Old Barn Touring Park - Sandown

Jessica C.

Liked: The gentleman and lady who ran the camp site were really really helpful, at one point during the week our cars battery died and they helped us jump start the car, it was a really really wet week with so much rain, storm and winds and we were offered help if our car got stuck etc.

The pitches were separated, and it didn’t feel like one massive field with hundreds of tents and camper vans and we really enjoyed this feeling of being on our own. If you went with a few friends I’m sure it would feel like your own campsite if you were all out together.

It was dog friendly and all dogs had to be kept on leads at all times during your stay. Whilst we have a super friendly golden retriever I’m sure this would appeal to people with maybe nervous dogs.

There were really good facilities such as the toilets, showers, washing up areas and laundry areas. We got so wet that we used the dryers to help dry some of our clothes, grabbed a few tokens from the on-site shop and this was a great benefit to us for this holiday. The tokens were £1.50 and that was for an hour dry or wash. The toilet block doors stayed open so you did get some bugs and leaves blow into the blocks but the actual level for cleanliness of the toilet blocks are the best I have seen so far for a camp site, all the toilets were clean and had toilet roll in when ever I used them.

On site there was also a little play area for thoes with children.

We love that side of the island, I was at first worried about it being so close to the air field but whilst you heard the planes in the day they didn’t disturb you during the night (this might have been because of the 40 mph winds tho haha)!

It’s such a hard review to give as we went on a week that was so wet I didn’t feel like we got the full benefit of camping. But we both felt safe on the site and had a good time despite the horrific weather conditions.

Disliked: The only thing I would say that it’s not the most scenic view of a campsite, down the bottom of the campsite there was a lovely little walk but if you are after something with amazing views this isn’t the place, as a base for us tho we absolutely loved it!

Gary

All I can say is,they always have the right size gas bottle in stock. I only live a mile away and don't actually camp here.
But they are always friendly and helpful and give good advice.
But an excellent site if you are partaking in the Scooter rally !

Tina E.

Liked: Emma (the owner) was very nice, we had a warm welcome and she was ready to give us plenty of information on local places to visit like the steam railway and Monkey Haven,both fab says out! Good clean facilities, toilets and washrooms were good as were the big pitches. We woke early one day to a red squirrel hunting for nuts in the tree next to our tent, how lovely ...very happy campers!

Disliked: We were camping in our tent and unfortunately had noisy neighbours in a tent next to us who chatted till late into the night ..Not the owners fault at all

Jen H.

Liked: The receptionist was very friendly and offered us alternative pitches when we were not happy with the one we had been allocated. Clean toilets and the free wifi was quite good as well. The grounds are kept well and the whole site was clean and tidy.

Disliked: The site is on quite a busy road. Although this did not overly bother us, it does let the site down a little as it is quite noisy most of the time. The site is also at the end of a runway for light aircraft. The first day we was there the planes were taking off over us which was really noisy. Thankfully the rest of the days they were coming in to land over us so were much quieter. This may be us being fussy but we did struggle with the pitches as the first few we were offered were very uneven and although we are in a motorhome and do have chucks to go under the wheels, the pitches just weren't great. Although we were finally offered one that was completely flat and we didn't need the chucks at all. I also don't agree with having to pay for the use of the showers separately. In my opinion this should be part of the cost of the pitch. Although I do appreciate that this is relatively common, I just don't like it.

Kirstie H.

Liked: Beautiful countryside, lots of great walks, great for camping with dogs. Facilities basic but very good (showers are lovely and hot). It has everything you need for simple camping. Owners were friendly and helpful.

Disliked: WiFi was a bit hit and miss, but we came to camp not be on the internet so it didn't bother us too much.

Melanie T.

Liked: The size of the pitch, ample room for our tent and awning. Length of the shower once 20p inserted was brilliant. Cleanliness of toilet blocks was great too.

Disliked: Toilets running out of loo roll (female). Not able to wash hands properly as tap needed a hand on it to use. Soap dispensers not very good.

Ian-Michael W.

Liked: Old Barn is exactly the type of site that we look for. It isn't an all singing and dancing site, however it is a calm and relaxing site that provides a great touring experience. Pitches are pretty level and a great size. The staff/owners we met were friendly and approachable. The site is tidy and looked after and recycling ethos is a real bonus. The toilet/shower block is old but does the job and the showers were always hot. A bonus for me was getting to watch the small planes fly over from the nearby Sandown Airport. There are also lovely walks from the rear of the site into open fields and woodland. Dog friendly too. Morrison's, Aldi, KFC and a good pub all in walking distance. There are also a number of local takeaways that will deliver to the site.

Disliked: No dislikes at all.

Anonymous

Liked: Spacious size pitch and reception staff helpful.

Disliked: Toilet block looks derelict and unloved , weeds , loose steps and large flakes of
blue paint by entrance to gents , seems floor and wall tiles in the block have been over painted at some time ! , we opted not to use the facilities, looked dirty! All very disappointing. Needs some serious TLC !
The areas around the dustbin were dirty with some old looking rat poison
stations, we did see one large rodent by the dustbins !!.