Callow Top Holiday Park--- Second report below
Buxton Road
Sandybrook
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 2AQ

Tel: 01335 344 020 (Mr. A. Palmer)
Fax: 01335 343 726

E-mail: enquiry@callowtop.co.uk
Web site: www.callowtop.co.uk/

EDITOR NOTE. Members of CLIC arrange to meet up on caravan sites up and down the country every so often. This report is about one such meet that took place on the 25th May to the 28th May 2001.

First impressions of Callow Top were a bloody steep hill which had all the front wheel drive cars struggling for grip!
Reception was pleasant enough.

When the site was relatively empty (Midday Friday) it looked like there was plenty of space. But once full the electric pitches looked very cramped and I am sure the closeness of some units were verging on illegal. It doesn’t help that some tents and Trailer tents are now as big as a Van/awning and car!
On the non-electric field however we had plenty of room.

The Toilets were clean and modern, and the site, although obviously busy was tidy and had no litter problem.

It is obviously a commercial site and they try to get every penny from you. We are very rarely charged for Dogs but here we were charged 50p per dog per night, for the awning and for each adult! We didn’t tell them we were pregnant!
The final commercialist nail in the coffin was when they tried to charge Keef £5 to come and see us. If he was going to use the Pool and facilities, then they might have had some justification, but those who know Keef and Hazel will know that this was not the case!

For a family with Kids who want everything on their doorstep, including Pub, it is probably ideal. I prefer a bit of independence and ’quieter’ sites, which is why we usually stick to Club Sites. It met our needs for this meet Ok though but next year I may arrange it at Highfields which is a few miles down the road. And will hopefully be more amenable than Callow Top at putting us all together! It’s also recommended by our own Paul Bingham, although he may not like us disturbing his peace!

Finally the meet was a success, although I am biased. The only problem was not being near each other which made arranging times/dates etc. a bit of a problem!

Edward and Emma Berresford. CLIC. May 2001

ADDED 23/08/01
Snipped from an e-mail sent by Stewart West.

"Please save your holiday. Don’t go there. Our family went and we vowed we would never return."

Stewart went on to say that he and his family had to suffer from a complaining (site owner/warden ?) manager
Some of the complaints were:
His children were told not to leave their bikes outside the shop (presumbaly while inside ?)
Stewart was told that he couldn’t use a bar-b-cue, it would kill the grass, even though he had the BBQ on wooden blocks, and questioned the exitance of any grass at the time he was there.

Some of Stewart’s complaints are:
That there were few water points in the area of the park he was in.
The lack of rubbish bins. It seems the nearest was a skip behind the toilet block.
The small number of toilets and showers.
The very steep banks in and out of this site made walking with his kids difficult.

Callow Top Holiday Park--- Third report below
Buxton Road
Sandybrook
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 2AQ

Tel: 01335 344 020 (Mr. A. Palmer)
Fax: 01335 343 726

E-mail: enquiry@callowtop.co.uk
Web site: www.callowtop.co.uk/

Situated a few miles out of Ashbourne the access is a single track road which goes under a rail bridge, round a corner and then becomes a very steep hill, with....would you believe, speed bumps. You tend to slow to ease over the sleeping policeman then as the front of the caravan dips over it, the car loses traction and you start to wonder if you’ll get to the top

My step-son and his partner had booked a tent pitch for them and a van pitch for us, Have to say we weren’t impressed from the start.

Step-son told us that Monday to Friday it was fairly quiet but it was "heaving" at a weekend.. We saw "pitch marking pegs" for 600 pitches (not all were EH) but only 14 showers and 16 toilets. Apparently the queues for the showers at the weekend were six-deep.

We tried the showers once and never again. 20p for 4 minutes, the water wasn’t particularly hot and there was no stool or folding chair. The clothes hooks on the door had been ripped off. .

No rubbish bins, just a large skip behind the toilet block. The washing machine in the block near to us was "Out of Order" and when I enquired when it would be working, I was told "Don’t know, you’ll have to use the one in the other block"

There is a medium sized swimming pool which we didn’t try.

You get charged for everything, dogs, awning, adults and there is a sign down by the road which says that "Those camping at Callow Top must get permission and pay for visitors"

The field we were in had a gravel hard stand and a grass plot for an awning. Apparently it is very difficult to get even rock-nails into the gravel. I paced out the distance between our pitch and the next and from hard standing to hard standing was 10 metres. However, the road between the two rows of pitches was very narrow and had there been someone on the pitch opposite me, I’d have had a bit of a job reversing onto my pitch. And my car and unit isn’t as long as some.

In the next field, the grass plots had a row of leylandi in the middle which obviously cut down on the size of the pitch.

As a previous post says, this is probably an ideal site for families who want everything close to hand but I guess we have been spoilt by Caravan Club sites and so we weren’t over-impressed with the place. Certainly wouldn’t go back again.

Jack & Gill Baker. CLIC. July 2005

Callow Top Holiday Park
Buxton Road
Sandybrook
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 2AQ

Tel: 01335 344 020 (Mr. A. Palmer)
Fax: 01335 343 726

E-mail: enquiry@callowtop.co.uk
Web site: www.callowtop.co.uk/

We visited Callow Top in mid June 2006. I made a group booking for three families who meet up and camp once a year together.

The site were very clear on booking that they did not want any noise after 11pm and I assured her we were a quiet family orientated group. Having booked we were then sent a letter reiterating that there must not be noise after 11pm. If any complaints were made our £15 deposit would be withheld and retained by the campsite.
You can imagine our disgust then when our neighbours over the hedge in an adjoining field were still cooking and talking (loudly)to each other after midnight on the friday night and shrieking on the Saturday night - again after midnight.
Both nights we complained.
On leaving - I made comment about the noise to be told that no other person had complained and when they had gone to investigate, they did not find it excessive. No one lost their £15!!

It would appear that their letters and threats of money retainment mean nothing. It made we wonder why they bothered in the first place.

Campsite was clean and well kept.
Swimming pool was busy but a god send on a very hot weekend.
Very commercial.
Showers 20p for 4 minutes.

Lesley and Michael Plummer. Internet. July 2006

Castleton Caravan Club Site
Castleton
Derbyshire
S33 8WB

Tel: 01433 620 636

To Find Site:
From Chesterfield take A619 towards Bakewell, at roundabout just through Baslow take A624. In about seven miles turn right onto B6049 signed for Castleton. At T junction turn left onto A6187 and site is on right in about 2 miles. Be warned that sat navs may well direct you down some unsuitable roads for towing. The B6049 is generally fine but care is required as the road narrows in a couple of places.

This campsite, which is open all year, is situated right in the heart of the Peak District within walking distance of Castleton. All 93 pitches are on hardstandings although there are two categories, awning and non-awning pitches. The latter generally being slightly smaller. There are several service points around the site which should put most pitches within reasonable distance. For motorhomes there is a separate drive to service point. The toilet block complex is quite large and consists of two buildings. The main building houses the toilet/showers with dishwash facilities on the outside. The interior, whilst kept perfectly clean, as you would expect, is a little dated now compared to more modern blocks. The second building houses a laundry room, drying room, children’s recreation room including table tennis and pool and finally an information room. Other than the recreation room there are no other play facilities for children on this campsite. Reception sells a few essentials and Calor Gas cylinders can be exchanged. WiFi is available on this site and access can be purchased online.

The beauty of this campsite is that it is right in the heart of the Peak District. There are many opportunities for walks, both long and short, direct from the site. If you don’t want to use your vehicle whilst staying here, Castleton is only a short walk away. It has two small general stores where provisions can be purchased although larger supermarkets are about 8/10 miles away and instructions on how to find them are in the site information room. Castleton has a good selection of cafes and pub restaurants. (We ate at the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn which was reasonably priced) Buses run from Castleton into Sheffield and all points between. Castleton is famous for its Blue John mines which are now visitor attractions. Next to the large car park in town is a small, but interesting, Visitor Centre with free access. Excursions by car allow many options for visiting this part of the Peak District.

David Klyne. CLIC. April 2013
For images of this site, and other reports from the same author, go to Caravantravels

Chatsworth Park CC Site--- Second report below
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PN

Tel: 01246 582 226

This is a real gem of a site. Set in what was once a walled garden very cleaver use has been made of the space available. You are surrounded by mature trees (PHOTO) which, as well as the wall, shields the site from outside view.

There are three types of pitches. Super-width all facilities on pitch including toilet disposal, and a paved, hard surface. All weather with granite chips-useful considering the Derbyshire wet season! and finally there are a small number of grass pitches which I reckon will be phased out because of the damage caused by awnings on this very busy site. I am not convinced that the £2 extra charged for the Super Pitches is worth while because the all weather pitches seemed more spacious, but you pays your money etc.
The heated toilet is to the usual very high CC standards. For those that want it there is also a television booster system at 55p a night but you must provide your own 25m cable. Non members are admitted.

When you pay at reception you are loaned a key which unlocks a gate which takes you out in the estate.
It is only a short walk to Chatsworth House - a small discount is given on production of your site fee receipt. Site reception sell a useful little map that details walks on the estate.
For serious shopping there is a Gateway supermarket on the road into Chesterfield about 10 miles from the site.

David Klyne. CLIC
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Added March 2001.
Open: Mid March to end of October.
Facilities: 123 16a pitches (20 all service); 100 hard standings; 18 hot showers.

Chatsworth Park CC Site--- Third report below
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PN

Tel: 01246 582 226 (before 8pm)

Non Members admitted
States that Advanced Booking essential.

Located in the Peaks National Park, the site (PHOTO) is approached from Baslow on the A619 Bakewell to Chesterfield road. It consists of the 6.5 acres of what used to be the walled kitchen garden of the estate. It has mature trees and shrubs amongst the 123 pitches. These are mostly hard standing, with 20 super pitches available. Facilities are to the usual excellent CC standard. Limited supplies (milk bread eggs cold drinks ices and newspapers to order) are available from the office.

’Vanners are given a key to the green door that allows direct access to the estate parkland. Stepping through this, early on a misty morning, was ’magic’. Rolling grassland, wooded hills, the river and marvellous trees. A herd of deer browsing, hundreds and hundreds of sheep safely grazing as they ambled along their narrow tracks. In the distance the house seen in morning mistiness. (Please note that bikes are not allowed on the estate.)

Turn right through the door and the house and gardens are a 15 minute walk away. They are beautiful and well worth a visit but beware the cafeteria costs. The village of Baslow is a 15 minute walk in the other direction. Several pubs, cafes, and a shop.

Also went to Bolsover Castle (English Heritage) which is being restored and is well worth a visit. As well as having an indoor riding school and some wonderful interiors there is a good list of events planned for the year 2000. These include the Lipizaner Horses, concerts, Shakesperian performances, oh and much more...
There is so much to do in this area - the high peaks, caves and caverns, good markets etc etc

Thoroughly recommend the site and North Derbyshire.

Pat Worsfold. CLIC. March 2000

Added March 2001.
Open: Mid March to end of October.
Facilities: 123 16a pitches (20 all service); 100 hard standings; 18 hot showers.

Chatsworth Park CC Site--- Fourth report below
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PN

Tel: 01246 582 226

Mobile Reception OK

Web site: www.thecaravanclub.co.uk

To Find Site:-
From both Bakewell and Chesterfield take A619 towards Baslow. Site entrance is between the two roundabouts in Baslow. Access to the site is by a long narrow road, although there are passing places it could be difficult for two towed caravans to pass. Therefore the Caravan Club instruct you not to arrive before 1.00pm.There is not much point arriving before this time as you will find reception closed. The reverse is that everyone must leave the site by 12.00 noon. The area outside of reception is cobbled and it can be quite daunting to drive over it.

This site is open to non-members but not to tents. Being a very popular site it is usually necessary to book in advance particularly at weekends and holidays, at the very least it is advised to phone ahead to check if there is space.

Chatsworth is a real gem of a site which is set within what was a walled garden. There are 120 pitches in total including 26 ’Super Pitches’. The super pitches have their own fresh water supply and waste water and WC disposal, there is a £2 surcharge per night. All the other pitches are on hardstanding, useful as the site is open for nine months of the year. Although every inch of the site is used for pitches it has been cleverly designed so that pitches do not seem crowded . The one central toilet block is quite large and of excellent standard. The old reception building is now the information room which it shares with the ’Mother and Baby’ room. The Reception sells newspapers, milk and bread plus walking maps of the area. When you tell reception where you are pitched they provide you with a key that provides access to the site from the park.

There is lots to do in the area. You could amuse yourself by walks direct from the site. However most of the Peak District is within easy reach. There is a Garden Centre at Calton Lees a couple of miles from the site and a rather superb Estate Farm shop. If you keep the receipt when you pay your site fees and show it when you buy your tickets for Chatsworth House you will be entitled to a discount.

David Klyne. CLIC. April 2003
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Chatsworth Park CC Site--- Fifth report below
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PN

Tel: 01246 582 226

Mobile Reception OK

Web site: www.thecaravanclub.co.uk

Pitches are generous and all hard standing. There are about 20 "super pitches" which seem perversely to be closest to the toilet block.
As you would expect from a CC site the facilities are well maintained and clean. You could take someone into them blindfolded and when the blindfold was removed you could be in any one of the 200 or so CC sites. In the 5 days we were there neither wife or myself had to queue for a toilet or shower.

Upon arrival you will be given a key which allows access to the Chatsworth great park (actually, it gives you access back to the site but it amounts to the same thing!). Chatsworth House is worth a wander round but is quite pricey at about £9 each (£5.50 gardens only). I don’t know what it is about stately homes but they all seem to be hideously decorated to me ("This room was panelled with wood taken from a 400 year old Indian Monastery" etc...).
I would recommend a visit to the Chatsworth House Farm shop, excellent quality food at reasonable prices.

The village of Baslow is about 15-20 mins walk from the site. We only had a pub meal at the first pub you get to ("Devonshire Arms" I think).

The wardens seemed friendly although we didn’t seem to have any need to interact with them as we went for a quiet few days.

I don’t have a TV in the van so can’t say what reception is like but there seemed to be plenty of vans lit up by TVs in the evening so I assume it’s ok.
Here’s a first though for a site report - there’s no digital radio reception. I bought a new toy (digital radio) before I went away and had to listen to it on FM for a week.

Keat Brigham. CLIC. August 2004

Chatsworth Park CC Site
Baslow
Bakewell
DE45 1PN

Tel: 01246 582 226

To Find Site:
From both Bakewell and Chesterfield take A619 towards Baslow. Site entrance is between the two roundabouts in Baslow.
Access to the site is by a long narrow road, although there are passing places it could be difficult for two towed caravans to pass, therefore the Caravan Club instruct you not to arrive before 1.00pm. The reverse is that everyone must leave the site by 12.00 noon. The area outside of reception is cobbled and it can be quite daunting to drive over it.

Chatsworth is a real gem of a site which is set within what was a walled garden.
There are 120 pitches in total including 26 ’Super Pitches’. The ’super’ pitches have their own fresh water supply and waste water and WC disposal, there is a £2 surcharge per night. All the other pitches are on hardstanding, useful as the site is open all year. Although every inch of the site is used for pitches it has been cleverly designed so that pitches do not seem crowded.

The one central toilet block is quite large and of excellent standard having recently been upgraded.
The old reception building is now the information room which it shares with the ’Mother and Baby’ room. Reception sells newspapers, milk and bread plus walking maps of the area. When you tell reception where you are pitched they provide you with a key that provides access to the site from the park.
This site is open to non-members but not to tents. Being a very popular site it is usually necessary to book in advance particularly at weekends and holidays, at the very least it is advised to phone ahead to check if there is space.
The site offers a WiFi service and access cards can be purchased from Reception. Mobile reception is OK

There is lots to do in the area. You could amuse yourself by walks direct from the site. However most of the Peak District is within easy reach. There is a Garden Centre at Calton Lees a couple of miles from the site and a rather superb Estate Farm shop. There are a some restaurants in Baslow and details are usually found in the site information room. Chatsworth House, no doubt, will be the main attraction for a stay on this site. It is only reasonable walk from the site, alternatively there is ample parking at the house. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chatsworth.org this not only secures a small discount but also allows you to bypass the queue for people paying on the day. For day to day supplies major supermarkets are well represented in Chesterfield.

David Klyne. CLIC. December 2008
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Caravan Club CL--- Second report below
Cliff Bank
Calwich
Ashbourne (3m SW)
Derbyshire
DE6 2EB

Mrs W Boddy
Tel: 01335 324 210

1 acre, adj woodland, pt hd, wc, h&c, shower (50p), mv waste pt, el pts, batt, B&B, open all yr, adv bkg req, £5n 2 pers, awning 50pn, elec £2pn.

Turn left off A52 (Ashbourne - Stoke-on-Trent) at the Queens Arms Hotel onto B5032 signed Mayfield, Uttoxeter. In one and a half miles you will pass the Rose & Crown pub on the left and just after the national speed limit signs and a house on the right you had better be ready to turn into the bridle path on the left. The site sign is easy to miss and there is nowhere to turn around for several miles. After turning into the bridle path immediately fork to the right through the gate into the house drive and the site entrance is just past the house.

There are five attractively-shaped large pitches on a narrow plot, each pitch has a pleasant view. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful and take great pride in caring for the site.

There is a specially-built block separate from the house which contains one large excellent shower room, a toilet and washbasin and also a local information display board. The block is of a very high standard and is kept scrupulously clean and supplied with the essentials. There is a waste disposal point and fresh water taps. There are really nice displays of flowers and shrubs all around the site. As there is a road running alongside, there is some road noise during the day but at night there is very little traffic and should not disturb your sleep. There is no shop nearby, so you will need to get supplies before returning to the site. The nearest pub is the Rose & Crown aforementioned and although the food was good the pub was unfriendly and the publican would benefit from a visit to charm school. The pub in the next village (turn left out of the gate) was better but although there were only a handful of customers we waited an hour for our order to arrive.

Ashbourne has plenty of eating places but we think we found the best - The Bowling Green Inn, 2 North Avenue, Ashbourne, tel: 01335 342511 (go through the town centre and up Buxton Road and it is the 2nd road on the left, own car park opposite). Warning: they are so proud of their dining room that they don’t allow children in but if you can’t tolerate such a rule you will miss a beautifully cooked, reasonably priced meal. (booking advised).

Places to visit: Alton Towers, 2m; Carsington Water and Visitors Centre; Matlock Town among others.

We will definitely be returning to this excellent CL.

Bernard and Diane Wing, CLIC, September 2000.

Cliff Bank CC CL
Calwich
Ashbourne (3m SW)
Derbyshire
DE6 2EB

Mrs W Boddy
Tel: 01335 324 210

We visited this site in June 2006, there are new owners now who are very friendly and helpful.

The site was tidy and now has gates which are locked at about 8 PM..... a key is supplied.

The road noise during our 10 day stay was very bad, quarry lorries start at about 5-30am each day including sat. morning (yes about 5-30 am!) there was also a lot of other vehicle traffic as well.

The prices have now gone up to £10 per night plus £1.50 for an awning. The shower is now 50p for 5 mins.

This is a nice area but Cliff Bank is too expensive for what it has to offer. We will not be returning to this site but will return to this area again as there are many things to do.

Tony and Janet gale. Internet. July 2006

Cooper’s Camp and Caravan Site
New Fold Farm
Grindsbrook Booth
Edale
Hope Valley
Derbyshire
S33 7ZD

Tel: 01433 670 372

Web site: www.edale-valley.co.uk/coopers.htm

Owners: Roger & Penny Cooper

The site is located in Edale which is more a collection of houses and two pubs than a proper village. Follow the road to the very top where you will see the Nag’s Head Pub. The site is on the left behind the shop/post office. You pay in the shop but if it is closed then at the farm-house beside it. The shop carries a reasonable variety of produce and gas at reasonable prices.
Next to the shop is a new cafe which provides snacks and ’the big breakfast’ at £4.25 and while I didn’t try it there were lots who did on Saturday and Sunday morning.

The site is made up of three fields mostly sloping. Most of the people there were camping with a sprinkling of motorhomes and caravans. There were a large number of families and it was a lively site during the day but went very quiet once it got dark.
There is a very relaxed feel about the site with no one worrying too much about their space. Instructions as to where to go are minimal and most people drive around, have a look and set up where it suits them. By Saturday night there are tents everywhere often in groups of family and friends.

It appears to be a very popular site for Manchester and Sheffield people and was busy on the two Fridays and packed on the two Saturday nights I stayed. Which brings me to my main complaint about the site. There are just too many people at the weekend for the fairly basic facilities available. The toilets start to block and there can be a longish queue for the showers and dish washing sinks (one hot tap only).

It costs £7 for a unit and 2 people per night. They do have a limited number of hook-ups but I don’t know the rate. My overall impressions are that it is a very pleasant, friendly site with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and would be very good value if it wasn’t for the facilities. I will come again (preferably mid-week) as it has some of the best walking routes in the Peak district right from the camp site itself.

If you are bringing a caravan then you need to know that the road on the Chapel-en-le-Frith side has a very steep assent and descent. The approach through Hope would be a safer bet.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. July 2003.

Darwin Forest Country Park
Darley Moor
Two Dales
Nr Matlock
Derbyshire

June 2007: It looks like this is another site that has gone over to ’lodge’ accomodation !

The entrance-- Reception

Each to reach, off M1 Junction 29, onto A617 towards Chesterfield. Onto A619 and left onto A632. Follow that road for about 4 miles onto B5057. Site is situated on the right about 5 miles further.

Individual hardstanding pitches separated by trees set in a pine forest.

Small swimming pool on site (chargeable) as well as a pub serving meals (although can’t vouch for either because we didn’t try them out) and small supermarket.

Good dog walk although got a bit muddy at times and look out for the rabbits.

Toilet block clean and plenty of loos available.

Pine lodges also available to hire.

Close to Bakewell but avoid the town at weekends if possible, very bad for parking. Also close to Matlock and Chesterfield.

overall view.
Quite expensive but I would go again, good level pitches and plenty of places nearby to visit.

Julie Bingham. CLIC. November 1999

Elvaston Castle Country Park--- Second report below
Caravan Club Site
Borrowash Road
Elvaston
Derby
Derbyshire
DE72 3EP

Tel: 01332 573 735

Fifteen minutes off the M1 this is an attractive little site [55 pitches] in a country park.
It is convenient for Nottingham and Castle Donnington for motor racing fans.
The pitches are all on grass. Security is good with barrier access and egress.
The Country Park is directly next door.
There are shops a mile away.

Directions: leave M1 at J25 onto A52 towards Derby. In 3 miles turn left towards Borrowash.
At T-junction turn left and immediate right. Follow Elvaston Castle signs. Turn left at the kiosk in the car park into the site.

David Cuff. CLIC. 2000

Elvaston Castle Caravan Club Site
Borrowash Road
Elvaston
Derby
Derbyshire
DE72 3EP

Tel: 01332 573 735

To find the site leave the A50 at junction 2 and at the next roundabout follow brown signs to Elavaston Castle Country Park. The site entrance is just to the left of the main cark park.

This site is run by the Caravan Club on behalf of the Derbyshire County Council and is situated adjacent to the Elvaston Castle Country Park.
There are 55 pitches all on grass, near the entrance there is some hardstanding for a couple of motorhomes. Non members are accepted as are tents.
The toilet blocks are of older design and whilst kept perfectly clean they are not to the same standards found on Club owned sites. TV reception is not good if you rely on a Status. During the day there is some noise generated from being close the car park at weekends but at other times it is quite peaceful.

Elvaston Castle is a picturesque site with many fine mature trees. Access to the Country Park is just outside the site entrance.
Of particular interest are the formal gardens and displays of topiary. Depending on the time of year you will be treated to the beautiful display of Rhododendrons.
There is plenty of room for ball games in the grounds. There is also a children’s playground in the Park carpark. Both inside the Park and out there are plenty of opportunities for walks and bike rides with the National Cycle Way not far away.

About a mile away, in Borrowash, there is a small Safeway Supermarket and several takeaways. We also discovered a nice little plant nursery.

David Klyne. CLIC. May 2001
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

The Firs Caravan Club Site
Crich Lane
Belper
Derbyshire
DE56 2JH

Tel: 01773 852 913

To find site:
From south on A6 as you exit Belper watch out for right turn into Broadholme Lane which is just past the big cemetery and signed for Nether Heage. Continue along Broadholme Lane (narrow in places so proceed with care) until you reach the T junction with Crich Lane. Turn left and the site is on the left in about 500 yards. If you approach from the north on the A6 the left turn into Broadholme Lane is very difficult and it is advised that you continue into Belper turn at the roundabout outside of Morrisons and then as above.

The Firs is a recent addition to the Caravan Club network having previously been a commercial site. It opened as a Club site in August 2008.
The site is situated a couple of miles outside the town of Belper in pleasant countryside. As can be seen from this photo the wardens work hard to create a delightful floral entrance to the site.

There are in the region of 80 pitches plus a small tent area. I felt that some of the pitches were not as generous as we usually expect from CC sites so if you have the choice select with care, particularly if you want to put up an awning.
There are two main pitching areas, the main one immediately behind reception containing the excellent toilet block. The majority of pitches in this area are on hardstanding, although there are a few grass pitches. In a second section there are more pitches but all on grass. The motorhome service point is also in this section.
This site is unusual in having both grass and hardstanding serviced pitches with water and waste connections for which there is a small extra nightly charge. Digital TV connections are also available on the electrical bollards.
The old toilet block has been converted to a large information area and a drying room. Two toilets have been retained for use when the main block is being cleaned.
You can order newspapers from reception and they also sell other essentials.

Date of visit Mid August 2009.

There is an amazing amount to do within a 5/10 miles radius of this campsite. The Denby Pottery Centre, Midland Railway Centre and the wonderful Crich Tramway Village are all close to the site as are several National Trust properties. If you are prepared to travel a little further the whole of the Peak District awaits.
There is a pub/restaurant within walking distance of the site (about three quarters of a mile) and of course several eateries in Belper. The town of Belper has a good range of shopping opportunities including several supermarkets.

David Klyne. CLIC. August 2009
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Golden Valley Caravan & Camping Park
Coach Road
Golden Valley
Derbyshire
DE55 4ES

Tel: 01773 513 881
Tel/Fax: 01773 746 786

E-mail: enquiries@goldenvalleycaravanpark.co.uk
Web site: www.goldenvalleycaravanpark.co.uk

This site is located in Golden Valley by the side the Cromford Canal, in Amber Valley (GPS - 53.0056727N / 1.372902W), and is set within 26 Acres of woodland.
This secluded woodland hide away contains 40 super pitches for motor homes/caravans each one having its own water and EHU point with drain set in spacious bays in selected areas of the woodland, some designated as disabled ones that are nearer to the toilet/shower block. Whilst the road up to the pitches looks steep, it’s a short easy 1st gear climb away from the security gates (electronic keypad operated).
The campsite has a Gold David Bellamy award and has numerous recycling facilities all around the campsite. There is ample room for camping/tents also within the woodland on upper and lower camping fields. (upper field shown) The Hardstandings are made up of road chippings so whilst solid are easy to hammer rock pegs into and pull out of. The site has shower blocks, laundry room, under cover food preparation, washing up facilities and freezers on both levels, Jacuzzi & gym (extra charge), children’s play room, cafe, bar and wildlife pond. Fishing is available at £2.50 a day the small pond is stuffed with F1 Carp and Tench. There 3 fantastic children’s play areas one which is the largest physically near to the bar and fishing pond (fully fenced) and to the third small children’s area and assault course. There is also a Zip slide - 120 metres long which is open at selected times of day costs just £1 a ride. In fine weather, there is also a quad track near the zip wire for children aged from 6. This costs £5 for ten/fifteen minutes. There is also a little train available for children to ride around the campsite free and donkey rides along the nature trail (again £1 each ride)

We went beginning of June 2009 on recommendation of a camper and we realised we had found a decent site for our grandson who asked not long after arriving "When are we coming back here?" The site was almost totally full when we arrived yet wasn’t noisy a night even though we were near the shower block. Most of the campers and caravanners I spoke to thought the site was brilliant some of them so much so they had booked seasonal pitches and return regularly.

The Fishing. Whilst the pond is small you wouldn’t expect whales but the biggest fish I saw out was about 4lb, and with Sweetcorn and Luncheon meat being the only baits working it was easy to catch "a fish a chuck" sometimes the bait didn’t even hit the bottom before the floats buried themselves. Short Pole/Whip are ideal with size 10-14 barbless hooks being great for easy unhooking.

Some more images of Golden Valley:
Our pitch, bay 9---- Wood carving 1---- Wood carving 2---- Reception----

To see other reports of fishing site from Graham go to www.madcaravanner.co.uk/

Graham Wilson. CLIC. June 2009

Grin Low CC Site
Grin Low Road
Ladmanlow
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 6UJ

Tel:01298 77735

117 pitches

This site is very much a Caravan Club site. Set in an old quarry just outside Buxton it is a very well sheltered and landscaped site. It is split into small bays and the area furthest from the toilet block is where the kiddies play area is, as is the football area. So if you have kids or want peace and quiet you can get them at this site, by careful positioning.

It is close enough to Buxton that you can walk into town to visit the local attractions.
Generally a very nice clean site, but the whole area is let down buy not catering for the earlier Scottish school summer holidays, everything was opening in a few days when the schools start on holiday.

David Benison. CLIC. August 2000

The Grouse and Claret
Station Road
Rowsley
Derbyshire
DE4 2EB

Tel: 01629 733 233
Fax: 01629 733 010

This site is open all year

This is a Pub site. It stands on the A6, 4.75 miles from Matlock town centre and 3.75 miles from Bakewell.
The pub has a busy clientele for meals which it serves all year round, and being adjacent to the Peak Outlet Village is handy for shopping trips, having it’s own direct footpath entry.

All pitches are hardstanding with 10amp hook-ups
There is a toilet/shower block for site use and is kept very clean
The sit is bounded by the River Derwent on one side and fishing is controls by Haddon Hall
Barbeques are permitted up until 9pm

Being in the Peak district it is a good base for exploring, and it is less than half a mile away from the Rowsley end of Peak Rail...in fact one side of the site is bounded by the old bridge of the old Derby-Manchester railway line which at present is un-used due to lack of a bridge over the A6.

Graham Wilson. CLIC. January 2008
For more reports from Graham, mainly fishing sites, go to www.madcaravanner.co.uk:80/

Hayfield CCC Site
Kinder Road
Hayfield
High Peak
Derbyshire
SK22 2LE

Tel: 01663 745 394

This is a superb site.
It is important to stress straight away that it is limited to motorhomes, trailer tents and tents. It does not accept caravans possibly because of the very narrow streets in the village which have to be used to reach the site, also there is no hook-up available.

The site is one mile through the village which has a few shops, pubs and eating places. There is a footpath all the way into the village from the site. There is a pub only five minutes from the site though which does seem to specialize in food.

There are two fields, with tents in one and a mixture of motorhomes and trailer tents and tents in the other when I was there.
It is a level grassy site which is clean and tidy with one toilet and shower block. The wardens were very friendly and helpful, leaving us to pick our own pitch from those available.

The site is on the edge of the High Peak area and has a variety of long and short walks directly from the site. It is very popular site with walkers as it is close to the Pennine Way so advance booking may be necessary during the usual busy periods.

Possibly I was influenced by the good weather but I had a very relaxing, enjoyable short break and I am looking forward to going there again soon.

It costs £3.40 / £4.00 / £5.15 per person depending on season if you are a member (£5.00 per pitch extra if you are not) and there are some age and family concessions available at certain times.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. April 2003

Lime Tree Park
Duke’s Drive
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9RP

Tel. 01298 22988
Fax: 01298 22988

E-mail: info@limetreeparkbuxton.co.uk
Web site: www.limetreeparkbuxton.co.uk/

Lime Tree is in a ’Special Landscape Area’ with the backdrop of an old railway viaduct. The site is situated on a back road and so has little road noise.

The camping area is terraced and reasonably flat and there is an additional field which slopes considerably. As far as I can tell the tourer site is raised and flat.

The site is about 15 minutes stroll from Buxton. There is a small shop on site and the toilet/shower block on the camping side is spotless and very nice, having been recently done up.
I’ve camped there on several occasions and have no complaints, but it will fill up at peak times and for tents it is advisable to get there as early as possible to get one of the more level pitches, nearer to the toilets.
The tourer site is separate from the camping so I can’t really say what it’s like up there but it looks flat.

Charges.
£8 or £9.50 per night for a tent/caravan. £1.50 per extra adult over 2 people per unit. £0.75 for extra children. Awning/pup tent £1.50. Electric hook-up £2. Dog on lead 50p. Extra car £1. All per night. (last season’s figures)

Prices for season last year were: £535 or 635 with elec hook up - 1 March to 31 Oct Winter storage £75

The new shower block has been well equipped and incorporates a family/disabled room as well as baby-change room. The other shower block is fitted to the same high standard and includes extra large shower rooms useful for those with small children.

The site has holiday homes for sale or rent (caravans and lodges). There is a small play area for the kids near the shop and a laundrette.

Proprietors are Keith and Kay Chown who are helpful and friendly. They live on site and can be contacted if necessary.

Paul Bingham. CLIC. February 2000

Longnor Wood Caravan and Camping Park--- Second report below
Longnor
Nr. Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 0NG

Tel: 01298 83648
Fax: 01298 83648

E-mail: info@longnorwood.co.uk
Web Site: www.longnorwood.co.uk
You tube video: Longnor Wood

Longnor Wood is a ‘Just for Adults’ Site, located about 8 miles from Buxton in the Peak National Park on the Staffordshire - Derbyshire border, 1¼ mile from the village of Longnor.

Situated on a hillside with magnificent views, for miles all you can see are rolling hills, wooded outcrops and the occasional farmsteads.
This site is ideally located for walkers, cyclist and anyone who enjoys the countryside.

Access to the site is up a single-track road off a ‘B’ road, which means that the nearest passing traffic is over a quarter of a mile away.
After 9.30 pm traffic movement on site is restricted, all vehicles returning to base after this time must park in the late arrivals area and the occupants then walk to their outfits. During the 10 days we stayed no more than two vehicles were left at any time, as the majority of visitors stayed on site and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and atmosphere.

Facilities on site consist of thirty-three pitches, of which fourteen are serviced with electricity 10amps, TV Ariel, fresh and waste water connections. The others have a 10amps electricity connection and shared water outlets.
On site there is a small off licence, shop, laundrette, toilet block with free showers and a large dog walk (about two acres).

People who may have visited this site a few years ago will be pleased to hear that most the site has been terraced making the siting of your outfit on the near level pitches very easy.

Neville Bromfield. Internet. August 2003.

www.adultstouring. Tranquil Touring Parks

Longnor Wood Caravan & Camping Park
Longnor
Nr Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 0NG

Tel: 01298 83648
Fax: 01298 83648

E-mail: info@longnorwood.co.uk
Web Site: www.longnorwood.co.uk
You tube video: Longnor Wood

An Adult only site.

Some images from Longnor.
The camping area --- Dog play field --- Play area --- Standard pitch --- The statics --- Superpitch

We stayed here from the 31st July to 7th August 2003.

Follow the directions on the web site when towing, some steep bits, but the alternative (not recommended) has VERY steep bits - with views!

The site has 14 ‘Superpitches’ with hook-up, water tap and waste point. Most of these are hard standing, but some are on grass. Both these pitches and the standard ones have TV connections. (If you don’t have a lead you can hire one on site). There is also a section of the main field which is for tents, plus two paddocks also for tents. When we were there these pitches were well used. Dogs have the benefit of a field reserved for their exercise. Their owners have seats to sit on and admire the scenery!

Facilities on site are in one block, containing reception/shop/off-licence, laundry room, information point and library, and the toilets with showers. Washing-up sinks are at the rear of this block (beware the vines!). Re-cycling bins are opposite, with a compost bin for vegetable waste. Chemical disposal point is at the end of the site. Water points are well located around the site. The access from the road is beside the dog walk, and the final gate onto site is locked at 9.30pm. There is space to park your car off the track. There are also 3 hook-ups for late arrivals.

Outside reception is the ‘play area’. There is a small boule pitch, a putting green, badminton net, and lawn darts. The equipment is in the porch. Beside this is an area for sitting out, with a barbecue.

The site is part level, and part terraced, with ‘statics’ at the bottom row. It is possible to hire some of these (still adult only).

We were happy with the site, the only adverse comment being that we found the showers difficult to use (fluctuating temperature), and more facilities would be an asset when the site is busy.

John & Jean Haseltine. CLIC. August 2003.

Newhaven Lodge Farm CC CL
Hartington
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 0BB

Tel: 01298 84267

Email: newhavenlodge@btinternet.com

Located on the left (going north) on the Ashbourne to Buxton road

Caravan Club members only

There is no wash–block, but there is electric hook–up included in the cost. Although the site is accessed directly from the A515, there is a field and hedging between the site and the road, so that traffic noise is muted and at night, drops away to almost nothing. If you have a GPS, use it to tell you where the turning off the A515 is as it's not very obvious, and the ‘opposite the farm’ quoted in the CC handbook doesn't help when there are several farms along that stretch! There is a short but sharp slope from the access road up to the main road, which, with a caravan hitched up, can make leaving the site problematic, particularly if the traffic on the A515 is busy.

We arrived just before 2pm, slightly surprised to discover there were already 5 caravans and a motorhome pitched up! Although it had gone down to the usual 5 vans by the following afternoon, it was back up to 6 again very quickly. The site seemed large enough to cope with this, but we were a little uncomfortable, not certain what this meant in terms of insurance, etc.

The site is mainly grass, and most pitches are level although there were areas where you might need blocks. Lovely views of the Peak District from your caravan windows. There are walks and a cycle trail (the Tissington trail) right from the site, and Aber Low stone circle just 2-3 mins away. Within 20mins drive are Buxton and Bakewell – this site makes a good alternative if you want to visit Chatsworth House but can't get into the CS there.

Abi Gurden. CLIC. July 2010

Please note: This is one of the few Camping Cheque sites that can be found in the UK

Rivendale Caravan and Leisure Park--- Second report below
Buxton Road
Alsop en le Dale
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1QU

Tel: 01335 310 311 or 01335 310 441
Fax: 01335 310 311

E-mail: enquiries@rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk
Web site: www.rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk/

For us this campsite is just 25-30 miles away so it was ideal to test out our new towcar

Rivendale lies in the heart of The White Peak. The between the towns of Ashbourne, Buxton and Bakewell, within walking distance of Dove Dale.

The site has 80 touring pitches including all-grass, hard-standing and hard-standing with grass for tents (40 tent pitches), motorhomes, caravans and trailer tents. The camping area are divided into distinct areas separated by rockeries made from huge boulders from the quarry.

Electricity is 16 amp and there are some super pitches available

The stone-shower/toilet building has under-floor central heating, power showers, laundrette, pot-washing facility, disabled persons toilet and showers. Except for the laundry everything is free of charge .

There is an excellent play area for kids although there is nothing for the toddlers to play on there

The old stable buildings have been converted into a shop, with reception and café on the ground floor, with a bar and games room at upstairs.

The site is very proud of it’s two David Bellamy Gold Conservation awards and has a nice nature walk area where loads of wildlife can be seen if you know what to look for

Graham Wilson. CLIC. October 2007

Please note: This is one of the few Camping Cheque sites that can be found in the UK

Rivendale Caravan and Leisure Park
Buxton Road
Alsop-le-Dale
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1QU

Tel: 01335 310 311 or 01335 310 441
Fax: 01335 310 311

E-mail: enquiries@rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk
Web site: www.rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk/

Latitude: 53" 6’22.25"N---Longitude: 1"45’36.15"W
GPS Data has been verified. Use at your own risk.

Site visited: 6th Aprill 2009--- Panoramic view of Rivendale

Great site, one of the quietist sites we have stayed on. The only noise was from children playing on the play area and the birds. The site has minimal lighting at night so you will need a torch, although we did manage the walk from the pitch to the toilets without. Good views of the night sky. (they should sell star charts in the shop).

Nice friendly welcome from the staff, toilet block clean and warm. Hot free showers. The block now has a door code access system so no more £5 keys. This seems to work really well. It changes on a Wednesday afternoon so make sure you ask for the new code at reception.

The pub on site is above the shop and reception. Open from 18:30 Hrs, it serves basic meals that looked good and plenty of people eating in there. The only reason we didn’t was that we had bought a new slow cooker and where experimenting with that. Down the far end, past the bar, is an area for 16 year olds and older. It had a nice real fire (mobile pic).

The shop opens at 09:00 Hrs and has the basics you usually find, sunday papers need to be ordered. The site try’s to be Eco friendly, you can only dispose of biodegradable toilet chemicals on site There is a "blue" disposal point but a charge is made for this. They stock biodegradable products in the shop at good prices.

The site still looks fairly new. The roads are good and the hard standing pitches have hedges to separate them. Some have grass areas for awnings. They have a camping area within the main site, if this is full you may end up on the camping meadow which is further away from water and waste points but would be nice in the summer.

Will we go back? Yes defiantly. I would use this over Callow Top due to it being a lot quieter. If I took the grand kids with us in the summer then I may sway towards Callow Top as it has a pool.

Mark Walker. CLIC. April 2009
For more reports from Mark go to UK Camping Site

Top---Back to fishing sites

Springwood Fisheries --- Fishing site
Ashby Road
Melbourne
Derbyshire
DE73 1BJ

Tel: 01530 273 301
Colin Carruthers

E-mail: springwoodfisheries@msn.com
Web site: www.springwoodfisheries.com

A Caravan Club listed site

A 3/4 acre CL on slightly sloping ground. Some levelling maybe required. 16amp electric hook ups.
There are toilets for both men and women with hot water although they are shared with the fishermen. They were basic but clean.

The site is totally sheltered by trees and hedges and the pitches look out onto two fishing lakes for coarse fishing. It is open all year but could prove difficult in wet weather.
Price £8 inc electric. Primarily this is a fishing site designed and built by a fishermen. All resources have gone into the fishing side of things however he does plan to put in hardstanding sometime in the future. A lot of money has been spent on the lakes with some very nice plants and trees around and even night lights, albeit solar powered. I’m not a fisherman but seeing a site like this I can understand why they do it, it is so picturesque.

There is a large wooden building which is the site office and also serves as a cafe doing hot drinks and sandwiches.

There is enough to do in the area the site is actually on the edge of Staunton Harold reservoir and then a short walk takes you into the NT estate of Caulke Abbey.
On the down side the site is next to a road which is quite fast and noisy.

Directions: Leave M1 at junc 24 and follow signs for ’Airport’ continue on this road through Breedon on the way to Ashby and look for the B587 to Melbourne, turn right and follow this road for 2 miles and site is on the left. About 100yds on the left past the Derbyshire County sign.
From A42 leave at junc for Ashby-de-la-Zouch and at next roundabout turn right signed Lount, turn left onto B587 then follow directions above.

Harry Burrows. CLIC. June 2008

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