I made a large group booking back in February for a large group of 9 families to go camping in June. It's an annual event we all look forward to. I am aware I need to book early with such a large group.
I booked Forgewood campsite in Kent where we have been in the past. They needed a 50% deposit which I paid (this seems standard for many sites for a large group booking).
Then last week one in our group went on their website and spotted a notice saying "We have been negotiating with our Landowners and the Planning authorities for the renewal of our permission to operate Forgewood for 2015. While there was no reason to suppose that this would be a problem, Natural England have now advised the planners that permission should not be granted. Consequently we have no idea when we might be able to open Forgewood for camping this year. We are therefore not taking bookings for 2015 until the future is clearer. For those of you that have already booked we will be offering refunds or the transfer of your booking to another of our campsites with a 10% discount. Once we are certain that we will not be able to fulfill your booking we will send you an email detailing the options.
In the meantime we can only apologise for the problems that this may cause and can assure you we are doing our utmost to resolve the situation.
Kate, John & Nick"
I have contacted them to ask what is happening as I need to find another site now and I have asked for the deposit to be refunded. I haven't heard anything back yet. Their other sites are not in a good location for our group unfortunately.
Post last edited on 15/04/2015 21:28:49
Post last edited on 15/04/2015 21:30:09
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Very disappointing for anyone who has booked, and I know they are gutted too, and surprised at the decision. They're hoping to get it resolved asap, hence I guess why they haven't been in touch yet - see their message Once we are certain that we will not be able to fulfill your booking we will send you an email detailing the options.
In the meantime, I'm pretty sure they will contact you pretty soon, they're very good. I'll let them know about this thread too, but I'd imagine they'll get in touch direct.
I am sorry for the inconvenience that has been cauused by this very distressing turn of events but Jane has been refunded in full for the booking she made at Forgewood. John
------------- Bluevelvet
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Thanks for the update John and for getting in touch. Thanks also for refunding the deposit so that I can make another booking.
I apologise for posting in haste before you had contacted me, I hadn't realised my emails to you had gone astray. I am usually a little more considered with my posts - I was rather panicked at the time, sorry.
This must be a distressing situation for everyone so I do hope you get it resolved soon as Forgewood is a lovely site.