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Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Godshill
New Forest
Fordingbridge
Hampshire (Browse area)
SP6 2JZ
Tel: 01442 508850 or 01425 651200
Visit their website Check Digital TV coverage See Weather Forecast
   
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Pitches:
Open: 02/08/2026 to 31/08/2026
02/08/2027 to 31/08/2027
Rating: 
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 Tent Pitches |
 Caravan Pitches |
 Motorhome Pitches |
 Small Campervans |
 No Glamping Units |
 Holiday Homes for Hire |
 Holiday Homes for Sale |
 No Seasonal Pitches |
 No Electric Hookups |
 No Hardstandings |
 No Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 Rallies Welcome |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
 Motorbikers Welcome |
| Facilities |
 Toilet Facilities |
 Hot Showers |
 Washing Up |
 Bathroom |
 Baby Changing Facilities |
 Laundry On Site |
 Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 No Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 No Gas Exchange |
 No Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 No Freezer / Fridge |
 No Motorhome Point |
 Wifi Access |
 Shop On Site |
 Bar On Site |
 Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site |
| Activities |
 Kids Playground |
 No TV Room |
 Games Room |
 Evening Entertainment |
 Fishing <10 miles |
 No Wild Swimming |
 Indoor Pool On Site |
 Outdoor Pool On Site |
 Horse Riding <1 mile |
 Cycle Hire On Site |
 Golf <5 miles |
 No Tennis |
 Beach <10 miles |
 Watersports <10 miles |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 No Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 No Waterside Pitches |
 Public Transport <1 mile |
 No Dog Walk |
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Reviews:
198 in total, now showing 151 to 165
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| Date of Visit: July 2007 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Kitty45 |
1 review from this member |
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 Have been going to Sandy Balls for nearly 10 years. And every year it has been brilliant! You have to book early though. We booked in March for July and only just got a good spot! So book early! Word of advice. Don't go in august unless your prepared to put up with it being very busy. Restaurant, shop, bar, parks all brilliant. Shop easy to get to and fair prices. Showers and wash facilities all good and parks perfect for little kids. Only criticism would be that the roads can be a bit dangerous for children, some cars can go a bit too fast. Definitely recommend to anyone. And will be going form many years to come. 
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| Date of Visit: June 2007 |
Unit: Motorhome |
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| Reviewer: Angie68 |
17 reviews from this member |
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Just back from a weekend at Sandy Balls, excellent site that exceeded expectations. Had requested a site with view of the play park at that is exactly what we got - and what a park - 30K just been been spent to keep the kids happy and boy did it!
Good clean facilities, showers hot etc. What I really liked about this site was that all the tents, caravans and motorhomes are mixed in together so it has a lovely feel about it.
Did not get to use the bar or restaurant as bad weather meant it got packed so no tables available. Did not dampen spirits though as still plenty to do. Shop was well stocked and well priced. Will certainly be re-visiting. Bit of building work going on at the moment but looks not far off completion.
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| Date of Visit: April 2007 |
Unit: Other |
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| Reviewer: Bumblebee |
2 reviews from this member |
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Just wanted to add my little bit to the many reviews already posted and general debate about Sandy Balls. I absolutely love this holiday park and have stayed here many many times in the pine lodges. The pool and children's facilities are great and its a really good base for days out.
BUT . I would hate to camp here. Its not that there's anything wrong with the touring area of the park - the showers etc look superb. Its just that neat rows and rows of tents and caravans really don't appeal to me. To me camping is all about open fields or woodland areas, letting the children run around and not worrying about them getting dirty! Its all down to personal choice - if you like the whole holiday park atmosphere, Sandy Balls is fantastic but if you prefer back to nature this isn't the place to come.
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| Date of Visit: June 2007 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Loopylou007 |
15 reviews from this member |
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What a fantastic site!
I have been trying for a long time to get booked at this site, when we wanted to go was in the school holidays but always fully booked, even when phoning well in advance.Now I can understand why.
When you arrive there is no need to get out of your car, they come over to you and welcome you and give you details of the site and what is going on throughout your stay.
Everything was kept immaculate, there is an indoor & outdoor swimming pool, even though we had fantastic weather the outside pool did feel cold but the indoor pool was lovely. Changing rooms were very clean and warm.
Shower blocks were immaculate, there is also a bath which is very handy if you have little ones that don't like showers.
They have spent over £30000 on the childrens park/play area, my kids loved it.
Shop has all the essentials although certain items we felt were rather expensive but handy if you don't want to drive to the nearest Tescos.
The restaurants did lovely food, we would recommend you try the Sunday roast, best one we have ever had!
Plenty for the kids to do, there was a big indoor play area and they have all different kinds of activities during the day (some at an extra charge) a few were free. There is also an amusement arcade.
If you get the time take a walk to the river. It was a lovely walk and there were lots of swans and found it so peaceful.
Not much else I can add apart from we wanted to book again to go for 4 nights in August but were told they are fully booked.
Can't wait to go back again.
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| Date of Visit: July 2006 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Jamsie423 |
6 reviews from this member |
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We travelled down to this site from Dundee after it was highly recommended from a friend, he suggested we go just prior to the main bulk of the school holidays as it would be a bit quieter. We arrived at mid-day on the Saturday and within 10 minutes of registration we were on our pitch and a further half hour we were all set up.
The site was undergoing a lot of re-development but it did not spoil any part of our stay, a really fantastic site but more than big enough to cope with the constant influx of people arriving. The site facilities were excellent with ample toilet/shower areas scattered around the site. A well provisioned shop had almost everything you would require and you could actually spend your entire stay within the site itself.
It would be silly of me not to mention the local inn called "The Fighting Cocks", what a great pub, with an fantastic menu and selection of beers.
Well worth travelling the distance to get down but worth it once you arrive.
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| Date of Visit: May 2007 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Ginge45 |
4 reviews from this member |
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We have just returned from a long weekend away over the May Day. This site was lovely ! Not too busy .as we thought it may be. We stayed in Northfield-no dog field-our pitch was very spacious with the children having plenty of room to play outside. The woodlands walk was beautiful-you can walk all the way to the bottom to see the lovely River. Look out for Bambi we spotted her in the woods. You can walk it with a pram-but it must be a 3wheeler type not suitable for a normal buggy. The toilet block for North field was lovely and clean and even had a separate bathroom with bath where I could bath the baby (1year old).Play area great both for little ones (4year year old) and the older kids. kids entertainment was excellent- in one day we had a magic man/clown/play dough & colouring all organised by Sandy Balls. Need to be careful of the bikes everywhere but this was not a problem.
Despite some of the right ups regarding the new building work being carried out, it was not a bother to us at all, did not affect us /pitch/walks. May have a little wait for the pool as they have a coloured band system and only let so many in at a time if really busy.Possible 30 min wait in peak times.We didn't have to wait we went at 11.00am on the Sunday.
Will definitely be visiting again.
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| Date of Visit: April 2007 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Treelo |
2 reviews from this member |
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We arrived at Sandy Balls on Friday evening and were met by a lovely man on reception who assisted in by giving us directions to the pitch. We set up our tent and as it was late we made our way to get some food.5 different members of kitchen staff ignored us for 10 minutes and then we waited 45 minutes for a take-away pizza. There were cars driving far too fast around the site and there is no-where for children to play outside the pitches (there is a play area but I wouldn't be happy with the kids being there alone as some of the climbing equipment is very high and there were older kids hanging around on it) so they ended up playing in the road.
One of the things that irked us was the silly charges that were totally unnecessary! 10p non-refundable for the locker. So when we had to re-open the locker to get the goggles out that we had left in there we then had to search through our dry clothes for another 10p how annoying. £2 per person for the sauna, £1 to get the bubbles working in the jacuzzi, I'd rather pay an extra couple quid on the pitch price than have to faff around with these silly extras. It just annoyed us!The staff were not helpful. It just struck me as a campsite with the potential to be something really good were the owners not so mercenary! The leisure centre sold arm bands for £4.50 - the shop £1.49. In terms of cleanliness there was an empty drinks carton sitting in the ladies changing rooms all weekend which smacks of a lack of cleaning to me! Never mind - won't be back!
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| Date of Visit: April 2007 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Happy hippy |
12 reviews from this member |
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I apologise now for the length of this review but there really is so much to talk about regarding this site.
It was a bit weird pitching our tent on gravel, but with rock pegs and an extra ground sheet (which can both be hired from the site) it was no problem. As well as having EHU and our own water tap every pitch has a ariel connection for free view,(and caravan waste disposal) we had our own cable but again these can be hired on site. The picture was good during the day(when we didn't want to watch it) but in the evening when lots of people were using it, it was unwatchable.
We were in the North field which is closest to the adventure play park which our kids really enjoyed and has to be the best play park we have seen on any site. They also have a pool, which due to them underestimating the demand they only had 1 life guard on and were only letting 40 people in at a time so we had to wait in a que with no idea how long we our wait would be, which turned out to be 40 mins then we only got 40 mins in the pool. They did apologise.
The showers and toilets were modern and lots of them with plentiful hot water but only one hairdryer was working and the 1 hand dryer was tempramental. The toilets were shut for an hour and a half every day for cleaning. There are other toilet blocks but the cleaner told us they are all shut at the same time so she let me in anyway.
There is a Spar shop which is well stocked for essentials, the family play room is good with pool and table tennis. And an indoor play centre for the under 5's was nice too. There is also bike hire but we did not use it this time. There is a pub that does food and take out, which is nicely priced and of a good standard.
There is a lot of building work going on at the moment to padestrianise the main area and from what we saw it will be lovely when it is finished.
We had the need to call the warden when we had a problem with our EHU he arrived very quickly and was very friendly and efficient.
The walk through the woods to the river is great and we saw loads of birds and wild life.
Over all I highly recommend this site, especially for families. What issues we had were minor and did not ruin our enjoyment of the site at all. Prices at this site are very competitive especially compared with the 'other' new forest sites.
Go to Sandy balls you'll love it!
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| Date of Visit: April 2007 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: R and S |
21 reviews from this member |
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WOW! What a fantastic site, every single member of staff was helpful - from Barman to Groundsman. As we drew up at the welcome area someone came out the office (so we didn't have to leave our car) and explained what was what and gave us our pitch and pack of information.
The facilities are brilliant, nice pool and changing rooms, bar with outside area with a clown in the evening. TV point (and rent a cable for £2 - a small price to pay for Dr Who), great children's playground, great field for ball games etc. Etc.
The surrounding area is quite beautiful and having got a Cycle Map for the easiest 8 mile circuit the six of us cycled it with no trouble. Even the 6 year old on her tiny 16" wheel bike. A great route with lots to see. There were loads of kids cycling sensibly around the site which meant that our kids had a great example, they felt safe.
The site is flat and really easy to pitch on with complete water, grey waste, electric, TV hook up points. There are quite a lot of pitches but split so it doesn't seem at all crowded. A really good shop completes the best site we've been to so far.
We will return! The only downer is its pretty expensive, BUT if you fill in the customer survey you get a £20 voucher off your next visit. A great way to reward loyalty
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| Date of Visit: April 2007 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Tin snail |
4 reviews from this member |
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We have returned today from Sandy Balls after our weekend was almost a disaster, Friday night travelling along the M27 we suffered a blow out on our caravan, which was pretty disturbing to say the least. We finally arrived gone midnight and called the number left on the new check in centre for the Warden. He was there in minutes and was exemplory to say the least - his help was very welcome following our experience on the motorway. I would like to add to anybody looking to visit a touring site Sandy Balls and its staff are excellent. The site although now under going a major rebuild is set in beautiful surroundings and the facilities are superb. We use this site as a bench mark when visiting other sites and have not found another to compete.
Walk down to the River and experience the tranquility there is nothing quite like it. We are going back in the coming weekends as there prices are so good at the moment.
Hope to meet you there soon, we have visited with UK Campsite and look forward to again.
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| Date of Visit: September 2006 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Markis42 |
15 reviews from this member |
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I never thought I would write anything negative about Sandy Balls but sadly I have to.
We have visited many times over the last seven years and have witnessed a slow decline at this site. The current wave of changes / site alterations have finally put us off for good.
They have implemented a system where you arrive and go straight to your pitch, no booking in or visual check by any of the staff. We found this quite worrying as there have been cases of caravan theft from this site recently. The fantastic childrens play area behind the courtyard has been removed and turned into a staff car park, not good!
The pub and family room were supposed to be no smoking but were not and when we complained to the staff they did nothing about it.
There are too many transit vans on site for our liking and we met people who had been surrounded by groups of undesirables ,this is not in keeping with the family picture this site portrays.
We wrote to them and voiced our concerns ,they did reply after two months but sadly for us the damage is done.
It is with much regret that I have to slag this site off but given the prices charged and claims made it simply no longer meets our expectations.
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| Date of Visit: September 2006 |
Unit: Campervan |
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| Reviewer: Weirsmonty |
5 reviews from this member |
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We have stayed in Sandy Balls in the lodges for 5 years and never been disappointed. So this year we bought our first campervan and decided our first trip should be Sandy Balls. And as usual we weren't disappointed.
Kids entertainment was excellent. The pitches were huge. We decided to stay on sight and our days were filled. Everything was to a high standard as I'd expect. We found all other campers friendly and helpful. I feel Sandy Balls has a very welcoming atmosphere and I feel because it is family run nothing is too much trouble.
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| Date of Visit: September 2006 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Mike mac |
5 reviews from this member |
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This site is pleasant, well aid out and represents excellent value at £14 - £16 p/n low season, inc mains electric. It's well provided with all manner of facilities provided. Toilets are clean and the swimming pool is good
DO NOT come here if.
You dislike children and enforced order.
You like to be flexible when pitching.
You dislike paying convenience price for food.
You want to pitch on Grass
You want a quiet life (weekends are busy)
You want to stay on (sorry - site will be most often be full, as its a desirable place to stay)
DO come here for a secure, well planned and all provided commercial site similar to those found in France. It has everything including pool, gym, club, pub, restaurant, cycle hire, woodland walks, kids club- even a beauty treatment spa for the girls.
Its great if you are a family with young children and for the retired the pitches are simply superb for access by caravans and motor homes (as good or better than a caravan club super pitch).
The site is right on the edge of the most scenic and wild part of the new forest - close to fording-bridge with some great pub food and restaurants.
some more downsides.
The pool is open to the public and is actually a private health club too! Not really exclusive, then?
The Spar shop has all that you need including fresh bread and croissants - just like in France! BUT at a price that you may not want to pay - e.g. 68 p for a can of Heinz beans
Some helpful advice to all those arriving with a tent.
Gravel - It is a site rule that you MUST pitch on the gravel. BUT it is NOT just gravel - there are larger stones underneath to take the weight of the RV's and caravans. (I confirmed this with the groundsman). It has been compacted by the RV's, etc, to the point that you will need at least a 2 lb steel mallet and 12" ground spikes to break through the stones.
Pegging out. If you arrive un-prepared out-of-hours then you will not be able to pitch. It was claimed that we could rent "Super pegs" - but none were available so we had to buy some at 40 p and 70 p each. They were completely inadequate and bent when hit. My own mallet broke after 10 or so hits. Also if you take your own super-pegs - don't forget an extractor as are they will get stuck in the ground when you try to pull them back out again.
Wet weather - the gravel is almost impermeable so floods in wet weather. We had 2- 3mm of standing water in our tent during heavy rain. Some gravel pitches are in low lying hollows - so check the pitch that you are offered before you settle in.
After having said all of the above - Overall we were impressed with sandy balls, but felt that some things could be improved. Especially in the pool and terrace area.
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| Date of Visit: June 2006 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Cottons1 |
2 reviews from this member |
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Second visit to sandy ball, will be going back next year. The site is lovely and peaceful, the staff are very friendly and helpful,and toilets and shower very clean at all times. We never had to wait for a shower and the were always warm. We can not fault the site. Looking forward to our next visit.
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| Date of Visit: August 2006 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Kulahoney |
1 review from this member |
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Great Base for the New Forest and surronding area,
Pitches either on gravel or concrete with small grassed area ( dont bother with a mallet better to fetch a hammer ! great excercise thou ! )
Plenty of loos and showers cleaned at regular intervals daily,
Lots of workshops offered for kids some free some for a small fee ,
Good adventure playgrounds doted around park, Large playing field well used ,
Dog excercise field ( if you forgot your dog poo bags reception are only too pleased to give you some free of charge )
Noise police are in regular attendance from 10pm onwards ( also I did notice one night whilst couldnt sleep that they patrol on pushbikes in the early hours )
Great site for children , The walks around forest are fantastic if your lucky to catch some deer which we were .
Fordinbridge the nearest town has a large co-op, some lovely pubs,
If your looking for a good meal I suggest you visit a pub called the Horse and Groom at Greenwood , One of the best meals I,ve had in a long time ! Salmon to die for !
I must admit I wasnt too sure about going to Sandy Balls , We were meeting up with family for the week also staying , But we had a smashing time and will hopefully go again next year.
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Common Questions
Is Sandy Balls Holiday Village child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Sandy Balls Holiday Village have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Sandy Balls Holiday Village? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is Sandy Balls Holiday Village dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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