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Just got back from a long weekend at this site. This is one of the largest campsites that we have visited and despite being out of season it was still quite busy.
We stayed in the north field which was the furthest away from the shop, pub, swimming pool etc, but quite near the children's playground. All fields had shower blocks toilets and chemical disposal points nearby, (these were all very clean whenever we used them) and as we are not really pub people it didn't bother us being so far away from the sites main facilities. However, if that is what you like to do I can imagine after a few too many you may need a taxi to get back!
Pitches appeared to all be gravel with EHU, water and aerial socket which was good, but on the negative side the pitches were too close together, and at full capacity you would definitely get a decent view of everybody's caravans / motorhomes, which is a shame as I like to have a nice view from the window while I'm having my dinner. There wasn't anyone being particularly rowdy when we stayed but I could definitely hear people's conversations in their units while I was trying to read my book.
The forest trails were lovely and we took a bike ride around them while we were there stopping off beside the River Avon which was stunning.
Staff were friendly and despite what others have said we weren't hassled off our pitch at 11am, but I can see that probably would be the case during peak season. I would come here again, and would recommend it to friends of mine who have children, but I would avoid it during the school holidays.
(2 adults, 2 children). I have been caravanning for 5 years and this is the first time I have used it in the winter time and was not disappointed with the caravan park. As mentioned in the previous review £10 a night with electric, drainage, tv point etc. Toilet and shower blocks had ample space and was always clean. Pitches were fairly boggy but can expect with all the heavy rain/snow of late. Facilities were superb on site, used the gym for £15 for a weeks pass, swimming pool/sauna. Jacuzzi was included with your pass which is perfect if weather not to good. , restaurant and bar was nice with good food, entertainment and big screen for the sports. Shop, bike hire, arcades, river fishing, playground on site, fordingbride is 1. 5 miles away with tesco, co op there for your essentials. Salisbury is 10 miles away and has a lovely town centre with a huge market. Very polite staff and well managed site. I would recommend this site and certainly will return again
A lovely site with plenty to do for family's. Lovely long walks around the forest which my dogs loved. Well maintained and clean, friendly helpful staff.
We came in February so only cost £10 per night which I felt was excellent value especially having a tv hook up and direct plumbing facilities
The only things that could do with changing is the water in the showers is not very hot no matter what time of day you visit and a dog friendly area in the on site bar would be nice but all in all a good site and I will return.
We headed here for a weekend away before the school term started. We have been here a few times and love the location in the forest, with a great walk for the dog and access to the pool for the kids, for a weekend we felt no need to leave the site. We found the facilities to there usual high standard, toilet block all in good order. The shops, bar, pizza restaurant and play park were all open. Visiting here at this time of year means great value for money with a serviced pitch for a family and dog only £15 a night for us in our motorhome, prices do rise with the season. The leaving time does seem prompt being 11. 00 is my only comment for potential improvement.
What a surprise this site was, facilities were lovely warm and clean, great food and drink choices in the bar and pizzeria, we were there for two nights in November and everything was open.
We only paid £30. 00 for two nights with hook up, waste and water, there was even a tv aerial connection, lots of dog walkers but all dogs are kept on a leash.
We had a lovely afternoon walking through the sites own forest and along the river Avon. This site is in a lovely location on the outskirts of the New Forest and all of the staff were very friendly and helpful, we shall definitely visit again. We tried to book for New Year's Eve but no luck, maybe this year, well done sandy balls
This was our second stay at this expensive site. It was Halloween weekend and we wished we had been there for the festive spooky season as it looked like all the caravans and motorhomes had made a huge effort with pumpkins, banners and spooky window decorations and lots of kiddies dressed up in their costumes. The site hosted a number of kiddies activities including the spooky wood walk whereby the staff dressed up for the occasion and was well met by everyone.
As for the site, it’s a lot of money to stay over for a weekend, especially if you have kiddies to accompany you. When we wandered around the site, it looked tired and in need of some TLC.
I never used the showers as I’d rather use the one in my motorhome, however I did visit the loo when required and they’re co-located in the same room. They did look tired and a little grubby. Plenty of loo roll and a couple of sinks to wash your hands in, but there was no soap in the dispensers and no way of drying your hands after washing them, not even an air blower. I know its petty and minor, but we only take towels when showering and don’t take one to the loo, so for the price they charge, I think that should be addressed. There was also no hot water in the sinks. It may well be that I’d have had to leave it run for a while, but they’re spring loaded and I didn’t want to wait and see if it warmed up at all while I wasted litres of water, so I washed in cold and dried them on my jeans.
We visited the Pizza restaurant for lunch on the Saturday and was very pleased at the price of lunch. A reasonable menu selection to choose from plus a drink for £5. 95 was a pleasant surprise and the food itself was nicely presented and warm too, so well done and thank you. We did consider a swim, but you had to book in advance for a short swim and leave a pound deposit, which is refunded when you arrive. We didn’t want to book if it’s that busy, so didn’t bother this time.
It absolutely poured down all Saturday night and by the morning our pitch was under water, quite a lot of water. It’s a shame as the drains were blocked, even the grey waste drains were full of pine needles and blocked. I know it’s November and winters truly here, but if you’re a 365 day a year site, this also needs addressing.
So we enjoyed our stay but we always do, as we love being out in our “home”. Will we be back? Not sure on that one as I believe it’s overpriced for a simple weekend of getting away. The 11am departure time is still unreasonable and should be addressed without the need to charge us even more money to stay just a little longer. Also didn’t enjoy having to rescue and clean all the wet mud from my power leads, hose and belongings as they were under water and lots of other families suffered too, having to pack wet awning away for the early departure. A camping weekend of 2 nights and an early departure for over £100 (£20 fuel) is excessive in my books, especially coupled to the unreasonable time we’re asked to leave.
My husbands first time camping and with the family (3children) and he was dreading it, so we went with friends to help ease him onto it, but after the first day and 3 attempts of putting up our friends tent (borrowed) we began to enjoy ourselves, bbq the first night, the sun came out and we had a lovely eve, even torrential rain the first night didn't dampen our spirits as our friends shared our large reception area and we played games and drank lots.
Our site had hookups, there were other site that did and allowed dogs on site, other sites didn't have hookups and I'm so glad we did as that also helped with making our holiday that bit more enjoyable. The sun was out the next day which really helped matters, my husband took on all the cooking, breakfast lunch and tea the kids did the washing up in the washing up station and thoroughly enjoyed this responsibility.
The toilet blocks and showers were superb especially for a campsite cleaned at least 3 times a day. Even the one day of rain didn't put my husband off as he has now booked to come back again next year this time for a week not 5 days! Our sites were situated very near the playground for the kids tp make full use of. There were lots of different activities to choose from, some on site some off, all chargeable but reasonable. An indoor and outdoor pool. A couple of restaurants, reasonably priced and an on site shop also reasonable priced. My only one criticism I have to mention is the ground.
When trying to bang in the plastic pegs that belong to the tent, the ground is as hard as rock and ALL the pegs bent so we now have to replace them for our friends. There needs to be a warning or at least info to state that the ground is hard and to use stronger metal pegs or that plastic pegs not recommended. Looking forward to coming back next year.
This was our first time camping as a family and I chose Sandy Balls to soften the blow if you like.
We were camping on the Cornfield to the back of the park. As I have nothing to compare it to I'll just try to give my honest opinion.
The Cornfield was extremely cramped, with possible over 100 tents pitched here. The pitches themselves were quite generous (we have a Montana 6 and a Zafira - so not a small tent or car). It just felt as though you were in each other's tents and you could hear EVERY noise. A bit more space would have been nice as the children ended up playing in the road.
The toilets were kept clean at the beginning of the week but I noticed standards did slip towards the end but this could just have been more to do with the fact that about 400 people were using the toilets.
In Northfield, the more permanent facilities were very good, one set even had a bath in there!
I think this campsite is very well suited to older children and teenagers as there is lots of independent exploring to do, bike hire etc. My children had a fantastic time (they are 4 and 2) but I would have liked the pool to be more inviting and a little more space. I completely agree with the reviewer who said 'it feels like a poor man's CeterParcs'.
Staff were lovely, very polite, helpful and keen to help.
We enjoyed our stay at Sandy Balls and the sunshine certainly made it all the better. A lovely site with a lot on offer, although a little on the expensive side for the short amount of time your actually allowed to stay on the pitch. We were met by pleasant, helpful staff who gave us our arrivals pack which included a feedback sheet for us to fill in, but I wonder how much attention is paid to the form. Our first evening was spent in the bar/restaurant and we enjoyed a warm meal and listened to the entertainment that’s provided in the package. However the evening was soon spoilt on return to our pitch by the two dogs that were left alone in the small van on the pitch next to ours and no attempt was made to ask the owners to return to quieten them up, which then spoilt what should have been a good night’s sleep. Second day we awoke to glorious sunshine and then spent a day by the wonderful pool facilities and lounged in the sunshine and took a dip when we felt too hot and even managed a nice cool drink 'pool side'. It’s a shame they don’t offer a waiter service for this, as I'm sure they'd make quite a killing with the parents and kiddies alike.
The only downside of the visit was the ridiculous hour at which we had to leave our pitch. £70 for a late Friday night start and then off by 11. 00am on Sunday, certainly didn’t offer fantastic value for money. The greatest frustration, was as we were leaving and were informed that for an extra £5 we could have had a 'late departure' at 4pm. Firstly what a shame this wasn’t advertised on our arrival, and secondly that after paying top price for a short stay, they want to squeeze another £5 from campers for a late departure, when this should be offered as a matter of course. While the facilities are good, there are plenty of other sites to choose from whereby you’ll be allowed a later departure………at no extra cost.
Absolutely fantastic site we went with our 4yr old and 10 month old both loved it. The facilities were very clean pool was fantastic. We stayed on Northfield which was a bit out the way but very quiet despite lots of families on site.
The only thing that let it down was the standard of food from the Pizza restaurant and the price of things from the shop but with Bournemouth only half an hour away well recommended
We are a family of 2 adults 2 boys who stayed for 4 nights in Northfield. It was our first visit to the site and we just weren't wowed.
The toilet facilities were very clean and staff we encountered were very helpful.
The pool had a 70 person limit so there was a prebooking system with a non refundable £1 per person charge and 1 hour max stay! The pool was the main attraction for us and just didn't deliver.
Overall it just wasn't great value for money and felt like a poor mans center parcs.
The surrounding new forest area however is lovely.
This was our first weeks holiday in a new caravan so as beginners we were a little nervous. We were greeted by a very friendly receptionist and given the welcome pack and directions to our pitch. I had already google mappped the site and seen where we were going to be.
We had a problem with the water supply being too strong to plug straight into our caravan, a maintenance man can round within 10 minutes to help us.
The shower blocks were plentiful and lovely and hot. The showers and toilets where clean at all times of the day.
They have a well stocked shop and the prices are not any higher than my local shops.
We ate in the 2 restaurants and had food from the take away they were very good and hot and the prices were very reasonable.
They had plenty of laundry facilities and plenty of rubbish bins and toilet disposal points.
There are dog bins all over the camp and a very well enclosed dog field. Although I thought the price they charge to take your dogs was excessive. £3 per night per dog as we took 2 dogs it cost more to take them than us.
All the staff were very friendly and helpful.
We didn't have children but there were plenty of play areas for the children, my grandson would have loved the adventure playground.
We wanted to take our daughter to Peppa Pig World for her second birthday and Sandy Balls is quite close to it so I booked it before checking reviews.
Booking online was a piece of cake and by the time Erin got home from work I had booked and paid in full.
Erin then read some rather negative reviews and we were dreading going as we usually steer clear of the big holiday parks.
We need not have worried. As soon as we pulled in at the main reception we were met by a lovely friendly young lady who asked for our name and then handed our welcome pack over.
We were given map directions to our pitch on the north field.
Although it is a big park, each field is split by hedges into small cul de sacs. Making it feel much smaller. Our little road had room for about ten caravans or tents with full service, electric, water, tv and grey water drain that was positioned that on our abbey it was directly below our sink and shower outlets. Heaven. Got to leave our grey water barrel unused.
At the end of our little road were eight eurocamp style tents with kitchens, dining tables and from what I could make out, at least 2 bedrooms, so you wouldn't even need to bring your own.
The site had a proper shop, I think it was a nisa shop, a pub that served eat in or take away food with beer gardens and kids adventure play area, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a pasta restaurant, pool and games rooms and much much more.
My only slight niggle was the shower blocks. Whilst they were spotless and well appointed, there is no control for the shower temp. Just a button to switch on. Erin found this fine as she is used to showering in volcanic conditions but I prefer a more cooler temperature. I just showered in the caravan. Problem solved.
The park was about half full when we were there, but the following week being bank holidays, they would be full to the brim. But with this park, it can take it.
It is so spread out that although the communal areas are bound to be packed, the camping fields will never feel crammed.
Sandy Balls is reasonably local to us, so we decided to stay here over the Easter holidays with the children so I could go to work on some of the days.
The shower and toilet blocks were very clean and the floors dried quickly which helps when you have to put on smart clothes after a shower!
The Italian Restaurant was very good, there was an acoustic guitar band playing all evening which was really nice so we stayed in there all evening with the children, a nice change from the norm.
The Bar and clubhouse was quite interesting, there was a hypnotist on stage on one of the nights, as well as comedians, a nice mix.
The surrounding area is very nice, the forest is lovely and the cycling is very good. There is plenty to do on the site and it's not too expensive to eat.
I was impressed to see that there was a designated waste disposal for each caravan and an aerial for the TV.
Not the cheapest, but when you consider the amenities its money well spent
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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
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
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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 
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 
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 
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 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
No Dog Walk 
Just got back from a long weekend at this site. This is one of the largest campsites that we have visited and despite being out of season it was still quite busy. 
