Chatsworth
We've only used our van once, shortly after purchase in Nov. Off to Chirk next week, followed by Love2 stay in May. Looking to try Chatsworth, but a little concerned about access. When I did the towing course the instructer advised getting a fair bit of practice in prior to trying Chatsworth. Seem there's a acute corner prior to a bridge? . Assuming loads of you have tried this site, We only have a 2 berth orion, how likely am I to have problems?
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Sue - you shouldn't have a problem at all. The entrance into the courtyard is pretty easy actually, especially with a smallish van. One thing to be aware of though is that if you're arriving on a Sunday it'll be pretty busy. If you're feeling a bit nervous it may be better to leave it till mid week and, whatever you do, don't arrive before 1pm. Pitch choice is pretty irrelevant at Chatsworth - it's not really the sort of site where you'll want to sit out admiring the views! But for access to the estate and surrounding areas it's great. We're having a few days there in May ourselves. Enjoy!
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No problems getting into Chatsworth with any size van. Just watch the bridge at the end of the lane immediately before accessing the site. We're off next Saturday until after Easter. One of our favourite sites and only 50 minutes from home. Enjoy.
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You are right about the bridge and the acute approach. . As stated by other posters, caravans make the turn and the wardens on site are helpful. The turn was OK for my motorhome but the width of the bridge needed careful attention [my motorhome is slightly wider than most caravans].
If in doubt, go elsewhere until you gain confidence. We think there are better and cheaper sites in Derbyshire with easier access. You could always go from one of those to Chatsworth for the day - I think parking is £4. The House was closed when we visited in March. One wing is being renovated.
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We've been to Chatsworth numerous times, and up until reading this post, never gave the access to the site any thought.
I know someone on another forum once warned another poster about the cobbles in the courtyard, but to this day don't know what they meant 😶
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I hadn't realised that you could see the house from any pitches on the site, will have to look out when we're there next month!
But yes, I agree, it's a personal choice. I was just trying to suggest to a new vanner that there's really no need to join a mad rush for a pitch at Chatsworth; better to arrive at a quieter time and get set up in a more relaxed state of mind.
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It's in the old walled garden and you can't really see the house from the pitches unless you stand on the roof!
Brian1 - what are the well documented drawbacks - apart from the cost? We love it there as it's only 40 minutes from home. Off on Saturday for 10 nights.
Anyone else there next week or over Easter?
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Personally I would see the half hour drive as a draw back, plus of course the car parking fee. There is enough walking through the walled garden gate to keep us occupied for a week. All with nice places to stop for tea, or get a bus back from / to. About 50 mins from home for us.
We also like Castleton. Although walking from the site there is not quite so pleasant, as you have a noisy main road to walk besides, before you can get off onto tracks.
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We love Chatsworth. The site is a means to an end. Love the idea of the secret gate into the estate. We are not as fit as we were when we used to walk up around the hunting tower but we can still get to the House and to Baslow, ideal spot. I am not particularly tall but you can partially see the house from the site, especially at night when its lit up.
David
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The OP hasn't had the question answered about the access yet? Certainly some of the pitches are best done with a mover. I can't remember the bridge being particularly difficult but I am not a newbie and have only been there once. I would say the most difficult thing is getting an available pitch at all! I think I might take the instructors word for it after all he has seen you drive? Caravan meeting bridge is not a great idea! Good luck!
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Been to Chatsworth twice, last time with our 7.95m twin axle.
The bend at the bridge is not a real problem, you just need to be careful how you approach it, get in the correct position on the road. Treat it like any other turn.
If nervous, send your OH out to watch any corners of the van you cannot see in your mirrors when turning.
The bridge itself can be a problem for large MHs as it is "humpy" and they can ground going over it.
At busy times there is usually a warden out directing the traffic, follow his/her instructions, and do not arrive early.
Pitching is not a problem either, especially with a smaller van.
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Ok to answer the OP question. In my opinion access is no problem with a van but may be more of a problem with a large MH due to the hump back nature of the bridge. We have a 7.6m van. Centre yourself over the bridge and everything is fine. Some pitches are awkward to get into so I always unhitch on the road and use the mover.
Can be longish queues at 1pm, the earliest arrival time (supposedly) but the wardens are well organised.
Gate in the wall takes you into the park and it's a few minutes walk to the house. If that doesn't appeal you can walk in the park more or less freely although dogs must be on leads. I turn left through the gate and walk into Baslow where there's a nice dog friendly cafe then walk back down the site access lane. Without stopping at the cafe it takes about 30 minutes at a reasonable pace. The Wheatsheaf in Baslow gives members 20% of their bill Monday to Friday on production of your membership card.
Show your site receipt to get 10% off at the Farm Shop between 10am to 12 noon and 16.00 - 18.00 every day and this includes the cafe. Excellent full English for £8.99.
Downside is that it's an expensive site and can be difficult to get a pitch at weekends. We've booked quite a lot of weekends but did them all on booking day. We're fortunate in only living 40 minutes away but, despite what other members think, we love it. Don't bother with the wifi if you have a decent phone as the site has excellent 4G so I use the my phone to tether my iPad or laptop.
I'm able to work from home so sometimes look if there's a pitch free and I'll go and chill there for a few days but work too and it's near enough for my wife to pop over just for the day if she's not able to stay.
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Well, apart from the cost :-)
- the approach, as discussed here
- no views to speak of
- crowded inside
- crowds of day visitors in the immediate area outside
- always full and difficult/impossible to get a booking at short notice
Obviously, it suits many people well as it's very popular, but for me there are so many other good options in the Peak District.
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