York Beechwood Grange: A Neurodivergent Family's Haven - 3 Night Review
As a neurodivergent family of four, including our two wonderful children (aged 4 and 7) and our dog, finding a relaxing and accommodating base for a short break is always a priority. Our recent 3-night stay at York Beechwood Grange with our touring caravan proved to be a genuinely positive and enjoyable experience, ticking many boxes for our unique needs.
Arrival and Setup:
The arrival process was smooth and efficient. The clear directions and the designated hardstanding, electric pitch made setting up our caravan a straightforward affair, which is always a bonus when managing sensory sensitivities and eager little ones. The fact that our pitch was conveniently located near the park was a huge plus. The children, after the journey, were able to immediately expend some energy in a familiar and contained environment, which helped regulate their sensory input and reduce potential overwhelm.
Facilities and Accessibility:
We found the on-site facilities to be well-maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The family washroom was a particular highlight. Having that extra space and privacy made bathroom routines much less stressful for everyone. On one occasion, we also utilised the disabled toilet facilities, which were clean, spacious, and easily accessible, providing a comfortable option when needed. The availability of these facilities offered reassurance regarding the site's commitment to inclusivity.
The dishwashing area was clean and functional, and the laundry facilities are a must for us. We always appreciate the convenience of washing and drying our bedding and clothes before heading home. Tokens for the laundry are available from reception. On this occasion, I could have done with a few more tokens, but unfortunately, the reception didn't reopen until 1 pm, which was after our 12 pm departure time. This was a slight inconvenience as we prefer to leave with everything clean. The chemical waste disposal area was clearly marked and easily accessible, promoting responsible caravanning.
The dedicated dog walk on site was a fantastic asset for our dog. It provided a safe and contained space for him to stretch his legs without constant lead management, which in turn made our walks more relaxing. Even for those without dogs, these green spaces offered quieter areas for a stroll and fresh air.
The little touches, like the book and DVD swap in the old phone box, added a charming community feel and offered a low-pressure activity for downtime. The reception/shop selling essentials was also a convenient backup.
The Park and Play Areas:
The park area was a significant positive for our children. Having a dedicated space for play right near our pitch meant they could engage in familiar activities, make friends at their own pace, and burn off energy. This was crucial for managing their sensory needs and preventing pent-up energy that can sometimes lead to meltdowns. The open space also allowed for more freedom of movement, which is often beneficial for neurodivergent children.
Location and Accessibility to York:
The proximity to York was a major draw, and the information provided about the Monks Cross Park & Ride was invaluable. The short and frequent bus journey into the city was surprisingly enjoyable for the kids, becoming an unexpected highlight! The cost-effectiveness of the Park & Ride (kids free, reasonable adult fare) made exploring York accessible without the stress of city centre parking. While York itself could be overwhelming at times, having the calm and familiar environment of the caravan park to return to was essential for regulation. We appreciated the detailed information provided about the Park & Ride and other local amenities.
Considerations for Neurodivergent Families:
⭐️ Quiet Time: The designated "quiet time" after 10 pm was generally respected and contributed to a more peaceful environment, which is crucial for sensory sensitivities.
⭐️ Space and Freedom: The caravan itself provided a familiar and controllable environment, offering a necessary retreat from potentially overwhelming external stimuli. The individual pitch also provided a defined space, reducing anxiety around boundaries.
⭐️Predictability: The clear site rules and well-maintained facilities offered a degree of predictability, which can be very helpful for neurodivergent individuals.
Overall:
Our 3-night stay at York Beechwood Grange was a resounding success. The combination of well-maintained facilities, the excellent play area, the convenient access to York, and the generally calm atmosphere made it a genuinely welcoming and inclusive location for our neurodivergent family. The laundry facilities are a definite plus for us, although the limited opening hours of the self-service machine on departure day were a minor inconvenience. The thoughtful touches, like the dog walk and the book swap, added to the positive experience. We felt comfortable and well-supported throughout our stay and would highly recommend York Beechwood Grange to other families, including those with neurodivergent members, looking for a relaxing and enjoyable base to explore Yorkshire. We're already looking forward to our next visit!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJPar9moprB/?igsh=YjAwc2wxOGoyd2E=
I will be posting more on my socials about our stay and in here. But checkout my highlights ‘YORK’ on my @caravantravelfamily
Comments
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It sounds like you had an amazing time and thank you so much for sharing your experience on Club Together. This is now on my list of have to visit campsites!
The good news is we are trialling contactless payments for laundry machines on some of our campsites so hopefully this will further enhance your future experiences staying on our Club Campsites. 🙂
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The good news is we are trialling contactless payments for laundry machines on some of our campsites so hopefully this will further enhance your future experiences staying on our Club Campsites. 🙂
That sounds a good idea Rowena, especially if the machines need tokens rather than coins. Surely the next step should be a Costa Coffee machine on site😉
David
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@DavidKlyne Yes, certainly a trick the club is missing, at Melrose outside the site there was one of those coffee mini caravans things and it did a roaring trade from club users.
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