Write your own Review to win £150 of Amazon Vouchers!
If you've ever visited this campsite please submit a review for your chance to win! Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win £150 of Amazon vouchers. Leave as many reviews as you can for more chances - it only takes a few minutes
We spent 4 days at this site and found the site to be well laid out and maintained. The location was great and we were able to go walking either from the site or from within a very short drive (to save the children an extra 4 miles!).
The staff were all very friendly and the pitches were generous enough to accommodate larger tents. The site was very rural in its location which was good, but within a 15 minute drive there was a small town with a good range of shops and a couple of supermarkets.
The only disappointment, and I only mention this in the hope that it prompts the owners to remedy the problem, was the hot water supply. On several occasions the hot water pressure was non-existent-literally. The hot taps and showers were all the 'press for a set time of water flow' type and sometimes nothing would come out. Nothing at all. Not very useful if you are washing greasy dishes from your morning bacon and eggs.
My husband had to endure 2 cold showers. In the ladies there was a sign informing campers that a new water pump had been installed and that if your shower started juddering you should go to the cubicle next to you and press the shower button in there. While my shower did not 'judder' it did occasionally pulse from hot to cold water. As I had a head full of conditioner at the time, I did not fancy leaving my cubicle to press the button in the shower next to me.
We did enjoy our visit to site, but we benefited from some good weather and relatively warm nights. Cold mornings and cold showers do not mix.
For the size of the site this problem really should have been sorted out.
First visit to this site, we went due to good reviews on here.
Only stayed 2 nights. Very lucky with the weather as it was truly lovely. We booked the meadow as main field booked up, but will go on the meadow in future as could not fault a thing. They don't pack people on there and thay allow fire pits.
Nice pub on site, cafe and shop. But not too busy as so spread out.
Our first visit to Rivendale, this was a wonderful experience. The staff were friendly and ever so helpful, and most helpful when we had car problems. The facilities on site were first class, the changing of the convenience code at lunch-time Wednesday caused a little desperation lol. Don't believe all about the total darkness we found a lot of light pollution from the low level lighting. The campsite is based in the Dove Dale area of Derbyshire and it is one of the most beautiful areas in Britain. Local towns and villages are very picturesque, very welcoming, lovely friendly people. On the whole a return visit is on the cards
Nice site, very sheltered located in a disused quarry. We did not need rock pegs as some have found. Found it a little cramped as we have a large tent.
Have the same gripes as other reviewers, washing up facilities not adequate and no hot water for most of the day.
We also found the campsite office staff to be real jobsworths, which annoys me, one of our party wanted to put up a pup tent for his 10 year old to sleep in and they put a quick stop to it, citing fire regs.
Great play area for the kids.
If your not to bothered about hot water and queueing to washing up, this is a really good site, excellently located.
We'll use it again as we only live 30 mins away and love that side of the peaks.
We visited Rivendale over Easter and have mixed views of the site to be honest.
Pros:
•Their desire to be ecofriendly is commendable – the site is recycling on a grand scale as the old quarry has provided a spectacular backdrop to the site
•The toilet block is clean and despite an issue with the hot water one morning, the staff quickly fixed the problem and kept everyone informed of what they were doing to rectify the problem
•The Tissington Trail is just over the road – we had some fantastic bike rides and the trip to Tissington Village is recommended
•The low lighting resulted in some fantastic views of the stars
•The play park is fine for little ones – it is well maintained
Cons:
•We booked a full serviced pitch but these were ridiculously narrow – half the porch awning was over the grass and it quickly became a soggy mess
•Some of the pitches seem very wide with hedges around them – great if you get one of these. However, some seem to be taken by seasonal pitches which limits the availability evidently
•They insisted we put the caravan onto the site nose-first. This is fine if you have a mover but the wife and I struggled without one
•Being an old quarry, the site becomes a sticky mess when wet and the kids and dog walked it into the caravan
•The dog walk is at the entrance to the site so it is quite a trek although the walk over the field is worth it once you get there
•The kids used the central grassed area by the toilet block to play football – our van got hit twice
We would not be going back – it is in fantastic setting and the rocks on the quarry walls are amazing in bright sunshine. Once it rains though, the place becomes very puddly and messy.
First outing of 2010 and it was no disappointment. The site was excellent with a superb, sun-trap backdrop of a quarry. The facilities were first rate with immaculate toilet blocks and a site that seemed to keep a 120 pitches very personable. The pitch size is huge and plenty of space for the largest of tourers but the ground was quite hard (could be the sub-zero temperatures!). A bar, cafe / restaurant and a location 100m from the Tissington trail means plenty to see and do.
The only criticism was that the camp site roads and pitches were made up of a chalky hardcore and thus stuck to shoes (and dogs!) which then trailed into the caravan.
On the whole though a great place to go and we will certainly be back!
Fantastic site, I took the two eldest boys away for 4 days in the motorhome, the people could not do enough to help. All facilities were A1. Tressington Trail just opposite the site was great for geocaching and cycling etc. Will visit again and would recommend. Easy access to Dovedale and just over 6 miles north from Ashbourne. We had friend that made a last minute decision to join us and they rented one of Rivendales camping pods, they also had a great break.
This is a superb site with excellent facilities. Not cheap, but good value. Pitches are spacious, though narrow. We appreciated the hedgerows on the caravan park, as well as its wind free location in a former quarry. It was very windy when we were there. There are two large open camping fields also, one of these is a very long way away from the toilets. The site rents out Mongolian Yurts, again these are very distant from the toilets & other campers. This I'd guess is due to their log fires.
The advertised hot tub was we were told 'unavailable'. It stood near the entrance looking very much disused. Toilets are well equipped & clean (some mould on the ceilings). There is a spacious, well equipped children's play area.
The shop is well supplied. In the same building is a cafe serving cooked breakfasts through to evening meals. Upstairs is a small pub. The food was basic pub grub. Mildly disappointed that there was no real ale on tap!
Nearby there is a good cycling trail as well as many miles of walks. Ashbourne is a good town to visit. We had a great day at Matlock & the Heights of Abraham. Alton towers is about half an hours drive.
Spent a wonderfully sunny weekend here. Unfortunately we booked at rather last minute and were given a large plot used for motorhomes overlooking the tent field. For some reason it was rather smelly, possibly due to the drain on the pitch. The tent fraternity had a wonderful time, quite noisy at times. Ask to be pitched towards the rear of the site where it is far more quiet. Lovely site tho when the tents have gone. Dovedale beautiful, Tissington Trail well worth a walk/cycle.
Down sides:
Lots of owners with dogs who don't clear up after their pets.
Showers - largish but for some reason the female occupants don't seem to clean up after themselves and some of the toilets left much to be desired. Do they treat their own toilets at home the same??? I feel sorry for the people who have to clean these.
Kids play area rather boring.
Seems to be under a flight path.
Good points;
Fantastic night scenery looking at the stars.
Good central point for some of the Peak Districts beautiful sights.
Bril when the tenters went home.
Pleasant staff.
Would we visit again, possibly if we could get a rear pitch.
A family site just off the A50, this site is really easy to get to. The surrounding area is absolutely beautiful and there's plenty to do.
We had a rather unfortunate time at this site. When the heavens open round here, they really appear to open. So we got our campervan stuck.
The campsite is set into 2 rally fields and a main site. Although we didn't explore the main area too much, it appeared to have lots of hard standing and plenty of facilities including an on-site pub.
The facilities were OK, if a little smelly but whilst the showers looked a little odd, they worked very well.
Just returned from a weekend at Rivendale and had a wonderful time with lovely views and friendly staff.
Checking in was simple and we were given a map with our pitch highlighted and told where the shower block and toilets were.
The ground was uneven but it didn't cause us any problems and the pitches were quite well spaced out - we didn't feel too close to the neighbours as we have done on other sites.
Ate in the bar/restaurant and although nothing special on the menu, we enjoyed the food and it wasn't overly expensive. We were also pleased that we could take our dog in with us in certain areas.
The toilets and showers are accessed via a coded door and were spotless and warm.
Would recommend this site and will definitely be returning!
We were both really looking forward to going away this year, so we went to Derbyshire as we'd been two years ago and thought we'd try someone else. Hence finding Rivendale!
Upon arriving, appearances were good, it looked a lovely site, nicely spaced out etc,staff seemed nice. We went the last week of the season so the site was a lot less vacant.
We were instructed were our site was and where the facilities were. After nearly having a heart attack at the distance of how far away from them our pitch was, we were told not to worry, it wasn't as far as it looked.
The ground is hard which we'd anticipated and quite uneven, which we hadn't. Whether that was due to it being late in the season or not levelled correctly, we have no idea?!
Got set up etc and went to inspect the facilities. We wasn't overly impressed. The showers/toilets smelt awful. We understand it is expensive to re-furb these, but they could've tried.
The playground looked good for children (we have none!).
We didn't use the shop because we couldn't work out when it was open. We did use the pub/restaurant the one night it was open (tuesday only) and had food. It was good. Nice and quick service.
We had a loud, disruptful pitch next to us who were making racket till 11.30pm-12.00am so we complained about them and the problem was resolved the following night which we were extremely grateful about!
We stayed on Bindlebode Wood which was for tents etc. It was the furthest away from the facilities which we thought strange! All the caravans/tourers etc have stuff on them, so why are they put right next to all the facilities??! Its too far to trek in the middle of the night when you need the loo!
The barrier was still up at 9am on the one morning we had planned to leave early. When your site seeing, you want to be up and out early as poss for more time! We fitted along side the gap luckily so we were fine. But why its up until 9 is silly!
The site is in a good area if you want to see places (Dovedale, Chatsworth, Matlock, Bakewell, Buxton, Alton Towers etc).
Overall we had a good break away but it could've been better. The cost of pitch was fine but the facilities, or lack of, was not. The road is noisy nearby, but cotton wool in our ears solved that!
Easy to find campsite on the edge of the peak district (but definitely IN the peak district), very well laid out campsite, well organised space in an old quarry site - the edges of which provided wind shelter for those not 'wild'. I must admit I loved the space and natural beauty of the quarry edges.
Friendly and helpful person on the end of the phone when booking, and after short discussion we decided the 'Wild Camping' was for us. And indeed it was!
Low lit lights meant a warmly glow in the evenings, and definitely required torches.
We didn't have children in our party of two, but there were plenty running around and enjoying the area for them near the shower blocks and cycling around the edges of the campsite.
Shower blocks required codes which are changed regularly ensuring kids not running in and out all day and night, pleasant block but no special extras. Tokens for hairdriers (don't forget to buy them before the shop closes though). Plenty of toilets and washing areas all kept to a clean standard.
On site bar 'the prancing horse' very cosy and inviting, perfect for a few before turning in, set in a lovely converted barn.
Nearest pub quite a way - definitely not wobbling distance home, so on-site bar welcome.
Shop provided the necessary goodies you might need or have forgotten (including beer), reception area had everything else covered, maps, guide books etc.
The 'Wild Camping' was on the edge of the quarry, with no electrity or lighting, with by far the most exceptional views. If you have a 2 or 3 man tent, want a fire and views across the neighbouring farmland then this is definitely the place to be, what a treat. It was probably a few minutes walk to the block in the middle of the campsite; so be organised. But totally worth being there, no-one else had a view like we did.
We could still manage to park cars not more than 50 yards away from the tent, so not 'wild' in the remote sense, but definitely not in the middle of the other tents. Nearest neighbour was the big white permanent tent that is rented out with no electricity and great for family (family of 6 in there when we visited). Also slightly out on our limb with us, also another 'wild camp', this one without the terrific views though. So try and pick the top spot!
Recommended, and there will be only one place to pitch if we go back.
We enjoyed out our recent stay here at Rivendale, and would recommend it to others. Our only issue was that when the main pitching area had emptied out and there was only 4 tents quite evenly spaced out, new campers were pitched right beside us even though there was plenty of room for them to have been pitched elsewhere. The spaces are cramped and it would have been better for everyone if the site had decided to space tents out better.
Also it was not until we were there that we found that you can not use your own hairdryer - you have to buy tokens at 30p a go to use 2 in the ladies toilets. Also £2.50 for washing machine token and £2.00 for dryer token. The site was quite so we had no problem using the facilities but I imagine that only one washing machine and one dryer for a site so large could cause problems at peak times.
But we did have a good stay - and these faults do not detract from that.
We stayed at Rivendale for a friends birthday celebration for 2 nights in the middle of August. There were 4 families which included 9 children under 8 years old.
I booked about 4 weeks in advance as there were quite a few of us and I wanted us to be able to be pitched together. We also wanted a fire so booked onto the camping meadow. When we booked the owner taking the booking was very clear that we understood the more 'basic' facilities on the meadow.
The facilities were basic but this was again confirmed with us on arrival (I am assuming that they have had a few complaints!) but they were clean, 3 toilets and 2 showers for women and I assume the same for men! Pot washing with plenty of hot water.
You are allowed to camp anywhere on the meadow and luckily we did arrive early and were able to pitch together but don't think this would have happened if we arrived later as it did get busy.
We pitched at the far end which was quite near the main road and the road noise was loud in the early mornings.
We did enquire about renting a fire pit as was stated on the website but there didn't seem to be any but the owner did find us a very old large BBQ which we used instead.
Didn't use any other facilities apart from kids playground which was disappointing, only one swing.
The main site is very well kept and is very sheltered due to being in a quarry.
We went to Carsington Water for one day and that is fantastic for walking and has a brilliant adventure playground.Well worth it for a day out. Ashbourne and Buxton are both also near enough for day visits (and supermarkets!)
We had a great time and would visit again but probably wouldn't pitch near the road next time!
The staff seemed very friendly.
Previous
268 Reviews in total, now showing 121 to 135Next
Write a Review of this Site to Win £150 Amazon Vouchers
Write a review of this campsite and you could win £150 of Amazon vouchers. Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win! Leave as many as you can for more chances - submit your review here
Common Questions
Is Rivendale Holiday Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Rivendale Holiday Park? 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
No Tents 
No Caravans 
No Motorhomes 
No Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
No 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 
No Toilets 
No Showers 
No Washing Up Area 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
No Laundry 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
No Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
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 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
No Dog Walk 
We spent 4 days at this site and found the site to be well laid out and maintained. The location was great and we were able to go walking either from the site or from within a very short drive (to save the children an extra 4 miles!). 
