Having been to this site on numerous occasions. I was really looking forward to my weeks holiday here.
From Wednesday to Friday evening was superb as always. Once Friday evening arrived, with the good weather forecast, all hell was let loose. Vans were coming in at a rate of knots. Unfortunately, tents were pitching on the grass area of caravan pitches. We also had two transit vans appear.
Come Saturday lunchtime, the staff were looking for pitches for caravans. As there is a tent area, surely the tents should have been pitched there, therefore allowing space for the caravans.
In the rules of the site it says no commercial vehicles without prior arrangement. ( obviously permission had been given). Again these vehicles could have been sent to the tent area, again allowing two free pitches.
We had already noticed that in the seasonal area, wastemaster and aquarolls were being chained to the vans.
What has become of this lovely site. Unless things improve, I will think twice about coming again .
I have been to Northam Farm, Warren Farm, and Sunnyside a couple of times some years ago. I don't recall there being any specific pitches for caravans, in fact I think one thing I didn't much like was that there were caravans and tents all pitched in together. Maybe that has changed.
As I recall, Warren Farm and Northam Farm were the big and busy sites whereas Sunnyside, part of Warren Farm but more towards Brean Down and away from the clubs and noise, was much more enjoyable.
I have just looked at those sites on Google Satellite and from the air they look like sites from hell...full to overflowing. Perhaps they have simply become too popular as many sites I used to frequent have.
Thankfully I still have one or two sites in my list of favourites which remain quiet, well run and good value for money...and I am keeping those sites to myself in case they become too popular as well
I use a couple of cheapy cable locks from the £ shop to connect my waste and freshwater. Not to prevent theft but to prevent the wind picking up an empty one and it vanishing down the field.
Tents also use leccy and need the power point, chances are they were put there.
Not everyone is a two vehicle family.
It can get breezy at these sites.
You were with like minded people.
Warm weather, Wet water, Green Field, what's not to like.
------------- Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Quote: Originally posted by Ladysaint on 17/6/2017
Unfortunately, tents were pitching on the grass area of caravan pitches. We also had two transit vans appear.
As there is a tent area, surely the tents should have been pitched there, therefore allowing space for the caravans.
In the rules of the site it says no commercial vehicles without prior arrangement. ( obviously permission had been given). Again these vehicles could have been sent to the tent area, again allowing two free pitches.
Do I detect a smidgin of caravan elitism here? Why should us tenters have to put up with transit vans in our midst. A transit van is more like a caravan or a campervan than a tent (has wheels) so only right that it should be on the caravan field with all the other wheelies.
Must of taken George (the butler)an absolute age to fetch the water for the ice-cube tray..having to negotiate all those damned guy-ropes and hulking great transit vans full of stolen aqua-rolls.Terrible...one doesnt get this sort of thing happening at the caravan club site.
Hi,
I am always wary when someones first visit to this forum is to rubbish a site.
Although I have a motorhome, I totally agree if tenters want EHU thats fine if they are next to me.
Caravan, M/home or tent you hire the pitch for your use.
As long as everyone respects each others areas ,happy days.
Same applies to commercial vehicles, as long as everyone plays the game.
It will be interesting to see if this poster contributes anything else to this forum.
Regards,
Greg
Must admit and slightly off topic that I was not at all keen on Northam Farm campsite stayed 1 night when we bought a caravan from their caravan sales. Both my wife commented that we would not choose to stay there
As a caravanner of three years who previously tented for over 20, I have no problem with whatever is placed beside me so long as they behave considerately.
A few years ago we went to a campsite in Dent and an entire corner was taken up with, I assume, travellers. It was a sea of elderly transits and many dogs, some in huge cages, and plenty of effing and jeffing (usually at small children) at huge volume.
I think the site themselves were taken aback, and they posted a 24-hour watch on these people. Still kept a close eye on our stuff though.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
Yes I understand what you are saying, but how would you feel if the tent was so close to your vehicle and caught fire and damaged your vehicle through no fault of yours, other than to be unlucky enough to be parked next to a tent, how would you feel then. That is what I am getting at.
Quote: Originally posted by Ladysaint on 19/6/2017
Yes I understand what you are saying, but how would you feel if the tent was so close to your vehicle and caught fire and damaged your vehicle through no fault of yours, other than to be unlucky enough to be parked next to a tent, how would you feel then. That is what I am getting at.
Any camper worth their breath would be making sure the poor people were OK / running them to the nearest burns clinic, offering tea, sympathy, spare clothes, shelter etc, etc.
If given a choice I would rather be in my caravan next to a tent on fire than in my tent next to a caravan on fire.
Thankfully never been on a site which had either.
------------- Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Quote: Originally posted by Ladysaint on 19/6/2017
Yes I understand what you are saying, but how would you feel if the tent was so close to your vehicle and caught fire and damaged your vehicle through no fault of yours, other than to be unlucky enough to be parked next to a tent, how would you feel then. That is what I am getting at.
Hi,
It would appear to me from your first post that some campers with tents who wanted EHU had wisely realised,good weather and a weekend we will prebook.
It also sounds like caravans turning up a day later had not prebooked, or just turned up on spec, as you point out they were looking for pitches by the Saturday.
Are you saying the tents and EHU who had obviously prebooked those pitches should have been moved to suit people with caravans, just because they are caravans?.
With all due respect to you I would be interested to know how close the tents were to your caravan?.
As others have pointed out, in 50 years of camping I have never seen a tent fire, I have however seen one caravan and two motorhomes and believe me if they are not caught quickly there are spectacular results.
I think perhaps that site is not for you and hope you find one that does not make you feel so pressured.
After all,camping in all forms is supposed to be a relaxing hobby.
Regards,
Greg
We have been using this site for 15 years. Obviously you are a regular as well, and like us usually like the site, but this weekend we were not the only ones making these comments. Plenty of other regulars were also making the same comments to us. If you wish to see a photo of the tent, my husband can supply you with one.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Northam Farm
