Winter Camping at Chatsworth House Caravan Club Site

Winter camping at it's best has to be at Chatsworth Caravan Club site, near Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Camping in November in minus temperatures isn't everyone's idea of fun, but as long as you are not in a tent, what's the problem?

This site was closed this year until until summer for a re-vamp, and as far as we can tell, the only changes are a brand new shower/toilet block, which is FANTASTIC, the reassuringly high standard of facilities you always get with the Caravan Club, and improved hard standings.

This site is incredibly popular, and bookings need to be made months in advance. It's open all year round, (all pitches are hard-standing with hook-up) and was fully booked in the middle of November. Not a spare pitch to be had. And no wonder. The location is just amazing. Set in a walled garden, find the secret gate and you are straight in the grounds of Chatsworth House. From there a 10 minute stroll, slightly uphill, takes you to the house, shops, courtyard and gardens. A 25 minute flat walk alongside the river takes you to the Carlton Lees Garden Centre, and there are many more walks available on the estate and surrounding villages. The village of Baslow is a 15 minute flat walk, with pubs and a great restaurant (take a torch for walking back and remember your key to the secret gate!)

Points to be aware of: the children's play area is pretty small, bikes are not allowed on the Chatsworth Estate (but you can cycle from the site into Baslow and beyond), and the entrance road to the site is very long and narrow (with passing places). The wardens are VERY STRICT about access times, which, out of necessity, has to be properly managed. Strictly no arrivals are permitted before 1 pm and pitches have to be vacated by 12 noon. No exceptions. But this makes sense, as we would not want to meet another 'van on entry or exit.

To stay on this site, book early, pack your Barbour and Hunter wellies and live like a Lord or Lady for the few days you are there.

Image above: November sunrise, Chatsworth House Caravan Club Site, November 2008

Copyright AvailablePitch.com, 2008