It started out great. I collected all the vouchers in The Sun Newspaper and sent off our deposit for 4 adults and 1 baby to stay at one of the Great British Holiday Parks for a long weekend (Friday to Monday). We paid extra for linen, entertainment passes and electricity or gas. We selected three parks and three different dates. We managed to get our first choice of park but our third choice of date. We were off the Cambersands, Nr Rye in October!!!
It all went pear-shaped from then on!! Firstly, the couple who had agreed to come with us backed out choosing to go abroad instead (beats me why they'd prefer that!!) Secondly, we had no-one else who would fit into their places, everyone else we knew had families themselves or couldn't go etc. Thirdly, the weather forecast was (RAIN, RAIN & MORE RAIN!!!)
Anyway, we decided it couldn't get any worse so we talked my sister-in-law into accompanying us for the weekend. We set off in the early evening and arrived starving at around 7 pm. Most of the way is country roads which can be annoying if you are stuck behind a big lorry like we were.
Having pulled into the Pointins Park by mistake we found the park a little further up the road. Typical when there are only two parks on the whole road we have to pick the wrong one! The reception area was closed (that would probably by why the letter said to pick up the keys at 4 pm!) but luckily the jolly security man had our map
and keys.
THE ACCOMODATION... My receipt stated that we had an economy chalet but we had infact on arrival been alloacted a caravan. We had our own parking space right next to the van. Very handy for unloading as it was still tipping it down with rain!
Inside there was a very spacious living area with a gas fire and tv, a well equipped kitchen (including a fridge/freezer, oven, hob and grill, a kettle and all the cooking utensils you could wish for) A large dining table (could seat about 5) which looked as though it converted to a double bed (although we didn't try it), a good size bath room with a shower, a double bedded room and a second bedroom with two single beds (these are tiny) and a cabin bed (even tinier). There was also a cupboard for coats. We were impressed but cold as it was freezing, this was quickly remedied but the fire and gas hob, along with a nice cup of tea.
I think that this was an upgrade from the economy chalet although I can't say for certain not having been inside a chalet.
We had to make up our own beds with the linen that we had paid for, but it was clean and pefectly fine, not worn or soiled in anyway.
THE PARK... When we had unpacked rather hastily I might add as we were starving, we quickly spruced ourselves up and set off to find the onsite restaurant. I am ashamed to say we drove, although it had stopped raining we didn't realise that it was so close and so we blamed it on the fact that we had the baby! We were disapointed at the restarant it really was a version of a fast food place with a few chairs to eat in. Still the food was good and there was a good variety (curry, burgers, salads, childrens meals) but we did find it a little overpriced. Once we had ordered we went through to the main bar and entertainment lounge and ate at a table in there. We paid about £2 for a glass of wine and found that the bar was reasonable. The Amusements were off of the main lounge and another bar is just beyond that with snooker tables.
On waking on our second day, not having seen the park in the daylight we found we were situated right by the Supermarket. This was perfect as we needed some bread and I was voted to go get it in the pouring rain. However, on getting up close I realised that it had been closed so not having the map with me I wandered about until I found it. It was located by the main Amusements, Restaurant and Entertainment Lounge. It stocked all your essentials as well as some treats and was priced about the same as your local corner shop.
While I was wet anyway decided to have a look and also found the Indoor Swimming Pool (very big, with a baby pool, free with your entertainments pass), the health suite with jacuzzi, solarium and sauna (extra payment and booking required) the crazy golf (not running due to bad weather) and the childrens outdoor play area. Which were all in a central area along with the Bars, Restaurant, Amusement and Entertainment Lounge, which was great.
There is also space on site for Tourers and Campers.
THE ENTERTAINMENT... The Entertainment was brilliant, on the first evening my toddler enjoyed the glow in the dark puppets which had about 50 characters and went on for about an hour. They were followed by an American themed caberet. I think the entertainment carried on but we all left for bed at about 10.30 p.m.
On the second evening there was a talent contest in three stages, children, teens and adults. These were excellent and afterwards the caberet was a take off group of The Four Tops. (I am ashamed to say I was up and dancing with my sister-in-law and saw a microphone stand just hanging around so I became the fifth member of The Four Tops and they lost a few of their lines from laughing at my silly antics!) After that there was a disco. We got back to the caravan at 2.30 am definately the worst for wear and getting told off for being loud and nearly waking the baby!!
During the days there is an entertainment programme for kids with Dylan (a dinosaur character).
NEARBY... The beach is about a 10 minute walk away. Is a lovely 7 mile long award winning blue flag sandy beach with sand dunes.. There are bars, take away restaurants and amusements.
Also 10 minutes away you can Fish, play Golf or Windsurf.
Nearby towns are Rye, Hastings and Folkestone. We visited Farm World at Rye which was lovely (maybe another op) and Rye village which is great for antiques and brick a brack. Also nearby is Port Lympe Zoo, Smugglers Adventure and Underwater World to name but a few.
OVERALL IMPRESSION... I felt that it was great value. I think it would be even better value if you stayed during better weather as more facilities would be available ie: more childrens activities, crazy golf etc. The accomodation was very good although one of the windows had obviously been forced open at one point and did let in quite a draft. The Entertainment was first class (and even manages to get better the more you drink!) and the nearby activities make it a must visit location.
We only live in Maidstone, Kent so it was not far for us to go but as it was not a particularly great time of year we used it mostly as a base to visit nearby places.
I can't remember to actual cost but it wasn't much (around £60 I think). I remember looking it up on the Great British Holidays website and at this time of year I saved around £5-£10 but had I have got any of the Summer dates I would have saved alot more. They have sent me a Hope You Enjoyed Your Visit letter with a substantial money off voucher should be re-book with them. I am seriously considering it!!!
PARK DETAILS & WEBSITE... Camber Near Rye East Sussex TN31 7RT Tel: 0870 442 9284 Fax: 01797 225 756 cambersands@gbholidayparks.co.uk www.gbholidayparks.co.uk (holds a regular prize draw to win a free holiday)
Good to see the Kent brigade are out in force!!! Andrew (Canterbury)
andymcf 15.11.2002 15:01
Ah! Memories! I used to go to the beach at Camber Sands when I was a kid; what a great beach - but not if it's raining!
Andrew
wiggglypufff 22.10.2002 17:09
I've stayed in a British Holidays park, but not the Camber one. Did have a few day trips to Camber over the summer though. I live in Maidstone too (well, Bearsted) - small world huh? Karen :O)
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Advantages: A family run camp with it's own private beach and excellent facilities . Disadvantages: Maybe price . I think it's reasonable , but thay's my opinion.
pippoodle 17.08.2001 (06.10.2002)
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Review of British Holidays
Advantages: all of the above also Perranport is a lovely holiday town with plenty to see and easy to get to other places from. Disadvantages: Maybe not for couples who don't like children
anjib 29.08.2001 ·
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Review of British Holidays
Advantages: Less fuss than holidays abroad, plenty to do, suitable for all ages, you can take your pet Disadvantages: British weather may spoil your fun, but not the kids fun.
Elffriend 08.05.2005 (08.05.2005)
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Review of British Holidays
Oct 21st, 2002
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