After leaving Terry, Karen and Barney we had a 2.5 hour drive and arrived at the Caravan Club site called Chatsworth Park. It is set in an old walled garden within the grounds of Chatsworth Estate, just outside Bakewell and has lovely views of rolling countryside. The greeting we were given was not the most friendly and rather disappointing, with the only question being our name and that we owed £36!
Another thing we found disappointing was that when we asked if they could book us onto another site they would not do it. We have not checked the rules yet to see whether their claim that other sites did not want them to was valid, or whether they could not be bothered. If their claim is correct, it is very short-sighted of the Club as they’re missing out on potential bookings.
Despite the welcome, the site is immaculate both in setting and cleanliness. On booking in you are given a key which allows you access through a back gate directly onto the estate, whereupon you are treated to a lovely view of the house. Access to the grounds is free.
Through the gate you can also walk (no cycles allowed on Chatsworth) to the village of Baslow, (only one mile away) where you can buy groceries from the Spar shop. This is the nearest supermarket/shop to the site, but be careful as it is tucked out the way. Turn up the road by Il Lupo, the Italian restaurant and keep going. The staff were very friendly and helpful so it is worth the trek.
There are lots of places to eat in the pretty village and we treated ourselves to Sunday lunch at The Wheatsheaf Inn. Both mains ranged from £8 – £10 and were very good value for money, with the service being efficient and polite so we’d recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
On returning to the site there had been a mass exodus as it was the end of the school holidays, so it was lovely and peaceful although it was pretty tranquil when the children had been there anyway. We enjoyed our final evening here with some wine, food and chocolate and would recommend the site to others.
hi angela and dean. We agree with your thoughts on wardens on caravan club sites, they seem to think they are a cut above. I thought they could book sites for members if asked. We are visiting millpond on 17th march so we will miss you. However we have a week booked in july so shall see you both then. In the meantime enjoy your trip around the UK and hope the weather improves for you. Regards V&C
Good Evening Charles,
I hope that you and your good lady are well and still enjoying the Motorhome.
I was looking through some old comments and saw yours.
We often think of you and Val ( I hope I have remembered her name!) especially her infectious laugh.
Lots of things have happened since we left Hereford and I’m sure you have heard that Bill & Lynn have sold up. The new owners are really changing things for the better.
We are now in Scotland having started the season in Cornwall but asked to be moved!
Well enough for now.
Regards and best wishes
Dean & Angela