Woodland Caravan Park Revisited

The sun came out at last, and everyone was looking for available pitches for the weekend – including us. We were very fortunate to get in at Woodland Caravan Park,just outside Ashbourne in Derbyshire.
This is a new site; it only opened at Easter 2007 and we were invited to their launch day, so it was great to actually stop for the weekend. The setting of the Park is delightful and access is a doddle, being almost immediately off the A515. The level spacious pitches have been thoughtfully integrated into the ancient woodland, and the pitches arranged so that you do not directly overlook your neighbours or the folks opposite. The dappled sunlight through the trees is enchanting, and the natural woodland and bracken setting creates a lovely restful atmosphere.

Linda-Jane and Charles are working extremely hard to make this site a very special place. The shower and toilet block are kept scrupulously clean and there is a useful laundry room (sleeping bags washed and dried in a trice). L-J is also planning to put a microwave oven in there too for the use of caravanners shortly. Exclusive walks in their grounds can be arranged with the gamekeeper, although we did it DIY and got hopelessly lost, and somewhat covered in cow dung and nettle stings. I understand that signposts to help the cartographically challenged are imminent.

Ashbourne is a short drive away, and the site is very convenient for Dovedale and Ilam. However, on a rare hot and sunny weekend, Dovedale was more like Blackpool, with hundreds of people picnicking, paddling, boating and sunbathing.

Back to Woodland, and we were pleased to see food available from The Two Women in a Kitchen (the Lemon Drizzle Cake is still wonderful), and special orders are taken. Five minutes walk down the lane is a stall selling plants at extremely welcome prices. There is a pub within walking distance, but it’s a reasonable hike, and uphill on the way back.

We loved this site – its less than 20 miles from home and the very warm welcome from L-J and Charles makes you instantly relaxed. We’ll be back in Autumn when the trees will be particularly wonderful and the crowds should have gone from Dovedale.