Downton!

richardandros
richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭
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edited December 2019 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

In the process of planning next year's trips and Ros - being a Downton fan - would very much like to visit Highclere Castle. (We will have to look round in stages since I assume a certain Cockapoo won't be allowed in!)

Any suggestions as to nice sites in the vicinity?  I've done the usual trawl of both Clubs, Pitchup, UKcampsites etc and although there are some that are OK (just) nearly all of them have a downside to them.  Since it's a fairly long way to travel, it would be nice to know of sites that others have used and like. We've been caught out before where the reality doesn't match up with owner's descriptions and on-line reviews.

We have a large TA van (8.1m long and 8' wide) so access is an issue - it / I don't do single track country lanes! We prefer quiet sites rather than all-singing/dancing ones and not bothered if it's a large site or CL/CS since we have and use the facilities in the van.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks - Richard

 

Comments

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,056 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #2

    Can’t help with anything in Highclere area (check out the Tutankhamen links), but we do know some close to Lady Edith’s Ducal Pad! Alnwick Castle......😁

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #3

    How about Hillview Park at Oare near Marlborough? Not a million miles away from Highclere. It's quite a few years since we stayed there and it was a bit old fashioned even then, but perfectly adequate and certainly quiet. Lots of walking in lovely Wiltshire countryside nearby. Might be worth a look.  smile

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #4

    Thanks Moulesy - but they don't accept caravans over 20' - so that counts us out!

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,865 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #5

    Whilst not really near  Morn HIll would provide you with good access to the A34 dual carriageway, so a half an hour journey of 28 miles?

    David

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #6

    I think that would be a good one too, access to both sides of the A303, so Highclere, Salisbury and the New Forest are within reach. Lots of nice villages and pubs locally. Not far from Danebury Hill, good dog walks up there! smile

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited December 2019 #7

    As said Morn Hill is not too far away, 22 miles about 25>30 minutes. The site meets your access needs.

    Plus visiting Highclere needs doing a bit of homework into the dates it is accessible, and probably requires pre booking. I am aware some "tours" get oversubscribed.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited December 2019 #8

    Just looking at Wikipedia, Highclere should open their own caravan site, it  looks like they need all the financial help they can get. £12m to sort out the roofs!! surprised

    Highclere Castle

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #9

    How about this one near Newbury, found it on searchforsites

    website

    http://www.oakleyfarm.co.uk/

     

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #10

     I was going to suggest that one, Nellie.  We stayed there,  but a fair few years ago now. But they don't accept dogs any more. frown

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #11

    Oh, didn't read that. Bishops Green Campsite is another no too far away, and there are a couple of CLs in the area too, Darling Buds of May Nursery and The Bungalow .Don't know what they are like.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #12

    Thanks Nellie but there is also a limit on caravan size at 7.4m - so we're out on two scores! Where is "The Bungalow CL' - can't seem to find it.  The other one doesn't sound too good!

    Wonder if the Canarvons would object to a bit of wild camping in their groundsembarassed

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #13

    It's listed on the searchforsites web page, but I suspect that it's closed now. Sorry wink

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #14

    The site that Nellie mentioned, Bishops Green Farm, has good reviews on UKCampsite. Not far south of Newbury.

    www.bishopsgreenfarm.co.uk

    They accept dogs. Not sure about length of 'van though.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2019 #15

    Thanks WN and Nellie - agree it does look good - especially as there doesn't seem to be much else in the area that's suitable.  I did find it in my search but was put off slightly by the fact that dogs were not allowed off lead anywhere on the farm, which is unusual. But that's only a minor point and we can get round that, I'm sure. Looks very similar to our favourite CS, near Malton:

    Thornthorpe

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