Buckle Caravan Park - - - - - Second report below--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

View of the site

Editor note:
I have it on good authority that this is a good site for sea fishing, it’s right on the beach

A well laid out site In both CC and CCC books.

Usual touring facilities separate caravan and camping fields (with and without electric).

Very clean toilet/shower blocks. No bar, but there is a pub ten minutes walk down beach which is next to the site (Excellent for shore fishing -good bass taken)

Convenient for Newhaven Seacat service BUT remember to book before you go and don’t take advice of operators who say you can book when there the service usually full all the time.

Not too far from Brighton (Marina charge £1.50 per rod to fish wall West wall Best).

(score 7.5/10)

Graham Wilson. CLIC. June 1999

Added March 2001.
Open: March 1st. to January 2nd.
Facilities: 150 pitches; 4 hardstandings; 35 hook-ups; 12 hot showers.

Buckle Caravan Park--- Third report below--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

Edd writes about the experience he & his wife had at this site He warns others about the treatment he received from the wardens there.

On first arrival we followed the route for new arrivals and proceeded to paythe balance, follow instructions to our pitch and begin to set up. The first surprise was that the site was so empty. When I enquired a few weeks ago I was told that they were almost fully booked, having travelled down from Derbyshire we expected to be last on to site, as it was 1700 hrs by the time we arrived! However the site appeared to be less than 50% full even on the electric pitches!

First visit to the facilities discovered that the hand towel dispenser in the gents or ladies loos were empty, but other than that they were clean and bright, although looking at the amount of Empty pitches, there were 10 units and 5 tents in a field that if the pitch nos. are to be believed can hold 50+, I would have my doubts that they would be adequate if the site was full!

The location of this site has to be a plus point. It is next to the beach, although the path to the beach leaves a lot to be desired, in fact it looks as though the path has evolved by use rather than being a planned path. I don’t believe that the path is owned by Buckle or that they have any responsibility for it and I would not advise anyone not to use it if at all unsure!

In the first evening we had arranged to visit my mum in an adjacent field. As we have 2 ’hairy’ dogs we decided to leave them in the car and as my Mother didn’t want dog hair in her caravan we parked the car next to her caravan. Within 5 minutes of arriving of my mothers caravan there was knock on the door. It was the warden who informed us that we couldn’t leave our car there as it was against the rules to have 2 cars on a pitch! A suggestion that we park it on the vacant pitch next to my mother caravan was refused and we were told that we must park it in the visitors car park! As the site was only half full, I thought that this was a little harsh, bearing in mind that it was 8 in the evening and we deemed it unlikely that anyone would arrive at this time. It was also pointed out that my Mother was sited in an adult’s only field and that we shouldn’t have our daughter in this area! She is only 6 months old!

In the morning we decided to walk into Seaford along the beach as it was such a lovely day. Once we were ready we walked to my Mothers caravan to wait for her. As we passed the office the owner told us that we couldn’t go down there as we had a child and it’s an adult’s only field! I explained that my ’assumption’ that ’no kids’ meant young children running around out of control making noises etc. Anya was fast asleep in her pushchair at the time and at 6 months hardly runs around out of control! Mr Perry (the warden) said it doesn’t make any difference! No kids means no kids and rules is rules! Personally I thought this was a bit harsh as I was only popping over to see my Mother!

Later on that evening we found a party of German visitors washing their dishes in the hand basins in the toilets! As there are many signs around the toilet blocks forbidding this, we brought the notices to their attention, they explained that there wasn’t a light in the washing up area! I assumed that the bulb had blown and would politely mention this in the morning to the Wardens. However on checking for lighting in the washing up area in the morning there was no provision for lighting at all! It seems a little strange that notices are erected when it is clearly not possible for the request of these notices to be followed. It seems clear that those running this site expect all campers/caravanners to have eaten, washed up and be in Bed by Dusk!

Sunday evening we visited Brighton and returned before the 23.00 lock out i.e. Gate closed and locked. Whilst I have no problem with an 23.00 gate locking, what I find unbelievable is that if you haven’t moved your car within 30 minutes of the gate being reopened you will be charged a parking fee! Note that the gate opens at 08.00! How I love commercial sites!

Overall I was very disappointed by Buckle Caravan Park, whilst I agree that there has to be rules, some flexibility should be shown in certain circumstances. I fear that if the wardens don’t reconsider their attitude to strict rule enforcement they will not be in business for much longer! A business such as this requires repeat business! Buckle caravan Park will not be getting mine!

Edd & Emma Berrisford. CLIC. April 2002

Edd’s report prompted another CLIC member to relate another example of bad service from this site.

The Mad Caravanner reports.....

"When we were there on our return from a night out my son fell and injured his shoulder and was shouting in pain as I treated the damage.... Ok it was late but he was hurting and at 16 you shout with a dislocated shoulder and cuts and bruises from falling over on the crap walkway "promenade" they have. She (the warden) actually came over to us then and complained, BUT next morning she actually apologised when I went over with the lad who had his arm in a sling and me on crutches to complain about her callous manner. I added that we would be leaving and would not be paying for the night we had just spent"

Buckle Caravan Park--- Fourth report below--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

In this report Graham tells why he likes this site and outlines his reasons

My wife, daughter and I have used the Buckle Caravan Park over the last 10 years. We would not hesitate to recommend it!

Yes there is a list of rules and yes they are enthusiastically enforced. However, when you are next to a ferry port and visited by a degree of passing trade, it is inevitable that some campers may not feel the need to act with due regard to their environment and fellow campers. Hence the need for strict enforcement, which therefore has to be applied camp-wide for consistency.

The owners were always able to explain the reason for any rule I was asked to abide by, and it was clear that they were merely applying their considerable experience to ensure we had a happy stay.

The result is total relaxation. The owners do not settle for a quiet day; instead they get out of the office and police the site with precision, and so you know you are going to have a trouble-free stay, and that if anyone starts to spoil your relaxation through noise, flying footballs and so forth, just a 30 second chat with the owners is all you need to have the problem stopped.

The service goes beyond this. Mr and Mrs Perry were there to assit me when putting up my first awning, they advised me on caravan and accessory purchase which saved me from what I realised later would have been an expensive mistake, and best of all when I had a hitch lock jam early in the morning the owner, Derek Perry, noticed my problem and was soon on his hands and knees fixing it [though you can’t expect the busy owners to be free to do this everytime].

Great service and relaxation. What more can you ask for?

Graham, Christine and Caroline Harman-Baker. Internet. June 2003

Buckle Caravan Park--- Fifth report below--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

I have used the Buckle Caravan site a few times over the past few years, and recently had a short weekend away at the site.

I found New Owners, new Staff and a fantastic atmosphere, as never before. The owners had laid on a party for St Georges day, decorating the site with Flags and bunting, had erected a marquee and organised a bar-b-Q, residents were invited to bring along food and wine and everyone mucked in cooking and serving and helping out. The party was a terrific success I got talking to an elderly couple who said they had mostly used a site previously run by the new owners, and had followed them in their venture. They said they had always enjoyed the family party atmosphere encouraged amongst all.
It was wonderful, a real mixture of people all ages, and everyone got involved.

They now have sited caravans and a club house is to be built in the future. .

I can’t wait to go again, this time we are taking a group of friends. .

Karen & Simon Scully. Tent Owners. Internet. June 2005

Buckle Caravan Park--- Sixth report below--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

I have to agree with the Scullys on this one. Buckle Bay has got new owners and they have transformed the site into a friendly relaxed place to stay.
I visited last week and was impressed.

The new club house is also well underway.

I would recommend that those who have been prior to the change try again. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Mr Lovington. Internet. June 2006

Buckle Caravan Park--- Fishing site
Marine Parade
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2QR

Tel/fax: 01323 897 801

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

Having read the reports on this site above we were about to cancel our booking but decided to go and try it.
we arrived not knowing what to expect and asked on registering are there any rules etc, our reply received was no none just dont upset the locals....

Our pitch was 40 backing onto the camping field which we found to be neat tidy and level. Once we set up the Bailey, erected the awning, sorted the kids, settled the dog and got the kettle on etc. first call was the showers/WCs these turned out to be neat, clean, tidy and well lit as was the washing up area. all of which was sited on a concrete base with good access all around (nothing like the building we was expecting) three good roomy showers to the men’s with basins mirrors shaver point etc.
Second visit was to what we expected to be a dirt track to the beach. Wrong again it is a gravel track used to launch boat trailers up and down. wide level and gentle, onwards up to the Promenade this was a purpose constructed prom going one mile to both left and right of the beach entrance to Buckle.

The site is controlled by a barrier so as to keep out all who are not entitled to be at the site in cars etc, a free barrier key is available for a returnable deposit, loose the key loose the deposit cant get more fair than that.

Buckle has Rod hire and bait purchase available on site. The Beach fishing is very good with many Bass being taken also its a short half a mile walk to Newhaven harbour entrance for Bass, Eel, Dabs, Plaice etc etc.... fishing at Seaford is at the Eastern end off the two walls.

In short this site is Nothing like what we was expecting its a nice clean relaxed site that is placed some 25yrds from the beach. the children 10, 8 & 3 could come and go together without us having to stick to them, on the beach its possible to sit on the brow of the shingle and keep an eye on them for at least 100yrds and more.

Very good food outlets in the town also Pubs

On leaving we booked for a return visit. Sites like this that are less than two hours drive from London with a caravan hitched are few and far between.

David Mansworth. Internet. August 2006

Cobbs Hill Farm
Watermill Lane
Bexhill on Sea
East Sussex
TN39 5JA

Tel: 01424 213 460
Mob: 07708 958 910
Barry & Lynne Claxton

E-mail: cobbshillfarmuk@hotmail.com
Web site: www.cobbshillfarm.co.uk/

A medium size site with a tent field separate from caravans and trailer tents. Good showers and basins all within purpose built block. All pitches on level grass tents. Camp where you wish (within reason). Caravans sited around various fields.
this site has a central area for ball games where children can play and meet new pals.
it also has a dedicated dog walking area.
The owners have a small selection of necessary items to tide you over before main shopping.

Bexhill Beach is a short drive away as is Aldi and Sainsburys and various takeaways.

Hastings and Eastbourne are the next towns to Bexhill-on-Sea, Hastings to the east and Eastbourne to the west. Hastings has plenty for all to enjoy, a Pier, Old Fishing Town area and Beach where the fishing boats launch and land with their various catches most of which is available for sale in the mornings. The pier has various interesting art and craft shops as has the old town.

Bexhill itself is quiet and sedate with excellent beach fishing over shingle and rock. Good bass in the summer along with the usual mackerel etc. Cod and whiting top be had in winter and the seasons upto and after. although not a true fishing site Cobbs Hill is an ideal place to stay and the beach is a 10 min drive away.

David Mansworth. Internet. August 2006

Crazy Lane Tourist Park
Wydown Farm
Crazy Lane
Sedlescombe
Nr. Battle
East Sussex
TN33 0QT

Tel: 01424 870 147
Fax: 01424 870 147

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

Open March to end of October (application to extend season in progress)

Date of visit: 22 - 26 April 2003

Despite it’s address we chose this site on recommendation from my sister who lives locally and is friends with the Warden Brian and his wife Iris. The site also listed in the C & CC Big Sites Book is 3 miles north of Hastings just off the A21 about 100 yards after the turn off for Sedlescombe. There are 36 pitches all with hook up, set on terraces, some are given over to seasonal use and there is an area at the top of the site for tents. We did notice the 20 foot rule was not observed on some of the pitches. At the entrance to the site is the warden’s static, next to this is a new shed which serves as the shop and carries basic supplies, daily papers can be ordered. There is a village shop in nearby Sedlescombe and a Sainsbury’s about two miles south on the A21.

We did note that there is a considerable amount of traffic noise from the adjacent A21, it didn’t bother us as the Dodge is well insulated, but could cause restless nights for lighter sleepers in less well insulated vans/tents

Sanitary facilities are on the lowest level, a small block which contains the toilets/showers, CDP, waste water disposal, a washing machine and drier, a covered dishwashing area (only one large sink so you may have to queue at peak times) and a drinking water supply. There is a large rubbish container by the entrance. The ladies consists of 3 WC’s, 3 wash basins and 2 showers. The gent’s consists of 2 WC’s, 2 urinals, 2 wash hand basins and 2 showers. There is also a disabled/unisex room consisting of shower, wash hand basin and WC, this is ideal for those who prefer a little more space in which to shower, I found the shower cubicles somewhat cramped, though there was plenty of hooks for clothes and a soap/shampoo/sponge holder the shower heads gave a weak supply of water and could do with replacing. Despite the cleanliness of the block there did not seem to be a set cleaning time and we did notice that on a couple of the days no cleaning had taken place at all.

There is no play area for children but if you are touring the area the children should be tired out by the time you get back to your unit. The owners are busy upgrading the site with the inclusion of new hardstandings and landscaping, a play area could be on their plans. Wheelchair users may find the gravel paths and narrow ramp to the shower block difficult to negotiate.

Crazy Lane is ideally situated for touring 1066 country with Hastings, Battle, Eastbourne, Rye, Tunbridge Wells and many other places within easy reach.

Rates quoted were £11.50 per night inclusive electric hookup, we paid £8 per night without.

The warden and his wife were very friendly and helpful and we will certainly stay there again.

Just one thing more and true to Gaynor style, The Queen’s Head in Sedlescombe, nice drink, nice old pub, but had much better pub grub!

Gaynor Toy. CLIC. April 2003.

Crowborough Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Goldsmith Recreation Ground
Crowborough
East Sussex
TN6 2TN

Tel: 01892 664 827

Dave & Christine Ingham

CCC map ref: 188/520315

Finding the site was a bit of a problem, if you approach from Tunbridge Wells, as it’s not very well sign-posted. You have to look out for the sport complex sign, and turn in there.

At the entrance you’re faced with a security gate, which is kept closed at all times. I found this a bit annoying during the day. It wasn’t as if the gate was locked, it only required lifting the latch. I would have thought that it could be left open during ’office hours’

90 pitches. Open beginning Feb. to late December. Electric hook-ups

The site is tiered on three levels, being built on a hillside. The highest level (and to a certain extent the middle level) gets you a nice view over the valley and the hills beyond. The high level, which backs onto the sports field of the sports complex next door, looked level. The middle & lower areas had gently sloping pitches. Even the hard standings were not level and had the back end of a longish ’van close to the ground.

I have to confess that I didn’t ’walk the site’ as I normally do to take note of the amenities. I was only aware of two toilet/shower blocks. The main one had two showers in the men’s, the ladies had the same. The second block remained closed during the weekend of the CLIC meet (which was a tad annoying as it was quite close to where we were), so I can’t say how many showers, loos etc. were inside. I guess that as the main block only had two showers, this one must have had the same.

Having the sports centre next door was handy as there is a cafe/bar inside. Cooked meals could be had here as well as snacks and the prices seemed quite reasonable.

Lyn and I didn’t go into Crowborough town, so we can’t comment on any restaurants there. We did find a couple pub/restaurants a mile or so outside the town centre. The first was the Blue Anchor (I think) the other, further out on the same road is the Crow & Gate. While the food was good at the first, we found the food better at the Crow & Gate.

There is a petrol station just up the road, which has not only a small shop, but has a cash machine outside.

Personal thoughts on this site.
Good.
It was clean. The pitches were generous. The view was good

Niggles.
That gate. The shower heads had a mind of their own (they needed replacing)

Ian SL. CLIC. May 2001

Norman’s Bay Camping & Caravanning Club Site - - - - - Second report below
Pevensey
East Sussex
BN24 6PR

Tel. 01323 761 190

Anthony & Judith Barnard.

A couple of images from the beach: Image 1 --- Image 1

This was the second Camping & Caravanning Club site we had visited.
This site, like the CC site at Shanklin. IOW, also had an 11.00 curfew. Not good if you have a motorcaravan, or you are way over the other side of the site !! After 11.00 pm, you have to leave your car in the night parking area, outside the main enclosure.

The site was clean and tidy. The pitches were generous in size and the whole site was flat, so there was no need for blocks of wood or wedges.

Two new shower/toilet blocks were a recent addition to the site, one containing a games room. The showers were all heat adjustable, and free, but lacked choice of spray angle and height (you could stand in the middle, and not get wet !!). There was also a lack of shelving in the cubicles, presenting the problem of where to put your glasses and watch.

The location of the site was ideal from our point of veiw. It was quiet, and gave us central point from where we visit this part of the East Sussex coast. Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings were all in easy reach by car. It was a bit isolated if you wanted to leave your motorhome on site though.

Last visit was September 1997

Ian SL. CLIC May 1999

Norman’s Bay Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Pevensey
East Sussex
BN24 6PR

Tel. 01323 761 190

(Editors note) These are Gaynors thoughts on the Normans Bay CC site. It’s good you have a balanced view, and are not guided by my own thoughts on this site. The site details are the same as on my report.

We have stayed at Normans Bay for the last 5 years, mainly because my Mother lived in Bexhill until she recently passed away and my eldest sister to whom I am very close lives at Battle.

Of course its a very open site, our first experience of putting a tent up in force 7 winds was unbelievably funny, and we still dine out on it.

The site hasn’t changed much in the five years though we have seen 4 different sets wardens in this time. the best being this years, Peter and Christine Miller, who have made great improvements to the general appearance by simply putting in more floral arrangements and moving the flagpole to a position where it can be seen from the lane and being available when you need them.

The shop this year is literally ’open all hours’ and carries much more stock which is a vast improvement, perhaps CCC sites with shops should put them all out to concession!

Having two teenagers we never spend much time on site preferring to visit local attractions in the Hastings and Eastbourne areas.

I don’t think Peter and Christine will be back there next year as they had encountered several cases of vandalism in regard to the games room and the baby room prior to our arrival. They were going to close the room for the rest of the season but after pleading with him that it was not fair to punish other campers for the sake of a small minority (I believe they were German) they re-opened it.

All in all I have been to better sites, it just that Normans Bay suited our needs at the time, but I think we have paid our last visit.

Gaynor Toy. CLIC. September 1999

Sheepcote Valley CC site--- Second report below
East Brighton Park
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 5TS

Tel. 01273 626 546 (8.00 - 8.00)
Fax. 01273 682 600

Page 166 the CC sites book

An overall view of Sheepcote --- Typical pitches

Set in a valley, nestling between the East Sussex downs. Peace and tranquillity flow down the hillsides to start your day.
Then you turn around and see the sports complex behind you, you drive out the gate and see the enormous gas storage towers. Ah well….we all dream…..and it is only 5 minutes away from Brighton Marina and the long, scenic, coastal road that runs into Brighton

Both Lyn and I liked the site, which is not suprising, it being a CC site.
As with so many sites we visit now, it has the air of seclusion achieved by dividing hedges . You only get, what seems to be, a few caravans in any area.

We were on 27 which is only one level up from the toilet blocks. Once there we thought "wouldn’t it be nice to be up there". Up there was the top level, from which you could survey the whole site.

We were on grass, which we prefer. This probably has something to do with my reversing abilities. On most hardstandings you have to be good at placing the caravan if you plan to use an awning :o)
On the subject of grass. We noted that this site has two tenting fields. We nearly missed them, as they were so well hidden :o).

The Toilet/shower blocks (there were two) were good. They were warm, clean and litter free. One thing I didn’t like was the need to key in a 5 digit alpha/numeric code to gain access. I had to write this down on a scrap of paper and carry it at all times.
There were showers and toilets adapted for disabled use, but alas, the shower cubicals had great gaps in the bottoms of the deviding walls, letting in the splash from the guy next door.
The site was busy for the mid October weekend we were there, even so we managed to shower every morning without having to wait.

I did like the security in and out of the site. On arrival you are given a credit card pass (leaving your CC membership card as security), which you just placed against the keypad, and up goes the barrier. All done in seconds.

Access to the site was OK when we arrived on the Friday afternoon, but we did notice that the sports fields, to the right as you go in, did tend to be well used on weekends and the approach lane was used as a car park, allowing only one vehicle through at a time. This could present problems if you met an outfit coming out or in. As I said, we arrived on Friday and left on Monday, so didn’t have this trouble.

Ah...Nearly forgot. This site is dog friendly :o)

Brighton:
You ladies will love ’The Lanes’. Every other shop a jewellers !! Not much for us fella’s apart from the odd antique weapons shop. All the major high street shop are there in the main shopping area. I can’t say how good you ladies would rate the shops, we didn’t linger long.

Marks out of ten..8 for the site, 7 for Brighton (I still like Bournemouth)

Plans to return..If we can’t find a ’weekend’ place near Bournemouth we both like, then Sheepcote will be near the top of our list.

Ian SL. CLIC. October 1999

Added; March 2001.
Open: All year.
Facilities: 170 (16amp) pitches (10 all services); 95 hardstandings; 110 tents; 24 hot showers.

Sheepcote Valley CC site
East Brighton Park
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 5TS

Tel: 01273 626 546

Sheepcote Valley is large site of some 170 pitches. However to be being set on different levels in several sections it does not have the feel of a large sprawling site at all.
Some sections are more private than others and this gives the feeling of several small sites together.
The access is good via a road shared with a sports club but widens out on entering the site.

Reception sells basics and from there the road winds round the site with side roads off to the various areas.
Pitches are shared about equally between grass and hard standing. The whole site is kept in immaculate condition by the team of three couples who are wardens. This indicates the size and volume of visitors to this site. In addition to the caravan areas there is a separate tent area.

Two toilet amenity blocks serve the caravans and another for tent campers. One is across from reception and one at the top of the site. These are maintained to usual CC standards and both contain washing up/veg prep areas as well as laundry facilities.
The information hut has is well stocked with suggestions.

Taxis can be booked and are very prompt and this helps to avoid the perils of parking in Brighton, which is also extremely expensive! However the car park in the marina is free so you can leave the car there and take the bus in or the electric railway, which is cheaper still!

This is an excellent site - much more intimate than its size indicates.

David Cuff. CLIC. July 2005

Three Ponds Caravan Site--- Fishing site
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 0TP

Tel: 01273 513 530

E-mail: info@threepondspark.co.uk
Web site: www.threepondspark.co.uk/home.html

Close to Hoverspeed Port

Site changed hands in November 2000. Previous owner there for 30 years, let it run down and was evicted.
New 25 leasees have a five year plan to turn it around and make it work.
All residentials have been given notice to quit and the abandoned mobile homes are being towed to the junkyard.
There is a pond for fishing where day visitors are allowed.
The site is awful at the moment but the new people are working at improvements already.
Don’t go there!
If you desperately need to stop overnight, just pitch opposite the reception, you won’t like what you see if you go into the park.

Bernard and Diane Wing. CLIC. June 2001

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