Buckland Farm Camping

Liked: Friendly owner, hot showers, location

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Liked: I base this review on what this site actually is and not what I am used to from camping. And for what it is, this is a really lovely site. To camp here, you have to be a member of the Greener Camping Club. This was a nominal fee paid on booking and lasts a 12 month period. It allows you to then camp at any other Greener Camping Club site.

We booked this site as an end of season Camping trip and decided to book their bell tent to save having to pitch up our own tent after a very long drive. The tent itself was spacious with a double bed (frame cut low to the ground) and two single futons. There was also a chest at the end of the bed but this was decorative only and did not act as a storage space. It was good, however, for card games! There are two bedside tables. Plenty of fleece blankets are provided for extra warmth. Overall, it was a nice space.

Outside, our pitch, like all the pitches, was really really big. In fact, probably the biggest pitches I've seen on a site and there are no hedges to mark edges so even the biggest tents with guy ropes fully extended would have no problem fitting in. We had a picnic bench and firepit included in the price of our bell tent pitch.

The facilities are basic. But the owners are clear about that from their advertising. There were no hidden surprises and whilst, for me, I struggled with the drop toilets, I knew what to expect upon booking. It was just a little challenging for me, especially dealing with my monthly period at the same time. For me, it just wasn't an environment I was too comfy in dealing with feminine hygiene. We also went at a very quiet time and I'm not sure what the compostable toilet situation would get like in the heat of summer and with a full campsite.

Moving on to the showers..... probably the best I've had whilst camping. There are 3 individual cubicles with hooks to hang stuff and enough room for moving around in. The water is from the mains flow and heated by gas. Very good water flow, very good heat (not sure how you'd get on if you like a cold shower). None of that pressing a button and getting 45 seconds of water before having to press again.. nope, switch that tap on amd enjoy a really decent shower!

Some other good spaces at the site are a huge paddock for dogs.... totally enclosed and safe. Other campers had good etiquette in allowing users to exercise their dog before entering. Also, a communal bell tent with comfy seats, games and a table for people to commune at.

The surroundings are so peaceful. A feint hum from the M5 but otherwise its just the sounds of the countryside. Plenty of walks nearby.

Overall I would definitely recommend this site for people wanting to disconnect from the rush of "normal" life. Take a good book and some decent walking shoes and enjoy it for what it is.

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From the manager: Hi Sonia
Thank you for your review.
What a shame we dropped two stars - we do try our best to make our guests’ holidays as enjoyable and relaxing as possible!!!
Our website/advertising is, as you say, very clear on exactly what we offer. We do keep our composting loos very clean, as can be seen from comments from other guests in their reviews – even in the height of summer and when full. Bins are provided in each loo for sanitary waste.
The chest actually is a storage space – I wish you had mentioned your concerns whilst here – maybe the lid was stuck – although it didn’t appear so when I cleaned after your stay.
I think by your opening sentence, you don’t usually stay on this ‘type’ of site - but we are pleased you described it as a lovely site, you enjoyed the showers, the off lead paddock and the shared areas, and the peace and quiet. We love the fact that you would recommend our site for people who wish to disconnect from the rush of normal life. That is exactly the experience we are offering – in fact reflected in the very first sentence on our website!!
Best wishes

Liked: Lovely campsite, with plenty of space. Individual space is the really important for us, as we don't liked being crammed in. Good gaps between pitches as well. Good walking trails around the area. Little hum from the motorway, but didn't affect our stay. Lovely lady who runs the site. Tidy site, we will return.

Disliked: A couple of noisy dogs of which the owners of the dogs did not seem to want to stem them. Not the campsite fault. Didn't spoil our stay.

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From the manager: Thank you for your kind review. We look forward to your return. :-)

Liked: Myself and my two children (14 & 16) spent 13 days here and had an amazing time. The campsite was clean, well maintained, well situated, spacious and had all the necessary amenities. The showers were hot and the compoost toilets clean (as long as you don't look down lol 😂) and always stocked with loo roll. There was a freezer for us to use for ice packs and there were plenty there for use. The charging ports for phones/small devices was a great help too! The bell tent we stayed in was amazing and beautiful. Carol (the site owner) was friendly and helpful and obviously takes great pride in her business as she can always be seen checking everything and popping by to ensure everything is OK. She even looked after my dog when he escaped from the bell tent like houdini 😄 and messaged me to say he was safe. The site is central and close to the M5 so we were able to go to beaches both South and West.
Overall I would recommend this site to anyone!

Disliked: Could do with lights in the showers as showering at dark is difficult

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From the manager: Hi Zoe
Thank you for your kind review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay - your family (including your very lovely little dog!) were a pleasure to host!
Carol

Liked: Out door washing up area with hot water
Toilets & Showers.
Organisation of pitches.
Dog walking area.

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From the manager: Hi Ruth
Many thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay.

Liked: We had a fabulous time here. We had an enclosed pitch which was with very careful parking big enough for 6 camper vans! This meant the dog had plenty of room to run around and we could completely switch off. All you can see around you are green hills and fields. A novelty when you compare it to houses everywhere in even the smallest of towns. Carol was very responsive to my many emails and indeed very patient. Plenty of loos and showers and all very clean. We definitely will be back.

Disliked: Nothing at all

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From the manager: Hi Sylvia
We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay - we look forward to your return.
Carol.

Liked: Wonderful peaceful site. Having our own facilities we did not use any of the facilities provided. Place for emptying loo. Beautiful countryside. Thoroughly recommend

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Liked: Very nice and quiet place, pitch places are huge, love it!

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Liked: The location was great, the staff were really friendly, we enjoyed our stay.

Disliked: Toilets door don't close properly, so children were struggling with this.

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Liked: Super eco-friendly, clean, quiet.

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