We visited this site for a weekend in July 2003.
Driving north from Ashbourne on the A515 the site is located on the left about a mile outside of Fenny Bentley. The turn into the campsite drive from this direction needs a wide birth to avoid grounding units as it is very tight and steep.
The approach is along a good, wide drive, wooded and opening out onto one of the three main camping fields. Follow the signs to reception and park in the new arrivals spaces before walking a few yards to book in.
The staff are very friendly and make you feel immediately welcome. Booking in is efficient. You will be asked for a deposit of £5 for the key to the Toilets and Showers which is of course refundable. A member of staff will now escort you to your pitch, pointing out the facilities en route, and ensuring you are happy with the site layout. Staff frequently walk through the site and engage you in conservation relating to camping, wildlife, amenities etc etc. Everyone was keen to be of service.
Pitches are flat and spacious, numbered, many with 16amp electric hook ups. The site is open and does not have pitches segregated by hedges or fences. Some seasonal pitches are available. The toilets and showers were located in three blocks. They were clean and well serviced. Hot water is free to the taps but showers take 20p coins. Notices advise that 2 x 20p coins are placed in the meter, that you undress before placing the coins in the meter (the meters are outside of the cubicles). The site being full, resulted in these facilities being very busy at times. Located within the toilet blocks were shaving points and hair drying points.
Washing up areas were provided under cover. Cold water was freely available, but if hot water was required, a meter taking 20p, provided a sink full of hot water. The Chemical Toilet Disposal Point was clean and free from odours.
A very good indoor heated swimming pool is available for 1 hour slots and costing £1 per person. Times are posted on the door and numbers limited to about 36 per session. It is possible to hire the pool for private sessions at about £25 per hour.
For children, a playground is provided with safety surfaces, and picnic tables around the edge. Dogs on leads are allowed but not in the play areas.
The shop is well stocked with all basic needs catered for at reasonable prices. Papers are available on Sundays only.
Bike hire is available on site with all sizes and trailers. The Tissington Cycle/Walk Trail passes through the edge of the site and is easily accessable.
Other facilities include Gas; Freezer Pack freezing; Pay Phone; Excellent TV reception; Laundry Room (washer, dryer, iron).
Although the site was full, it was not noticably noisy and fell silent after 2300hrs. Children on cycles were numerous and care needed to be taken during daylight hours to avoid collisions.
Most of the Peak District attractions are easily accessable from this site with plenty to do for a weekend or longer stay. We shall certainly return.
Hope this helps. I am sure though that someone will have been more recently.
Kevin
Topic: Highfields farm campsite in Derbyshire
