We stayed here again this year for the second time, this time for a full two weeks. Our experience started with a seven hour journey from hell which left us arriving at 8.45pm. Nothing for it then but late night arrivals. Not a bit of it. A warden, fresh from her shower arrived and sorted us out. Brilliant!
Apart from having great wardens (again) the site is truly superb, provided of course you like separated areas rather than regimented rows and you enjoy the company of semi-tame Sitka deer. I agree the shower blocks could use an update. I have to say that if the thought of toilets you don't flush worries you then don't come here. FYI they don't smell and are perfectly acceptable (although a touch drafty on the nether regions). They most certainly are not suitable for children (its a long way down to the "dump").
There is noise. The trains sound their horns as they go past the level crossing nearby but you soon get used to that ( unlike being nudged by a deer asking for food when you're half asleep on a lounger). There's also road noise, but not much. I never heard any Quarry noise 'cos we weren't close enough.
Now, the positives. The word "bucolic" describes this site beautifully. In addition it's very close to the Station and that opens up a whole new world of access to local attractions without having to bother about the car (or motorhome). There is a pub nearby but is's mediocre in that the beer isn't brilliant and both it and the food are overpriced. Get a train and go to the Ship at Wool (near the station) instead. Or just laze around the site and enjoy as much peace and quiet as your'e likely to get in our overcrowded little island.
This site isn't for everyone, certainly not for families with young children but for old farts like me and the domestic authority it's worth 7 hours getting to it. Next year? France, which is why I'm sharing this site with you. Believe me I wouldn't have told you if I thought you would rush to it and keep me out next year.
ENJOY.
When we arrived we were very pleased with the site, lovely woods, wildlife and set out in little quiet areas. All was good until our first visit to the toilet. There is a warning in the club book about the toilets which I had failed to read. My mistake, this mistake has taught me a lesson. Read the whole description not just the headlines. So our fault not knowing about the toilets. There was however another gripe in that myself and wife are disabled needing to use the disabled toilets. Unfortunately in the 2 days we did stay each time I tried to use the toilet another camper was either using the disabled toilet to wash her 2 dogs or had just been and left the toilet in a real mess. I was also disappointed in the dog walk, not being able to release my dog for a runaround due to the likelihood of local deer. The warden did suggest a playing field close by but again a sign on that gate stated dogs to be kept on a lead. We had paid for 7 nights but left after 2.
Again I have to say the setting for the site could not be faulted, nor the staff. Just those toilets!!!
We were looking for a fairly local site to test out our new caravan and looked at a couple of other sites first, which as is normal with Caravan Club Sites, were perfectly fine and would have suited. Then we decided to take a look at Crossways and couldn't believe what a fantastic hidden gem we'd come across. You drive in and wonder how it can possibly be a caravan site as there seems to be nothing but trees, then suddenly you start to see the whites of vans through the trees and then you come upon a small glade with a few vans on it, then you turn a corner and there is another small glade and a road going off to the right with yet another little hidden glade. It's positively magical driving through.
We initially checked the site to ensure the disabled facilities would be ok as I have limited mobility, and I have to say the disabled shower room, although a little dated, is clean and functional and I was very happy using it. I was a little dubious about the composting toilets initially, but they were much better than expected and you quickly become used to not having to flush and the slight breeze around your nether regions!
We had plenty of wildlife come to visit whilst we were sat in the awning, including rabbits, squirrel and deer and you can buy deer food at reception to feed them if you would like.
The noise of the train passing by makes you jump a little to begin with, but you very soon get used to it and it doesn't run all night.
I loved this site, and even though it is literally just down the road from us, we will definitely use it again for quick weekend getaways.
I normally tour in a motorhome in which case I would have found the site to be excellent, however this is not the case for tent campers. The site runs close to a road and the tent area is the nearest to this road. A tent has virtually no sound insulation so every vehicle can be heard, and as they only pass by a few metres away, this can be extremely loud. I found the noise to be very unpleasant. The tent area lacks even a fresh water supply which is only available at a nearby shower block. The ground itself is hard and it would be advisable to use 'rock pegs' as standard tent pegs bend when knocked in. The site staff were friendly and helpful as always in a Club site, however I did feel that the facilities were in need of some upgrading, particularly in relation to the toilets and showers. I would not visit this site again if using a tent, and I would suggest that if the Club hopes to attract more tent campers, a re think is required.
Excellent site, fantastically maintained and clean. Very friendly wardens, just an annoying hooter from the train every now and then and slight noise from the Quarry, but overall we loved the site.
This site was one of the best I have stayed on. It was so beautiful and peaceful, even the occasional passing train's whistle was almost charming in the end! There was plenty of space even though the site was quite full. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the whole place was spotless. The one small suggestion would be that the dog walk area could be completely fenced in so that dogs could be let off the lead. However, there are several really lovely walks nearby including a beautiful woodland walk up the road. We will definitely stay here again and I have been recommending the site to everyone, which may be a mistake as I may not find a place next time!
Really unusual silver birch woodland site, with pitches set in small groups. Good selection of birds and wildlife to watch including deer. Everyone welcoming and very helpful. Facilities were always very clean and good standard. The site was kept really well, with 'bug hotels', model train etc all built using birch wood on site. Great variety of interesting places to visit, including the Jurassic Dorset coast.
The site is in an excellent location, very central for all local amminities. The site itself is well laid out and the pitches are a good size. The toilet facilities are ok very clean. The showers are very dated and in need of up dating, the water pressure is very poor. The train and road are not a problem, we beardy heard them. Wild life is all around and made the stay more enjoyable. The wardens are very friendly, helpful and accommodating. We will defiantly be going back.
We visited this site over the Easter Bank Holiday period - very friendly and warm greeting - plenty of pitches to choose from - the site was very peaceful and relaxing - kids were off immediately into the woods exploring and building dens and making new friends - local wildlife coming up to you - deers and pheasants were very approachable! - good location for surrounding attractions eg monkey world, tank museum and lots of dog walks - a very enjoyable stay - will be back again thx