Glamping in a Scottish Eco-Dome Camping Pod

Whether you are a European visitor looking for an alternative holiday in the UK or a British couple wanting a last-minute treat this spring, the Ecopod Boutique Retreat in Argyll, Scotland provides a unique glamping experience perfect for an unforgettable, romantic getaway.

The beautifully situated camp ground features two (soon to be three) spacious geodesic eco-domes overlooking Loch Linnhe and provides incredible views of the picturesque Castle Stalker.

A therapeutic staycation alternative, each open planned dome consists of incredible panoramic windows and furnishings designed to blend wonderfully with the surroundings.  Furnishings include a memory foam double bed with organic linen, Japanese cedar hot tub, luxury cedar bathroom, stylish log burner, comfortable sofas, a kitchen with a Gorenje fridge and an excellent multi-media centre.

As well as being treated to beautiful surrounding and luxurious furnishings, guests also receive a stunning hamper loaded with local luxury goodies such as hand-dived scallops from the Loch, hand-made chocolates, locally brewed beers, Scottish malt whiskey decanter plus basic groceries including free range eggs, milk, home-made bread, butter etc.  Each hamper is designed to meet individual preferences.

Other items include organic toiletries, luxurious bathrobes and slippers and maps and guides of the local area.

Guests can make the most of nearby Oban, ideal for activities such as boating day trips to Tobermory, Mull (the colourful location of the children’s television series, Balamory) and other nearby islands.  To the north is Fort William which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, indoor and outdoor ice-climbing, and abseiling.

To book your own ecopod getaway or to check for late availabilities, visit their website.

Romany Caravan, Glamping in Wales in a Gypsy Caravan

Spring seems to be with us at last. It’s been a long time coming so why not make the most of it.

Chill out close to nature with our charming alternative staycation. Our ‘Gypsy Wagon’ provides the perfect glamping option. It’s an alternative camping type holiday, but the self contained shower, loo, and mini kitchen with microwave, toaster and electric kettle mean you can keep the 21st Century comforts!

The log fire and the barbecue are great, but first thing in the morning it’s nice to just flick the electric switch.

A Romany Caravan or Vardo is a traditional caravan and provides a camping experience with a difference.

It used to travel the lanes of West Wales and is now settled in a relaxing garden overlooking the beef and sheep farm just minutes from the M4 at Junction 36, with wonderful views. The lambs are loving the warmth and are gambolling in the fields stretching out from the Gypsy Garden.
Why not snuggle in the caravan, watching the stars and listening to the sounds of the countryside, knowing you are not too far from all the amenities – there is internet access on-site.

The Romany break is best suited to a couple looking for a romantic hideaway. Great for cuddling close  together, but if you do want to bring the family there’s plenty of space for a youngster or a tent. You will find it so relaxing you won’t want to go far.

We’re on the Cycle Trail, minutes from Wiggleys Fun Farm and in wonderful walking country. But just in case you’ll be 15 minutes from the beaches at Porthcawl, 20 minutes from Southerndown, half an hour from Cardiff or Swansea and an hour from the Gower and the Brecon Beacons.

Please visit website

May Day Bank Holiday Weekend

Traditionally May Day is a Celtic Festival where the May Queen would be crowned and people would dance around the Maypole

The May Day Bank Holiday is a Holiday on the first Monday of Each May.

Many towns celebrate this is different ways.

There are an abundance of fairs, Hereford City has a street fair –  so take a stay in some of the exceptional camping sites. Also see the Late Availability on sites and Parks for the last minute pitch bookings

The fair lasts for 3 days and arrives on the Tuesday after the Bank Holiday Weekend. So if you are visiting for the week take a stroll around the fair

Some towns have markets and some offer festivals. All trying to upkeep the tradition of May Bank Holiday Fun.

This May Bank Holiday promises to be a sunny one.

There are many Caravan Parks and Campsites across the UK that are putting on special treats for this day.

Please see our events page.

There will be VW Shows to visit and to camp at.

Whitstable,in Kent, hosts traditional May Day festivities so take a look at our Kent Holiday Parks and Campsite

The Maydayrun involves thousands of motorbikes taking a 55-mile (89 km) trip from London (Locksbottom) to the Hastings seafront, East Sussex. Staying over for the Maydayrun is a must please take a look at some parks in the area of East Sussex

The event has been taking place for almost 30 years now and has grown in interest from around the country, both commercially and publicly. The event is not officially organized

Padstow in Cornwall holds its annual Obby-Oss (Hobby Horse) day of festivities.

Padstow is an excellent holiday location it is a haven of pubs and restaurants an great place to refuel those batteries after a long winter.

If you are looking for somewhere traditional, but different this bank holiday, why not head to Pinewood Holiday Park.

Situated within walking distance of Scarborough town centre, (just 2 miles away) Pinewood is the only Wild West themed holiday park in the UK.

There’s Indian Tipis, Cowboy Camping Shacks and Woody’s Western Wagons.

Coming soon are 2 new Cowboy Camping Cabins…..even more spacious.

All the accommodation comes with beds for 4 people and metered electric heating and lighting, and the Wagons even have a kettle, toaster, fridge and microwave.

Visitors are also welcome to bring along their own tent or caravan or motorhome. As Pinewood is open all year round, hard standings are available for caravans and motorhomes.

Dogs are also very welcome and are not charged for.

Scarborough is a traditional seaside resort – in fact the very first seaside resort in the UK. There’s 2 wonderful award winning beaches, a miniature railway, the Sealife centre, Peasholm Park to feed the ducks and ride a swan peddle boat and Europe’s largest Open Air Theatre….to name but a few.

Scarborough is also a brilliant base for visiting so many nearby attractions, such as Flamingo Land, Eden Camp, York, Filey, Whitby and Bridlington.

Pinewood is an award winning family run park, and has been named as ’one of the most family friendly sites in Britain’ as the owners offer 2 free child places in all the themed accommodation, ALL year round, and do NOT increase their rates in school holidays or at peak times.

Prices are from:

• £7 pppn bringing your own tent/caravan/motorhome
• £17.50 pppn staying in a Tipi (based on 2 adults & 2 children)
• £20 ppppn staying in a Shack or Western Wagon (based on 2 adults & 2 children)

• A free souvenir gift pack will also be offered this Bank Holiday
• Discounted Sealife Tickets available (saving £7.70 per person)

Please follow this link 

There is plenty to do at Pinewood

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Pinewood is very proud to sponsor Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre and guests staying in the themed accommodation can also benefit from discounted tickets.

Saving £20 on the price of 2 tickets. Hurry – limited availability.

Olly Murs Thursday 6^th June

1 night in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £125.

The Wanted Friday 14^th June

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £185.

Happy Mondays Saturday 22^nd June

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £185.

(Pinewood accommodation now sold out on this weekend)

Leona Lewis Friday 12^th July

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £190.

(Pinewood accommodation now sold out on this weekend)

Status Quo Saturday 27^th July 

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £190.

(Pinewood accommodation now sold out on this weekend)

Katherine Jenkins Saturday 3^rd August

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £197.

The Saturdays Saturday 24^th August

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £184.

McFly Friday 30^th August

2 nights in a Tipi and 2 tickets – all for just £185.

At Eden Lodge we offer you the best of both worlds. Whether you are the adventurous, exploring type, or prefer peace and tranquillity, we are ideally located to meet your needs.

Our tents are erected and equipped, ready for your arrival.

Whilst each tent is equipped with a camping stove, there are additional kitchen facilities for use outside. This is in addition to the barbeques available for use.

Laundry facilities are also available.

A welcome pack can be arranged and adjusted to meet your needs, at cost price.

Food, beer, wine, soft drinks and other essentials are for sale on site. Fresh bread and eggs daily.

Breakfasts available on request.

We have lived in Turkey for a number of years now, so are able to offer assistance and advice if required.

Additionally we can arrange sightseeing trips, bicycle hire, scooter and car hire if required. However public transport in Turkey is excellent, cheap and only a 15 minute walk away.

The Esen River is only a few minutes’ walk away, for the fishing enthusiast.

We have a small, above ground pool, which you are free to use should you wish!

We also have a 3 metre dinghy and 10 hp outboard which you can use for a small fee.

At less than 1 ½ hours from Dalaman airport, we are easily accessible, but transfers can be arranged on request.

Nearby attractions:-

Patara Beach – World famous and award winning!

Patara Archaeological site – Of biblical interest and recently restored.

Saklikent Gorge – Stunning for walking or white water rafting (and where our water comes from)

Xanthos – The old Lycian capital, and where one of the generals at the Battle of Troy came from!

Letoon – The old religious / worship centre

Tlos – An ancient city perched on a mountain side, and where the mythological Pegasus was believed to have taken to flight.

Pinara (mentioned in Alexander the Great’s campaign) and Sidyma are also close by.

Kayakoy – A UNESCO world friendship and peace village is just over the mountain from us and well worth a visit.

Olu Deniz – The Blue Lagoon, the one you see on almost every photograph of Turkey is quite accessible.

Baba Dag – Daddy mountain, which descends to the sea, offers daily paragliding.

Fethiye – the nearest city (which has the feel of a town) has a beautiful marina and a must visit market. It also has a rather special fish market, with restaurants dotted all around. Special in the evening.

Kalkan – A beautiful town that fills a small bay.

Booking is advisable! 

Easter is going to be a time that many campers are getting away for the long weekend and week.

The weather is extremely cold although we have some sunshine at last now.

Many of you are going to be bringing your electric heaters to keep you warm. As long as the parks do not have limitations on the electric then you will be fine with this option.

Please be aware of the high chances of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in tents, caravan’s and  Tourers.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas and is poisonous. In high concentrations it can kill swiftly.

DO’S & DONT’S

• Bring your portable barbecue indoors to heat your tent – All fuels like coal, charcoal gas etc give off Carbon Monoxide
• Do turn off all gas appliances before going to bed – at the bottle or canister
• Do cook with ventilation- open up your tent or open the windows and doors to your van

SYMTOMS OF CO POISONING

In smaller concentrations CO poisoning can give symptoms similar to flu or food poisoning. Look out for headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and weakness – but the best advice is to avoid any chance of being poisoned in the first place.

Here are some useful Links

http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ocs/400-499/440_34.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/contacts.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_pdf/2001/crr01386.pdf
HERE IS A VIDEO THAT THE CAMPING AND CARAVAN CLUB HAVE PUT TOGETHER

Please click on the Poster/Flyer to Download and print out.

LAST MINUTE EASTER AVAILABILITY at Sandy Balls Holiday Park

Monday 1st April – 4 nights          WAS     NOW 

Hazel Lodge for 2 people                £399     £359

Pine Lodge for 4 people                  £749     £675

Premium Lodge for 4 people           £799     £719

Pine Lodge for 6 people                  £799     £719

Wessex Caravan for 4 people         £419     £377

Friday 5th March – 3 nights           WAS    NOW

Hazel Lodge for 2 people                 £499    £449

Pine Lodge for 4 people                   £569    £512

Premium Lodge for 4 people            £799    £719

Pine Lodge for 6 people                   £619    £557

Wessex Caravan for 4 people          £399    £359

Monday 8th March – 4 nights         WAS    NOW

Hazel Lodge for 2 people                 £399     £359

Pine Lodge for 4 people                   £749     £675

Premium Lodge for 4 people            £799     £719

Pine Lodge for 6 people                   £799     £719

Wessex Caravan for 4 people          £419     £377

Book online and quote EASTER in the Discount Code at the end of the booking process or call 0844 693 1229

June is a great month to visit Sandy Balls.  The summer will be approaching, but prices are still keen.  We are very excited to announce that radio station, Heart will be attending a weekend at Sandy Balls.

Friday 7th – 10th June 

Radio presenters JK & Lucy will be joined by the Heart Angels for a weekend of fun.  Entertainment includes;

Friday 7th       – 8pm Live Music with Lou Taylor

Saturday 8th   – 5pm Children’s Party with the Heart Angels

Saturday 8th   – 7pm Party night hosted by JK & Lucy

The Heart Angels will also be joining in some of our activities so take part in family rounders,  a Woodland Walk exploring the beautiful Sandy Balls Estate and more.

Many choices of accommodation are available so book now to avoid disappointment as places will go fast.

Friday 7th June – 3 nights

Hazel Lodge for 2 people          £379

Pine Lodge for 4 people            £439

Premium Lodge for 4 people     £489 (limited availability)

Pine Lodge for 6 people            £489

Wessex Caravan for 4 people   £269

Hampshire En-suite Caravan     £319

Touring Pitches £40 per pitch per night for 2 adults and children

2 PEOPLE GO FREE!

 Book a 6 berth lodge before 31st March to arrive on April 15th or April 22nd and only pay for a 4 berth lodge.

£329 for a 6 berth lodge, just £13.70 per person per night.

To book, call 0844 639 1229

Campsite Finder Online Discount Gifts Shop

We have just opened and Ebay store selling gifts. We are still waiting for some stock. Currently there is a selection of Jewellery some, Surfware jewellery some costume.

We are adding Voodoo Doll Keyrings, and some cute Crazy bunny fimo Keyrings.

If there any question please email me

info@campsitefinderonline.com

Please follow the Ebay CFO Discount Gift Store

Festival Camping

Believe it or not (I know I struggle to), winter will soon be at an end and the “Great British Summer” will once more be upon us. Admittedly, summer in the UK isn’t as hot and sunny as I remember but there are some fleeting memories from my childhood that still remain true to this day. Regardless of the weather, it’s the Brit’s love of camping.

I have many fond memories of camping but perhaps my most favourite (and I doubt I’m alone here) were those of camping at festivals. Friends and family, camp fires, music, stalls (especially the food ones!) all made for a fantastic summer and something I plan to relive this year even if the heavens should open!

So what festivals should we be looking out for this year? Well, here are the top ten festivals in the UK that camping goes hand-in-hand with:

1. Download Festival – I’m very varied with my taste in music but it does include metal and rock music. This year, Download has a fantastic line-up with bands including Slipknot, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age and Motörhead to name but a few. There are a variety of tickets on sale including five day camping and family tickets. Bands play from Friday 14th June to Sunday 16th June.

2. Wychwood – For fun family-friendly festivals, Wychwood is a fantastic choice. Children under 16 camp for free if attending with adults and there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained including (not limited to!) workshops and kids entertainment as well as artists such as Kate Nash and Human League. The festival runs from 31st May to 2nd June.

3. RockNess – For lovers of natural beauty as well as a good camping festival, RockNess is a great choice! The festival runs from Friday 7th June until Sunday 9th June at the beautiful Scottish lake, Loch Ness, with artists such as Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim and Madness. What’s more, under 12′s go free!

4. Isle of Wight Festival – Another family friendly camping festival with a specialised Kids Zone. Under 6′s attend for free too! From Thursday 13th June until Sunday 16th with artists such as Bon Jovi, The Script, Emeli Sande and Blondie, you’d be mad to miss it!

5. Glastonbury – The world renowned festival is back this year with an absolutely incredible line-up! The likes of U2, Beyonce, Jessie J, Mumford and Sons etc. (the list really is endless) will be performing but unfortunately, if you haven’t already registered you are too late! Make sure to get your registration in for the next Glastonbury festival so that you can enjoy the camping experience that comes with the cultural diversity of this wonderful festival.

6. Wakestock – For an extra-long camping experience, why not treat yourself to the Wakestock festival situated in beautiful Wales. With the campsite open from 1st July to the 15th, it’s the perfect British camping holiday. Example and Zane Lowe will be amongst those performing at the festival.

7. Latitude – Very much a cultural festival and includes a Children’s Area and Boutique Babysitting so perfect for families! Latitude bases each yearly festival on a theme, with this year asking ‘What Defines Me? Neuroscience Vs Sexuality’. Line-up still remains a mystery so watch this space!

8. V Festival – With a choice of Staffordshire or Chelmsford, you can escape for a camping weekend at ones of the UK’s best known festivals running in August. As with Latitude, we are still awaiting news of their line-up.

9. Reading and Leeds Festival – Reading and Leeds festivals are a couple of the most anticipated festivals of the year. There is an incredible line-up including Eminem, Deftones and System of a Down and if you book before the end of February, you can take advantage of their presale tickets. Under 12′s go free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

10. Shambala – Recommended by several of my friends, Shambala is a wonderful, family friendly festival that is diverse and innovative, winning an ‘Outstanding’ award in the Greener Festival Awards. Running over four days in August, it’s a perfect summer camping festival.

Got your camping equipment and festival tickets now? Excellent! Now all we have to do is wait for summer to arrive…

Only 2 weeks to Go

Only 2 Weeks to go and Hurley Riverside Park will be open again.

We are hoping to see you all in the new season. We are promised the hottest summer ever.

Children’s Trim Trail

There is a new children’s trim trail by popular demand has been installed. It was apparently the most requested addition to the park. Its enjoyed by children and adults.If you would like to see pictures Like their FacebookPage.

David Bellamy Conservation Award

Hurley Riverside Park are pleased to announce that they have won a Gold David Bellamy Award for Conservation for the 15th year in a row.

They received our award from David at the BH&HPA Conference in Belfast last month. David visited the Park a number of years ago to name our first llama and was very pleased we had continued our hard work towards conserving the environment since his visit.

The new mascot for the park will be revealed later on through the facebook page it is an exciting time for the park with all the new changes being made.

We are booking fast for this year and the busier times so please BOOK NOW Online to ensure your pitch and to save dissapointment.

Caravan For Hire

Hurley offer caravans for hire long or short breaks short ones starting from March so book quickly please.

2013 Brochure

The New 2013 brochure is available to download

Please click here