It may seem a little bit odd that I am reviewing a Campsite in the middle of December, but the truth is I not some kind of mad freak who enjoys camping out in sub zero temperatures. I actually visited Cooper's campsite at the end of September and had a very enjoyable time. I asked Ciao to add it as a category back then but nothing happened until now.
THE LOCATION
Coopers Camp & Caravan Site is located at New Fold Farm, Edale Derbyshire S33 7ZD
Telephone: 01433 670372
The site is open all year round but its location within the heart of Peak District does mean that it is rather exposed and it was pretty chilly at night even in late September.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The site is located within a valley bottom with impressive views of the surrounding mountains, of which Mam Tor at 1696 feet high dominates the skyline.
There are 135 pitches available for Caravans, Camping Vans and Tents.
The site is basically on three different fields which are all on a gentle slope and connected by a gravel path. The first field which is located nearest to the reception is the only location of the Toilets and Shower Block and this tends to be reserved for Caravans and Camper Vans. We had a tent which we pitched on the middle field but it was quite a walk from the Toilets and since there is no lighting on the site it was pitch dark at night and we were thankful that we had remembered to bring a torch.
All of the fields are surrounded by mature trees which provide a fair amount of shelter.
THE FACILITIES
The site has a single Toilet Block with 8 cubicles, a large Urinal and 4 showers in the Male block. This is made of Breezeblocks and although it was clean it would definitely benefit from upgrading. The Showers require a 10p coin which lasts for about 8 minutes.
Outside the Toilet Block is where the main litter bins are found. I think these were the only bins on the site, although there could have been some more on the top field.
There are drinking water taps scattered all over the site and behind the Toilets there is an outdoor area with half a dozen sinks for Pot washing.
At the main reception there is a shop, which is Edale's Old Post Office now used as a general store selling Food, Newspapers and basic Camping supplies.
Just behind the Shop there is Cafe & Restaurant which is quite large and I would definitely recommend this for a Full English Breakfast which cost £5.50 and offered good value for money. One word of warning however this place gets very busy, especially at Breakfast time and we had to wait about 10 minutes for a free table.
Just outside the entrance of the Campsite there is a very friendly pub called the Old Nags Head which serve good food at reasonable prices. This pub dates back to 1577 and has loads of character. There is also another Pub within the Village close to the Railway Station which is about a 5 minutes walk away.
PRICES
I was part of a party of 4 people and the cost for our tent was £14 per night. This price was based on £6 per car + passenger (we all travelled in the same car) £5 for the tent and £1 for each additional person.
SUMMARY
This is an excellent place to stay as a base for discovering and experiencing the Peak District. We stayed for 2 nights but the purpose of our visit was to test out a new tent rather than explore the area since this location is only a 30 minute drive away and it is therefore an area that we all knew pretty well anyway.
The site was busy and there was a fair bit of noise up to about 11pm as many of the campers (ourselves included) had barbecues. It also appeared that there were no strict regulations on large parties.
We did meet the owner who was surprisingly known as Mr Cooper and he seemed very jolly and friendly.
Good review. I've camped there a few times in the 90s and it was ok then. But seem to spend most of the evening in the Pub and walking back rather drunk! Still a great base to explore Kinder Scout and the area around.
sheffsal 06.12.2005 13:10
great review mick, how was the farmer about the disposable bbq which burnt the grass ;-) fond memories of two very pleasent nights
fabulous_girl 06.12.2005 11:54
I cannt stand camping, being so utterly fabulous and all dahling, but great review! Should I be forced to get down in the muck in that neck of the woods, I'll be there!
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Dec 5th, 2005
exceptional by (7%):
very helpful by (79%):
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