Sandy Balls Holiday Village

🌳 Save an additional 15% on all Luxury and Indulgent Accommodation!🌳 That’s school holiday deals from only £654 and late summer getaways from only £317! Hurry though, offer ends 3rd August.
Simply quote or enter discount code at time of booking: SBEXTRA15
... Search for your perfect New Forest getaway here >> https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/sandy-balls /
*Available on new bookings only, subject to availability. Please search your holiday on our site and then input code SBEXTRA15 into the ‘Have a promo code box’ to obtain your additional discount.
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We have teamed up with the lovely Popsa! So, if you've got a phone or camera full of piccies from your holiday at Sandy Balls, you can make yourself a photobook and receive 40% off!
To claim your 40% discount, here's all you'll need to do: 1. Download "Popsa" from the App Store 2. Select some photos and edit your layout... 3. Enter the voucher code SANDYBALLS on the Order Details page 4. Popsa will print and deliver your book in a few days!
*T&Cs apply. Voucher code expires 31/12/2018.
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Settle down and share some nibbles and pot of tea while taking in the New Forest views ☕🍰
Or keep it all to yourself, we won't judge 😉

Is #SunshineSaturday a thing? ☀️
Well with all this lovely weather we think it should be! Do you have a sunshine snap to share from park? 📸

If you are joining us for the stunning live performance of Don Giovanni later don't forget you can pre-book one of our awesome picnic hampers.
So that's one less thing to remember 😁

Check out your activity & entertainment guide for 13th - 19th July at Sandy Balls >> https://bit.ly/2uuEcC6

Our alpacas are part of the family here at Sandy Balls so we hope everyone will join us in wishing a happy 4th birthday to our oldest alpaca Archie! 🎂😊

Somebody pinch us cause we must be dreaming! 😍
Join us for England's first World Cup semi-final in 28 years ⚽
#ItsComingHome #ComeOnEngland

Is your little one a drama king or queen? 👑
Think they would enjoy a holiday filled with singing, dancing, acting and making new friends? ☀️
Well look no further than our Summer Stage School! Available for children aged 6 and over and run by tutors from the Pauline Quirke Academy this activity is not to be missed.
... Find out more here: https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/summer-stag e-school/
#QuirkyKidz #beyourselfbeamazing
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It's #TantalisingTuesday! Join us for a bite from our delicious menus and save 20% off your food bill 😍
T&C's apply 😉

WIN a free break at Sandy Balls! Simply like and share our Caravan & Lodge Sales page to be in with a chance of winning! 🌲🌳 Sandy Balls Caravan & Lodge Sales

Join us this Thursday for the finale in our Royal Opera House experience, Don Giovanni! 🎼
Screenings are open to everyone and it's free! So grab your blanket, pre-order your picnic hamper and enjoy the show.
#royaloperahouse #ROHdongiovanni

It's #FriYay and if your heading down to visit us this weekend why not try something a little different and join our friend's at Hurst Castle for the Round The Island Race 2018! ⛵

Fancy finding out about owning your own holiday home here at Sandy Balls? Please like our new page for the latest offers, news and holiday homes available.

It's #ThrowbackThursday
Who's joining us for this years Colour Festival? 😎 Tag your Colour fest team below 🌈

Check out your activity & entertainment guide for 6th - 12th July at Sandy Balls >> http://bit.ly/2KPgmb4

⭐ We've been nominated ⭐
Here at Away Resorts we enjoy shaking up the Great British holiday and giving our guests experiences and memories that last a lifetime!
So if you love your Away Resorts holidays as much as us then please vote for us in the British Travel Awards 2018 😁
... Cast your votes here: http://bit.ly/2IOKVfg
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We have all been there, you plan the perfect family holiday, you countdown the days and then the family just doesn't want to play ball but somehow you still end up with the best holiday memories 😁
Check out Part-Time Working mummy to read all about her recent stay with us.
*Advisory: there are naughty words within*

⚽ Could football really be coming home? ⚽
Grab your England shirt and join us to find out!

🚨Competition alert! 🚨
Has your little one visited our Duplo Number Train on park? 🚂
Don't forget to snap a shot and share their brick-tastic builds with us using #DUPLONumberTrain and you could WIN a LEGO® DUPLO® set! 😎

We visited your site from Monday 18th June to Friday 22nd and I can't describe how much we thoroughly enjoyed it! We stayed in one of your safari tents with our two young children and absolutely loved it!

My son turned 2 whilst we were there and we visited Aubreys restaurant, all of the staff were fantastic, we had a sign on the table saying happy birthday Alfie and made a big fuss of him when they bought out the cake to sing happy birthday. The food was absolutely amazing with big portion sizes for the children too. We ended up visiting here for a second night and still had a very good experience.

The shower blocks nearest to us were spotless all hours of the day as was the entire site. The site is such a good base to explore the new forest and surrounding area that we only had time to do one of the activities.

The first night we had one issue with our fridge freezing our food, we reported to reception and they apologised and sent a grocery pack to our tent, it was packed with food, probably around £60/£70 worth of branded food, which we found such an amazing gesture!

We really enjoyed our stay and didn't want to return home yesterday and we are all very excited too book to come back next year already!

We have brought our touring caravan to SB for the last 5/6 years in October half terms and had a fantastic time. The new forest is a perfect place for a short break! SB adds to the charm with bags of facilities and things to do for all; from a pamper to petting the alpaca! Last year we spent Christmas in one of the lodges which are absolutely perfect for a family of 6+ Wanting a little luxurious treat. Some are even dog friendly if you need that too. The park has recently gone through a few changes but I’m pleased to say it’s kept it’s charm and the lodges that have arrived are great and our caravan might stay on the drive a little more now in favour of a lodge. For the money there isn’t anywhere I’d rather be with my adventurous family any time of year. Give it a go.

Only spent 1 night there. Gutted we could stay long. We camped. Place is great. Clean, friendly and safe. We will even be changing our usual camp to here for our annual camping holiday. And as it's only an hour away some extra weekends. Was really great, could not ask for more. Only downful is drink prices in the club but you expect to pay a little more. Thanks for a great time, kids loved it

Nice little 4 day break in a lodge that was lovely and clean and the table was all set up nicely.

Beautiful surroundings, plenty to do, all the staff I spoke to were very friendly and helpful.

I found the food was lovely and reasonably priced . All in all a lovely experience and i will be going back with my family.

My partner and I were there this week, tuesday till friday. It was by far one of our best holidays!!!

We have been to a few holiday parks in the past but none of them came close to this one. We loved every second of our time there, we walked the alpaca Sandy on the friday and that was amazing. We also did the laser clay shooting which was also really fun, especially seen as the lady that held both activites was really happy and friendly and made the activity even better with how fun she was. Her name was charley. Also ade, who was helpful of the evenings and so friendly when he saw us aroung the site. The staff at this site did whatever they could to make sure our time was amazing. We had never heard of this place, just randomly wanted to go glamping to tick it of our bucket list and the picture of the pod came up on google so we just went with it, sooooo glad we came across it now. 100% never going to another holiday park again, so relaxing, clean, friendly... literally the most perfect holiday.

Thankyou to everyone at sandyballs holiday village ���

Just got from a weekend away. Stayed in one of the new Zen lodges. Wow! They are amazing, the location was also spot on, great to wake up and open the door overlooking the woods. Seeing the squirrels running around the trees whilst we sat in the hot tub was just brilliant. The staff were most helpful, the pool was not very busy so an added bonus. The pub was well priced and the food in Aubrey's was fantastic. The kids took part in several activities and loved them all. We'll be returning!

I like many people was worried about some of the reviews I had read about SandyBalls and the upgrading of the site. I can honestly say that since being here on a Mon- Fri break this Easter the only thing that has let us down is the weather. They have pulled out all the stops to ensure that Easter business is not affected. I have not seen any scaffolding on any of the buildings or works taking place. We have had a lovely meal at the New Aubrey’s restaurant, the staff across the site have been welcoming and friendly and the Zen Indulgence lodge we are staying in is simply stunning. I appreciate if I had been one of those customers who had been here on the build up to Easter I too would have been frustrated but it’s important to protect a site like this by spending money on it and give it the longevity it deserves.

Really great place to visit. Hook up for our Caravan good except TV hook up didn’t work and we had pitch 67 which was under trees so bird droppings all over the car & Caravan and we couldn’t get TV reception on our aerial, not that TV is a major factor but would have been nice. There was a waste water hole instead of having to use the hedgehog cartridge but we used ours anyway and you have a drain pit At the hook up point for your sink waste. The toilets and free showers were very clean and there are many Chemical disposal sheds for the chemical toilet wasteage.

Onsite shop has lots on offer, a little pricey but ok in emergency.

If we had a pitch with a bit more sunshine it would be 5 star.

Oh and the staff we met were lovely.

I definitely recommend this place and we will return.

Can’t comment on the kids stuff as we are two fifty somethings but it looks like it’s well catered for with playgrounds and Alpacas etc.

Camping (2 adults and 3 yr old)

I booked sandy balls campsite for my husband's surprise present using an external company to supply the tent

*online booking super easy

*arrival quick an informative

*pitch was lovely and a good size

*all staff were lovely haopy and worked very hard

*food in both pub and restaurant was lovely a little pricey but not major

* drinks good choice but I felt a little pricey

* amenities were fab and clean

* the only reason I don't feel it's quite excellent is the kids party/disco was a little lacking and the price of food and drink was a little pricey

... would I return... definatly

We’ve been using sandy balls for several years during the camping season, sometimes more than once.

We called excited to book for the camping season. It would appear that now it’s been taken over you can no longer pre select your pitch number and they won’t confirm that we can have pitches next to each other.

We have always managed to pre book 2 pitches next to each other in the area we want. Now they say we will need 3 pitches for 3 families (3 adults and 5 children) but spaces are allocated on arrival.

Needless to say we have booked another camp site who were more than happy to help and cheaper!

From looking at the reviews, Away Resorts don’t appear to be doing themselves any favours as customers aren’t happy and will go elsewhere.

We was on touring in orchard last week for 6 nights..we had a tent next to us with screaming crying kids till gone midnight and other people in tents very load to gone midnight.think the warden should check more often if they can be arsed to come round at nights.

Showers either did not work or they was slow and not warm so not happy with that.

Then went to village shop on sandyballs and got mould on the bread so by then really unhappy .

Its one of the worst visits we have been on and we normaly visit sandyballs about 4 times a year

We had a very pleasant stay this weekend, in the snow. Site as always was clean, aside the construction works, but they seemed to be doing their best to maintain a clean site.



Toilets where warm and clean, showers too.



Our pitch was clean and well maintained, and they had road sweepers out every day to clear the snow.



Bar is far too small for site size, and with the restaurant closed and footie on it really wasn’t a comfortable place to go. Thankfully the local pub wasn’t too far away and had a nice open fire.



It also appears that since it has been taken over the pricing structure has changed significantly. Wanted to book another stay this year but it’s at least twice, if not more, the cost than in previous years.



We love the area and loved the site, but the new pricing doesn’t equate to the facilities or the entertainment. Such a shame!

We have been coming here on and off over the last 15 years.



BUT Unfortunately things have changed so much not for the better. We always book this site because of all the activities including the swimming pool. BUT now if you want to swim in the afternoon you have to prebook. £1. a person in advance!!! The staff told us they aren’t doing it for the money! WELL why isn’t the £1 refundable when you turn up for your session.

Every time we wanted to use the indoor pool in the afternoon it was always fully booked � unless you wanted to use the shallow outside pool but I have 2 teeenagers who want to swim not paddle!!! One day a staff member told us to wait there 15mins incase a prebooked swimmer didn’t turn up. Which 1 didn’t But my boys wanted to swim together!



I understand it’s very busy and you have to have a limit but surely it should be 1st come 1st serve rather then people booking days in advance and having to pay?

The whole site is now very expensive and they are cutting corners. Our lodge didn’t even have the basics to cook with. No jug, scissors, bread knife, baking tray etc. We went and brought all this including extra cutlery. �

We reported a tumble dryer not working and 2 days later still customers are putting their money into it and it’s not working. They didn’t even put a ‘do not use ‘ sign on it.



Such a shame because it’s the best location but now it’s just about getting as much money as you can without consideration for the guests.

This will be my 3rd visit to Sandy Balls, and don’t normally leave review unless they are positive, I’m currently staying with my family on site only this time in a caravan, when we arrived the caravan smelt of food that was used by previous stayers, the sofa is dirty and is need of a deep clean and windows also, I had to hoover the caravan again to make it clean at least and the bed in master room needs to be reviewed as the springs are the reason why I don’t like staying anywhere other than my own bed! My family are staying in the Pods occupying 6 when we arrived one pod was being used as an office which I found unacceptable when having paid all this money we was told to wait even longer for it to be cleared, the check in should be reviewed when having young children and a baby having to wait until 4pm to check in seems as though we wasted our first day doing nothing! I would like to add the poor service in food we ordered a huge order of beef burgers and chips for 12 people and think there was maybe 4 chips per box, so far our stay isn’t as great as we hoped for being the first time feeling like this, slightly disappointed

Loyalty Rewarded?

Have been regular visitors since 2014, both at Easter and October holidays. Was a great site when they had areas that were not open to dogs....2 Rules are not followed or controlled.....so far we’ve seen 2 dog squabbles as dogs off leads, dog mess not being picked up and countless dogs off leads and wandering around other peoples tents, if you let them off the lead and out of your vans/awnings without supervision how can you see where they are or where they are leaving their little gifts!!! I’d rather its not outside my awning or having dogs pee on my awning or wheels of my car because they’re not being supervised.



Site has had a lot of renovation and looks ok but staff attitude seems to be worse since the take over....mainly when booking which totally has changed!



If you love dogs it’s ok but for young families who are wary of the four legged friends I would think twice, especially if you don’t love waking up to dogs barking or dogs wondering up to your inquisitive child!



Pitches can be prone to churning when wet and a great investment would be to extend gravel to the roads on all pitches.



Since change on dog rules, hike in prices and lack of ability to book pitch location in advance will have to find an alternative place going forward.....a disappointing change that was not necessary.



Prices have gone up so much but actually tourers and tents are no longer able to get 10% discount on booking before leaving site. Sounds like we’re second class citizens now and I suspect we won’t be the only ones considering not returning.



Note: I rarely post on sites but feel so disappointed and concerned that I want a true picture painted. Dogs in all areas are a issue!

First time campers and we had an aggressive dog off the lead and unsupervised when we stayed at the weekend in Orchard on pitch 42 and it put me off going back. The amount of dogs was unbelievable and I don’t mind a dog, but after being bitten my middle child isn’t as keen - plus the incessant barking all day AND night, combined with people walking dogs who messed or pee’d in the hub area and the children’s play parks, made me feel it was all a bit unsanitary. I knew it was dog friendly when we went but I expected people to have control of their animals and stick to the dog walk areas but they didn’t, and I didn’t anticipate the amount of people with dogs, it was a bit overwhelming at times. We were not allowed to choose where we stayed and despite being told groups were not welcome, nearly every pitch except three were in groups, two of which were celebrating birthdays, which made it extremely loud very late into the night and we had three under 5, so by 3am it was a bit much. We left early and I doubt we will be back. We complained about the dog and the noise and were basically told there was nothing they were prepared to do. We were not told in advance we needed special hard ground pegs to pitch, which led to a super stressful pitching up, turned out we should have been told when we checked in that they were required and that they were sold in the park shop at 99p each. After breaking all our pegs we went in search of help as none of the telephone numbers we were given answered and our email went unanswered asking for assistance too - we eventually found and purchased the necessary pegs after advice from a fellow camper . Staff couldn’t be less interested if they tried, went to the Aubrey’s and the staff stood talking and dancing and having a laugh with each other, while people were left chasing them up for drinks, food and bills - bar staff were disinterested and unapproachable, when trying to be served in the pub of a night it was like a chore to engage with you - entertainment staff were really good with the children. Pool areas were clean and well maintained as were most of the facilities and the other accommodation looked really nice - it’s a shame as a lady next to us had been going for 17 years and said it’s recently changed hands from private ownership and has gone down hill and that they’ve applied for planning permission to build 100 lodges on the camping bits that are left. We were also told by pitch up our departure time was 11am but when we arrived it was 10am. So what is potentially a good place is being let down by staff, lack of communication and unruly pets. Very disappointed.

Copied from my TripAdvisor review.

We went to Sandy Balls in the half term holiday, it wasn't a cheap holiday. Now to start with the bad bit..

We were informed that there was some work going on in the park but we were not really told the extent of the work. Sandy Balls really understated the amount of work and disruption.

There was music playing loudly from the roof area of the swimming pool, I guess to keep the workers entertained but this could be heard from our lodge as well as a lot of building noise. It looked like they were replacing the roof, there was scaffolding all around and over the top of the pool building.

They were also rebuilding on of the restaurants.

There were building materials and machinery dotted around.

The swimming pool on the first day we arrived was not heated (at least it had just opened that day so needed time to warm up).

People are allowed (or they go unchallenged) to walk into the changing rooms with shoes on and this isn't pleasant if you are walking to and from the pool in bare feet. After a swim the mud gets on your towels as you dry your feet.

If you are going to book check if the work has been completed. I think it will look great when it is all done.



Good bits..

Our cabin was great, it was clean and reasonably good condition. Probably the best one we have stayed in. The beds were made up and clean/fresh. Beds were comfortable.

The pool, once warmed, up was good. I'm not sure how busy it gets in peak time as it was at max capacity a few times.

The store was good as well. It has fresh bread and rolls and the usual stuff you will find in these stores. Staff were friendly and helpful.

All the staff we met were very friendly and helpful.

The activities were good and interesting although the weather prevented us doing Nerf Wars.

The evening entertainmnt was ok although I think it could be better.

I also think there should be more inclusive entertainment for the kids.

There is a soft play area, this is ok but very small for these days.

Location is pretty good to see the large amount of local attractions.

I think the place needs lots more money spending on it to bring it up to Park Resorts standard.

Overerall we had an ok week, a bit dissapointed by the work going on and the poor weather didn't help either.

Waited for a tap that was delivered to them on Friday eventually got on Tuesday after asking everyday at reception then the shop sometimes twice a day to be told it’s not here. Rang supplier everyday wasting more time who eventually rang reception who late Tuesday rang me to tell me it was there with no opology or explanation. I know now from supplier been there since Friday and they give it maintainance. Lovely place but lacking communication skills which didn’t help having no tap in hot weather.

Really unhappy with my experience today. My daughter & I went to swim in the inside pool which was obviously packed. I could not understand why people were allowed to throw balls in the pool. One hit me hard on the side of the head, narrowly missing my daughter who is totally blind. Unfortunately after being hit in the face by a ball on a previous holiday she is nervous about balls in a pool. I complained to the lifeguard who just shrugged his shoulders saying it’s not against the rules. I was still upset on leaving the pool & spoke to the lovely receptionist who was understanding & sympathetic. She called over the manager who basically couldn’t have cared less saying it’s not against the rules & wasn’t at all bothered when I said if that was the case, I would not be able to bring my daughter again.

We visited your site from Monday 18th June to Friday 22nd and I can't describe how much we thoroughly enjoyed it! We stayed in one of your safari tents with our two young children and absolutely loved it!

My son turned 2 whilst we were there and we visited Aubreys restaurant, all of the staff were fantastic, we had a sign on the table saying happy birthday Alfie and made a big fuss of him when they bought out the cake to sing happy birthday. The food was absolutely amazing with big portion sizes for the children too. We ended up visiting here for a second night and still had a very good experience.

The shower blocks nearest to us were spotless all hours of the day as was the entire site. The site is such a good base to explore the new forest and surrounding area that we only had time to do one of the activities.

The first night we had one issue with our fridge freezing our food, we reported to reception and they apologised and sent a grocery pack to our tent, it was packed with food, probably around £60/£70 worth of branded food, which we found such an amazing gesture!

We really enjoyed our stay and didn't want to return home yesterday and we are all very excited too book to come back next year already!

We have brought our touring caravan to SB for the last 5/6 years in October half terms and had a fantastic time. The new forest is a perfect place for a short break! SB adds to the charm with bags of facilities and things to do for all; from a pamper to petting the alpaca! Last year we spent Christmas in one of the lodges which are absolutely perfect for a family of 6+ Wanting a little luxurious treat. Some are even dog friendly if you need that too. The park has recently gone through a few changes but I’m pleased to say it’s kept it’s charm and the lodges that have arrived are great and our caravan might stay on the drive a little more now in favour of a lodge. For the money there isn’t anywhere I’d rather be with my adventurous family any time of year. Give it a go.

Only spent 1 night there. Gutted we could stay long. We camped. Place is great. Clean, friendly and safe. We will even be changing our usual camp to here for our annual camping holiday. And as it's only an hour away some extra weekends. Was really great, could not ask for more. Only downful is drink prices in the club but you expect to pay a little more. Thanks for a great time, kids loved it

Nice little 4 day break in a lodge that was lovely and clean and the table was all set up nicely.

Beautiful surroundings, plenty to do, all the staff I spoke to were very friendly and helpful.

I found the food was lovely and reasonably priced . All in all a lovely experience and i will be going back with my family.

My partner and I were there this week, tuesday till friday. It was by far one of our best holidays!!!

We have been to a few holiday parks in the past but none of them came close to this one. We loved every second of our time there, we walked the alpaca Sandy on the friday and that was amazing. We also did the laser clay shooting which was also really fun, especially seen as the lady that held both activites was really happy and friendly and made the activity even better with how fun she was. Her name was charley. Also ade, who was helpful of the evenings and so friendly when he saw us aroung the site. The staff at this site did whatever they could to make sure our time was amazing. We had never heard of this place, just randomly wanted to go glamping to tick it of our bucket list and the picture of the pod came up on google so we just went with it, sooooo glad we came across it now. 100% never going to another holiday park again, so relaxing, clean, friendly... literally the most perfect holiday.

Thankyou to everyone at sandyballs holiday village ���

Just got from a weekend away. Stayed in one of the new Zen lodges. Wow! They are amazing, the location was also spot on, great to wake up and open the door overlooking the woods. Seeing the squirrels running around the trees whilst we sat in the hot tub was just brilliant. The staff were most helpful, the pool was not very busy so an added bonus. The pub was well priced and the food in Aubrey's was fantastic. The kids took part in several activities and loved them all. We'll be returning!

I like many people was worried about some of the reviews I had read about SandyBalls and the upgrading of the site. I can honestly say that since being here on a Mon- Fri break this Easter the only thing that has let us down is the weather. They have pulled out all the stops to ensure that Easter business is not affected. I have not seen any scaffolding on any of the buildings or works taking place. We have had a lovely meal at the New Aubrey’s restaurant, the staff across the site have been welcoming and friendly and the Zen Indulgence lodge we are staying in is simply stunning. I appreciate if I had been one of those customers who had been here on the build up to Easter I too would have been frustrated but it’s important to protect a site like this by spending money on it and give it the longevity it deserves.

Really great place to visit. Hook up for our Caravan good except TV hook up didn’t work and we had pitch 67 which was under trees so bird droppings all over the car & Caravan and we couldn’t get TV reception on our aerial, not that TV is a major factor but would have been nice. There was a waste water hole instead of having to use the hedgehog cartridge but we used ours anyway and you have a drain pit At the hook up point for your sink waste. The toilets and free showers were very clean and there are many Chemical disposal sheds for the chemical toilet wasteage.

Onsite shop has lots on offer, a little pricey but ok in emergency.

If we had a pitch with a bit more sunshine it would be 5 star.

Oh and the staff we met were lovely.

I definitely recommend this place and we will return.

Can’t comment on the kids stuff as we are two fifty somethings but it looks like it’s well catered for with playgrounds and Alpacas etc.

Camping (2 adults and 3 yr old)

I booked sandy balls campsite for my husband's surprise present using an external company to supply the tent

*online booking super easy

*arrival quick an informative

*pitch was lovely and a good size

*all staff were lovely haopy and worked very hard

*food in both pub and restaurant was lovely a little pricey but not major

* drinks good choice but I felt a little pricey

* amenities were fab and clean

* the only reason I don't feel it's quite excellent is the kids party/disco was a little lacking and the price of food and drink was a little pricey

... would I return... definatly

We’ve been using sandy balls for several years during the camping season, sometimes more than once.

We called excited to book for the camping season. It would appear that now it’s been taken over you can no longer pre select your pitch number and they won’t confirm that we can have pitches next to each other.

We have always managed to pre book 2 pitches next to each other in the area we want. Now they say we will need 3 pitches for 3 families (3 adults and 5 children) but spaces are allocated on arrival.

Needless to say we have booked another camp site who were more than happy to help and cheaper!

From looking at the reviews, Away Resorts don’t appear to be doing themselves any favours as customers aren’t happy and will go elsewhere.

We was on touring in orchard last week for 6 nights..we had a tent next to us with screaming crying kids till gone midnight and other people in tents very load to gone midnight.think the warden should check more often if they can be arsed to come round at nights.

Showers either did not work or they was slow and not warm so not happy with that.

Then went to village shop on sandyballs and got mould on the bread so by then really unhappy .

Its one of the worst visits we have been on and we normaly visit sandyballs about 4 times a year

We had a very pleasant stay this weekend, in the snow. Site as always was clean, aside the construction works, but they seemed to be doing their best to maintain a clean site.



Toilets where warm and clean, showers too.



Our pitch was clean and well maintained, and they had road sweepers out every day to clear the snow.



Bar is far too small for site size, and with the restaurant closed and footie on it really wasn’t a comfortable place to go. Thankfully the local pub wasn’t too far away and had a nice open fire.



It also appears that since it has been taken over the pricing structure has changed significantly. Wanted to book another stay this year but it’s at least twice, if not more, the cost than in previous years.



We love the area and loved the site, but the new pricing doesn’t equate to the facilities or the entertainment. Such a shame!

We have been coming here on and off over the last 15 years.



BUT Unfortunately things have changed so much not for the better. We always book this site because of all the activities including the swimming pool. BUT now if you want to swim in the afternoon you have to prebook. £1. a person in advance!!! The staff told us they aren’t doing it for the money! WELL why isn’t the £1 refundable when you turn up for your session.

Every time we wanted to use the indoor pool in the afternoon it was always fully booked � unless you wanted to use the shallow outside pool but I have 2 teeenagers who want to swim not paddle!!! One day a staff member told us to wait there 15mins incase a prebooked swimmer didn’t turn up. Which 1 didn’t But my boys wanted to swim together!



I understand it’s very busy and you have to have a limit but surely it should be 1st come 1st serve rather then people booking days in advance and having to pay?

The whole site is now very expensive and they are cutting corners. Our lodge didn’t even have the basics to cook with. No jug, scissors, bread knife, baking tray etc. We went and brought all this including extra cutlery. �

We reported a tumble dryer not working and 2 days later still customers are putting their money into it and it’s not working. They didn’t even put a ‘do not use ‘ sign on it.



Such a shame because it’s the best location but now it’s just about getting as much money as you can without consideration for the guests.

This will be my 3rd visit to Sandy Balls, and don’t normally leave review unless they are positive, I’m currently staying with my family on site only this time in a caravan, when we arrived the caravan smelt of food that was used by previous stayers, the sofa is dirty and is need of a deep clean and windows also, I had to hoover the caravan again to make it clean at least and the bed in master room needs to be reviewed as the springs are the reason why I don’t like staying anywhere other than my own bed! My family are staying in the Pods occupying 6 when we arrived one pod was being used as an office which I found unacceptable when having paid all this money we was told to wait even longer for it to be cleared, the check in should be reviewed when having young children and a baby having to wait until 4pm to check in seems as though we wasted our first day doing nothing! I would like to add the poor service in food we ordered a huge order of beef burgers and chips for 12 people and think there was maybe 4 chips per box, so far our stay isn’t as great as we hoped for being the first time feeling like this, slightly disappointed

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Have been regular visitors since 2014, both at Easter and October holidays. Was a great site when they had areas that were not open to dogs....2 Rules are not followed or controlled.....so far we’ve seen 2 dog squabbles as dogs off leads, dog mess not being picked up and countless dogs off leads and wandering around other peoples tents, if you let them off the lead and out of your vans/awnings without supervision how can you see where they are or where they are leaving their little gifts!!! I’d rather its not outside my awning or having dogs pee on my awning or wheels of my car because they’re not being supervised.



Site has had a lot of renovation and looks ok but staff attitude seems to be worse since the take over....mainly when booking which totally has changed!



If you love dogs it’s ok but for young families who are wary of the four legged friends I would think twice, especially if you don’t love waking up to dogs barking or dogs wondering up to your inquisitive child!



Pitches can be prone to churning when wet and a great investment would be to extend gravel to the roads on all pitches.



Since change on dog rules, hike in prices and lack of ability to book pitch location in advance will have to find an alternative place going forward.....a disappointing change that was not necessary.



Prices have gone up so much but actually tourers and tents are no longer able to get 10% discount on booking before leaving site. Sounds like we’re second class citizens now and I suspect we won’t be the only ones considering not returning.



Note: I rarely post on sites but feel so disappointed and concerned that I want a true picture painted. Dogs in all areas are a issue!

First time campers and we had an aggressive dog off the lead and unsupervised when we stayed at the weekend in Orchard on pitch 42 and it put me off going back. The amount of dogs was unbelievable and I don’t mind a dog, but after being bitten my middle child isn’t as keen - plus the incessant barking all day AND night, combined with people walking dogs who messed or pee’d in the hub area and the children’s play parks, made me feel it was all a bit unsanitary. I knew it was dog friendly when we went but I expected people to have control of their animals and stick to the dog walk areas but they didn’t, and I didn’t anticipate the amount of people with dogs, it was a bit overwhelming at times. We were not allowed to choose where we stayed and despite being told groups were not welcome, nearly every pitch except three were in groups, two of which were celebrating birthdays, which made it extremely loud very late into the night and we had three under 5, so by 3am it was a bit much. We left early and I doubt we will be back. We complained about the dog and the noise and were basically told there was nothing they were prepared to do. We were not told in advance we needed special hard ground pegs to pitch, which led to a super stressful pitching up, turned out we should have been told when we checked in that they were required and that they were sold in the park shop at 99p each. After breaking all our pegs we went in search of help as none of the telephone numbers we were given answered and our email went unanswered asking for assistance too - we eventually found and purchased the necessary pegs after advice from a fellow camper . Staff couldn’t be less interested if they tried, went to the Aubrey’s and the staff stood talking and dancing and having a laugh with each other, while people were left chasing them up for drinks, food and bills - bar staff were disinterested and unapproachable, when trying to be served in the pub of a night it was like a chore to engage with you - entertainment staff were really good with the children. Pool areas were clean and well maintained as were most of the facilities and the other accommodation looked really nice - it’s a shame as a lady next to us had been going for 17 years and said it’s recently changed hands from private ownership and has gone down hill and that they’ve applied for planning permission to build 100 lodges on the camping bits that are left. We were also told by pitch up our departure time was 11am but when we arrived it was 10am. So what is potentially a good place is being let down by staff, lack of communication and unruly pets. Very disappointed.

Copied from my TripAdvisor review.

We went to Sandy Balls in the half term holiday, it wasn't a cheap holiday. Now to start with the bad bit..

We were informed that there was some work going on in the park but we were not really told the extent of the work. Sandy Balls really understated the amount of work and disruption.

There was music playing loudly from the roof area of the swimming pool, I guess to keep the workers entertained but this could be heard from our lodge as well as a lot of building noise. It looked like they were replacing the roof, there was scaffolding all around and over the top of the pool building.

They were also rebuilding on of the restaurants.

There were building materials and machinery dotted around.

The swimming pool on the first day we arrived was not heated (at least it had just opened that day so needed time to warm up).

People are allowed (or they go unchallenged) to walk into the changing rooms with shoes on and this isn't pleasant if you are walking to and from the pool in bare feet. After a swim the mud gets on your towels as you dry your feet.

If you are going to book check if the work has been completed. I think it will look great when it is all done.



Good bits..

Our cabin was great, it was clean and reasonably good condition. Probably the best one we have stayed in. The beds were made up and clean/fresh. Beds were comfortable.

The pool, once warmed, up was good. I'm not sure how busy it gets in peak time as it was at max capacity a few times.

The store was good as well. It has fresh bread and rolls and the usual stuff you will find in these stores. Staff were friendly and helpful.

All the staff we met were very friendly and helpful.

The activities were good and interesting although the weather prevented us doing Nerf Wars.

The evening entertainmnt was ok although I think it could be better.

I also think there should be more inclusive entertainment for the kids.

There is a soft play area, this is ok but very small for these days.

Location is pretty good to see the large amount of local attractions.

I think the place needs lots more money spending on it to bring it up to Park Resorts standard.

Overerall we had an ok week, a bit dissapointed by the work going on and the poor weather didn't help either.

Waited for a tap that was delivered to them on Friday eventually got on Tuesday after asking everyday at reception then the shop sometimes twice a day to be told it’s not here. Rang supplier everyday wasting more time who eventually rang reception who late Tuesday rang me to tell me it was there with no opology or explanation. I know now from supplier been there since Friday and they give it maintainance. Lovely place but lacking communication skills which didn’t help having no tap in hot weather.

Really unhappy with my experience today. My daughter & I went to swim in the inside pool which was obviously packed. I could not understand why people were allowed to throw balls in the pool. One hit me hard on the side of the head, narrowly missing my daughter who is totally blind. Unfortunately after being hit in the face by a ball on a previous holiday she is nervous about balls in a pool. I complained to the lifeguard who just shrugged his shoulders saying it’s not against the rules. I was still upset on leaving the pool & spoke to the lovely receptionist who was understanding & sympathetic. She called over the manager who basically couldn’t have cared less saying it’s not against the rules & wasn’t at all bothered when I said if that was the case, I would not be able to bring my daughter again.