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We left after the first week of our two week stay due to several reasons.
1/ Caravan smelt of dog
2/ Main club house was filthy. Chairs badly stained. Carpet worn, stained, sticky in places. Tables left uncleaned, not wiped down from previous users. Bad smell of rotting food one night. Only used club house 3 times due to these reasons.
3/ Loud piped music around pool so unable to relax. Pools had limited times to use.
4/ some staff pleasant, some indifferent.
5/ Caravan was tired and grubby in places. Had some loose wardrobe hinges making it diificult to open doors. The kitchen was well stocked but not all items were clean. Seating uncomfortable. Old used teabags littering the terrace.
6/ 5 minutes after arrival a nice chap arrived wanting to fill in a satisfaction sheet. This was before we had even unpacked or had a chance to look around! After questionnaire completed and he had left, we found we had no hairdrier and only 2 chairs on patio with 4 adults in residence. Plus all items in item 5. Took 2 days to get hairdrier and 3 days for additional 2 plastic chairs, one of which was broken. Oh Joy!
Just got back from Sanford Holiday Park. What a weekend. I feel a little deflated. Booked up via ringing Parkdean Head office because their web pages kept going slow so would assume that everything would be ok. Instead arrived at park to only 1 sign pointing out where to go on the large site, to be met in touring reception by your not on my booking screen mate. I will put you here and by the way there is no entertainment this weekend or kids clubs. Not mentioned on booking. But as caravaners we carry on like we all do. Got pitched up good sized pitch with good clean shower blocks and toilets. Onward to the facilities. Into reception to ask about breakfasts as we paid extra to have them included, only to find the touring reception had not booked us in and they had no idea what had gone on, ( not difficult, to say you have booked in on computer) but they managed it. After some time finally got sorted ( took 3 members of staff). In to the restaurant/ bar. Well no one in there could care less it seems, they walk around unhappy and unhelpful, even a simple question of what time is breakfast is like asking them to explain the theory of everything. Onto the evening 9. 30pm it felt like nearby monkey world had moved in kids screaming shouting groups in static vans having there own parties till midnight, 5. 30am still having thumping music going on no sign of security or staff, seems the park after 10pm is free reign. Morning and the park is like a bombs hit it rubbish everywhere not good. Been to Parkdean Resorts before in other regions and must say they put Sandford Park to shame, big improvements need to be made to bring the park to the others standard. I'm afraid to say we won't be going back. Shame
We stayed here for a spring get away with two young children in tow - 5 & 2 years old - and had a lovely time. The weather was pretty dreadful, but even so the accommodation was perfect, very clean and well maintained and lots of space (we had one of the newer 'Tyneham Caravans')
The site is spread out among lovely big trees and open spaces, and there's a main centre with a number of other facilities including a swimming pool, small softplay and big theatre (not cinema). The facilities are pretty good although the main pub/restaurant did have slow service and it was difficult keeping our kids sat waiting!
Very good location for Poole (we were there visiting friends).
Visited in our caravan, daughter and young children in a static caravan.
We had star pitch, we thought rather small, couldn’t park car on Pitch how they wished the cars to be parked not enough space.
This is a large park and was very noisy. Very little interaction with camp staff, no one I enforcing rules, speed limit, noise and movement of cars after midnight. It was hard for the staff to keep the facilities clean.
Not our style of campsite, but if you like an all singing and dance holiday park with campsite attached this will be ok for you
I spent four nights here with three children. It is a very spacious park, there are static caravans out front and the campsite is at the back of the park with its own separate check in area. There are barriers preventing unregistered cars from entering the site. There are a variety of pitches, our site had EHU and was very large. Ground was flat and I saw no evidence of moles as reported by previous visitors. Nearby is a horse riding school that provides pony rides- the kids loved this.
The facilities on site are very good- there are three shower and toilet blocks, heated and generally clean but can look a bit grubby when the weather is bad. The showers are hot and hairdryer use is provided free of charge. The shower drainage could be improved- I did see some drain specialists at work so hopefully this problem was being dealt with.
There is an entertainment complex with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. The outdoor pool is heated and clean, and lovely in good weather. The changing areas and toilet are clean and there are chairs and loungers provided next to the water. Upstairs in the entertainment complex is a soft play area, but I thought this smelt of beer. I had a meal in the restaurant, it was nice and the kids portions are large.
The spa shop is a little pricey but well stocked. I didn't bother sampling the evening entertainment, but the option was there. There was an amusement arcade if that is your bag as well. A short drive away are some lovely beaches.
My only real complaint is a couple of my neighbours were a bit loud after 11pm- a polite word sorted that out though.
We stayed 4 nights 2 adults and 3 children. Lots for the children to do, the outside pool was excellent along with all the facilities, although the shower blocks could now do with updating, but spotlessly clean. We were pitch 283, like most pitches very level. But unfortunately under a tree. As expected the site was very busy, which unfortunately meant lots of noise, even after the 10pm curfew. We stayed for 4 nights and only saw the warden once, more patrols later at night very much needed. Could also do with a childs play area in the camping section. All in all a very nice stay, but would seriously need to consider whether returning in high season.
The site is very well situated to Bournemouth, Weymouth and surrounding areas, we love it down here so this was a ideal situation.
We spent 8 nights here for our anniversary, and we paid £29 a night
The park itself was clean, toilet blocks were cleaned regular, we initially was put at the top of the park on open grass, however we liked the more individual pitches with verges, to which we were moved to no problem.
We had Sunday to Friday no issues at all, until Friday night when it was as if the site had changed completely
Loud mouths drinking there selves into oblivion, music thumping till early hours, and laughing shouting swearing, a lot of children up late shouting and screaming & running around
The next day I went to reception to complain, I was told that a family of 7 were evicted that day due to complaints, I told them I couldn't have another night like that as we were driving back 5 hours to Leeds on Sunday, I was assured it'd be much better sat eve
Ha, well it wasn't, again music thumping, people shouting just like before, we called security who did come but tbh made little difference. Then after midnight we heard fireworks going off, people shouting, car doors been slammed and driven round till early hours, then I open the window to find a woman urinating behind our caravan!
Now we're only young ourselves, and agree people are away to enjoy a holiday, but this was the worse weekend of disruption we have had in 8 years of touring. The total dis regard to other people, loud mouthing, people walking round with young children at midday with cans of Stella in there hands, was taking it too far, & tbh security could have done more. The next morning we were up at 6 due to lack of sleep, the site looked like a bomb had gone off, rubbish, cans etc thrown everywhere.
We shall be sticking to caravan club sites & smaller sites in future, which is a shame as it started so well!
First the positives. The pitches are a good size. There are facilities to suit most tastes. The Nisa shop caters for absolute essentials but is very expensive. The site was generally kept clean although some people had brought dogs which were not on leads and ran around. Dogs, being dogs, will widdle where they choose. The location is good for getting to places to visit in Dorset and we got easily to Corfe Castle, Maiden Castle, Upton Country Park and Wareham which is a lovely town.
The not so positives - I saw a review from 2013 about moles. Well, they are still there. It is a bit disconcerting when you go to the loo in the night and get back to find a new lump under your SIM. When we packed up to come home, we realised the extent of the digging. I complained at reception and was told it was being dealt with. I wonder if it's the same person who dealt with it in 2013.
The showers, especially in the block nearest the tent field, rely on patience and the ability to stand against the wall to get any water over you. The toilet flushes take ages to refill which means a lot of people go away leaving them unflushed.
As I said, the location is good so I would look for another site in the area to go back but I am not likely to return to Sanford Park.
They publicise that Park Dean are the best holiday site owners. I have no idea how.
Well hello again Sandford this was our second visit here returning after a great stay last year, see our review July 2013.
Once again we had a fab holiday and the kids had a great time, made better by the fact our friends from Swansea joined us with their kids and dog. We pitched our tent in the same field as last time as it was in a lovely location, more so by request of the missus as it is near the showers!
Also our kids were able to just run over if they needed the loo!
This area is lovely as there is an open green area to play on and plenty of bushes the kids had fun climbing in and making dens! This is useful for us adults so the kids have something to do when you aren't down the main complex, or making tea! Good for evening BBQs too, kids can play close by.
As per my last blog, a play area is needed here and I mentioned it to the ents manager, who suggested I put this in writing. I will be doing this.
I have seen other reviewers fault the pitches due to trees! It's a wooded area you get trees but none in the middle of pitches, close by maybe but reception are more than happy to let you question or pick pitches from their plans, just ask?
Good to see security circling many times at night to silence those late night summer revellers!
Once more the entertainment was good and the ents manager continues to be funny! Even though extra chairs and tables were out this time, peak season means you need to get to the club earlier to get a table. Saying that once the bingo was over and the Sid and Lizzy show was done, tables became available. But there is a real good holiday feel with everyone in the room joining in. A lot if this is down the the great interaction if the ents manager.
Our kids had good fun in the arcades, outside park and the chippy is good too. We used the swimming pools this time and even the outdoor pool on a cloudy day was warm. Indoor pool is lovely too. Colour band system in place to prevent overcrowding.
We also hired a peddle cart, trust me parents, 30 mins is enough before your legs drop off!
Also this time they had horses and ponies to ride with it being school holidays, they were lovely and the kids enjoyed this!
Day trips again saw us visit monkey world and Poole also Swanage near by! Our girls also enjoyed an evening if greyhound racing which is at Poole stadium near by. Ok they are too young to bet, but loved looking at the book and telling me what name looked best to bet on.
Only faults, the restaurant serves nice food but no matter how busy you are, guests shouldn't have to get their own cutlery. Don't get me wrong the toilets are good and showers hot and spacious but really do need cleaning more than once a day in peak season. A little disappointing from last time!
All in all Sandford is great and it's always nice to see squirrels with fur cones in their mouths running about! We have paid our deposit for next summer the day we returned!
Just had a lovely holiday at this park. The pitch sizes were good and access on to them was easy. The swimming pools were clean heated and well run the evening entertainment was great and well organised. We arrived earlier than it stated but as pitches were empty we were allowed on early which was really helpful and reception were friendly. My one complaint was the toilet blocks could have been kept cleaner there was plenty of toilets and showers and generally hot water but the blocks were often grubby and look like they need a good clean. Also could do with mop and bucket of water so people could mop out showers.
We have had seasonal pitch here in sandford for this year been around 16 times. Had a great time. The owner and her team are excellent. The pitch we have is excellent and our neighbours are great. One of the ladys near us makes the best scones. And scones and pimms are normally available from 4 onwards. We bring our grandkids and they have had a great time playing around our pitch. The swimming facilities have been great. And even when the campsite was really busy we didn't have to wait. The showbar is great and the restaurant supplies good food, and the beers not bad. Next door is a pub, The Clay Oven, which is great for a change. We are already booked for our pitch again next year. Only 10 seasonal pitches left for next year.
Hmmmm what can I say about this site? Lets start with the positives shall we as it wont take long: On first observation the site looks well kept and clean,
Check in was great, staff really friendly though couldn't accommodate the pitch I requested as it had been booked over the phone for the bank holiday weekend, this I thought unfair as I had booked for 10 days not just 3.
Outdoor pool is lovely, heated to perfect temp and a coloured band system is in place to avoid over crowding,
Indoor pool is ok and useful when its not so good outdoors.
Play areas are great for both big kids and younger ones so mine were happy,
Nisa shop was pretty well stocked but expensive so a drive into Wareham or Poole is worth it.
The entertainment is great though I didn't go out until 9pm as my kids are too old for the Sid and Lizzie show. Thats about it really.
Bad points.
The pitches in the wooded area. My god, I know we all like a bit of woodland when camping but this was ridiculous, trees in middle of pitches so pitching or parking was difficult, Low hanging branches to hang yourself on at night as there is NO street lighting, spiders dropping from the trees while pitching the tent, grasshoppers sharing the tent and ants. My god the ants were unbelievable, at one point you couldn't tell my tent was green as it looked a filthy black it was covered with that many. I complained and asked for a different pitch, I was prepared to unpitch and move but was told I didn't stand a chance as it was BH weekend so we had to put up with it.
Then we have the Midgies and Gnats to put up with, myself and my daughter were bitten over 100 times and two of mine became infected and literally exploded over my leg, it was not a pretty sight believe me, so don't forget your repellent though non of ours worked :-(.
Now for the shower blocks, you have a choice, the old block is not worth the effort, there are 3 showers and the water pressure disappears as soon as more than one shower was used, if you have long hair forget rinsing it unless you use a jug and wait 10 mins for it to fill. The central shower block is much better, water pressure is fine and temp is great, cubicles are much bigger too so its a much better shower experience all round. Footpaths are non existent so everybody walks on the road, cycles on the road, skateboards on the roads and rides the carts on the roads, speed limit is 10mph which is fine but cycles go faster than this and nothing can be done about it. Why not????
Security is everywhere on site but I didn't actually see them do anything but check passes.
All in all we did have a lovely holiday but that was because we were in Dorset not Sandford Park and we will never go back.
We have been here lots of times so we know what to expect and were really looking forward to it as we haven't been away for a couple of years
Upon booking I asked for a large pitch as we have a large tent and a dayroom we use as a kitchen
We were recommended by the lady on the phone pitch no 153 which was the corner pitch up in the Paddocks adjoining the seasonal pitches.
When we arrived at the pitch it was covered in molehills, which we weren't to happy about but flattened them down and pitched up
The next day more molehills had appeared which left sand troden in the carpet and all over the day room floor
On the second night we were woken up by a rustling noise and spent a restless night listening to sounds coming from the living room. Next morning daylight revealed the culprit and we were greeted by several large mounds under the tent groundsheet. One was still in progress and a flip flop still on top of it was moving up and down as it grew by the minute. We were sharing our pitch with a mole. We duly reported the matter to the camp reception, were the girl seemed puzzled at what to do and said she had had no reports previously of moles but promised to find out and contact us to let us know. We returned to our tent to find the one hill getting even bigger and waited for them to send us a warden to take a look. Then we waited and waited and waited. Finally the children were getting distraught and we lost our patience and I returned to the camp reception to find four of the staff having a cuppa and a chat in the office. When I asked what was happening the girl told me that she had been trying to contact me on my mobile no (I haven't given her one as I don't really use one) but got another lady who didn't know anything about it. She seemed to find this very funny. Apparently the mole people were coming sometime today to put traps down so don't worry about it we didn't need to move the tent. I went back to reception and eventually they sent the most rudest 'warden' we have ever met in the end we moved pitches thanks to fellow campers we await a response from Parkdean
Tried this site as couple weeks previously stayed at West Bay in Dorset which is another Parkdean site. Really enjoyed West Bay - lovely clean site.
Unfortunately cannot say the same for Sandford.
Good Points
Indoor and outdoor pools which the children enjoyed
Good children's play areas
Location
Food cost was okay
Restaurant staff polite and efficient
Bad Points
Overpriced drinks
Restaurant very busy so had to wait for table (not too much of a problem)
Touring pitches quite close together
Shower/toilet blocks - unclean, no toilet paper most days, dated. Even our two children were very reluctant to use them
Very poor lighting around the touring park - got lost couple times in the evening
Children riding bikes, playing ball games around car and caravan
Also, cannot blame park for the standard of peoples behaviour and manners. But saw people spitting on the floor, bad language, belching, burping without consideration of others in the vicinity.
Will never go here again but certainly would go back to West Bay.
We booked this site as a second choice after failing to get a pitch on sites near Swanage that would accommodate our large tent. It was booked (by phone) in April for a week starting 20th July but closer to the time we found the price had been discounted, so an email to the customer services explaining our disappointment for booking early was returned with an offering of adult breakfast vouchers ( for use in their restaurant) to the value of the discount. This turned out to be very useful on the last day as it removed the need to prepare breakfast in the tent and then have to pack it all away afterwards for a 10AM departure.
This was our first visit to Sandford and on arrival everything went smoothly. The staff were very friendly and even gave us some extra breakfast vouchers for the children. Our pitch number was selected at the time of booking and our only stipulation was the area had to be large enough for our tent. We got an 8x20m corner plot with EHU, which turned out to be the same price as the std pitch size. The pitch was about as far as you can get from the facilities but this turned out to be great as it was quiet, few cars driving past and there was not a constant steam of people walking by the tent to get to the toilet block. The campsite reception has various leaflets (bus timetable) and other local info, sells some camping items and other bits. They will also freeze blocks for a small charge.
The toilet block and showers (free) were more than adequate and reasonably clean for the most part and plenty of hot water at the times we used them. No queuing for the indoor washing up area also.
The main complex included indoor/ outdoor heated pools, restaurant, games arcade, kids play areas and a club house. We used the restaurant for our 3 breakfasts and the kids used the pool nearly every day. We tended to stay clear of the club house even though there was evening entertainment. A Nisa shop is also on site. Sainsbury’s at Wareham and Poole has the usual range of chain shops and supermarkets.
No 40 bus service stops outside the campsite which we used one day to save a bit of driving. £18 gets you a 5 person 3 zone all day bus ticket. No 40 to Swanage and then open top bus No 50 to Bournemouth via ferry crossing and Sandbanks (about 1 per hr up to 23:00). We were fortunate enough to get the best weather in July so the bus tour was quite a change and as it was a double decker, the view was superb.
The site is well placed for days out e. G. , the beaches at Studland are fantastic, free parking if you are a member of the National Trust.
We would stay at this campsite again as the price and facilities for the period we went seemed quite reasonable by comparison with other sites in the area. Might be an idea to take some insect repellent and ant powder. The other lucky thing is that Lancs schools break up a week before Dorset so the camp was quieter and the price jumped for the following week.
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Common Questions
Is Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts dog friendly? YES 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 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
Holiday Homes for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
TV Room 
Games Room 
Evening Entertainment 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
Indoor Pool On Site 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
No Horse Riding 
Cycle Hire On Site 
Golf On Site 
No Tennis 
Beach <1 mile 
Watersports <1 mile 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport 
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
We left after the first week of our two week stay due to several reasons. 
