Hi we are looking for a family friendly site around Oxford. It is only for one night stop off on the way from Formby nr Southport to Folkstone for the Tunnel. I was originally going to do it in one go through the night but have been advised against it. We have 3 kids 11,8 and 3 and we can't do any more then 3 hours through the day.(they can bicker for England). I have been told that the Oxford area just off the M40 would be the best midway point. Does anyone have any recommendations? By all account I should also be looking to go to Blackhorse Farm for the stop by the Tunnel.
Our Final destination would be The Berny Riviere which is about 3 hours on the french side. Does anyone have any tips i.e best time to use the tunnel etc
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The CC have a site called Blandon Chains near Oxford also Bo Peep Farm is quite near the M40. Have to say I am not sure how child friendly they are although Bo Peep does have a field where kids can let off steam!
Are you heading for La Croix du Vieux Pont? We stayed there a couple of months back, this site really does have lots of facilities for children so there should be no need for them to bicker! We tend to either use the Tunnel in early afternoon and stay on the French side or stay at Black Horse Farm and cross early morning about 9.00am. That would give you plenty of time to get the Berny Riviere and you should get there by early afternoon.
There's a Caravan and Camping Club site just off the ring road. Its about 20 minutes to half an hour depending on traffic from the M40 though. Have a look on the camp site search because there are some near Banbury and that's much nearer to the M40 - here's a link to the map.
Thanks for everyones help. someone has suggested that they prefer to do the driving through the early hours while the kids sleep. The Journey to Folkestone is 300 miles. I could set off at 11.00 at night. the kids would sleep which would bring me to the tunnel at around 5.00 (with some breaks) ready for the 6.00 shuttle. This would be a further break and continue the 3 hour drive to berny riviere and get there for around lunch time. Is this possible? Has anyone done this? what are your views.
We tried to get into Bladon Chains this w/e but it's pretty full probably due to a firework display at Blenheim Palce plus it closes on Monday for the winter. Anita's is very good at Mollington near Banbury as ClaydonCamper suggested. Very friendly for families - we are off there this w/e in our motorhome so come and say hello!
Quote: Originally posted by Jarvis9 on 05/11/2009
We tried to get into Bladon Chains this w/e but it's pretty full probably due to a firework display at Blenheim Palce plus it closes on Monday for the winter. Anita's is very good at Mollington near Banbury as ClaydonCamper suggested. Very friendly for families - we are off there this w/e in our motorhome so come and say hello!
Sorry I forgot to mention one major bit of Info from my original post, We are looking to do this next August! thanks for replying!
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We did an overnight non-stopper from Buckingham to Bergerac earlier this year allowing the kids to sleep en-route. My journey was therefore much shorter than yours and by the time we got to Orleans (about 6am) I was absolutely a danger on the road. I had to stop and let the wife take over. I woke up a few hours later for breakfast near Limoges! By the time we got to Bergerac, the kids were ratty, I was ratty and so was the wife due to us all being cream crackered beyond belief. We said there and then, never again and next year, we are doing it very differently. Overnight stop near tunnel, overnight around Chartres, several nights near Clermont Ferrand and then, one big push to the south coast. We also plan to have 3 overnighters on the way home. I know your journey once across La Manche is a shorter one but honestly, is it worth the risk when you've got your bundles of joy in the car?
I agree that it sounds a bit much to do it all in one go.
And you don't get much of a break using the tunnel, as it's only half an hour or so. We were seeing daylight in the windows before we had even finished our sarnies lst time so certainly no time for a decent power nap.
The travelling is part of the holiday too so I prefer not to make it an ordeal.
Thanks for the input. It is this type of input that makes these forums worthwhile. This has made up my decision especially as my wife wouldn't drive our outfit. Decision made stop overs it is! Thanks again