Reviewer: Kevkeely
Date of Visit: August 2008
Unit: Tent
My wife and I had a weekend planned in Skegness with friends in a static. But we had lost the kids for the weekend and decided to go back to basics for the extra night, and at the same time, kill most of the journey on the Friday after work. So off we went with the kids 2 man tent, cool box and gas heater.
Well, the site. When we first got there about 6.30 pm, saw a dozen very old caravans and a couple statics. The occupants were all off to the showers in a steady stream. It all looked a bit strange and we got a bit concerned. Only when I went to the loo, and saw Polish signs, I realised they were migrant land workers. So we were a bit uneasy at first.
There were fully laden apple trees all behind us, and then open access to a ploughed field. Later I found this also belonged to the pub, and they had plans to extend the camping area.
The toilets were basic and in need of refurbishment. There was no play equipment for the kids, or at least I did not notice any.
Then the lad I spoke to on the phone did a quick tour of the field and came over and we had a chat. He was very helpful and put us at ease right away.
As I said, the workers were all getting showered and ready for a night out, being hard at it all week I guess. In fact they were generally youngish, and they were all very smartly dressed. Certainly put us to shame. Not a sound out of them. I bet they were off into town or something like that.
Then a camper with a family and another tent with 2 couples arrived.
We had a couple of beers outside our tent as twilight approached, and after dark about 9 ish went to the pub.
A nicer bunch of people you could not meet. The lad who booked me in also doubled up as barman and chef. Food was finished when we arrived, at 9.00, but no matter, he took our order anyway and said he will cook it when we wanted it. And true to his word, about half ten, he did!
It turned out the Landlord only took over couple of months ago. The pub looked very recently refurbished. They tell me that there will be work done on the toilet block and the old caravans are slowly being replaced by newer statics.
We had a great night. The locals were so friendly. They had a local Dj playing 60s 70s and 80s vinyl records. The landlord was not there that night, but his brother held the fort. And he was a good host. Kids were very welcome inside as well.
The village is small and its a couple miles to anywhere. The price was £5.00 a night, and I was told it was the intention to keep it low all the time.
The field was L shaped and quite big. So you could be far enough away from the pub if you wanted. So you could have it nice and quiet if you want, or lively nearer the pub if you wanted.
We made friends with the people in the camper, a University lecturer and wife and grand kids. They were equally impressed.
So, first impressions can be deceptive. We have a nice nearly new Bailey senator. But this night was our anniversary, and we went back to basics. My wife thought it was a great night, and we would have certainly stayed the whole weekend if we were not otherwise pre booked.
If they upgrade their toilet/ shower block this will be a lovely place to go. And if they put the same effort into the camping field they clearly have in the pub, then it should be good when they are all finished.
We stopped by in the morning to say goodbye, and were welcomed yet again. We were sorry we had to leave. Its a long way for us for a weekend, doubt we can get back this year, but no question, we will be back next year, and for a longer weekend next time.
Looking forward to going back soon
