Bearstead Caravan Club Site
Ashford Road
Hollingsbourne
Maidstone
Kent
ME17 1XH,

Tel: 01622 730 018

To Find Site:
Leave M20 at junction 8, Maidstone. Take A20 and at roundabout follow signs to Bearstead. The campsite is a few hundred yards along road on left.

Bearstead Caravan Club site came in to the network around 2008, having previously been a commercial site. Non-members are accepted.

There are a mix of grass and hardstanding pitches with some of the hardstanding ones being fully serviced. There is only one waste disposal point which is centrally situated on the site. There are additional water taps placed statically around the campsite. The main site facility building is at the site entrance and contains reception, toilets and showers, laundry and dish wash. In the laundry is the information points. The toilet/showers are kept immaculate and are of an excellent standard. Reception sells a few essentials. Television reception is classed as poor but the electric bollards do have a TV hook-up. There is site wide Wi-Fi. There is not much on site for children except a small playground in on corner of the site. Date of visit early May 2012.

This site is an ideal base for exploring this part of Kent. Leeds Castle is almost on the doorstep. Maidstone is only a few miles away. For shopping there are a couple of large supermarkets within 5 miles. For many this will be a stopping off point to and from the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the ferries at Dover.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2012
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Black Horse Farm CC Site--- Second report below
385, Canterbury Road
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel: 01303 892 665

Site visited July 2000

This CC site is very convenient for Dover and the ferries, as it is only 15 minutes from the port. Redeveloped a year or so ago the top part of the old site is now reserved exclusively for itinerant one nighters coming or going on ferries. This is a good idea as it leaves the main site for longer stays thus early movers do not disturb those people. I have not stayed on the bottom part but I walked round and it al looks very good. The pull in area just off the main road is enormous and once checked in you proceed behind reception and turn right before the security barrier protecting the site proper. All pitches in this area are hard standing and level.

Toilet and shower facilities are standard CC and exactly what we expect them to be. The warden teams are all very friendly and helpful. There is a shop and pub directly across the road from the site. Meals in the pub are quite acceptable.

Directions: Leave the A20 immediately after the tunnel. Turn right at roundabout and follow signs to Hawkinge and Densole on A260. In Densole [watch speed cameras] the site is on the left just past the Black Horse Pub.

David Cuff. CLIC. July 2000

Black Horse Farm CC Site--- Third report below
385 Canterbury Road
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel 01303 892 665

We have just enjoyed 3 days at Black Horse Farm. Without repeating the information in any guide book, this is my personal viewpoint on the site.

It is open to non CC members and is constantly busy due to its convenient location to ferry crossings from Dover.

We arrived quite late in the evening and had to stay overnight in the ’late’ arrivals park, which was immaculate.
On arrival, after reception is closed, there is a glass fronted cupboard where you find an envelope with your name on it and your pitch details inside. This is quite a good idea, but the cupboard is not too easy to see and I felt it should be made more obvious.

The shower/toilet block was spotlessly clean, which is always an important factor and the whole area gave first impressions of a clean and extremely well maintained site. The pitches were not too close together and it was well lit. Even though you are quite near to the M20 the place was very quiet and no sound of any traffic at all. It was just slightly inconvenient that we could not get fully unpacked and settled, but I did appreciate the reasons for the temporary pitch.
The following morning we were shown to our pitch on the main site and were impressed to see it was being mown and checked thoroughly after the previous caravan had left. Once again, it was extremely well maintained.
The toilet/shower blocks are new, modern and absolutely spotless.
There is a small play area, and an extensive (fenced) dog walk.
The water and waste disposal areas were easily accessible and again, spotlessly clean. They were also designed so that you don’t have to lift your full containers to a great height to be emptied, which is a bonus if, like me, you are a woman and not built to be a weight lifter! The dustbins are changed so regularly that each time you use them they appear to be newly emptied, which is so nice after seeing huge wheelie bins that are constantly overflowing on some sites. The presence of maintainence staff equates to the place being so perfect and they are all polite, friendly and helpful.
The whole aura of the place is relaxed and quiet and I cannot find any fault whatsoever.

There is a general store right opposite the main entrance but nothing on sale in reception apart from ice creams.
A mobile fish & chip van visits 3 times a week but there are lots of places to eat if you make the small journey into FoIkestone or to any local pubs. There is also a small ’Tesco Village’ store about a mile from the park as well as a couple of takeaways.

I have one minor criticism, which is the 2 hour closure of the shower block for cleaning. I know they are kept pristine, but still cannot justify a whole 2 hours to clean them. I must also mention that there is a cloth provided at each sink, for you to wipe up your splashes and keep it nice for the next user, also a floor mop to use after your shower. I did think this was an excellent idea and noticed that they were used by everybody, so the theory works well.

I will definately use this site again, not only because of its location, but because its so clean and peaceful. I just cannot put enough emphasis on the outstanding cleanliness everywhere. On my return, I was so ’chilled out’ that 24 hours later I am still trying to get myself motivated back into routine! This is definately worth a stay if you need some peace and quiet. The ’chillout factor’ is 100%

Yvonne Davidson. Internet. August 2005

Black Horse Farm CC Site--- Fourth report below
385 Canterbury Road
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel: 01303 892 665

Advance booking is said to be essential.

This site is open to non-members

The site has 23 pitches, mostly hard standing, which are before the security barrier which are for people with an early ferry/tunnel train to catch. This is defined as leaving the site before 9am. People using the ‘normal’ part of the site are given a security card for the barrier, which has to be handed in on departure.

The rest of the site has a mix of grass and hard standing pitches, plus an area reserved for tents. I enquired whether there were any size restrictions for tents and was told no. The assistant warden I asked said "we get people who say they have a 4 berth tent & it turns out more the size of a marquee"

All pitches, except in the tent area, have a hook-up. The site has trees around it, a children’s play area, and a dog walk.

There are two facility blocks, one near reception, easily accessible for the early departure pitches and the top part of the site, the other at the other end of the site, separated from the tent area by a hedge. Disabled facilities are in the top one only.

It appears that most people use this site as a transit site, but I think that it warrants a return visit in its own right. Although the main road passes the site there was very little traffic noise while we were there. There is a Public House and a small shop nearby, and a caravan dealer a couple of miles away (Milestone Caravans). Unfortunately for us they are closed on a Monday, which is when I needed a spare part!

John & Jean haseltine. CLIC. June 2006 (Visited May 2006)

Black Horse Farm CC Site--- Fifth report below
385 Canterbury Rd
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel: 01303 892 665

Some images from Graham:--- The tent area --- The playground --- Car parking

• 125 pitches plus tent area
• Some hardstanding some all grass
• Slightly sloping on grass pitches
• Dog walk area
• Children’s play area
• Motorhome sanitation point

There is a Pub across road. Folkestone 10 miles away

Six fields of pitches. One field designated a short stay, but wardens use a field next to play area/dog walk as well - putting family groups on the field furthest away from play area "as there is less traffic at strange times"

Usual Caravan Club facilities to usual standards.

Access/exit to and from site by electronic barrier key card - bit difficult with van on the back

Easy access to/from M20/A20 - turn off after last motorway junction and the short tunnels at the start of the A20.

Graham Wilson. CLIC. August 2006

An update from Graham March 2008

New Wardens started Monday (03/03/08) very nice people and helpful too
WiFi fitted BUT not working at all
New road from A20 to Densole bypassing Hawkinge (off A20/M20) junction after tunnels then take A260 to Cantabury at island take left turn (Spitfire Way) most of road is 40 mph btw)

Black Horse Farm CC Site--- Sixth report below
385 Canterbury Rd
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel: 01303 892 665

To find site:
Continue to the end of the M20 towards Dover, just past the tunnel on the A20 take slip road signed for A260 and follow signs for Canterbury. The first part of this road is new and bypasses some of the narrower parts of the old road which it rejoins near to Densole, continue through village and the site is just past the Black Horse Inn on the left.

Site is open all year and accepts non-members and tents. I would think that it would be advised to book ahead in peak season.

This is a lovely site situated about 10 miles from Dover and about 8 miles from Eurotunnel. As a result those making their way back and forth to the Port, or the Tunnel, frequently use it. Just behind the reception, with no need to go through the security barrier, is an area of about 20 hard standing pitches, which are reserved for those staying overnight in order to catch a crossing to France. This allows minimal disturbance to those staying on site for several days. For those coming from the UK the latest you can arrive at the site is 8.00pm, please contact the site for more information.

Black Horse Farm is a site which is well worth a stay in it’s own right.
The site is divided into several pitching areas some on hard standing and the rest on grass. There is a small area for tents with it’s own separate parking area.
The tree planting and shrubs are just starting to mature which enhances the look and feel of the site. The other pitches are further into the site beyond a card-controlled barrier.

There are two really excellent toilet blocks. Other facilities include a children’s play area, a dog walk and an information room.
This site also has storage facilities. Black Horse Farm was meant to be in the second phase of CC sites to have WiFi installed. Apparently there has been a problem with this installation and it is not yet up and running. (late April 2008)

Just across the road from the site is a small general store, which includes a Post Office. Further along the road is the Black Horse Inn, which does meals. There are many other opportunities to explore the surrounding are if you stay is longer than just over night. There is a regular bus service from near the entrance between Canterbury and Folkestone. At Hawkinge there is a caravan dealer.

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

Black Horse Farm CC Site
385 Canterbury Rd
Densole
Folkestone
Kent
CT18 7BG

Tel: 01303 892 665

Always a popular site because of its proximity to the ferries, the section of the site for departure and arrivals has now been extended to provide more ‘ferry’ pitches. The wardens allocate you a pitch depending on your departure time. The idea being to group similar departures together so as not to disturb others more than necessary. Despite being a high movement site it has a pleasant atmosphere. If you are using the ferry please remember that if you book online you need to specify the time. You also need to ring and pay the week before especially if arriving at ungodly hours!!

David Cuff. CLIC. August 2009

Canterbury C & CC Site
Bekesbourne Lane
Canterbury
Kent
CT3 4AB

Tel: 01227 463 216

Web site: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Lat: 51.2987N. Long: 1.1156E
Map ref: 179/172577

The site is open all year.
Open to non-members

After a friendly greeting from the Holiday Site Manager, we were asked if we had any preference for the location of our pitch. When I said that we would be leaving for the tunnel about 9 am we were taken to a pitch which would be easy to exit.

Since we last visited this site in 2000 the number of hard standing pitches has dramatically increased.
Our pitch (note the rabbits), coincidentally, was opposite what was the grass pitch that we used then. It is now a hard-standing, and you no longer have to throw your electric lead over the hedge to reach the pillar.
There is still a good selection of grass pitches for anyone who wants one, and we saw a fair number of tents.

There are 2 toilet blocks with all the usual facilities, and a motorhome service point. There is also a childrens play area

Wi-fi is available (charges start from £3 for 1 hour) and it covers the whole site with 4 masts. I checked the signal at our pitch and it was good.

Reception is also a small shop selling essentials, and they also sell some local produce.

John & Jean Hasletine. CLIC. June 2008

Counter Farm CC CL--- Fishing site
Woodchurch
Ashford
Kent
TN26 3SP

Mrs L Wayling
Tel: 01233 860 448

E-mail: stephen.wayling@tracoin.com

For members only, Caravan Club ‘certified location’ that allows 5 caravans / motorhomes only.

An adult only site, dogs allowed, good access, set well away from the road, in a hedged field with tall oak trees overlooking fields. Absolutely perfect for the peace and quiet of the Kent countryside.

Small fishing pond on site, no more than 20 metres from each pitch. Ample size grass pitches mainly level (ish) set in a semi circle around the pond. Owner alleges carp to 20lb, as well as roach, dace and Tench. During my short sessions I caught a 3lb Koi, 5lb mirror and 8lb common. Fish were in excellent condition and fought extremely well on my light match tackle. All baits seem to work but the bites were a bit on the cagey side. These fish know what a hook looks like!

Electric hooks up must have been 16 amp as we ran everything electric and didn’t trip the breaker! One centrally positioned water point, waste point and chemical disposal point. No shower or WC block so own sanitation is a must!
Mobile phone signal very weak all around this area, including the village, so excellent for ‘getting away from it all’. TV reception looked reasonable from what I peaked through the window of the ’van next door. We have satellite TV in our ’van.

Site owners live on site in the farmhouse. They offer a very friendly welcome and are very helpful. They also offer some fresh farm produce including free range eggs.
The nearest pub is approx 1/2 mile or 15 minute walk (take torch and no footpath in places); 3/4 mile from the village general store and 1 1/4 mile from the other pub in the village. Both pubs offer food (untried).

Worth visiting:
Ashford shopping centre in town and the new designer outlet centre near the Ashford International Station both about 12 miles away. Quaint town of Tenterden about 10 miles. East Kent and Sussex Railway for the steam trains about 14 miles. Bodium Castle about 16 miles. Further a field there’s Leeds castle, Rye harbour on the south Kent coast and plenty of places to see and keep you busy.

Site fees for 2005 were £7.50 per night plus 50p for fishing. Yes, only 50p!
Editor note The site fees are still £7.50 per night. Can’t comment on fishing charges.
Page 358 2007-2008 CC handbook, look under ’Appledore’ ! March-November

Site open from Easter until end of October.

Highly recommended. Early booking essential.

Laurie. Internet. September 2007 (site visit 2005)

This report was copied from www.madcaravanner.co.uk/ ...for caravan sites with fishing on or closeby
My thanks go to the author and to Graham Wilson.

Daleacres CC site
Lower Wall Road
West Hythe
Hythe
Kent
CT21 4NW

Tel: 01303 267 679

Site visited August 2006

A pleasant level site with large pitches, mostly grass.

Excellent new toilet block and tv/games room.

Nice pub down the lane, and not too far from Hythe.

The main attraction is the close proximity to anyone catching the Eurotunnel. Makes a good overnight halt.

James Russle. Dunc n Dots caravan travels. March 2007

Hawthorn Farm
Martin Mill
Dover
Kent
CT15 5LA

Tel: 01304 852 658

Web site: http://www.information-britain.co.uk/

Site visited Mid June 2000

The site is in the village of Martin Mill and is about 4 miles from the Ferry Port. As you approach Dover you turn left at the roundabout signed for Deal. From this road you follow the International Camping signs to the site.
The final approach is quite narrow, but don’t be put off.

The site is quite long with tarmac roads. Static’s also occupy part of the site but these are in separate parts of the site away from the touring sections. There are ample electric points although if you arrive late, and the site is fairly full, a longer lead might be advisable. Towards the end of the site is a large field area used mainly by tents. Some pitches are divided by low fences and others by bushes.

The site is open all night and reception stays open quite late. If it is closed you can enclose your pitch fee (£14 for two of us with electric’s for one night) in one of the envelopes provided and put it through the letter box.

The two toilet blocks are both of good modern design. By the end of the day there was evidence that they had been well used since they had been cleaned in the morning with oddments of rubbish not put in the bins provided. There is a small shop.

The site is very convenient for the ferries and would also be suitable for a longer stay to explore this part of Kent. There is a railway station in the village for those that do not wish to use their cars during their stay but this does mean some railway noise but not excessively so.

David Klyne. CLIC. July 2000
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Hillberry Farm
Wateringbury Road
East Malling
Kent
ME19 6JG

D & V Pascoe
Tel: 01622 812 408

Turn L off A26 (Tonbridge - Maidstone) in Wateringbury at traff lts into rd sp East Malling. Site R in 1½m; (the road is marked as narrow BUT, this is after the CL entrance.)

Very friendly owners - lovely spot and easy to get into Maidstone, about 10/15 minutes drive into Maidstone. Think it was £8 per night including electric, best to check by ’phone

All grass, walks at the end of the CL grounds (used to be a fruit farm I think) through woodland. Plenty of space, pitches in a line (because of mains hookups) but plenty of space between each one.

This CL site is Just outside Maidstone but in open country side, good views, lovely walks.
It’s well away from the road, past, and out of sight of the farmhouse and road. The site is all grass but seems well drained (dry and hot when we were there). Seems popular so I would recommend advance booking. Good for dogs and plenty of space for children to play too.

Lots of small villages near and pubs within short drive for meals. Good recycling facilites near pitches as is water and disposal.

Good site for a long stay as well as short stopover.

Jan Bain. CLIC. December 2007

Little Switzerland Caravan and Camping Park--- Second report below
Wear Bay Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT19 6PS

Tel. 01303 252 168

Site visited June 1999. Also visited 2001, 2002 & 2003. Photo of pitch

A nice quiet little site, slightly sloping , which is also very busy at times.

Was convenient for Ferries (3 minutes from port 10minutes on foot), but you now have to travel to Dover which is no big problem as it’s dual carriageway all the way there.
The site is in the middle of a nature reserve and has separate caravan and camping fields.

Toilets old (listed building !!!! ) showers too -- but clean.

Has a restaurant with bar which serves a good pint anf is freindly too which opened after Easter 2000. Site opens in March closes after Oct 31st (ish)

The site is used by lot of foreign visitors, but not many English frequent the site, I have ben the only English outfit there and have been the ONLY outfit there. There is a CCC site close by which CANNOT take caravans or trailers as the access road dangerous which gives Little Switzerland an edge as it is very easy to get to. (Editors note. One up for the tenters)

Prices still the same as in 1995 !!!
2003 prices: £13.00 per outfit + £2.00 for awning

Score 8/10

Graham Wilson. CLIC. June 1999 (up-dated May 2003)

Little Switzerland Caravan and Camping Park---Third report below
Wear Bay Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT19 6PS

Tel. 01303 252 168

Site visited July 1999

Over the weekend we were camping at a site called Little Switzerland at Folkestone.

It is a small site set into the cliff side above the coast with around 10 statics, 16 caravan pitches and 15 tent pitches. The statics are dottedaround and are not obtrusive, the caravan pitches are set out either side of the road that runs from the entrance to reception and the tent pitches are in a separate area terraced into the hillside. All the caravan pitches have easy access but it would be difficult to get a car close to some of the tent pitches so equipment might have to be carried a short distance. The access road is quite narrow and could be difficult if two caravans met!

The site is mainly used for one night stop-overs by people arriving or departing on cross-channel ferries so there is a constant turnover of residents and some noise as people arrive late and/or leave early. The facilities probably reflect the transient population. The buildings housing the toilets and showers do not look much, but they are clean and functional.
There is a small bar/cafe with an attractive lawn outside which provides views of the cliffs and over the channel. The choice of food and drink is fairly basic, but most people would probably be only catching a late night snack or a breakfast, but the service was friendly.

The CCC club site is located lower down the cliffs nearer to the beach. That does not accept caravans. As it happend this weekend there was a much more interesting campsite also located near by as a Naponleonic re-enactment society was meeting and having mock battles. They were mostly staying in white tents constructed to resembly the ones that would have been used at the time and it was really strange to see ordered ranks of white tents; a big contrast to the greens and purples that dominate on most sites at the moment.

This is an ideal site for a stopover for someone using the Seacat from Folkestone and access to Dover and the Tunnel is also good.

Jim Cheney. CLIC. July 1999

Little Switzerland
Off Swiss Way
Wear Bay Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT19 6PS

Tel: 01303 252 168

This site only gets more popular as the years pass.
The site get regular passing clientele, a lot of them are tent campers – I can see why as the tent pitches are in a dell a bowled area of grass and is so sheltered from the wind (But not the rain)
The site facilities can’t be up-graded as they are actually listed second world war buildings. The main problem for me this year is that the gents is up quite a flight of steps, but we have the caravan system, so I was OK.

The cafe/bar still overlooks the channel and on a clear day you can gaze at France over the top of your glass/cup of tea/chip buttie/full english – but not this trip as the weather was closing in thanks to that storm the Americas had. The site is extremely convenient for the Eurotunnel as once you are on the M20 then you get off the next junction total trip time 14 minutes at towing speeds.

The Caravan part of the site has not altered it has 14 pitches which all have 16amp outlets. Pitch sizes vary but most can take an outfit of average length hooked up which is how a lot of visitors stay as they disappear around 3–4am for their ferry or train. There are waste bins at each end of the pitching area and more for the tent campers on the caravan pitches there are two Fresh water/grey waste points both of which are able to be used by Motorhomes with care. These water taps also double up as the have fire hoses attached too.

As usual, all through the quieter parts of the day, the wildlife is visible whether it’s Rabbits, Foxes, Squirrels, or even the odd Stoat. There are birds galore as well as a huge amount of Flora too as well as some very nice nature walks though the warren area for over 2 miles where the only sound of man is the railway that runs by the beach.

Whilst there we visited SKABOUR which was held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (2/3/4–9–2011) which was an open air SKA music festival in the harbour car park and some of the pubs in the town so the festival never stopped from 5pm Friday until 4pm Sunday quite a good time was had by lots of people from as far away as Holland and Austria let alone Scotland and Wales.

The Romney Hythe and Dimchurch Railway which is the only public transport Narrow gauge railway in the UK and runs all year

There is the archaeological dig on Wear Bay Road where they have found a Roman Villa unfortunately the weather stopped us visiting this

At present Folkestone are exhibiting art for their Tercentennial some of which of course is a little money for old rope (an old church bell hung from 2, 40 foot high steel poles with ropes called Altitude which can be rung once every 2 minutes) but you may disagree or not

I didn’t have time this trip to get on to the Pier to go fishing but heard of a few catches of Codling Pollack and an odd Bass

Of course our main reason for visiting Eurotunnel was a shopping trip to the Auchan at Boulogne to stock up on French and Spanish wines at prices that make the small amount of crossing fare worth it. Even though prices have increased there are still Litres of table wine at €1 and 5L boxes of the stuff at €9. Although for myself, I was more interested in the usual French foods and Spices and kitchen gadgets that I just can’t afford at UK prices due to package size discounts in France.

Graham Wilson. CLIC. September 2011

Quex Caravan Park
Park Road
Birchington
Kent
CT7 0BL

Tel: 01843 841 273
Fax: 01843 841 273

E-mail: mailto:info@keatfarm.co.uk

Site visited April 1999

Tourers are pitched almost informally amongst the trees in their own area separate from the statics. This is a very quiet and secluded site there being no entertainment on site.

Many species of bird frequent the site including a woodpecker.

The timber clad amenities block is located in the centre of the touring area and is one the best I’ve been in. Coloured
washbasins and WC,s, free hot water, hand dryers and even free hairdryers. The showers are the most powerful and hottest I’ve been in on a site. They are a little small though so the controls are easily knocked from the ideal setting you’ve just found. Spotlessly clean as well - but I was the only one on site at the time.

They take a maximum of sixty units although they are licensed for seventy five I believe. A launderette, dishwashing, a shop and children’s play area just about complete the facilities on offer. There are plans to incorporate a baby and parent area.

Nearby is Quex House and Garden.

The seaside resorts of Whistable, Herne Bay, Ramsgate and Margate are all within easy reach. Canterbury is about 12 miles.

Directions:
From A28 in Birchington turn south east into Park Road. Site is one mile.

Bob Deane. CLIC. April 1999

South View
Maypole Lane
Hoath
Canterbury
Kent
CT3 4LL

Tel: 01227 860 280

Site visited April 1999

This is almost like camping in someones large back garden.

Run by the owners who live in the house this is a small and secluded 45 pitch site on their large level lawn surrounded by tall conifers and hedging.

The only facilities are the toilets and showers, a launderette and (uncovered at the moment) dishwashing sinks.
There are a few items of play equipment.

A number of the pitches were taken up by seasonal caravans. The showers have nowhere to change in them so you have to do this in the communal washing area - not much fun if your’e shy like me.

A peaceful unpretentious site.

Canterbury and the seaside resorts of Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate and Ramsgate are all near.

Directions:
Turn south off A299 signposted Hoath. After one and half miles turn left at Prince of Wales in Hoath. Site 100yds on left.

Bob Deane. CLIC. April 1999

Speedgate Farm
Fawkham
Farningham
Dartford
Kent
DA3 8NJ

CCC Certificated site BSB 177/55

Facilities:
2 WCs and basins
1 shower (coin box in cubicle)
EHU (BSB said 4 but think there were actually 8)
4 hardstands
Coffee shop

Open all year; £8 per night including electric.

Based on a livery stables. Gets very muddy in wet weather. Friendly and helpful - allowed us to park on farm tarmac when all 4 hardstands were full. Had 7 units in place that night.

Approach road was a bit narrow with bends and was partially flooded when we went. Wound up having to reverse the motorhome to let horse box through, which was interesting.

For me, it’s not a ’must-return’ site, but worked well for visiting Bluewater and would probably use it again if we wanted another shopping trip!

Myra Sears. CLIC. January 2006

Tanner Farm (CC affiliated site)
Goudhurst Road
Marden
Tonbridge
Kent
TN12 9ND

Tel: 01622 832 399
Fax: 01622 832 472

E-mail: enquiries@tannerfarmpark.co.uk
Website: www.tannerfarmpark.co.uk

Site visited May 1999

Car & Caravan on Tanner --- The entrance and site beyond

Advanced Bookings are essential BH & Jul-Aug.

A couple of weeks ago we spent the weekend at Tanner Farm Park in Goudhurst, Kent. It’s a CC MUC site and we were very impressed.

Three nights cost about £19.00 (two adults) and we thought this was good value.

The site is a working farm - kids would love it. There’s a large duck pond with various different species (sorry I can’t elaborate any further - but they were very lively and very watchable!). There were also lambs at the time. Their feeding times were advertised on the office doors and anyone was welcome to watch.
There are also pigs, chickens, cockerels, goats, donkeys, shire horses and an aviary. As I’ve said before, I’m not a great country girl but I loved it!

There are short walks of around twenty minutes or so (very me!) and also details of longer walks are available from the office.
There is a wonderful walk past the animals and through the woods (full of bluebells at the time - the smell was amazing!)

There are hard standings on one small field, then two large open fields with electric hook ups. Tents are allowed on the site too.
It was very quiet when we visited. All the hard standings were taken but on our field there were only about five caravans in addition to ours. There were probably less than thirty caravans in total. Although we were on the grass and the weather was bad that weekend, the ground was very firm and the grass cut short.
The owners have arranged the individual pitches very imaginatively - no neat white rows here!

The two toilet blocks were clean and warm but the shower cubicles were a bit small for us. I think they may get a bit busy in peak times too.

The only down side to the site for us was that there was nowhere really within walking distance for us non-walkers.
Goudhurst is a lovely, pretty village but three miles away! There is a grocer, chemist, butcher and two pubs in the village. There is a shop within the office but the opening hours are limited. You can also order your morning papers from there (I do love that!)

The site is a perfect base for touring Kent and Sussex. We loved it and will definitely return.

Kim Phelan. CLIC. May 1999

Added March 2001.
Open: All year.
Facilities: 100 Pitches for Caravans, Motor Vans, Or Tents; 100 Electric Hook-Ups; 15 Hardstandings; 2 Toilet & Shower Blocks.

Thriftwood Caravan and Camping Park - - - - - Second report below
Plaxdale Green Road
Stansted
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 7PB

Tel: 01732 822 261
Fax: 01732 824 636

Site visited May 1999

3 miles south of Brands Hatch, on the A20.

Your Big Site Book, C&CC, page 262,188 288 refers

I have stayed at Thriftwood several times over as many years.

The present owners have made some changes but it remains an informal and quiet site but with good facilities.

The only thing I dislike about it now is they have statics, about a dozen at the moment but will rise to twenty in total. A commercial necessity the owner told me.

Many touring pitches are set in semi woodland others are more open some with semi hardstanding. The site slopes slightly but not unduly and it shouldn’t be difficult to level an outfit. Can get a bit muddy in bad weather. The site roads are made of clinker - the local council won’t let them tarmac them for some reason.

The toilet/shower block is heated and always clean on my visits. You do need to take 20ps with you though

Unusual feature is two little buildings in centre of site with coin operated cookers and picnic tables for back packer campers.

Other facilities are housed in timber buildings at top of site and include shop, family bar, information room, payphone.

There is also an open air swimming pool, heated I believe.

The site is popular with foreign tourers especially Dutch who often outnumber the Brits!

The owners live on site and the drive up to the house/reception is very pretty with ponds and flowerbeds.

Obviously some noise from Brands Hatch when a meeting is on.
AND....Hot news for F1 fans...The British GP circus moves to Brands in 2002 :o)

Good location for visiting many places in the area, Hever and Leeds castles being just two that spring to mind. Overall verdict is don’t expect neatly mowed grass and units lined up in rows. As I said it’s an informal quiet site but with good facilities in a rural setting.

I hope this helps.

Bob Deane. CLIC. May 1999

Thriftwood Caravan & Camping Park - - - - - Third report below
Plaxdale Green Road
Stansted
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 7PB

Tel: 01732 822 261
Fax: 01732 824 636

Mr G Bass

Site visited April 2000

Site view 1 --- Site view 2 --- Site view 3 --- Toilet/shower block --- The pool --- The site office

Directions:
From M25 (Swanley) take A20 3miles south of Branchs Hatch. Turn left 1/4 mile past Horse & Groom PH.
From M26 - junction 2A - follow A20 north towards Brands Hatch. Signposted past large radio mast.

This well groomed site just off the A20 and 3 miles from Brands Hatch motor racing course is owned and run by a very friendly couple and their team.

The site comprises a number of touring pitches (including hard standings) plus statics on a natural terraced site. When we visited at the end of April 2000 there had been quite a lot of rainfall and whereas other sites were turning away because of ground conditions, this site because of it’s situation was relatively dry.

There is an amenity block comprising toilets, showers (20p) family room, chemical disposal etc. For tenting or backpackers there are two shelter cabins for cooking (metered gas range) and eating. The on-site licensed clubhouse has been extended for this season and provides snack meals. An open air swimming pool is situated next to the club house.

The site shop is well stocked including a selection of frozen fresh meat and other foods, wines, tobacco and gas.

Dogs are welcome and, at the back of the site, a bluebell wood with it’s squirrels and birdlife make a wonderful walk.

Situated 50 miles from the Dover ferries, this site attracts visitors from Europe and we used it ourselves last year on our return from France - we will probably do so again following this year’s trip.

Being so close to Brands Hatch, this site is busy during events at that circuit. I would recommend phoning ahead to ensure vacant pitches.

Phil Berry. CLIC. April 2000

Thriftwood Caravan & Camping Club Site
Wroxham hill
Plaxdale Green Road
Stansted
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 7PB

Tel: 01732 822 261
Fax: 01732 824 636

Site visited June 2000

When I first saw this address , I would have said this park was a long way away, but when I paid my first visit I was surprised at how near it is to London.
The location details are listed further down this report.

Anyway I’ve been to Thriftwood a few times now, and I look forward to going back again this year. I find the management nice, polite and always helpful when required.

The park is very quiet as are a lot of other’s I’ve visited. This is how I like sites to be.

There is a very nice club house/bar on site, where country & western/easy listening music is laid on some weekends.

As the sites’ title (Thriftwood) would suggest, it’s in the wood’s. One can enjoy a stroll in the woodland
Overall I find the site very clean, and well worth a visit ... I’m going to be a visitor to Thriftwood as many times as I can this and every year ......!

Location :
If coming from outside London your best bet is to drive along the M25 until you meet the M20, Take the M20 into London. At the end of the M20 you will on the A20. Stay on the A20 until you see signs for ’Brand’s Hatch’. Thriftwood is a mile and a half before ’Brand’s Hatch’ main entrance.

If you are travelling out of London, Take the A20/M20 to Dover, stay on the A20. Before you join the M20 , you will see a sign marked ’Brand’s Hatch’ follow the signs for Brands, past the main entrance to brand’s hatch a mile and a half along the road you will come to a railway bridge, just before that bridge is the entrance to Thriftwood. As it’s a long straight road you will see the bridge a long way off.

Michael McCarthy. CLIC. June 2000 Michael@boxcar.org.uk
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