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Ulwell is certainly in a convenient location being just over two miles from Swanage I believe. I don't recall there being any nice views though...maybe Ballard Down at the back of the site can be considered 'a view'. The site seemed to be all humps and hollows, with some caravan hardstandings up on terraces. Never did see how they got the caravans up on them. Pitches seemed to be very close together as well.

I was on a pitch behind the reception block under some trees and next to the play area. My view was some statics. Quite a hike up a hill to the toilet block and being under trees I went home with my tent sleeves full of earwigs. I was also slightly harrassed on going home day since there was somebody waiting for my pitch...and that was before 10 am.

The bar and the swimming pool are open to the public hence get quite busy.

I wouldn't say it is a bad site but it's no better than most and I fail to see why they charge so much more than the average for that area.

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 29/11/2009

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We're talking about this place are we? Here

Is the swimming free? That's worth a few quid per person isn't it?

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Not if you don't want to go swimming it isn't...there's no rebates for non-swimmers

Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 29/11/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 29/11/2009

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We're talking about this place are we? Here

Is the swimming free? That's worth a few quid per person isn't it?

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Not if you don't want to go swimming it isn't...there's no rebates for non-swimmers <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley36.gif" alt=17>

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Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 30/11/2009

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So go somewhere without a pool then
 

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I usually do

Mind you, there is usually a bar/restaurant on site or nearby, sometimes with entertainment (Herstons Yard Swanage to name but one)

I work out what is on site etc and put that against the cost of days out etc.    Last year we went to Flamingoland in October, and at around £40 per night it may have seemed expensive - but as the kids were happy to spend every day in the theme park/zoo we saved on days out/entrances/fuel.    We were also able to nip back to the camper for meals and cuppas.    We would probably have spent more had we gone to a cheaper site with less on.

Quote: Originally posted by Trifecta on 01/12/2009

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It sounds as if you were unlucky Bob61. We always try and pitch up by the toilet block where we have panoramic views including one to the sea! Add in the occasional "toot" from the steam railway and it is just about my favourite place to sit with a book and a cup of tea

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I was unlucky...must have missed that view - lol. Anyway, I am sure many people find the site fantastic and affordable otherwise it wouldn't have lasted so long

Gosh £42 that does seem a lot - I prefer pool sites to charge a small fee for their swimming rather than it being included in the price, then I don't feel like I've wasted money if I don't manage to swim and it tends to keep the numbers down a bit.  We do tend to splash out a bit on sites, as we look for peaceful(ish) sites with good facilities but that seems steep even in school hols - I think ours average around £30 a night, although this Im sure will rise when Henry turns 3.

Having said that its not a patch on the Italian sites (which are obviously much bigger than anything here) at Bella Italia we are spending 70euro a night - OH choked on his tea when I gently broke the news to him - its a good job Norfolk lines came in very cheap!!

"We do tend to splash out a bit on sites"

Then you definitely need a swimming pool Fiona

I would imagine that what pushes up the price is not just the location but the size of the site, not many touring pitches, and the fact that the pool is indoors and heated, which is a boon in chillier weather. Go out of season and it is worth every penny, during the "high season" (and this seems to get longer every year) there are plenty of more reasonably priced sites in the locale.

Quote: Originally posted by FionaW1971 on 02/12/2009

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Gosh £42 that does seem a lot - I prefer pool sites to charge a small fee for their swimming rather than it being included in the price, then I don't feel like I've wasted money if I don't manage to swim and it tends to keep the numbers down a bit.  We do tend to splash out a bit on sites, as we look for peaceful(ish) sites with good facilities but that seems steep even in school hols - I think ours average around £30 a night, although this Im sure will rise when Henry turns 3.

Having said that its not a patch on the Italian sites (which are obviously much bigger than anything here) at Bella Italia we are spending 70euro a night - OH choked on his tea when I gently broke the news to him - its a good job Norfolk lines came in very cheap!!

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Well thats what I thought - if you can spend a whole Summer there and still think its fantastic, then it must be good!!  We got married in Windermere so we have a great affinity with the place and love being in the area. As for the hill we shall see how cooperative the kids are but we love a good walk ourselves!