Though not far away for me, this was my first visit to the Stamford site (I wish it were still called Top Lodge - Stamford is nearly 8 miles away). I had been put off the site previously as it is a bit cut off with no public transport nearby and limited things to do for those in motorhomes who stay put once pitched. No surprise that caravans were much in the majority. But if you just want to chill, and are not concerned about the lack of a toilet and shower block, I can recommend this place. Reviews show regular complaints about noise. The site is adjacent to the very popular Fineshade woods with it’s children’s playground, huge car park and café. Pitch on the south-east side of the site and you may be affected by this. No coincidence that when I left the site on a Tuesday, more than half the hard standings on that side were vacant, in contrast to the opposite side where hard standings were full. On pitch 35 it was extraordinarily peaceful. This is a very relaxing place, but good weather helps. I prefer to do things, visit places and city noises are not of concern. Thus, whilst I enjoyed it here for a few days, it’s not a site that I would quickly return to. That is my personal view and what I find discouraging will be positive for many. For those with cars, or who will move their motorhome, there are places to go: Rutland Water, Stamford, Burghley, Peterborough, Uppingham, Kirby Hall, Barnsdale, the many extremely beautiful villages of Rutland and much more are all easily accessible. A day can be spent walking the local forests or to the nearby village of King’s Cliffe - a village with an awful part and a wonderful part with many historic buildings. The trails around the adjacent Fineshade wood are very well managed but once you’ve done one of these they don’t bear repetition. I managed to get to Stamford by cycling to the lovely Rutland village of Barrowden (2.5 miles) and catching the 12 Centrebus. This can also take you to Uppingham in the other direction. Stamford is a lovely historic town but utterly choked with traffic which spoils it. There are many churches to visit. You could walk to Burghley House from here. One could cycle to Stamford but the direct route involves very busy and decidedly hilly roads and I am too old for that. The site itself is a nice, well-kept, medium size with more grass pitches than hard standings. Some of the hard standings are rather small and others very far from level. It took me three goes to find a pitch I could realistically stay on – a very rare thing for me. Even then I still needed blocks, which I have not used in some time. Contrary to what some have said, my Vodafone signal was fine with flawless 4G. TV, however, was one of the worse I have experienced despite trying all local transmitters. The wardens were very friendly and helpful. The peace and quiet and the woods are the attraction here but, in my view, the only attraction for motorhomers. For those in caravans it is a much better prospect.
