This month's caravanners
James, Alison, Millie and Matthew Rye
Outfit used
2006 Bailey Pageant Provence with
2004 Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9 Tdi
If our kids were old enough to read holiday brochures, I wonder what sort of caravan site they'd choose to stay at. I've always imagined it would be an all-singing, all-dancing big site, heaving with activities, close to the beach, with a freezer stuffed full of ice-creams and a play area on every corner.
I've been forced to revise my opinion, however, after a fun-packed few days at the decidedly non-singing, non-dancing Tideslow Farm CL, near Buxton, in the Peak District.
Despite having nothing but the most basic facilities (water, loo disposal and rubbish to
be taken to a barn down the road), Millie and Matthew had the time of their lives on this beautiful three-acre site. The views were stunning, yes – but the kids don't give two hoots about that kind of airy-fairy nonsense. Much more interesting were the trees to hide behind, the little hills to run up and down
and the many 'secret corners' they explored.
Here's how the fun unfolded…
Thursday
We've arranged to meet up with my husband James's parents, Ken and Pat, and also his younger sister Angela with her husband Nigel and three children Thomas, Harry and Laura. They're already on site by the time we arrive, so we tow the van onto our chosen spot and are surprised to see we are level from side to side at first attempt. Some may put this down to luck; James puts it down to a sharp eye and some clever manoeuvring!
Millie and Matthew are soon buzzing around with their cousin Laura (4), and one of the hills on site becomes the headquarters of their very busy fire station. Older cousin Harry (13) is roped in to be a leading firefighter (and to help Matthew down the hills!), and it's great fun to watch their imaginations running riot as they rush from chip pan fire to chimney fire to caravan fire – all of them imaginary, fortunately.
The barbecues are soon lit and, as we have the largest awning, we line everyone's tables up inside so we can all eat together. Dinner is followed by an impromptu game of football which lasts until the kids start to flag and James is sent off for some dubious tackling.
Friday
Several friends have told us that the farmyard and adventure playground at Chatsworth House is a must-see, so we make it our first
port of call. The view of the house as we drive towards the car park is breathtaking – especially when the huge 24-step water cascade comes into view – but, of course, the cry from the back seat is, "Where's the play area?".
The deal is that you pay £2 to park, and then pay separately to get into the attraction of your choice (house, gardens or play area). Entry to the farmyard and playground is £5 for adults and children aged three and over – although for UK taxpayers there is a gift aid option of paying a little more and receiving a voucher back to spend on site. With the finances sorted, we wander into the beautifully maintained farmyard where Millie and Matthew head straight for the red tractor. They have lots of fun pretending to drive it, and judging from the crowds of children clambering over it through the day it's one of the most popular attractions.
As an animal-lover, I'm glad to see that all the farmyard residents are immaculately kept and in glowing condition. The horses and ponies, sheep, guinea pigs, goats, cows, donkeys and hens all look content, although there's a nasty moment when Matthew manages to get his head stuck in a fence while peering too closely at a foal. I don't know who's the most frightened – the foal or Matthew!
The whole set-up is perfectly designed for visitors with young children. There are loos and a spacious baby change room at the entrance, a café, a lift to get pushchairs up to the adventure playground area and, best of all, an indoor picnic area. With the unpredictable British summer, I would imagine that quite a few soggy sandwiches have been eaten from its long tables.
Extract
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