Holmsley Caravan Park and Campsite , Verwood

We stayed here for a week at the end of August with our touring caravan. In the past we have stayed on sites where we could prebook a pitch, and to be honest I wish you could do this at Holmsley. We arrived on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend which meant the site was extremely busy. We arrived an hour and a half earlier than we were meant to but thought we'd try our luck to get in. We had to pay 3.00 to do so, but we are glad we did as it is a bit of a 'free for all' when it comes to choosing a plot. We were lucky and found a lovely spot where we could park the caravan on hard standing and the awning on what was left of the grass. This led to a beautiful shady area where the kids could play amongst the trees and blackberries, under my watchful gaze. We watched loads of people coming in after the advertised time of 12.00pm driving around and around looking for a plot. I especially felt sorry for those in tents, as although the site asks you to leave around 6m between units the standard pitches with predominantly tents on were heaving, and packed in. There is a 5mph speed limit which is NOT adhered to by some idiots. On the basis there are a LOT of children roaming about (as the site is very safe) and on bikes/scooters, some idiots staying behind us thought nothing of tearing past at around 30mph. There is loads of space for the kids to roam safely, and as it is open I could see ours most of the time. We were near a toilet block which I always found to be clean - although for some reason it takes 2 HOURS for each toilet block to be cleaned - so either be prepared to walk to the next block with toddlers, or pack a potty if you don't have a porta potty. As the site was very busy we had to queue for the first two mornings for showers, but as the week went on we pretty much had the facilities to ourselves. At night the site was silent and pitch black - just my cup of tea. The kids slept from around 8-9pm until about 8am the next morning which believe me, is a lie in for us! There is a laundrette (essential I think!) which was 3.00 per load of washing, and a shop that stocked the basics. As the week went on the campsite emptied significantly which I preferred, as there were less cars and no queues for showers. You can hire a baby bath for a 10.00 deposit plus a pound (I think) per night, which is an excellent idea. I've stayed at campsites with a baby before and struggled to get her clean, often having to sit her in a sink as she was just too small to shower. There is also a family room in one of the toilet blocks - you have to ask for the key at reception. I would stay here again if it was off-season because you are more likely to get a decent plot, however I would probably stay somewhere else where I could prebook a plot if we came in the summer holidays again. This is only because you can't guarantee a decent spot.