Hampshire
Shamba
Holiday ParkSandy
Balls Holiday Centre
Shamba Holiday Park
Ringwood Road,
St Leonards,
Ringwood, Hampshire,
BH24 2SB
Tel :(01202) 873302.
E-mail : holidays@shamba.co.uk
Website : www.shamba.co.uk
I have just been down to the New Forest marathon, I only
ran the half marathon as hadn't got in enough training and stayed at
Shamba Holiday Park.
It was about 1/2 hour drive from the start of the run and 5 mins drive
from Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest. Although it is a little
hard to find
if like me you are prone to chat rather than read road signs.
The park was well organised, shower blocks clean and the
pool was a beautifully warm 87 degrees and fortunately the sun was shining
so we could
dip in the pool and sit in the sun.
The pitched were level and well drained with loads of
electric hook-ups for caravaners. We camped in our two man tent and
were comfortable. The bar had
4 or 5 beers on and the usual selection of alcopops and spirits. The
owner was in the bar chatting to customers and was a very congenial
host.
Looking at the map the site is not far from the beach, the new forest, Salisbury and Wimborne as well various country parks for children
All in all £10.50 per night (peak) for a 2-man tent
including use of the pool and showers seems very reasonable when we
pay £3.80 each for swim in
our local pool. Caravan prices start at £8.50 per night outside
of school holidays and at £2 for each extra person and £2
electric hook-up this is a
bargain for all you caravaners.
And I nearly did a p.b. for the 1/2 marathon despite a slight hangover and an undulating course. I'll be back next year at least once.
Sent in by Simon Patenall
Sandy Balls Holiday Centre,
Godshill,
Fordingbridge,
Hants SP6 2JZ.
UK
Website http://www.sandy-balls.co.uk
Visited August 2003
We have just returned from the Sandy Balls site near Fordingbridge
in the New Forest.
This is our first year as campers although we have been staying at Sandy
Balls for 8 years in their lodges. In our view the camping facilities
offered at Sandy Balls are the best we have seen.
The toilet and shower blocks are very clean and of a good standard.
We stayed on a serviced pitch which was well maintained. The other range
of pitches all looked good.
The staff on site always seem to have a smile for you.
There is an excellent leisure centre with indoor and outdoor pool. There
are many activities day and night for young and old. There is a fabulous
walk down to the river avon which is all part of the site complex.
And of course it is in the Forest so the opportunities for walks, horse
rides and bike rides are endless.
We can't speak highly enough of this location. Although not the cheapest,
you get what you pay for!
Sent in by Mr. M. Wade