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Date of Visit: January 2014
Unit: Other
Reviewer: Webmaster
Please be aware that this site will be closing for touring bookings as of 28th February 2014. It now has luxury wooden lodges for hire only. No tents or caravans any longer.
The site is in a beautiful setting within the Forest of Dean and, as we went in September, there was plenty of space. The staff were very welcoming and the shop sells delicious croissants. Lovely!
The only negative thing I can comment on was the weird and baffling yelling coming from the cabin area behind our tent which went on throughout the night we were there. We decided that the noise was either down to a bunch of people looking for their dog, child or confused grandparent or down to a film crew shooting a Blair-Witch-type film. Eerie.
Arrived in the very nice reception area and shop with restaurant. Friendly check in and advised to pitch any where as long as it was at least six meters away from other tents. Great freedom we thought however being August and arriving late not much choice of pitches left (so arrive early if you want a good pitch).
Pitch sizes were good and pizza was good in the restaurant. This is about as positive I can be about this site. The toilet blocks were disgusting the worst site I have ever been in the loos were half broken the sinks and tile were cracked the grouting dirty. But the worst thing was the washing up facilities wooden draining boards (alive with bacteria). I refused to use the showers and came home early smelling!
Reception looks lovely but what a ridiculous set up, the shop sells 'yummy mummy ' food but not anything remotely useful.
The loo blocks are terrible, really badly set out. If they can spend money on the reception then they can invest in decent loo blocks.
Lovely setting but spoiled by tents crammed in on top of each other and very expensive. Stupidly paid for three nights but abandoned after one due to weather and general dislike of the site.
We have been coming to this campsite for many years and have just spent another weekend there. We have seen this site develop positively over the years although there are a few quirks. The reception area with cafe and shop is now a real asset and instead of a few grumpy old men running the site the staff are more friendly and welcoming.
As has been noted the shower block could do with an update. The water is adjustable temperature wise and can be really hot and plentiful but comes from a fixed shower head. As campsite showers are the world over, there is never enough space to shower and keep your clothes dry and enough hooks or chairs to put things on. I end up going for a shower at a quiet period and leaving things in the main area. I hope when they modernise things they think of modern camping with family rooms and wash basins in cubicles and avoid shower curtains!
The washing up facilities that are outdoors have better sinks. The ones in a room have wooden draining boards that don't drain. The water however is usually very hot which is a real plus.
I love this campsite because of it's setting and we put our Campervan without hookup at the bottom of the field where it is really flat. I am a pensioner but do not mind the children as there is never music or loud parties, it is not that kind of site, even on Bank Holidays.
It is open in winter and once we were there for New Year when they arranged a party. The walks from the site are endless and we have done 'Go Ape' and canoeing and the grandchildren love the freedom of cycling without traffic but it is the forest and the peace and the walking we love best.
It is pricey I think and I really don't think they should make you pay for 3 nights over Bank holidays as I know that has put several of my friends off from coming to join us even when the site was half full. It is our default campsite what ever the weather but then we do have a cosy campervan.
If you want peace and quiet give this a miss, especially on weekends and when kids are off school.
The staff were lovely but made it very clear that we were not to pitch within 6 metres of anyone else, so we didn't. Well, weekend came and it was a free for all, kids running riot everywhere, and someone had pitched just 2 metres from us while we were out.
Showers/toilets in need of updating. Showers are far too powerful, like being showered with needles, with no adjustments. The only place to put ALL of your toiletries is a soap dish, no hooks inside shower itself.
Dishwashing area had a lot of bugs in one sink which looked like cockroaches but they weren't they were much bigger.
Shop was lovely but very expensive.
Area amazing for walks and trips out.
All in all, if you don't mind living on top of each other, with kids running riot everywhere then this is the place for you. If you want peace and quiet then go midweek or go somewhere else.
Just returned from a few days camping at Christchurch in The Forest of Dean. Location of the site was excellent. Very helpful reception staff and lovely shop/cafe. The toilet/shower block was the worst I have come across. Really needs updating. No sink cubicles, no tables or chairs in the showers to put clothes. Toilets always rather dirty with toilet roll everywhere as the dispenses didn't work properly.
If you are planning on doing any cycling there are no cycle paths directly from the campsite. We drove to Pedalabikeaway cycle centre which was about 10 minutes away. This is a brilliant cycle centre with all levels of cycle routes as well as cycle hire if needed. We did a 12 mile circular family route which was ideal for us with 2 children (ages 6 and 9). There is a little detour off the circular route down to a beautiful lake and also where Go Ape is based. Well worth the 1. 5km detour.
Puzzlewood is also well worth a visit and Beechenhurst lodge has a great climbing tower which the kids loved. Also you start the Sculpture trail from here.
Visited this site over the BH weekend at the end of May as I was running a trail run at the nearby Speech House.
We were glad we booked as we arrived at about 6. 30pm on the Friday night and found space with relative ease but the site filled rapidly and not everyone respected the 'no pitching within 6m rule'.
The reception building is lovely, obviously recently updated and the staff were helpful despite being very busy. The option of getting a hot meal was quite tempting and the selection of local bottled beers to buy were too, but the shop did seem pricey and ran out of things like milk quite quickly.
The toilet blocks are definitely the weakest point of the whole site. They are dated but their appearance was worsened by the toilet paper that ended up being spread around because the dispensers don't work properly. If you overlooked this then they were reasonably clean and the showers were certainly powerful. Until the Monday morning when there was no water. Thankfully I hadn't got into a shower with my 3 year old at that point but one lady had just shampooed her hair when it went off :-(
There are some nice walks from the site, and a reasonable play area for kids. There were lots of big groups but these were mostly families so noise wasn't really a problem.
Overall I would stay again, but will definitely investigate alternatives before next year's trail run as the toilet blocks really do let it down. I hope they do some refurbishment in the off season.
On the plus side there is loads to do in this area, especially for families: Beechenhurst Lodge has the sculpture trail; Puzzlewood is where they film bits of Doctor Who and Tree Fu Tom, and the railway just across from the latter is great for little kids.
I stayed for 3 nights free out of 4 nights at this site courtesy as a prize from UKCS for my tent review of the Hypercamp Escala 4.
It is my first visit to a Camping in the Forest sites, and the location of this site did not disappoint, being right in the middle of the Forest of Dean, within walking distance from Symonds Yat Rock which was definitely worth a visit.
Plenty of walks leading directly from the site itself. There is also a cycling centre not far from the campsite that offers a number of cycle routes with different ability ratings.
I did not visit the cycle centre as I was not fit enough to do more than a couple of loops around the camp site with the dog running next to the bike on a suitable lead.
Being the low season, only one facilities block was opened, and there was no shortage of hot water.
The cleanliness of the facilities are adequate, however, they could benefit from more frequent high level cleaning.
There was no stool or shelf in the shower cubicle to put anything down, like the usual shampoo and soap etc. , which I found a tad inconvenient.
The lighting and heating in the toilet/shower room is operated by a single motion sensor placed on top of the door. Be prepared to find yourself in the dark if you spend too long inside a cubicle when the camp site is quiet at night!
There was no plug for the sinks in the dishwashing room, and I needed to provide my own. Again, I found that a tad inconvenient.
The visitors centre on site has a shop attached to it, which is well-stocked with food, drinks and other provisions, primarily aimed at the those who are staying at the cabins IMHO, as the selection of camping-related items was rather limited.
I cannot comment on the prices as I did not need to purchase any provisions.
WiFi is rather expensive at 5 GBP a day, and allegedly only work at the visitors centre. However, I found I managed to get good mobile internet reception using my 3-mobile dongle in my tent.
The staff were helpful and friendly.
I only needed to pay for 11.50 GBP for the extra night, as I received a discount of 2.00 GBP being a solo camper, and another discount of 3.50 GBP being a member of the C&CC, which I considered as good value for money.
There is a play area for kids which looked well-equipped to me.
In summary, a site at a great location, somewhat let down by the facilities.
I may try their other site nearby, namely Bracelands, as the main facilities block that was opened appeared to be better maintained when I went to check it out. Hopefully, I shall be fitter and can manage a few miles at the cycle centre.
Great time. We went to christchurch site recently and had a great time, we went canoeing which reception booked for us, it was good fun we also went to the New Inn which was recommended by the staff, real good food, the site shop had a quiz night on, we joined in. We found the site staff really helpful,
One lady who was working in reception was great very welcoming and helpful, very knowledgeable about the campsite and the company
The shower blocks were dated and need of update, the site was not busy so had some nice areas to choose from, didn't see meny staff on site apart from when they cleaned the toilets, would definitely return, my son enjoyed his chocolate pizza, the food was good and not a bad price, they also sell great gifts especially the bagged sweets,
Good Campsite, look forward in going back, would recommend.
Nice family/dog friendly campsite with the forest on your door step. More sheltered than bracelands and had a nice children's play area. Showers and loos a bit grubby (to be expected on a wet weekend) but plenty of hot water and they were cleaned every day.
There is an attractive visitors centre/shop/cafe which sold hot food to eat in or take away. (highly recommend the pizzas and chocolate croissants) hot drinks and alcohol rather expensive so we used the local shop/off licence down the lane across the crossroads to purchase cold beer and wine.
There was a children's play area which kept our daughter very happy. Lots of walks on your door step, we walked to symonds yat which had an amazing view and the saracens head pub down by the river wye where you can get good pub food. We will go back again that's for sure.
Pros -
forest on door step family/dog friendly play area the croissants of course!
Cons -
expensive shop shower/loo block bit grubby water in pot washing area not always warm
Finding this site was a bit of 'Fun' we aproached from the Hereford direction and foolishly turned down a road that stated do not follow satnav and not suitable for HGVs be warned if towing don't be tempted to follow this route, by-pass it and carry on through following sigs for Coleford.
Once at the site the reception staff were friendly and helpful. The site as stated does slope, especially for the elec. Hook-up areas. Despite there being many empty spaces available upon arrival the pitch we found least sloping still stretched the vans legs to fully extended to get a satisfactory level. This in turn effects the erection of awnings but once up all was good.
The site facilities (showers / washing) we a little dated and looking slightly tired in comparison to the reception / shop / cafe but were totally acceptable with good hot water.
The site filled up as you'd expect during a peak week but facilities coped pretty well although a second quick sweep of the toilet block would not have gone amiss during the day.
The camping field was quite packed with room for a caravan, awning and a car all in a line abreast. There was only just enough room to open both sides of the car when parked up. (we do not have a big unit) Some visitors couldn't manage it)
The site has good access to local facilities and shops with some good walks available from the site. If cycling is your bag you can ride to Canop Cycle Centre about 4 miles away using some little cycle ways or ride to Coleford and ride up the old railway.
Do your homework before you go though as some of the local maps are hard to follow (could have been just me though)I hired bikes from the site and although cheapish I'd not hire from there again as the bike when I was there needed a full service with some being in a dangerous condition in my opinion.
So. On the plus side the Site is good over-all, with good facilities and the location is pretty good for getting out and about. Staff are helpful.
The only 'Con' being the sloping pitches but to be honest did not pose too much of an issue.
On the whole I would recommend a visit to the site and the area as a whole offers some stunning walks and activities but book these before you go and compare prices as the activities do fill up.
We had never been to the Forest of Dean and will be back:overall this is a good site in a lovely area.
Positives: although advertised as sloping this is generally gentle, it is set in a lovely little dip surrounded by the forest. The hot water in the showers is easily controllable and at good pressure, and the facilities are generally clean and well maintained.
There is a nice little playground although not used much by our party due to the age of our children- mainly teenage- good for 5-10 year olds I would think.
The Forest Retreat- shop and reception is incredible, air conditioned and bang up to date, containing a well stocked shop and cafe. There is a smashing walk to Symonds Yat from the site, through the forest, I am sure there are other walks but no easily accessible signs or guides and as we were only there for three nights we didn't find any more.
The stars are wonderful, and the site quite noisy up until 10. 30, but mainly children, and quietens down completely after that. Only a short drive to Coleford where there are supermarkets and little shops.
However, as mentioned by other reviewers, it does feel as though all the investment is for the cabin customers and shop and activities priced accordingly. The shower block and washing up area are fine but nothing like the Forest Retreat, they are a bit tired and showing their age.
There are forest activities with the Ranger, but these again are ambitiously priced, £10 for an adult, £8 for a child, so out of our price range, which was a shame.
The worst thing was the freezer blocks though, 50 p to freeze one small block, you had to ask, no sign, and when I went to get them back was made to feel like I was being a major nuisance and didn't get back my own blocks- I am sure it can't be beyond such a large team and slick operation to work out how to run a freezer block freezing system!
All that said, I would return, we had beautiful walks in the forest, went canoeing(recommended) and the Sculpture trail and Beechenhurst lodge well worth a visit.
Spent 4 nights there recently with grandson and overall had a great time. This was helped by the weather though as it was the only blazing hot week we've had so far!
As stated before site is sloping but it wasn't that bad. It was a well kept sight with hot, free showers that I didn't have to queue for once.
The shop and cafe is excellent. I spent a lovely hour sipping a glass of wine whilst grandson rode around the site on his bike. He loved the playground, and because it's family friendly there were plenty of children for him to play with.
Also location is superb, we went canoeing, walking, pony trekking and sight seeing and all were within easy travelling distance.
On the downside though I agree with other reviews the facilities were geared towards the cabins and you did feel like the 'poor relations' on the campsite. The dish washing facilities were basic and there was never any hot water. Even at 7:00 am!
We paid to go on 2 forest activities and I wouldn't recommend them. The first one was entitled 'Forest survival' so we were expecting den building etc. It was basically a walk in the forest with the occasional stop to talk about trees etc. At £18 for the 2 of us I could have done it myself for free. The other one was the dusk walk. This was slightly better as we listened to bats with the ranger's detector and I wouldn't venture into the forest on my own after dark, however it was again just a walk.
We stayed at this site 8th & 9th with our two boys 8 & 5years old. Friendly reception and an offer of help when setting up the van by one of the wardens. Beautiful surroundings, and planet of room for the boys to run around and play football etc. There is aplay area for the kids.
The tourer pitches we all on a slope so take levelling blocks with you. Toilet facilities were fine, cleaned daily (11am till 12. 30 to make sure you shower early) There are 6 showers with great hot water and fab pressure. Plenty of sinks and plenty of washing up sinks and always toilet paper.
The site is located on the edge of the forest with loads of forest walks nearby. We did the Symonds yat walk to the rock and viewing point for the peregrine falcons, well worth the walk to see them in the wild. The view itself is stunning. The site itself has a great shop, and cafeteria with a terrace overlooking the site.
The pitches seems a little close together but were informed it was 6meters all around. The site was about 70% full and did not feel crowded in any way. Our kids enjoyed it and want to go back to it’s a hit for us, an all round good family site in spectacular surroundings.
We left the site at 2pm so there was no real rush to get away. Only down side was at time the reception and shop were run by the same women meaning a wait for both and she didn’t stop bless her.
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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 
No Statics 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 
No Baby Changing 
No Laundry 
No 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 
No Wifi Access 
No Shop 
No Bar 
No Restaurant 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
No Cycle Hire 
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 
No Dog Walk 
Please be aware that this site will be closing for touring bookings as of 28th February 2014. It now has luxury wooden lodges for hire only. No tents or caravans any longer. 
