Firstly our experience of arrival was nothing like that described by others recently, and for a very good reason. We never aim to arrive at site at or soon after 1pm, and don't understand those who do to be honest. It's much more relaxing to arrive mid-afternoon, no rushing around to get there, no queues on arrival, just book-in and drive around to choose a pitch then let the office know the number after pitching. No risk of meeting anyone on narrow lanes who has just left site, which used to be a real issue when midday was the time for leaving an arriving. Leave by midday and arrive after 1pm is much better and less stressful for those leaving late morning, which we usually do so that packing-up isn't a rush. Even though we've already stayed at a couple of sites since the arrival time was changed, we had a phone call from the warden the day before we left to make sure we were aware. I don't see how they could do more.
Most pitches here have stunning views, so it's not vitally important to be first to arrive and grab the 'best' view. You can easily move pitch later, the wardens really don't mind this so long as you let them know first. We did this after being on site four nights, even though we had a caravan and awning to uproot it only took an hour. We don't like complaining about people, so we moved because of thoughtless noisy neighbours playing music and talking at a shout all hours, who also had four dogs often loose on site. We did end up with a much better view though, which was a lovely bonus! We left a message for the warden as the office was shut, and bless him he came down on the buggy to see us and swap barrier cards. I think it is sensible to move before one-o-clock though to avoid clashing with new arrivals. If you're in a motorhome I should think moving is even easier.
If people do arrive dead on one o'clock in order to nab the 'best' pitches, I don't know why they think it will necessarily be the pitches with the best views that are empty. Chances are the 'best' ones will still be occupied, unless you're really lucky, so bide your time and move when you can if you care about the pitch location that much.
Just one last point on arrival times. I see some commenting 'only ten minutes early'. The problem is, once it is accepted that you can be ten minutes early and get on-site, or be at the front of the queue, then some bright spark will turn up ten minutes before that and say, 'well I'm only ten minutes earlier' It's just not reasonable to put the wardens under such pressure. Be considerate, give yourself a break, treat a holiday as a holiday not a competition to win, and you'll have a much better stay for it.
Enough about that! The site is stunning. Expensive in school holidays, so won't book then again. Refit only six years ago but already looking a bit tired, and while we were there the electric hook-ups failed in the field due to water ingress. We had a solar panel with us so not a big issue, but some weren't happy.
