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Have stayed on this site numerous times, but this was the first time on the so called 'Hard standing'. If hard standing means pitched on clinker and gravel then ok. Pitch we were on was so far from the water pipe that the hose did not reach, and we do have an extended one, and the ground was extremely lumpy. Caravan also down a 5 foot ridge, so not good when it rains.
They are very proud of their history and there are many pictures in the Bar area of the site 50 years ago, and it seems they are so proud, they have kept the shower block as it was then, very poor, alhough the hot water was very hot, dangerously so I thought. (I am told the one nearer to the bar area has been improved).
Price at £30 a night, plus extra for awning (£4) extra for dogs (£2) plus anything else they can think of is also too high I feel.
Plus points, the restaurant / take away serves good food.
So my advice is do not go on these Hard standing but keep to the main fields.
This is my first of 2 visits to waldegraves this year
A very large lively site in a fantastic location on Mersea Island. However, this is the first time in a touring caravan to be pitched on their new hard standing area especially for caravans. All I can say is, don't ever book one of these pitches, awful. Hard standing is not the word I would use for these pitches. It is the area that is reknown to flood either when the toilets get blocked or in bad rainstorms. Thankfully we didn't experience any of that this time. The pitches are very poor standard and are based next to the fishing lakes so you have constant road traffic, of which do not adhere to the speed limits. The spacing is minimal so once you pitch your caravan and awning you have no space other than the road edging to sit outside let alone have a bar b q. If you are taking your caravan to waldegraves, make sure you get a grassy pitch elsewhere. The pitches are not hard standing as you would expect other than made up of large chunkie dusty stones, even make it uncomfortable to walk on. A few accidents from the kiddies with slipping on the gravel.
Beware as you travel along the lane to waldegraves, the ramps are not accommodating for caravans with one in particular resulting in scrapes of the underneath. Other than this one ramp, the site is easily accessible.
I like Waldegraves purely for its location and swimming pool for the kiddies, but tired it is, the amount of money that is being generated, it's about time money is invested into the site. Toilets and showers dated and at the swimming pool there is only one toilet with a broken handle and rat knawed door, that is constantly under water. You are also right on the beach for either mud walks on sand castles. To the right are the famous Mersea beach huts.
Yes rather negative but I do still return, Mersea is lovely.
Easy to check in and find our pitch, we were at the back of the field which meant a bit of a walk to the showers and toilets also there is a metal plant or something over the hedge which was a bit noisy for my son trying to sleep on our awning pod.
The pool was nice but very cold and goes deep towards the centre don't really like that much. The playground was ok but like a few bits on the site looked a little tired.
Definitely not the best site we have been too and won't be going back
What a disappointment - we have had some lovely stays at Waldergraves but over the last two years this place is steadily going down hill rapidly
What a dreadful stay - 4 days over easter if this was our first ever camping trip would never go camping again !
Overcrowded every pitch taken, electric could not cope and kept tripping, electric very intermittent off totally from 7. 00 Saturday until around 8. 00am sunday morning -
Showers dirty and not working - mens showers out of the six showers only 3 available - looked over the top of cubicles and no plumbing !
Mens toilets smelt and unclean
No hot water in washing area
Not a lot of room between pitches so other campers walk over your pitch and guy ropes to gain access to toilets
On two occasions other campers allowed there dog to poo on our pitch and did not clean up after their dogs, what does this tell you about the others using this site.
Very limited parking for second car as now car park is being used to sell static caravans
Restaurant food is ok is you are looking for pub grub - staff friendly and restaurant busy
Swimming pool was cold for children to swim
Loud parties and no security seen, very noisy do not visit if you are looking for peace and quiet with a good nights sleep,
Mersea island is very beautiful and worth a visit, oyster bar and company shed worth a visit, victory pub excellent too !
Family butchers and bakers in the town - fantastic
Waldergraves you seem to put profit before your customers - big mistake we and others will NOT be returning
Just back from a second visit to this site and given that it was a second visit you can probably tell that we enjoyed the stay.
The site is always clean and the staff pay a lot of attention to this. However the cleanliness of the site slipped a little this year, but this could be more about the number of people on the site this year. It was very busy - but understandably so. It is a nice site.
It is a family site though and there are a lot of group pitches and regulars on the site. Reading other reviews you might pick up on comments about gangs of kids hanging around - there are, but they all seemed well behaved and didn't witness any silly behaviour. It can be noisy at night and early morning though.
The swimming pool is great and the restaurant and bar facilities are clean. We can recommend eating in the restaurant - it is very comfortable and clean, and the food is great for the price.
Get a good pitch on a family based holiday in this campsite and I don't think you will be disappointed. But if you want a quiet holiday and want to get away from it all it might not be for you.
My husband & myself have been going camping for over four years. We usually go to camp sites where people stay for a weekend or maybe a week or two.
But, as we we’re taking away two of our grandchildren age 4 & 7 for the weekend we decided to go to Waldergraves so they would have plenty to do. The pitch was well maintained & a good size, the park was clean & tidy.
On the pitch next to ours was a touring caravan which stays there all season. On Friday night we were fast asleep to then be woken up at 12. 50am by a very drunk lady from the caravan swearing & shouting. This went on until gone 1. 30am, luckily our grandchildren slept through it.
The following day I was in the shower block with them both, my husband overheard her telling one of her friends that a man had asked her to keep the noise down as they were trying to sleep, she told her friend that she told him to f**k off & stuck her middle finger up at him! There was no disturbance on Saturday night.
But, I went to the loo just after 4. 00am and could hear people speaking very loudly in a season touring caravan on the row behind us at the very end! we were then woken at 6. 50am by cars pulling up & the doors opening & shutting followed by loud talking & laughing by fisherman!
The shower & toilet blocks were very clean but in desperate need of modernisation. The showers are all in one long row in the block with an open gutter running along behind them, when I took a shower on Friday morning I saw soapsuds with blood in floating past, not very nice.
The washing up area backs onto the men’s toilets which isn’t very nice or hygienic when someone opens a window! On the plus side, the three children’s entertainers were great & work really well with the children. The bar staff were very efficient & polite.
We will definitely stick to campsites that only allow people to stay short term and everyone has respect for each other.
Booked this site initially for two reasons, 1) I like Mersea Island so was keen to try it out 2) Price and facilities seemed very good. The site is quite easy to get to however on arrival (3pm) cars were parked everywhere in the area around reception and people with cars and caravans were arriving and leaving and as a result of people parking cars in both sides of the road it soon became gridlock.
My pitch was located at the top of far field and so had a lovely view of the sea and was of an adequate size however many other picthes are back to back and so you could be a couple of feet away from the person behind you - also some pitches seem quite small and most of the site gives off the impression that they have tried to ram as many pitches in as possible (320 I seem to recall). The pitches have a water supply and electric hook up (in touring field) but most are also quite lumpy and up and down (took me a while to get levelled).
I was rather disappointed by the two parks as they are both aimed at older children (very high up) and I was hoping that my 2 year old daughter would use one but it was unsafe for children of this age however, she enjoyed feeding the ducks in the boating lake and this took her mind off it.
The site is in a great location and we all enjoyed evening walks along the sea front, the dog had a great time. 10 out of 10 for walking.
7 out of the 7 nights we stayed here we experienced noise late into the night, groups of people being loud, groups of small children running around our pitch being loud late into the night 11pm +, loud music, barking dogs, etc etc. A peaceful site this is not, there were complaints from various people to the office but what happens is - the security van drives around the site many times during the evening at around 15mph with the windows shut and does not listen out for noise nor does it stop if it see's large groups drinking who could be the noisy ones?
In addition to noise there are also other rules that are not followed or enforced by staff, the site speed limit and petrol & electric motorised ride ons.
The site boasts a shop and on site takeaway, we did not use the shop due to visiting Tesco half way through the week (about 20 mins away - Tiptree). Also the fish and chips is not Cod so we travelled 5 mins up the road to a local Chippy for Cod and Chips (much better prices too - a little pricey on site). Entertainment for the kids was OK but found it to be quite limited compared to some other larger sites.
As evening approached you would find groups of teenagers hanging around outside the bar drinking which put me off taking the little ones down there so we stayed in which usually suits us anyway.
Toilets - plenty of them and they never seem to close and always seem clean and topped up with hand wash and paper. The showers are a little depressing, minimal water pressure - the one I tried was like showering during a very fine rain shower, I used my onboard shower for the rest of the week. My brother-in-law tried several showers and said he had found a good one in the block near the reception - the 1st shower near the entrance (around mid week).
We will not be returning to the site - it's great to have the facilities the site offers but the constant noise and sense of enclosure has put us off which is a shame because it's in a great location with some great views.
I camped here at the end of August with my parents (late 50's) My brother (mid 30's) his children 12 and 8, and my son (4months). We chose the location as it was close to home which was ideal to test out our new tent as usually we camp in a campervan. The site has a heated swimming pool which is good however there is no ladder to climb in and out from and it was mentally busy in there with children splashing each other and larking around so unfortunately I couldn't take my son in the pool. The shop was very well equipped and reasonably priced. There was a restaurant however we didn't use it as it was quite expensive. They also had a couple of bars and a take away van. The cost of food at the van was quite expensive. £3. 50 for a pukka pie. The toilets were kept clean and the overall standard of everything was good. The crazy golf course was excellent. The campsite was right next to the sea which has a small beach and on a sunday there is also a car boot sale nearby. Thats the good stuff now for the bad bits about the campsite.
Ok so we went in the last week of the school holidays so expected it to be busy. That was not a problem as although it was very busy there was still plenty of space for you to pitch your tent however there were idiots of scooters (a scooter rally was taking place that weekend) that felt it necessary to rev their bikes for ages early in the morning and late at night and also decided to drive children on the backs of them all round the campsite at 11pm when families with young children had gone to bed. Not to mention a couple of idiots that decided to take their small children from driving lessons all around the campsite too. Children that arent even old enough to drive. At 0330 we were woken by the sounds of drunken campers walking back to their tent who decided to hold a loud conversation in the middle of the field and generally each night you couldn't get to sleep until gone 1am due to people not being courteous to the 11pm silence rule. Considering there were security staff driving around during the day to check on the fields and pitches I cant see why they couldn't drive around in the gold buggies during the evening to make sure people were behaving.
All in all, I think this is a good site for people in their late teens to early 30s that want to drink and have fun but not really ideal for families with younger children
We had a fabulous stay at this camp site. I have stayed at a couple of other holiday parks previously and was very dubious about staying here due to memories of lots of noise, overcrowded facilities, overcharging for activities etc. I am very glad to say Waldegreaves changed my mind. On booking I was asked our group details to 'put us in good place for our needs'. We arrived early evening and the staff on reception were efficient and helpful. The pitches are divided by low hedges so there can be no danger of anyone pitching too close. (The kids also found these hedges excellent for playing tennis over!)Our area was situated far enough away from the generally very clean facilities to not be affected by reams of people passing by, but close enough for the kids to do the last minute ' I need the toilet' and still make it in time. The daytime entertainment for the kids was fairly continuous, offered variety (from Bingo to Football), run by really child friendly staff and free! The partly stony beach was only a 2 minute walk from reception and proved excellent for flying kites and beach combing. All the bars, entertainment, shop etc. Were in one area so you could take it or leave it. The shop was well stocked and offered everything we needed and more. Although there was a games room, you had a choice to go to it, unlike other sites I have been to where you have to walk through to get to the other facilities. The pool was lovely and warm and despite the hot weather not overcrowded. Basically I will be going back!
Fantastic time at this site! Although I am sure that the weather had a hand in that. We went for 8 nights.
Smooth check in and the site seemed very clean. We were situated near the facilities, which was very handy for us.
Didn't use the clubhouse as it was lovely and hot, so sat outside, but it did sound like kids heaven.
Arcade was great, kids loved it and came back with lots of prizes.
Restaurant, bar was very clean and the drinks were reasonably priced and also a decent drink (whereas in a lot of holiday centres, they taste watered down). Also you could sit there and watch the children in the swimming pool.
The swimming pool was very busy, but there were 4 lifeguards on every time we went, so was happy with that. You couldn't take alcohol outside near the pool, although like I said earlier you could sit in the restaurant as it was uncovered, so could be near the children.
The shop was well priced in my opinion.
There was a Carboot on Sunday mornings, just 5 minutes walk. It was brill. The kids loved it!
The Dogwalking area was good, but it was good that we could use the beach, but then again the beach wasn't really up to much good for the children. (although I find it crazy that we got charged for dogs).
You can take a nice walk down the beach, and if you walk to the left then there is a Park Resorts about a mile down. Although if you drive out of the park and go left and drive for about 2 miles then you see a co op and tesco express and also a docking yard, which is nice to walk round.
The only gripe I have is that there wasn't a lot of privacy around our pitch. On the park map it looked like there were hedges, but we didn't have one. That is all!
Although I would defo go back if we lived closer to the park.
Somewhat daunting approach through an industrial estate. We arrived late on a Saturday (7:30pm) and the reception was closed with no information on how to check in. Asked in the shop and was directed to the restaurant for late check-in. Cheerful & helpful staff provided a pitch reference and site map. Told to ask in reception in the morning for a welcome pack. Car entry to main park via card controlled barrier point - but barrier readers were faulty so again advised to ask in reception for an entry card and in the meantime the restaurant 'buzzed us through'.
Huge holiday park type site but found our pitch no problem. Pitches are clearly marked and bordered by small hedges to provide some privacy. Own water & EHU posts. Site was packed & very noisy. No view to admire other than a row of tents & cars lined up opposite. We pitched facing inwards to afford a little more privacy. At this point we were quite unimpressed with the whole experience but we quickly pitched before dark and settled down to cook dinner & relax.
The toilet & shower facilities were very clean and well maintained - and stayed that way throughout our 3 day stay.
On the Sunday the site emptied significantly down to around 1/3rd full - at which point it became a much nicer, more relaxed and enjoyable place.
Good facilities if an on-site pub (with bouncers!), amusement arcade, golf driving range, etc are your thing. Good size on-site shop, well stocked & friendly staff, if perhaps a bit pricey.
We were lucky to have 3 days of sun so the on-site swimming pool was very welcome (sea very close but not particularly inviting as more muddy / tidal than beachy). Safe (2 lifeguards always on duty) and well maintained.
Great dog walking spaces (fields & beach) and some nice coastal walks. The entry barrier didn't work properly the entire stay so it was a constant chore leaving the site by car.
Overall, when the site is quieter it is MUCH nicer so perhaps one to avoid at weekends & peak times unless you like the hustle, bustle and bright lights of a holiday camp.
Ps reception advised there are no welcome packs when camping - we did ask why not but they just shrugged!
Excellent campsite; great facilities and surrounded by fantastic walks on the beach or countryside.
Totally professional staff; friendly approach from start to finish.
The club was great with excellent take away food available on the site too.
All facilities were clean and in good order; although busy everything is kept that way too.
I have stayed at Waldegraves many times over the last 10 years and have always enjoyed the stay. The only problem we have is that sometimes we can get booked in as they are full - that speaks for itself!
Other than the fairly steep charge for tent only people like us, we simply could not fault this campsite!
Went here for the last few days of the half term. The site is good for kids, good entertainment and facilities, great for the beach and location but spoilt by the noisy seasonal neighbours. Complained to security but the residents were uncooperative and music went from 8am until 10. 30pm!
The site has such potential if the staff were a bit more helpful and practised regulating and implementing their park rules more!
On turning up at the campsite we were slightly worried, it was very busy and a bit off putting, but once there and pitched up it was a different story, busy but not overcrowded as we first thought. The amenities were lovely and clean all of the time and enough showers to take all the guests never had to wait. Outdoor swimming pool was manned all the time, the club house was good and kids loved it, the short walk to the beach is lovely and great for the kids. Will definitely return next year, reasonably priced
Our first time at Waldegrave and camping on Mersea Island was a pleasant surprise. My partner and I (plus two young Westies) would usually opt for a quieter, less child orientated site but as we we were camping with family (2 adults and 4 children under 12) Waldegraves seemed to be a good choice.
The washing up sinks, womens toilets and showers were always as clean as they could be and I never had to queue despite the amount of people. Beware though, the push button showers are set at quite a hot temperature (perfect for me though!) and although the cubicle is divided to allow for changing and keeping clothes dry, the floor is permanently wet so be prepared.
The shop stocked a good range of products, but you must visit the butchers in West Mersea (fantastic steak kebabs) and the Company Shed or Oyster bar for seafood. Restaurant takeaway was a bit pricey but portions were large and it was always busy. All the staff we encountered were pleasant and we didn't experience any problems.
Good location for beach walks (plus dogs were allowed which was great) and although not the most picturesque of places it was certainly a pleasant and relaxing week!
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Common Questions
Is Waldegraves Holiday And Leisure Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Waldegraves Holiday And Leisure Park have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Waldegraves Holiday And Leisure Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is Waldegraves Holiday And Leisure Park 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 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
Holiday Homes 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 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
Games Room 
Evening Entertainment 
Fishing On Site 
Wild Swimming <1 mile 
No Indoor Pool 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire On Site 
Golf On Site 
Tennis <5 miles 
Beach On Site 
Watersports <1 mile 
Boat Launch / Mooring On Site 
Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
Lakeside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Electric Car Charging Point
Have stayed on this site numerous times, but this was the first time on the so called 'Hard standing'. If hard standing means pitched on clinker and gravel then ok. Pitch we were on was so far from the water pipe that the hose did not reach, and we do have an extended one, and the ground was extremely lumpy. Caravan also down a 5 foot ridge, so not good when it rains. 
