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A great site. We were originally booked for a hook up but my 72 VW camper decided to break her clutch cable the night before leaving! So we borrowed my dads car and camped instead.
I am glad we did. We found a lovely pitch, slightly sloping but under trees so we had some great protection from the blistering sun!
The site is huge and was full when we were there, but at no time did you feel cramped.
The showers and toilets are excellent but as mentioned before a little hot! But as a camper I am not complaining!
The shop is very good and the selection of camping equipment was very well priced. The wife had a couple of smoothies which she said were delicious.
It was very quiet at night which was nice.
The surrounding area is well documented and very beautiful.
My dog loved it and actually tired himself out so much he took himself off to a shady tree to have a kip!
On arrival we were very pleasantly surprised on the campsite facilities and our surroundings. As we arrived on the Wednesday, there was plenty of space for which to pitch our tent.
The shower and toilet facilities were excellent on the Wed, Thur and Fri (the block we were using (there were 3 in total) had 16 toilets, 8 showers with lovely hot water and 8 sinks as well as a hairdryer). However, come the Saturday morning the showers were freezing cold and dirty. We appreciated the fact that the campsite had filled up overnight to maximum capacity, but it left us disappointed that the final part of our stay and that we were pleased to be going home. When we looked around the campsite Friday evening, we really couldn’t believe how packed it was and that nearly all grass was hidden underneath the tents. We really couldn’t see anywhere that new arrivals would be able to pitch that evening and that it would be a fight to get our pitch on the Sat when we had departed.
The site shop has loads of essentials that come in handy, especially bags of ice for our G&T’s. However, one member of staff really does need a lesson in customer service, and to learn that it’s ok to smile to customers and not have a continual sulk on. It looked as though the site did have a takeaway at one time, but that has now closed down. Instead they have a Costa Coffee section and offer a selection of pasties, sausage rolls and fresh bread.
There were plenty of excellent walks and places to cycle. We were very pleased that we took our bikes and would definitely recommend this. One route in particular stands out where we found a lake surrounded by many horses and cows. It really was picturesque.
On our cycle route we also cam across a couple of lovely pubs, especially The Crown (approx. 2 miles from the campsite). They offered an excellent menu at very reasonable prices. The food that we had for lunch was very nice indeed.
Overall though, this really is a good site, excellently located and one that we would recommend.
What a superb site! The booking in process was extremely efficient & friendly. The site is on an old airfield and it is huge but they have created lots of nooks and crannies around the site so you had a choice of a few very large flat fields or smaller more secluded areas. The showers/toilets are immaculate, 11 showers, 11 toilets plus numerous sinks in the ladies block I used, I'm assuming it's the same in all the blocks. The showers did seem a bit hot to me and you can't adjust them so it could be a problem if you are sensitive to hot water. They are the push button type, which can be a bit of a pain but didn't bother me too much. They are free though so that's a bonus. The washing up facilities are excellent and undercover. Only used the shop once but the prices seemed reasonable to me. They also do take-aways but only sampled a take-away coffee, which was very nice. The walks from the site are fantastic, you are right in the forest. You really can't get a better site if you have dogs, ours loved it. Horses and cattle are right outside the site but are unable to get onto the site due to a fence all the way round. All in all this is a great site in a gorgeous area of the New Forest.I don't think I can fault it at all!
We stayed here mid-June. We booked a standard pitch with no electrical hook-up and had a limited choice of where to pitch our tent. The 6m rule is great as it gave us enough room away from the group that turned up and camped next to us over the weekend.
Even though it rained quite a bit over the Friday and Saturday the ground stayed fairly solid. The shop was reasonably priced for basics eg. Milk and small gas canisters but was expensive for most other things.
Shower/toilet blocks were always clean with a mop by the showers for you to clean out after yourself. Showers were always warm and free, hairdryer was available for the ladies at 20p but lasted long enough for two people!
Location was good with a cycle path only a short distance away aswell as an open patch close by with horses, cows and lots of bunnys!
Definitely high on our list of camping destinations.
This was our first time camping and chose somewhere not too far from home just in case!
We loved the site as soon as we pulled up to check in, it looked so clean and spacious. The staff were helpful and friendly and checking in was done speedily and they explained all we needed to know.
The showers and toilets were clean and plenty of them so no queuing. The washing up area never got too busy as plenty of sinks for everybody.
Two down sides though, a group arrived on Saturday afternoon and had a party with music blaring from their car radios and singing and shouting etc until the early hours of the morning despite being spoken to by the wardens and people shouting across to them from other tents they continued. I felt something more could have been done to stop their selfishness. Also we were disappointed with the shop as the freezers were full up with posh nosh ready meals that cost around £8.00, we were hoping to be able to pop in for a packet of fish fingers etc, however having said that the fresh bread and pastries every day were lovely.Luckily the shops were just a short drive away.
We'd definitely go back as the area and site were lovely but would make sure we took all supplies with us.
We arrived at Holmsley, after touring around the forest looking for somewhere to stay for just one night. Holmsley, admittedly, was not our first choice, but it looked nice enough when we arrived so we decided to stay, as it had space for us, unlike the others.
Reception staff were very friendly, and we were soon driving around looking for a pitch. We were slightly apprehensive, as the pitches were not allocated and we were used to this. Who knows how long 6 metres is? We certainly weren't sure, did that include the cars as well??? We eventually found a space, pitched the tent (despite the winds best efforts not to let us!)and headed out to enjoy the sunshine and forest for the rest of the day.
However, when we returned to the site after a lovely relaxing dinner in a nice pub, we found that we had actually picthed next to a massive family group, (5 large family tents, and around 12 children all under the age of 11). We were not best amused, as our quiet weekend away, and relaxing evening turned into kids running right around our tent, and leaving their toys surrounding us.
We decided to make the most of the rest of the evening and took a walk around the surrounding area. This was beautiful, the horses galloping around, and the sunset were amazing. We went back quite late, just after 10, and were looking forward to the fact that the kids might have been put to bed, and we could enjoy a quiet hour before falling into bed. This was not the case, they were still running around and screaming, and although its a family site, we found this totally unacceptable at this time of night. As mentioned in one of the comments below, the staff would come and tell them to keep the noise down after half ten. We were not told this, and have we of known this, would of complained.
Come the next morning, we packed up, and headed for the showers. I was actually quite disappointed, I found that they were small, and there was no where to sit down in the cubicles, how are you supposed to dry your feet without falling over? They were also quite dirty, and I'm surprised to find that they are only cleaned once a day, when the site is so big.
However, we were impressed with the price, although maybe we now understand the saying, 'you get what you pay for'! The surroundings were also superb.
Lovely site, and facilities. Good staff and the shop is very modern! Excellent for exploring the Forest and plenty of cycling. If there is heavy rain there is a tendency to puddle in the awning. Fairly flat to pitch and plenty of space.
My first camping foray of the year going in a new tent (SunnCamp Evolution 400) and with 3 small boys (7, 4 and 4).
It was my first visit to a mega-campsite apart from going on Jamboree's with the scouts when I was a child, so I was a little apprehensive about how this was all going to work.
On checking in, the staff were friendly and efficient. They were at pains to explain about the minimum distances allowed between pitches (6m) and the reasons why (fire prevention). They also explained that if we had any noise problems after 22:30, to come to the reception and rung the bell and someone would come to help.
I was given a map and told to camp where I liked. Given the site, this is a bit daunting, particularly if you've not been there before. Do I camp near the kid's play area? Near the toilets? Higher in case of rain? Near the edge of the site? In the middle? Do the neighbours look noisy? Etc, etc. Also, the map they give you is accurate in the same way that the London Underground map is - it's sort of right, but a bit stylised, if you know what I mean. I gave up on trying to use it and just followed my nose. I eventually decided on the tent only area on the far right hand side of the site.
In the late evening, the camp reverberated to the usual campsite noises, but I was amazed just how quiet it was after 22:30-23:00. You really could lie there and hear nothing but the animal / forest sounds. Quite amazing given how many people were on site.
The next morning, while getting the kids breakfasts ready they were playing in the car and turned on all the lights causing the battery to go flat. So, I went over to reception, and the guy there happily came over in his car to give me a jumpstart.
On the second morning, we went on one of the organised forest walks with a Forestry Commision Ranger, Danni. She was really knowledageble and enthusiastic about the forest and answered a steady barrage of (sometimes very odd) questions from my three kids. As it was a hot day but the path still being very muddy from recent rain, we agreed to cut the walk short. However, Danni then got lots of animal skins and bones and horns out from her car, and kept the boys really enthused.
All in all, we had a great stay. I found the toilet blocks to be consistently clean. The children's play area was fairly small but in good order. There are no shops or anything in the local area, but the well-stocked on site shop should be able to deal with all needs, and also seemed fairly reasonably priced.
Would definitely recommended this site. If I enjoy a stay here with 3 small kids here on my own, I'm sure anyone could have an enjoyable stay
My first posting, about our first camping experience - what a great campsite to start out with. Although we've bought a tent (Outwell Hartford XL) and plan on using it later this year (2 other campsites already booked), we thought we'd learn a little about life on campsites before taking the plunge completely, and rented one of Holmsley's two touring caravans for four nights. Perfect - learned about how sites work and what not to bring next time, and were able to speak to other campers who have our tent model and get useful tips from them.
The staff at the campsite were really helpful and tolerant of our being completely green newbie campers. We took our two boys and booked an 'Awesome Animals' session with one of the Forestry Commission's Rangers - they run different Ranger activities each day - a lovely lady called Danny was ours solely for two whole hours. She'd previously run safaris in Africa before falling in love with the New Forest and relocating permanently and was a fantastic guide. Starting out in front of the Reception hut, she brought along examples of deer skins and small animal skulls to show the children; then we set off into the forest. It had been raining so there wasn't much visible wildlife to speak of, but she still managed to speak at length all about the history of the place, the flora and fauna and the wildlife that roams the area. Finding an ant nest and all manner of small insects for the children to examine through the bug jars that she'd brought along was fascinating for the boys, and at the end of the guided tour our youngest no longer exhibited any concern or fear over spiders (of which he'd just recently started showing signs of concern).
Although we didn't really need the toilet blocks (as we'd been newly-instructed in the Dark Arts of Black Water and Grey Water waste), we did check them out for future reference. My husband did take a shower in the communal area, as we were advised by campsite staff that the shower in the caravan was rather feeble, and he found the shower block to be clean and with plenty of hot water. It did require many a shower button press to have a complete wash, but that's hardly anything to moan about.
We were really lucky with the weather, and fortunately managed to be outside when it was dry and in our caravan when it was chucking it down - I'm very glad we experienced such extremes in a caravan for our first venture into the great outdoors.
There was a television provided with the caravan, but we put it in a cupboard - no screen time needed at all during our stay; the kids drew or read books or ran around outside - blissful. I got through most of Kate Mosse's latest doorstop novel myself. The facilities in the caravan were perfectly fine.
When it was dry, the animals abounded - ponies near the entrance of the site (and all over the New Forest), and both our boys were lucky enough to spot a deer in the forest when out on a pre-bedtime walk with their dad - magic.
The many cycle paths east of Brockenhurst are fantastic, and although we brought our own bikes with us, there's plenty of cycle hire shops in the area for those who arrive without. There's loads of other cycle paths, but we chose the dense network near Brockenhurst for our exercise. We drove to a car park just east of the town and explored the many paths there, veering off to meet a friend in East Boldre for lunch at the Turfcutters Arms - recommended, with a nice garden out back, as well as lots of lovely nooks inside. There's plenty of fab restaurants in the area, but we mostly self-catered in our caravan, so we didn't experience any other local eateries during our stay this time.
A rainy day spent at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu was just the ticket - even though I'm personally not very interested in cars, there was plenty to happily entertain a family there for a few hours.
The children really enjoyed the freedom of heading off to the playground on their own, making friends and being responsible for when they returned. Our eldest went off with new-found friends to build forts in the forest, got lots of scrapes and cuts, and was happily jumping in muddy puddles on our last night with our youngest while we packed up ready to go early the next day. Those clothes needed to be bagged up separately from all others!
We were really happy and felt welcomed at this campsite and would return again - with our tent next time.
End of May bank holiday. Able to pitch where we wanted which was great as we are a group of 6 tents and we like to be in a circle around our gazebo! Lovely site. Loos and showers clean and plenty of hot water. Shop well stocked - lovely pastries every morning. We took 3 dogs and with the New Forest just over the style - there was plenty of open space for them and the 13 children we had with us to run about. We had heavy rain Sunday and Monday and there were alot of puddles but I think with the amount of rain we had the flooding would have been the same where ever we pitched. Fortunately the tent stayed dry inside.
What a lovely site! Helped by oodles of sunshine and a steady supply of blackcurrant lollies from the well stocked shop, we have had a great weekend.
Tony and the staff were helpful and cheerful and in light of some of the behaviour that they (and all of us) were subjected to they deserve a big pat on the back. There is something about the sunshine that brings out the worst in some folks and dealing diplomatically with them must be a nightmare.
The site is enormous and different corners of the site had a different feel. The motor-homes seemed to congregate in certain areas and the tents in another, not many caravans on site but I suppose that the Caravan Club site half a mile away has something to do with that. Watch out for some 'moist' areas because at first sight they appear dry, or at least dryish, but get someone to jump out of the car and test the ground before unpacking. This is important, for obvious reasons, but also because when you are booked in you are free to pitch wherever you fancy and whilst that hollow looks like an idyllic spot.
Three toilet blocks with loads of hot water and that well stocked shop, a super childrens play area and of course the New Forest ponies make this place great for kids, loads of room to let off steam too. Safe cycle paths and walks with NO CARS! and nothing to worry about except where the next 70p was going to come from for my next water ice.
Thoroughly recommended and my only reservation would be to inspect the neighbours a little more closely before pitching but what can you do?
We booked for 7 days for Holmsley. On approach to the site it is fabulous with the wild horses just standing and roaming around in an absolutely beautiful area.
The site is on a old airfield and is massive. Small reception on entering the park which gave us full details and a map.
Unfortunately there are no allocated pitches, we were the first to arrive of three families and the only ones with a caravan so was very awkward to try and drive around the park looking for available pitches. It is a total free for all and you can set up how you want. We decided to walk round and found best approach was to look for available free electric hookups. We managed to find a place that had two hookups and the couple in the tent next to them told us they were leaving the next day so could have their's.
In the end it worked out perfectly as we all faced inwards with the gazebo in the middle which was definitly needed cos of the bad weather.
The showers were lovely and hot, the shop was well stocked and our children had such a great time. The park was lovely and clean and people pleasant.
Two downsides are the allocation of pitches which is a pain if a few of you and the bin men emptying the bins so early in the morning! Otherwise great place for a holiday and perfect for exploring the New Forest.
We stayed at Holmsley Caravan & Camping Site in our touring caravan over easter with family joining us. I found that when I booked back in february I couldn`t find much information on the park ie photos and layout but read reviews on this site and was mixed so decided to book. It cost me over 90.00 for 4 nights with two adults no kids and no dog and paid for a premium pitch. Maybe I've been spoilt in the past but was expecting some hardstanding area for my van we were told we couldnt pre book a pitch it was first come first served. On the arrival day the nicest spot we could find was on grass at the back bottom corner of the site. The hardstanding was the runway concrete strip as it was a dissused airfield and cars were constantly driving up and down it and kids on bikes. I was just expecting more for my money and was then disappointed when I was errecting my gazebo on the pitch to use as a bbq tent as the wind was relentless, the warden came marching over and said we would have to pay 5.00 per night to have this up to which I politely said get (get stuffed) and removed it. My mum and other family members came over to visit us and the warden tried to charge them 5.00 to visit per car so they said thanks but no thanks and parked on the road outside and walked in However the showers and toilets were very clean and nice hot showers. Nice cycle rides and walks and horses close by.
The walks and bike rides around the area are fantastic, and the mornings full of bird song, the evenings with owl hoots. The wild rabbits are great for children to look out for, and the ponies are so beautiful. Hundreds of wild blackberries grow later on in the year (we have visited before).
The facilities at Holmsley had just been updated when we visited this year, and they are much better now. They are very clean and there are family rooms to use too. The shop is well stocked.
I definitely recommend Holmsley if you are an outdoors person. You can spend a whole week just exploring, walking, animal-spotting, bike riding etc on and around the site. Wonderful.
We've just bought our first tent and decided to stay in Holmsley and had a lovely time. Our party comprised of 4 adults and 5 children in two tents and we had plenty of space to pitch in the plain heath area and the children absolutely loved it.
The facilities were kept very clean although there was a mop for self use in the showers and the water in the bucket was filthy so not much use. Plenty of hot water but we did have to queue a few times - even at 6.30am just before the bank holiday weekend rush!
Slight criticism of the cleaning regime is that there are posted times as to when the block will be shut for cleaning but we found twice that over half an hour earlier than posted they were shut. Also the family room is absolutely tiny - no room to swing a cat and when we went to use it a couple had run water in the shower tray for their dog to drink from!
Children's play area is lovely but the best feature is definitely the fact that you walk straight into the forest and there are plenty of walks without using a car.
We will go back to this site.
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Common Questions
Is Holmsley Camping In The New Forest child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Holmsley Camping In The New Forest? There is a shop on site View all facilities
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
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
Rallies Welcome 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire On Site 
Golf <5 miles 
No Tennis 
Beach <10 miles 
Watersports <10 miles 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Electric Car Charging Point
The perfect campsite?
