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.

Woodland Caravan Park invite AvailablePitch to their Grand Opening

After 4 years hard work, Charles and LindaJane Stanton opened their brand new caravan park in Derbyshire today, and AvailablePitch were there to join in the celebrations and have a good nose round. Greeted with Bucks Fizz and amazing homemade cakes (more about these later), we heard how Woodland Caravan Park came into being.

Whilst not from a camping or caravanning background, Charles and LindaJane got expert advice from Don Amott himself and stayed on his Lincolnshire site, where they picked up lots of hints and tips.

Woodland Caravan Park is the grounds of Snelston Hall, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District. Where once was an old World War 2 building, there now stands a new, top quality building housing the office, reception, laundry, disabled/family wet room, showers and toilets.

Looking to diversify from farming, and using their lovely location, they have created a continental-style park, in a mature woodland setting from which caravanners and motorhomers can explore the paths which run through the 900 acre estate, and the area around Ashbourne itself.

The hardstanding pitches are huge, flat, and with electric hookup. Planning allowed 52 pitches, but they decided on 39 pitches to allow caravanners privacy and plenty of room to relax. Dogs are especially welcome and very well-catered for, with their own fenced woodland area, where they can run around and chase rabbits.

We learned that the cakes were made on the farm opposite the campsite by “Two Women in a Kitchen” and caravanners should ask LindaJane to direct them over the road where they may be able to buy their wonderful products.

When we left, LindaJane was settling new arrivals onto their pitch, whilst Charles was busy putting the finishing touches to the site.

The site is fully booked for Easter, however campers looking for vacant touring pitches for May Day and Spring Bank Holiday are in luck, with some pitches available for caravans and motorhomes. AvailablePitch.com wishes Charles and LindaJane lots of success with their new Derbyshire campsite.