campsite. I've been doing some family research and collecting photos which I've uploaded to Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmoTMF67
Ron Rogers died in 1968, Hookhills was eventually sold as part of his estate. The buyers kept it going into the 1970s but it was doomed to be sold for new homes eventually, it was prime land.
if anyone has any holiday pics I'd love to see them.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Old Campsite circa 70s
via mobile 28/7/2019 at 11:11am
