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NOT to be confused with Packhorse Farm Bungalow Caravan Site - next door to each other - one adults only caravan only, the other tents and families! (originally after adults only sites - but luckily such few campers being low season it didn't bother us)
Looks are deceiving and admittedly we worried upon arrival at a working farm (with traditional farm smell!) but once into the pitch it is not noticeable. We were warmly welcomed and advised of the walk to Lumsdale falls (worth it - even if we got lost), local pubs, and a fantastic Indian restaurant (Maazi) that will pick you up and drop you off, and from then left to our own, knowing they were there if we needed.
A lovely spacious camp site. We bought a new (huge) tent and as low season we were granted plenty of space to try it out. Being such a cold April (and the Easter holidays varying massively) the site was relatively empty, the site is sectioned off by hedges and those who arrived during our stay were situated at opposing ends of the site, so we had plenty of room and privacy, and plenty of picnic tables to pick form had it been warm enough to sit out.
The shower blocks were clean and warm, plenty of hot water - a little too hot for my husband. Showers are push button operated which although great for the environment, only last 15 seconds and you have to wait for them to reset (even if you pre-empt the switch off), the showers and / or sink cubicles would benefit from a stool or chair to aid with putting your socks and pants on - a minor gripe.
Washing up facilities are good and plentiful (though only 2 of the 5 sinks were working) and a freezer is provided for communal use. The site has lots of signs up advertising a vending machine for fresh milk but the machine looked like it had be decommissioned years ago.
The site was immaculate and plenty of water and rubbish bin points, though there was no labelling of recycling bins (I presumed the one green bin amongst 5 other black bins was mixed recycling)
We would gladly go back if venturing to Derbyshire again.
If you want beautiful countryside, helpful owners, clean site, then visit here. We absolutely loved our four night stay and are already planning our next visit.
It is also central for visit nearby towns and attractions.
We would highly recommend anyone looking for a relaxing holiday to camp here.
Just 40 minutes away from home but it felt like we could have been anywhere! We had a fabulous short break here and cannot wait to go back!
We love that the pitches are all situated in amonst the trees, it feels like 'proper' woodland style camping. That said, the pitches either side of us weren't occupied, meaning we could pop our car on one of them, if the site had been full, I'm not sure if we might have felt a little cramped. Something to bear in mind. The site as a whole is super flat making pitching up very easy.
The facilities are excellent and so clean- obviously very well cared for. I love having the little sink cubicles for having a private wash in the mornings.
Location wise. Spot on for local walks and good road links if you'd prefer to drive out further afield to explore the Peaks. It is a shame that the road can just be heard which is our only tiny gripe- it isn't really loud but it is there and noticeable.
The owners obviously really care about the site and it shows, we're looking forward to being back soon.
We have used the Packhorse Camp site now for many years, as we have family in the area, the welcome we received Susan & Byron is always the same, so pleased to see & welcome us and indeed we are made to feel a part of the family.
We normally visit over the May Day weekend, but this year we decided to spend 10 days at Packhorse, from 9th May, we had been working over the past three months on a container to Malawi & needed a restful break & we thought there was no better place to unwind than Derbyshire.
The campsite is as good as all the review rate Packhorse, the facilities block is always spotlessly clean, whatever time of day you use it, there are plenty of showers & a good disabled wet room. The washing up area has five sinks all under cover & always plenty of hot water.
The site is well laid out with lots of matured trees & most of the pitches now have electric hook up with a 16amp supply. The whole site & grass is maintained to the very highest standards. A credit to both Susan & Byron, keep up the good work, as we plan to visit family for many years to come.
We are campers of many years’ experience & would rate Packhorse in our top ten sites in the UK, I would have no hesitation recommending this site, and indeed they deserve all the wonderful reviews that are posted on UK Campsites.
I always use UK Campsite to select campsites that is how we find & enjoy some of the best campsites in the UK.
I have to admit that first impressions were not good … but it did get much better. We drove up the drive and noted a good number of caravans parked on the right hand side. There was a notice for the caravan site reception and another notice further down the yard for ‘Tents only’. I chose the first one as we have a motorhome.
There was what appeared to be a very friendly black Labrador behind the gate. I love dogs so was not fazed by this. However, having entered the grounds of the house, the dog lunged at me and kept trying to jump up, aiming at my chest. I shouted at him, several times, to stop him but this seemed to make him more determined. I made my way to the door of the house, bellowing at the dog and trying to fend him off. Fortunately, when I rang the bell the door was opened almost immediately and the dog disappeared into the house.
The lady apologised and said that she would not have let the dog loose had she known that we were coming. “But we’ve booked!” I said and showed her the receipt. “No, that’s not for my caravan site, ” she said, “it’s for the campsite next door, ” and directed me to the sign that said Reception for Tents only! When I got to the second Reception no-one was there but there was a note on the door directing us to choose one of three pitches.
We decided on a pitch and, while my husband was setting up our motorhome, I had a look around. The campsite has about six areas separated by hedges and in the section where we were there were just two more pitches. It all seemed to be well maintained with sufficient water points and rubbish bins.
The toilet and shower block was next to be inspected and this is where the site excels. It was modern and clean and there were toilets, showers (with plenty of space and adequate clothes hooks), separate wash cubicles and hand-wash basins. Also good quality hand dryers and hairdryers. Very impressive and easily competes with the CC & the C&CC facilities. There’s even a large and separate shower room/toilet for the disabled. At the side of the shower block is a covered dishwashing area and a freezer for use by campers.
About an hour after we arrived Susan, joint owner with Byron, came to see us and gave us a leaflet on a local walk. She was very friendly and when we said that we were considering going out to the local Indian Restaurant for a meal (The Maazi in Matlock which turned out to be really good) Sue gave us directions.
The two nights we were there we had very peaceful sleep and opening the door in the morning we were greeted by the melodious sounds of birdsong.
All in all we had a very happy time and would recommend the Packhorse Farm Campsite to others.
This was our second visit to packhorse farm. This time for a 2 night stay to test out our new trailer tent. On our last visited we camped with friends & so we had 2 large pitches together in the bottom field.
This time we were assigned pitch 6 & it wasn't until we pulled up that I noticed the electricity cables running above the pitch. I don't like being in close proximity to they electromagnetic radiation the emit so we asked to move. The lady was fine about it so we moved to pitch 3 which was a bit further away but I would have preferred to have been in the bottom field like last time.
Same as our last stay the toilets and showers were clean & there was ample hot water. If anything the water was too hot, I decided against washing my hair as it was too hot to put my head under. I wouldn't have been able to shower my 5 year old son as it would have been too hot for him. But as we were only staying for 2 nights it didn't matter would have been a problem if we were staying longer though. So have only given 7 out of 10 for facilities.
Overall the site is good value for money & we enjoyed our stay.
Couple - early 50's - look for peace, quiet and tranquility, but with a few mod cons.
Stayed 2 nights - Fri 02/12 to Sun 04/12
Cost - 2 adults + Tent + Car + EHU = £22pn
Would normally look at going a little further afield, but after struggling to get other sites to accept a tent on grass, and/or even answer the 'phone, despite them all claiming to be 'Open all year', Packhorse Farm had the courtesy to answer my call, and indeed allow us to pitch our tent on grass.
Very pleasant/welcoming initial call (a couple of days before arrival) and the bill was settled there and then. Full pre-payment isn't something I'm used to being asked to do, booking so late, but we had no intention of failing to turn up, so not a problem!
After a welcoming reception, we were given a pitch in amongst some trees, close to the shower block/amenities. In all honesty, this group of pitches could easily be described as a bit on the small side, and in very close proximity to the neighbours. We were pretty much pitched on one pitch, and the car parked on the next one. Needless to say, as this was December, and we were the only tent on site, that wasn't a problem for us or the site owners, and it suited us perfectly. I can only presume that during more popular periods, cars would need to be left on the car park area? After a subsequent stroll around site however, it was clear there is a good number of much larger, more spacious pitches/areas, with ample room for the larger family, with the larger set up. Some seemed quite impressive on that score, to be fair.
The shower block is described as heated. There was no sign of heating during my evening shower, but in fairness, the radiators were on in the morning. As it was chilly, rather than freezing, again it was no problem. Good all round amenities. Showers reasonably spacious, plenty of hot water. All spotlessly clean, and all ample in number.
Outdoor wash up sinks, but well covered. There was also a fridge/freezer, which is presumably available for campers'use.
Great setting, on a working farm, in the heart of rural Derbyshire.
As it was 'Victorian Xmas market weekend' in nearby Matlock, we seeked the help and advice of the campsite owner, who kindly gave us a walking map and wise words, so left the car by the tent, and thoroughly enjoyed the walk through countryside, picturesque woods, the disused (Lumsdale) Quarry, almost deserted lanes, and even took in a slight detour to the local mini-attraction, namely Lumsdale Falls. All in all, it took a couple of city urchins about 1. 5 hours from camp site to Matlock. Pro's would do it comfortably within an hour, I'd imagine!
Took a slightly more 'road based' route for the return walk (Fear of getting lost in the woods as the early winter's darkness fell! LOL!), but again a good hour or so, including a decent climb up the road out of Matlock (A632), finishing off on a section of public footpath (Cuckoostone walk?) which encircles the rear perimeter of the camp site, and emerges on the farm lane/site entrance.
The campsite is actually advertised as 'No caravans', which strictly speaking appears to be true, but immediately adjacent is a perfectly presentable caravan site, which has a separate reception from the camp site, despite being on the same farm, and sharing the same approach road. There were a couple of caravanner's taking in the country air, but most of the 'vans on site appeared to be seasonal, but unused on this particular weekend. I can't envisage any negatives from this, even in the full swing of summer?
Have to say, despite almost being on our doorstep, we saw a part of 'Matlock' that we had never seen before, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend, both on and off site.
If we ever have need or desire to camp so close to home again, winter or summer, we'd have no qualms about staying on this site again, and no qualms about leaving the car on site, and the walking boots on.
Thanks for allowing us to stay on your wonderful site, and thanks for answering the phone!
We visited this campsite at the start of our Summer holiday and found it outstanding. Its one of the best campsites we have stayed at ( and we stay at many). Its facilities are spotlessly clean and well kept.
On arrival we were given full information on local services and walks. Although we didn't use it there was even a free transport service to and from a local Indian restaurant, which also did a fre takeaway service.
There was a supply of fresh eggs and milk available on site.
Each pitch was spacious and there were many picnic benches scattered around.
I am more than happy to recommend this site to anyone and I hope to return there some time soon.
This site is appallingly cramped. It looks lovely on the ukcampsite website and also their own website but the pictures are deceptive. The photographs are all taken using a wide-angle lens and make the place look spacious. It is much smaller than the site plan or photos show.
The plan shows 50 pitches. Actually there is space for no more than 12 pitches - 16 at very most. My friend and I, each with our own modest tent were allocated 2 adjacent pitches. To erect our tents centrally in each pitch would have had the guy ropes crossing each other.
If two family sized tents were next to each other they would be just inches apart and unable to peg out their guy ropes properly. Another tent was opposite us and was far too close for comfort. There was no privacy at all.
Some of the pitches were underneath needle-shedding conifer trees and were very dark and I saw at least one ants nest. After a few minutes we concluded that camping here was not worth doing.
Thankfully I had not yet paid for the site and we left for another site 20 miles away.
We have just spent a weekend on this lovely campsite, it is in a beautiful location, the facilities are spotlessly clean and modern, the pitches are of a generous size, it is very peaceful, all you could wish for in a campsite.
Nothing is too much trouble, the battery on our car went flat and in no time at all the farmer came round in his land rover and managed to get us mobile again.
We will definitely return and would have no hesitation in recommending this site at all.
Have just returned home from Packhorse Farm and you'd be hard pushed to find a nicer site in the Derbyshire Dales. It's quiet, but that's how we like to spend our time.
Some lovely walks directly from the site, and Susan the owner can't do enough to help with advice, a lovely lady who keeps a spotless site with really good showers, toilets and pitches.
Try a walk down to Lumsdale Falls, it takes about an hour and it's worth it. Once you've taken some pics carry on down into Matlock for a nice pint and lunch.
Very clean, well laid out pitches amongst the pine trees or not, we were given a choice when we arrived.
Great camp-site nice and clean and well maintained. Very friendly owners. Toilet/shower blocks very clean (showers very hot) lots of washing up sinks. Very short drive to Matlock where you can get your shopping.
We went with our grandson aged 2 1/2 years old and to make our stay a little better would have been some sort of play area with climbing frame or swing, but this is not an negative comment.
Lots of good walks to be found and a few nice pubs in close proximity to the site. All in all we had a great stay and would return.
Went for a weekend camp, four in our party; two adults and two children (under 5's). They had different small fields with pitches separated by hedges. Some pitches with EHU some without.
The site also had a motorhome sections. Owners were really friendly and helpful. Eggs available on site and takeaway delivery if you want it! Really really impressed with the facilities. Very clean, and always had loo roll. Free hot showers, free hair dryers.
Disabled facilities were great too. Had a well organised pot washing area. Bricks for BBQ's. There were a lot of families, however if you wanted a quieter area this this wasn't a problem as all the areas were quite private.
Very very impressed. Would highly recommend it and definitely be going again. Great value for money.
Just returned from this very nice campsite, myself, husband and dog. We pitched on plot 2 which was a good size for our Outwell bear lake 4 and car. Some pitches were bigger, some smaller and some under trees therefore you should let Susan or Byron know the size of your tent when booking. The campsite is a working farm and the owners are nice people who you see buzzing around the place. The site was lovely and clean as too were the showers and toilets. The showers were push button and only lasted a very short while before repressing the button, also the showers are very hot and have no regulator. There are 3 showers each in the male and female toilet block, there is also 3 cubicles for washing in each block and a hairdryer which only lasts a minute or so. We never queued as the site only had 4 other campers on it during our 4 night stay, hence very peaceful. There are 5 undercover pot washing sinks and plenty of bricks for standing your BBQ on. You do here some traffic noise and yes I heard the dogs at the nearby kennels barking but I am a light sleeper and I only heard the dogs on one night before I fell asleep. You do hear sheep, horses and owls too which is nice. There is a nice dog walking area with poo bin along the drive into the farm. The cuckoostone walk runs past the site but we did not do the walk as it was a little too overgrown with nettles. However, we did enjoy the lovely walk to the lumsdale waterfalls which, are great and takes about 40 minutes to walk to from site. You can go to the falls by road but the walk through the woods was great for the dog she loved it.
There is a great pub (The Gate) within walking distance about 25 minutes down the steep hill very nice food and value for money, they welcome dogs and even provide water and a treat. The pub also has a beer garden, games room, free wifi and children's play area which we did not use. There is no shop on site but you can buy fresh eggs and milk. There is a large Sainsbury's in Matlock near the train station for all your other items.
Places we visited Crich tramway museum is value for money, we spend a good 5 hours here, lots to see nice walks and very dog friendly. Cromford canal is lovely for walking along and has a nice tea room. Matlock has some nice shops, lovely walks and places of interest. We ate at the Black cat cafe in Matlock as you can take your dog in and the owner is helpful recommending some dog friendly places of interest too.
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Common Questions
Is Packhorse Farm Campsite child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Packhorse Farm Campsite? There is a shop within 1 mile 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 
No Caravans 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No 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 
No Laundry 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
No Wifi Access 
Shop <1 mile 
Bar <1 mile 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
Indoor Pool <5 miles 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <1 mile 
No Cycle Hire 
Golf <1 mile 
Tennis <5 miles 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
Open All Year 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
NOT to be confused with Packhorse Farm Bungalow Caravan Site - next door to each other - one adults only caravan only, the other tents and families! (originally after adults only sites - but luckily such few campers being low season it didn't bother us)
