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Access is not difficult, but keep your wits about you or you'll miss it.
From Monmouth take the A4136 and then left just before the Gulf filling station at Berry Hill. The turning to the site is signed off Grove Rd, but take care you don't miss the sharp left onto Bracelands drive.
Ignoring the first reception area on your right carry on down the hill to Bracelands.
Reception was professional and both entry and exit to the site is controlled by security barriers. On checking in we were instructed that we must reverse onto the pitch. We followed these instructions, but many that arrived after us did not, and were not asked to move their units.
The site has a few camping pods and 3 some hard standings for winter use. The hard standings are quite small though and your towcar needs to be parked on the grass if you have an awning.
The site slopes but is mostly grass and is very scenic.
WE got good digital TV through our status ariel and a fairly decent o2 internet signal using a dongle.
Walking directly into the forest from the site is possible so if you have supplies and walking is your thing then your car needn't move.
Toilet block is geared up for all year round but is showing it's age somewhat, but was always clean for the duration of our stay.
This is a site we'll definitely go back to: excellent facilities, open all year, and well situated in a good area for walking and mountain biking. Essentially it's a large clearing in the forest, mostly grass but with a few dozen pitches with hard standing and electricity. Various gates open onto forest paths. In one direction you can walk to the spectacular viewpoint at Symonds Yat. Another takes you to the river, with a footbridge and the Wye Valley riverside path leading miles through pleasant country, both upstream and down. The village, a mile along the approach road, has a general stores, a chinese takeaway, and a selection of pubs.
Reception was very friendly and, despite being quite busy at New Year, let us choose a pitch ourselves. That freedom costs a campsite nothing but it can make a big difference to a stay. When we're placed somewhere it's never quite where we would have chosen!
Bracelands is situated, right in the middle of the Forest of Dean. The site is well kept and had plenty of space when we visited in October but I can imagine it would be pretty crowded if it was full near to it’s 520 pitch capacity. Pitches are mostly level or on a gentle slope. The staff were welcoming and very helpful.
If you’re looking for night clubs and bars, forget it. If you’re looking for a great location with plenty of walks and exploring direct from the site then this could be for you.
The toilet and shower facilities are in three blocks at strategic locations around the site, one of which (unfortunately the closest to our pitch) was closed when we arrived due, we were told, to the low numbers of campers. The second also closed while we were there, for the same reason. The staff however were helpful helping us to relocate to a more convenient pitch. The facilities themselves are somewhat dated and basic, but adequate. Showers are OK, and free, but have no individual temperature control – they’re warm. If you like a hot or cold shower or are particularly fussy then you might be disappointed.
The listing states they have a kids’ playground. If they have one we missed it (and I’m sure the grandchildren who were with us would have certainly found it if there was one). This wasn’t a big deal in any way however as there was plenty of open space to run around in on the site, and with paths leading from the site directly into the Forest plenty of opportunities to explore.
Supplies of bread and milk were available from reception, but for anything else you need to go offsite. The nearest shop is a small corner-store type about a mile walk away up the hill that leads to the site.
The motorhome service point was very useful, drive over the drain and empty your waste tank directly whilst cleaning out your loo cassette at the adjacent CDP. Very handy, but only one – fine when we were there, but I could imagine a long queue in peak season.
So, in short, a few shortcomings in terms of facilities, but what a fantastic location.
What an absolutely delightful site. Great location and surrounding area. The facilities are fantastic and very clean m. Cafe was superb for breakfast and a great gift shop.
Just got back from a lovely few days at this site. It had been a few years since our last visit. Checking in was easy and staff were very helpful giving guidance where best to pitch as it was very busy. We have a twin axle caravan but did not want an electric pitch. Since our last visit they now have many more electric hook up pitches and some hard standing. This actually made it harder for us, not wanting ehu and trying to find somewhere fairly level, but we managed. Even though the site was really busy you still get a sense of peace, you can hear laughter from around and people enjoying bbqs but the site is big enough for everyone. Cannot comment on toilet blocks as we did not use. Rubbish bins emptied very regularly, chemical waste, water etc spread across site and easy to access. Beautiful walks and cycling from the site we hardly used the car. We walked, cycled and hired a canoe. The pubs at symonds yat are beautiful and make the walk along the river even more enjoyable. At the top of the hill where the Christchurch site used to be is the forest shop selling the basics bread, milk, bacon etc, there is also a cafe section and bike hire a little further along. Coleford is just a short drive if a bigger supermarket is needed. If you have children it's perfect for them to run around and play games. We didn't see any wild boar on our walks through the forest but did see many squirrels and a grass snake! We will certainly keep visiting this beautiful area and use this site.
A great site in the middle of the Forest of Dean. We chose it for the walking along the Wye Valley and Symonds Yat. Large level pitches and good clean facilities. No bar, shop, club, etc, but we knew that before we booked. Welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
Was there for three nights running up to the bank holiday weekend. The site is huge and quite overwhelming if you're not used to big sites. The first night was fairly quiet apart from some effing and blinding coming from a nearby tent. Second and third nights were heaving getting ready for the long weekend. This was a shock to the system. There are plenty of toilets and showers and never had to wait but they were not clean and were very basic. I guess with that many on site it would be difficult but is a clean once a day to much to ask for. There was an empty shampoo bottle in the shower I used every day.
No one had cleaned it apart from a bleaching of floors. Areas around hand basins were soaking wet leaving nowhere to put wash bag etc.
It's an amazing place for children, lots of space and places to explore. We had no children with us but didn't feel having lots of children about bothered us in anyway.
Also be aware that at this time of year the wasps are a menace. They were in the tent the minute you unzipped the door and were everywhere. It made sitting out and eating particularly difficult.
All in all it is a good site if that's the thing you're after but we'll stick with smaller sites in future.
Staff very helpful on arrival. As we were a group booking a £20 deposit was taken which would be refunded to us providing we received no complaints.
No allocated pitches for tents, only hard standing pitches were allocated. This wasn't a problem as we arrived on Thursday, however had we arrived on Friday I think we would have struggled to find an EHU pitch.
The toilets and showers were okay, not the best I have seen. The weather was awful during the weekend so lots of mud and grass on the floors. A small shelf would be useful to place clothes on in shower instead of brick wall?
There was a small shop in the office, however we didn't use so can't comment on what was inside.
Great location for exploring the area and big co-op nearby for essentials.
When we arrived we were told that from 10pm noise was to be kept to a minimum however Friday night we could hear people until at least 11. 30pm. It doesn't bother us, however could imagine that some people would be annoyed by this.
Bracelands has improved since my last visit there back in the mid 90s, the caravan hard standing pitches are more level and accessible now and we had no problems pitching at all.
The site shop isn't really a shop at all, an office that happens to have bread, milk and ice cream on a daily basis for sale. Fortunately the site isnt far from Coleford or Berry Hill where there are local shops and supermarket. The facilities were clean and neat and the staff very friendly and helpful.
We arrived very late and were still allowed to pitch up and get settled. The site staff even helped us for which we were profoundly grateful for! The next day they helped again with our awning pitching.
Theres no play ground for the kids, if you include the entire site, the woods and forest, Then they don't need one!
Lovely area, would go back in a heartbeat.
Buy bottled drinking water though as the site water, tastes foul, I assume its treated. The water points, cdp were spotlessly clean.
Only one slight issue that marred our visit. There was a dog barking continually every night from outside the site. If we had been in a tent, then we would have probably not stayed as long as we did. The site itself was very quiet at night.
Good all round family site in a good prime location, worth considering as a base for the Wye Valley and Gloucestershire.
Surrounded by forests and hills but open-to-the-skies (good for sat TV!), this greenfields site is huge. But its vastness is disguised by it steeply sloping in all directions. Go round a hill, top a brow and there's more.
So motorhome campers, I suggest going for one of the hard-standing pitches - the many grass ones would need 3/4 seriously big levelling chocks. The friendly staff happily catered for my wish to change but warned that any awning would have to be contained in the pebbled area (steel pegs a must).
We used to use the CitF Christchurch site just up the road from Bracelands, but that is now completely turned over to luxury cabins so we thought we'd give Bracelands a try. The first tip is don't go to the Christchurch reception by mistake - they don't want dirty cheapskate campers cluttering up their Yuppy Shed site, and you'll probably be sarcastically redirected by the staff.
As with most of the Forestry sites, it's certainly a beautiful location, with fantastic views, and it's just a half hour walk to the River Wye.
It is, however, a *very* sloping site - they could do with investing in a bit of terracing during the off season - but I guess that does mean the drainage is fairly good. Just as well, we had a fair bit of rain!
Facilities are OK, but I struggle to see how a toilet block can be inspected 3 times a day (there was a checklist by the door that they signed each time) and yet go three whole days without noticing that the soap dispenser was empty. That takes a special kind of incompetence.
There is a shop but it is very basic. Bring everything you need!
There are a few good pubs nearby of varying quality - we had a fantastic Sunday Lunch at the Dog and Muffler after failing to find any bar staff to serve us at The Gamekeepers.
Camped here for two nights, mid-week and thoroughly enjoyed the site. Having read numerous reviews before going, I went with an open mind knowing how some reviews may be embellished.
The site is situated in the middle of the Forest of Dean in the Wye Valley. The staff were welcoming and spent time informing us of all the do's and don't's on site (like closing gates to prevent wild boar and deer entering the site to create the inevitable carnage), good places to walk, good places for food etc. They offer numerous leaflets (some for a pound or so) informing you of local attractions, vets etc. They even told us the best place to pitch to catch the last rays of sun at night.
The site has several fields, 2 predominantly for Caravans and Motor homes and the rest for tenting. Now, being in the forest and in the Wye VALLEY, yes the site slopes downwards. There are plenty of semi flat areas to pitch your tent (which you are free to pitch anywhere you choose, not allocated a slot). There are Electric hook ups too for tents. And yes there are some areas that you don't want to pitch because of the slopes, but hey, the site is huge and you will find somewhere, guaranteed.
There are four large shower blocks across the site which has a separate wash room for washing dishes and laundry (hand-wash). The toilet/shower room is fine, not the Ritz, but ample for adventurous camping. Showers were hot and had all the basics. On one occasion, our toilet block was closed for cleaning, but hey, its only 150 metres to the next shower/toilet block! Not a problem. There are numerous water points across the site for fresh water.
The site was immaculately kept by grounds people and staff. BBQ's are allowed but off the ground. Ask at reception and the staff will bring breeze blocks to you for use of BBQs off the ground. The site is fenced off with numerous gates and stiles to use to go off into the woods and explore.
Symonds Yat View Point and Trail centre is about 2 miles away on foot through the woods. (If you go in a car, parking is £3. 50 for the day). Symonds Yat East is down a steep fire track road with a pub, couple of cafes and hotel. There is a ferry over the river but this is for foot traffic only. Being a deep valley, I wouldn't recommend the walking to those who are less mobile or struggle with walking.
If you have a dog (or 3, like us) this place is recommended. You are allowed a max of 3. They ask for them to be tethered or on leads on site which is sensible as there are children, cars and other campers who don't want disturbing by stray dogs looking for your food! There is a small trail in the woods that goes around the site and takes 25 mins to walk with the dogs. This trail isnt too steep and almost follows the contour of the hill. And then there are plenty of other well sign posted fire track roads to explore.
Being where the site is, O2 mobile signal is none existent, and there is no wifi either, perfect for getting away from the rat race!
If you go here, I can not recommend enough that you go out for a meal at the The White Horse Inn, Staunton. Its ten minutes down the road in a car. Or 35 minute walk through the woods (very steep valley to walk through, beware). The food here is perfect, local produce used such as the wild boar. I recommend the wild boar cheeseburger, simply the best. And its a dog friendly pub with friendly staff. Prices are reasonable too.
We spent a lovely 3 nights at this really nice campsite in our motorhome with EHU. The wardens were extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. There are some lovely walks or cycle rides around the site. We have electric bikes and so we followed the cycle path (map bought at the campsite shop) to Symonds Yat Rock where we had a little bite to eat at their rustic cafe and then went to see the sights overlooking the river Wye and watched the falcons on the rocks above the river. The next day, we ventured down the hill to the river. We freewheeled all the way down which took us about 10 minutes - I guess about half an hour to walk it. At the bottom of the hill, we turned right and followed the riverside Peregrine Way to Symonds Yat East - very scenic, watching the canoes go down the river. Again we had something to eat at the Royal Lodge Bar and Restaurant, sat in the garden in the sunshine. The food was really good. Then went for a lovely ride along the river and finally, back up the hill to the site.
The toilet and shower block were spotless with lovely free hot water in the shower. This is a great place to bring the kids or dogs (of which we have neither) but I don't think it's really suitable for disabled or those who have difficulty with walking.
We really enjoyed our stay and hope to visit again soon
On arrival the reception was friendly and we were shown maps of the site and given areas to choose from.
The site is on a slope so the flatter ground is taken first and therefore if you are a late arrival you may be camping on a hill.
The site itself is very clean and tidy and the toilet and shower blocks were very clean with plenty of hot water and facilities. The site is very quiet at night and there is a lot of space for children to play away from the tents in safety whilst leaving Mum and Dad and the neighbours to enjoy a bit of peace and the wildlife.
The only two problems we found were that the area of the site is really for walkers of cyclists for both of which it is brilliant. As we do not do either we found that within a couple of days we had exhausted local sites such as a walk to Symonds Yatt, and were having to drive out and about to get to other places of interest which was a bit of a pain. In the evening there are three pubs within walking distance, and the New Inn was a nice little pub with really good food and beer on offer.
The main problem that we had, along with several neighbours was that a 'family from Hell ' arrived into the middle of our stay and spent all day and most of the night screaming and swearing at each other, and playing music, computer games, television films and car door slamming at all hour's. Several people around us were upset by this, but nobody complained as they were not the sort of people to have a confrontation with. We should have moved our tent and did consider doing so, but didn't and in the end we gave up after three stressful days and sleepless nights and went home early.
The noise along with a log chopping and a fire on the BBQ at night into the early hours could and should have been easily spotted by staff inspecting the site in the evening, but we did not see anybody doing this at any time. The site rules did state that wood burning was not allowed, and the thirty foot column of smoke was a bit of a give away !
The last straw for us was the hoovering going on at 4. 00 am after an all night drunken shouting session where some of the older children were given wine!
I know that we could have complained and perhaps we should have done so, but I do feel that the management should have noticed all this going on. We have been on many other sites where a problem was corrected with a friendly chat at 9. 00 pm.
I know that this was probably a one off experience, as all the other families seemed to have a like minded respect for each other, and I am sure that if you enjoy cycling or hiking you will enjoy this site and have a good time.
Stayed in a tent for one Saturday night. Many parts of the site slope but the site is very big, basically a large space in the forest (likes it says on the tin) so you'll find somewhere decent to pitch. Friendly staff. Basic but clean facilities. Not a peaceful site; seemed to be populated by campers playing music from their cars, TV blaring from caravans and raucous BBQs. Each to their own but prefer somewhere more peaceful
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Common Questions
Is Bracelands Campsite child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Bracelands Campsite? There is a shop on site View all facilities
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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 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <1 mile 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <5 miles 
Wild Swimming <5 miles 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
Golf <5 miles 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
Watersports <5 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring <5 miles 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
Open All Year 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Access is not difficult, but keep your wits about you or you'll miss it. 
