Reviews of Poppyland Touring Park & Puddleduck Holiday Cottage

Management response: We are sorry to hear that ‘Bendog’ did not enjoy their stay at Poppyland and we would like to respond to a few points made in their review.

The 2 mile distance to shops stated in the review is incorrect. The nearest shop off site is just half a mile away (Groveland Farm Shop). Beyond that a neighbouring village, a 1½ mile away, has a shop, pub, post office, petrol station and chip shop.

Bendog complains about there being nothing on site, there is in fact a little shop with basic provisions on site. They are quite right, there is no club house or any other form of onsite entertainment but at no point on our website or any other advert do we claim there is nor do we claim there is a shop or pub etc in the village of Thorpe Market. Poppyland is a quiet and tranquil adults only site in a rural setting where guests come to relax and unwind.

Bendog’s review gives the impression there are only showers on site and no toilets when in fact we have a heated shower block with 2 showers and 4 toilets which is perfectly adequate for a small site. We also have laundry facilities, washing up area, microwave, fridge/freezer, tv, maps and local info etc etc on site.

With regard to regulars on site, we are very fortunate that campers choose to return time and time again to Poppyland and of course, we get to know them over the years and chat with them. We also had relatives staying on site at the same time as Bendog who, obviously, we spent time with. It was difficult to strike up much of a conversation with Bendog or spend much time with them as every time anyone walked past or went near their pitch their dog would bark.

On the subject of dogs, perhaps this is the true nature of Bendog’s gripe with Poppyland. After several complaints from other campers about the incessant barking and general exuberant behaviour of Bendog’s dog, Pam had a friendly and courteous word with them. They were obviously unhappy about the complaints, this was made all the more evident by the finger gesture made towards Pam (seen by another camper) as she walked away after talking with them. We simply cannot allow the behaviour or 1 camper/dog to ruin the enjoyment of others on site.

At this point, we would like to stress dogs are truly very welcome at Poppyland, we are dog owners and lovers ourselves but dogs on site must be well behaved and kept on leads. Obviously they are going to bark now and again but we cannot allow it to such a degree that it disturbs other campers.

Credit where credit due though, after Pam’s chat with Bendog, the dog was almost silent. What a shame they hadn’t exercised this level of control in the first place! Archie is a beautiful dog but perhaps to take on a rescue dog some 2 weeks before a caravan holiday was not the wisest of ideas.

The public footpath for dog walking, as Bendog quite rightly mentions is across the road and is literally opposite Poppyland. The road is a 30mph zone. Again, at no point have we claimed the dog walk to be on site.

We are totally pro honest reviews, they keep campsite owners ‘on their toes’. It is important that guests should be able to share their experience but these should be done in an honest way, without bias and without bearing a grudge.

Management response: Please note the chickens are not loose and wandering around the caravan site but live free range in our garden which can be seen over the fence from the caravan site. They are all pets, all named and full of character which is why Craiglyn01 liked them so much.

We do have one occasional escapee called Dorothy who sometimes wanders up the field but on the whole they are all contained.

Thank you Craiglyn01 for your great review of Poppyland we are really pleased to hear you enjoyed Norfolk and your stay at Poppyland.

Pam & Billy