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Stayed in April 2013 on a recommendation from a work colleague. Superb site, beautiful surroundings, excellent friendly staff. Great uninterrupted views across the valley and forest. In fact the only interruption was caused by a daily visit from the local deers, hoping the fences to graze in the late afternoon sun. Great walks, excellent for the dog!
We used to love this site when it was run by the Forestry Commission. It's now been handed over to the Camping and Caravanning Club which has resulted in an astronomical rise in prices, no improvement in facilities and the introduction of CCC wardens who must all be ex prison wardens. For some bizarre reason the site is busier than ever making it near impossible to find a suitable pitch at the required distance from other units (wardens are watching) - why do they let so many people book in? oh yes, silly me it's to make more money!
Although the location is stunning it's just not worth the hassle and we wont be returning.
We stayed for a long weekend in August and site was busy but didn't feel overcrowded. The facilities were good with nice showers. There were mainly families staying so there wasn't much noise after 10pm which we appreciated having young children.
A lot of the pitches were sloping but it didn't really cause us any problems. Would definitely stay here again
Stayed here for one rainy night, and the site was not busy, so we had our choice of pitches, wherever we wanted to go. A lot of the site was sloping though, so in reality, there was not a lot of choice.
The site is quite large and has three toilet/amenity blocks, although the nearest one to us was actually closed - I'm not sure why. Toilet block was clean and large - free showers and also free hot water for washing up etc. I didn't see any power sockets for hairdryers or mobile phone charging, but maybe there were some in another place - I didn't go everywhere.
Location wise, you are right on the edge of the forest, so really lovely. There is a small shop at reception selling basics, and a code-operated barrier for getting in and out. I think it it locked at night, but this didn't affect us. Our stay was slightly spoiled by the incessant rain and howling wind, but in theory, I would return to this site if in the area.
Just got back from a rainy week. As the weather was quiet poor the campsite was nearly empty.
Camped down the hill near the gate, upside is that with dogs the entrance to the fantastic Forest of Dean is right next to the tent. Bad side is that the sun takes ages to get round and there is little wind to dry the tent out, maybe next time camp further up the hill.
This was our third time at the site in two years, the staff were lovely as ever, telling us that we could pitch were we liked.
The toilets and showers were always clean and as you can imagine never busy.
The trouble with such a large grassed site is that the grass cutter is always out which means that you traipse cut grass everywhere.
There was a good shop over at Christchurch which is just a walk or small drive away.
Visited Saracen's Head which makes the walk in rain worthwhile, great pub with great beer and a great menu.
Had a walk along the river at Ross on Wye, lovely town with a great chip shop.
I cant fault the location but this is just about the only thing which is good about this campsite. The field resembled a posh golf course except it was covered in loose grass which gets everywhere.
The facilities for a campsite this expensive are poor in my opinion and require updating as previous reviews have mentioned.
We were only staying for 2 nights but had to leave early. I explained this on arrival and was told they lock you in over night and we could only get out by ringing a bell to get a warden up.
On departure we were met by a warden who questioned why we were leaving asking 'whats the emergency?' We explained we had to get to work and that we had told them this on arrival.
We explained we had to get to work and that we had told them this on arrival. He said he doesnt class going to work as an emergency!! After explaining to him we were not prisoners and could leave when we wanted he reluctantly let us out.
Apparently this is for 'Our safety' More like their control! Wont be back here again
We visited here for the jubilee weekend, and despite the weather not being that great, it rained nearly every day, we had a great time.
The campsite is large, but nicely informal. It is just down the hill from the christchurch site so you can still use their shop for urgent supplies.
The toilet and shower facilities were fine and clean. I didn't have to queue but there was a queue when I finished, so I guess I was little earlier than most people.
There is plenty to do locally, we enjoyed Symonds Yat which is pretty little commune with cafes and a couple of pubs. The rock is worth a visit for the views.
My boyfriend went for a dawn walk in the surrounding woodlands and saw deer, but sadly no wild boar, too early for me.
Also the international birds of prey centre is well worth a visit.
The recommended pub was the dog and muffler on berry hill which was lovely, we missed food as we got there too late. Chatting to a local they recommended the butchers in Coleford as a proper butchers - but we didn't get the opportunity to try them out.
I have been staying at bracelands and christchurch sites for the last thirty years due to its close proximity to my home, previously totally owned by the forestry commission, now managed by the camping and caravan club, there used to be a third site called woodlands which allowed motorhomes and caravans only to camp actually in the forest, now woodlands has been shut and mega expensive wood lodges have been built, the sites are perfect for any type of forest holiday as the surrounding scenery is outstanding,
The sites are very low key and facilities are just about adequate though mid summer weekends when the sun shines its a nightmare for space, showers etc, both christchurch and braceland are now sadly in need of updating, and quickly, also since the camping and caravan club have taken over (I am a member) they have forsaken any upgrading of theses ancient facilities in favour of the expensive lodges they rent out,
To stay here is not cheap and does not represent value for money in my opinion, the wardens though friendly impose too many rules and regulations and march around the site like police officers, even telling my grandson to stop throwing his plastic dutch arrow,
I will continue to stay here because I love the forest but it has been neglected in favour of the club chasing the big money from the lodges.
Over the Jubilee weekend we decided to escape the madness and join some friends camping at Bracelands. The weather was atrocious, so it was not the best experience, unfortunately the nightmare didn't end with the rain!
We found the campsite relatively easily, and checked in. The check in process was simple and we were advised whereabouts our friends were. Although busy there was ample space on side, and we managed to get close to our large group (around 35+ people).
Irritatingly pretty much the whole site is on a slight slope, so although it was not horrific I did feel like I was sliding the whole night!
The weather didn't let up at all and so on the first evening we decided to erect our Gazebo, almost as soon as it was up, we were approached by two wardens telling us to take it down. We were all very upset that we had to sit in the rain with our BBQ, despite there being more than enough space between our tents for the gazebo to be erected without bothering anyone else.
Even more irritatingly was when the wardens came back about an hour later (when we were all soaked through to the skin) to say that management had changed their minds and we could put it up for a cost of £10!
The facilities were clean and warm, the area was beautiful, but needless to say I won't be returning!
We visited at the beginning of May for just one night with a party of 4 mums and 5 children ranging in age from 8 to 13. Because of all the rain we had had since the drought began we phoned to check site was open. It was but recommended we stick to the higher part of the site. In fact only small patches of the lower site we soggy. Better to be safe than sorry especially as more rain was predicted.
There was plenty of room even though it was the bank holiday weekend due to the cold, wet weather I suspect.
The toilet block we used had plenty of showers and toilets and were surprisingly mud free.
Our children enjoyed the woods and we had a very early (5am) visitation from a herd of deer. Much to the disappointment of some of our party we didn't see any evidence of wild boar!
Symonds Yat is close by and certainly worth a visit. Its a 5-6km walk from the site or a short drive.
Only downside apart from the dire weather was the midges but they were more of a nuisance then the biting kind.
Booked for two nights and were able to choose our pitch. Large site with plenty of space. Site is hilly but we chose our pitch in the middle which was fine.
Only one shower block open so had to queue. Hot water and clean though. Quiet site although lots of kids. Dog friendly. Wonderful views and miles of great walks in Forest for dogs.
Symonds Yat only three miles away with great pub (Saracens head). Camp shop nearby in Christchurch campsite.
New inn is close by and a nice pub? Great for cyclists with many trials in the forest. Will be back
We have just returned from a long weekend away at this campsite, the busiest weekend of the year!. And what a LOVELY time we had! This was only my second camping experience in my lifetime and was a pleasure.
We arrived quite late in the evening but the friendly staff were there to welcome us at the gate and check us in, showing us where the facilities were located and where we could pitch. There was plenty of room and we found a great pitch very close to the first shower block. Although on a slight slope, we didn't find this an issue.
The facilities were GREAT! Lovely HOT water for washing greasy dishes and the showers were ALWAYS hot! The only time there was a queue was between 7-8. 30 in the morning and let's face it. I was on holiday so a shower at 10 suited me - no queues! The facilities were cleaned regularly and there was always plenty of toilet roll. The only time there was an issue was when some inconsiderate people staying on the site failed to clean up after themselves! The site was buzzing with lot's of children and families and was safe enough for my 8 year old daughter and her friend to ride their bikes around the site, safely. Even though there were dogs there, owners seemed responsible and kept them on leashes and cleaned up after them.
The noise levels at night diminished after 10. 00 and it was quite peaceful to enjoy a good nights sleep.
The views were lovely and we enjoyed a very pleasant bike ride through the woods down to the river and along to Symmonds Yacht, although quite hilly, there and back.
There was a good shop located at the previous site near Bracelands at the top of the hill which offered a cafe, and shop selling some of the essentials you may need, including beer!
Although there was no park located at Bracelands, for the children to play in, this could be found at the other site which was about a 5 min walk away.
We will definitely be revisiting this site and look forward to another pleasant camping experience.
Superb location for visiting this part of the UK. Close to great amenities and activities such as puzzle wood, sculpture trail, biblins bridge, canoeing and cycling all very close by. This was our fourth visit here in10 years and we just keep coming back as there is so much to do.
There are some great pros. Woodland adjacent is great for den building and walks. The newly refurbished main shop is better than the old hut that used to be there. The open pitching is a real bonus if you are travelling with a few families. Splendid views.
Cons. Toilets and showers. They were the downside. The block at the furthest field were closed apart from weekends. It's then a very long walk at night. Even during the day the showers were roped off. The newer block by the entrance gate was better. The middle block also seriously needs refurb.
Other than the toilets, a superb site. Come on forest holidays, there are a lot of people here spending a lot of money. I have stayed on much cheaper smaller sites where toilet facilities have been miles better. There have been no visible signs of refurb in all the years I have come here, its not really on. Other than that, can't fault it.
The area is lovely, the camp site is on a slope in most parts but this was no problem, it added to the fun. The woods are fabulous for the children to go all 'feral' in and although it is a huge site, I found all the other campers respectful and it went dead as a doornail at 10pm when it was dark.
However, the showers are very weak and most of them you have to press on every few seconds and quite a few times my friends and I could not get them back on ! When the site was full there was no where near enough showers and toilets. Also four toilets packed up in the middle block. It was pretty grim. They would be better off having more showers and toilets and then when the site is under capacity close some off to save the money etc and staff costs. Having said that, the area and things to do are fabulous. I am 50/50 as to if I would bother returning.
We camped here over August Bank Holiday 2011 for three nights, and I have to say that I was very disappointed with the overall experience.
On arrival, we were told we could pitch where we wanted, but we were then given a long list of rules and regulations for the site, some of which are necessary, but some seemed to be rules for the sake of rules.
The site is very sloping, but we did manage to find a flatish area about halfway up the site, although not everyone was so lucky - there were several tents which had to pitch at precarious angles!
As it was Bank Holiday weekend, the site was very full. Consequently the toilet & shower blocks were very very busy, with queues every day for the showers seemingly no matter what time you went, not helped by the fact that the blocks were completely closed at certain points in the day for cleaning. Some the facilities are very outdated and not in great condition. The block at the top of the site seemed to have been recently renovated and looked much nicer than those further down the site. Unfortunately I never got to use the newer showers though as, on the one occasion I chose to queue at the new block, the staff came along and closed it for cleaning, cutting off the queue and telling us to leave!
This should be a lovely site as it is in a fabulous location, but I was disappointed by the poor facilities, the unfriendliness of the staff and the number of petty rules and regulations. In addition, it is not cheap to camp at Bracelands, yet it is a very basic site & does not really provide value for money. I certainly would not camp here again.
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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
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 
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 
Stayed in April 2013 on a recommendation from a work colleague. Superb site, beautiful surroundings, excellent friendly staff. Great uninterrupted views across the valley and forest. In fact the only interruption was caused by a daily visit from the local deers, hoping the fences to graze in the late afternoon sun. Great walks, excellent for the dog! 
