We recently spent a weekend at Holmsley Campsite in the New Forest with Camping in the Forest, so what did we think?
Holmsley Campsite is just a short drive from wonderful beaches at Bournemouth and Christchurch, and is ideally situated for a seaside break. We were there for an exciting project with Camping in the Forest more info on that below, but we have been to that neck of the woods before and spent a lot of time on some gorgeous sandy Dorset beaches.
The Dorset coast really is spectacular and is lined with miles of beautiful award-winning beaches, making the site a brilliant place to stay. Whilst we were there this time we visited Paultons Park (less than 30 minutes away) took a boat trip from Christchurch to the Isle of Wight and had a fabulous family walk.
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Where is Holmsley Campsite?
Holmsley Campsite, New ForestForest Road Christchurch BH23 7EQ (Use BH23 8EB for Sat Nav’s)
What is Holmsley Campsite like?
Not only is Holmsley Campsite in a brilliant location, but the site itself is beautiful too.
As we drove into Holmsley Campsite there were ponies grazing on the side of the road and as we pulled into the area where our pitch was, we saw rabbits scamper off too.
Whilst the site is rural and pretty that doesn’t mean there is no convenience. There is a brilliant shop on site that sells pretty much everything you’ll need or have forgotten. I bought fresh bread and snacks for a picnic and even a knife that I’d forgotten to cut and butter the bread. Whilst I was in there people were ordering fresh coffee, buying beer and bbq food and spare tent pegs too. The full set of camping necessities.
For most of the year there is a take-away food service on site which is close to the entrance/toiletblock/shower block etc.
Holmsley Campsite also has a children’s play park which mine took advantage of after they finished helping Matt put up the tent.
There is also now a brilliant Mini Travellers walk (if I do say so myself) that you can do from Holmsley Campsite and is free to download from the Camping in the Forest website just click the link here.
It’s a family-friendly Adventure Trail which begins in the picturesque village of Bodre, this beautifully peaceful walk was perfect for our little explorers, with varied scenery to keep them entertained, including ancient woodland, winding rivers and a patchwork of wildlife-rich habitats. Before heading back to the campsite, don’t forget that you can end your adventure with a delicious meal from the Red Lion Pub (why not try their ale-battered fish and chips – delicious)!
You can watch the video that they filmed of us taking part in the New Forest trail just at the bottom of this post! Let us know what you think if you try it out!
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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
We’ve camped at Holmsley several times and absolutely love it there. The New Forest is such a beautiful area for camping and exploring. Glad you had a lovely time x
Looks like a beautiful Camping spot with family and friends.
Oh this looks gorgeous.! I love that it’s both rural and has all the things you need to keep the kids fed and entertained! It looks ideal.. now to get my Yorkshireman down south!
A campsite with a shop – sounds like my kind of place! And how fantastic to have a walk named after you.
We love the New Forest! My best friend lives in Southampton so whenever we visit her we try and go for a wander. We haven’t been to this area though – it looks lovely! I really want to take my girls to the Isle of Wight too.