Reviews
Here’s your opportunity to tell fellow campers all about the campsites that you know and love. Whether it’s to highlight a hidden gem of a location or praise a sensational site manager, we want to hear from you!
Think of your favourite site and how well you know it. Then imagine being able to tell someone else about some of those wonderful things that make it so special! Advice on getting there, info about the pitches, the low-down on the facilities, what there is nearby to do, see and explore... it could open up a world of possibilities to fellow campers just like you.
Your reviews are important and will be valuable to the Club and Club Members alike, so why not
get writing one now?
Andy & Karen (Club member) said...
Caravanning is not like staying in a 5* hotel, you get back what you put in. Yes, the entrance is a bit tricky. Yes, there are one or two (million) midges. Yes, the facilities are a bit basic. But what do you get back for the effort of getting there? You get a secluded site, fabulous scenery, spotless toilets and showers, abundant walks for any level of walker, a well stocked shop (with midge repellant), great hosts (Mark and Nat) note.. 'host' not manager! A great pub an hours walk away (5 mins in car)with music and home cooked food, other like minded campers, peace & tranquillity and somewhere you will want to return to. What don't you get? The friday night party crowd! Please only make sensitive changes. Thanks to Mark and Nat for our welcome, information about the local area and 'hosting' the most welcoming club site we have been to.
DATE STAYED: October 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED: 
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Lake
Adrian Tom Heys (Club member) said...
Site entrance tricky to find then when you realise where to the initial reaction was oh no..... But slowly slowly catch a monkey.
Wardens fantastic , showers warm but cramped. Site wonderful, we were acomodated with at least 4 options even when we had sited we were asked if we wanted to move.The wardens even lent me a George foreman grill when I ran out of gas and they didnt have a bottle for me..Walks abundant, glosop caravans nearby, cant think af a better site within 20 min of home. Returning Half term week in Oct. Please re design the site layout new reception at the gates, wider gates, new showers, better signage and you wiold have poss the best located site in Lancashire.
DATE STAYED: May 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Difficult
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
angela mckay (Club member) said...
Arrived on Fri evening and was met by an extremely friendly warden who showed us various available pitches to enable us to make our own choice as to where we would like to be (after he had helped some other people push their trailer tent into situ). He showed me where facilities were and was generally very friendly. The piches were large in size and mainly flat. The following day the warden told us about a walk, taking in 3 reservoirs, which would end up at a pub (best sort of walks, me thinks), so we set off with our 2 dogs and walked to the pub, taking in some beautiful scenery en route. We did however, end up at the wrong pub (we should have gone to the Bulls Head, but ended up at the Old Oak) but think in hindsight that we actually went to the right one as the landlord and locals made us and our dogs very welcome and we passed a VERY enjoyable 2 hours chatting and drinking.
Back to the campsite - the facilites were always clean and tidy but as there was only 2 showers for the whole site, there tended to be a queue at times, although this wasnt a major problem as it was nice to sit and chat to other people who were waiting too.
If I had to mention any negatives, and I am being really picky, I think the site could maybe benefit from some lighting at night - it was quite difficult filling water up etc as the water/bin stations were not illuminated. This did not however detract from what is a fantastic site and we will most definately be returning.
DATE STAYED: October 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Active break
LOCATION: Country
Simon G (Club member) said...
I have just returned from a lovely 8 night break at Crowden. The staff are lovely and very welcoming i'll definitely go back. I did see reviews complaining about midges - err it's near water and you'll get midges, use repellent but it'll probably not work anyway, they are unlikely to kill you.
Toilet block is dated but kept spotlessly clean.
Loads of walks on the doorstep, what more can anyone want? Kids playground? Get walking for God's sake.
The club should be very proud of the wardens, very well done.
DATE STAYED: September 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country
simon and lesley (Club member) said...
What A Lovely Campsite , Stayed At Crowden For 2 Nights And Would Highly Recommend To Everyone. We Were Warmly Welcomed By The Wardens ,Who Helped With Any Problems .We Didn't Even Notice That Theres No Tv Reception , Was Actually Quite Nice To Make Our Own Entertainment.The Only Grumble Would Be The Swarms Of Midges , Bitten Everywhere By The Damn Things , So Take Lots Of Creams , Sprays ETC.Apart From That We Will Be Definately Be Coming Back (Armed With Midgey Killer!!)
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Julie &John (Club member) said...
We have just returned from a long weekend break at this site and would definately recommend it to people who just want to get away from it all. There is no TV signal or wifi but this did not impact our stay at all. There are plenty of things to do in the nearby area and some great walks. The wardens are so friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. The site shop is open from 9am until 6.30 pm, what a refreshing change! Too many site shops open for about 2 hours a day to suit the wardens and not their customers! Some of the facilities could do with updating on the site but on the whole no issues. Will be going back again!
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country
Gary & Gill Benton (Club member) said...
Our welcome to Crowden was both friendly and informative, it's facilities are adequate.A well stocked shop on site caters for most needs.
The hard standing pitch we stayed was clean and its surrounding areas tidy, It is kind to pegs for awnings too. Walks are of plenty and offer different levels of ability. Tintwistle and Hadfield offer local shops and amenities, either a short drive or a nice walk along the Longenden trail. Mark and Nat work hard maintaining this site to a good standard, We would recommend anyone to give it a try, peace and tranquility await you!
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded,Lake
Jean & Dave (Club member) said...
We have just returned from a short break at Crowden. The site is handy for long or short walks and the Longendale Trail is well worth going on although we do not recommend cycling on the A628 as it is very busy.
The shop is very well stocked and also has a large library of DVD's for hire.
The wardens, Mark and Nat, were very friendly. Our pitch was next to the reception/amenities block and they never stopped all day from first opening up to 7pm when they closed. Even then they were on duty for late arrivals and desperate backpackers.
We have three minus points:
1st. There should be a warning about midges in the description of the campsite so that you can be prepared with sprays etc. The shop does supply sprays but I think it more helpful to be told beforehand so that you can come armed with candles, sprays, plugins etc.
2nd minus point and the most important one is that we feel the club has let down this site with the amenities block and inefficient number of showers. The previous reviewer said that he did not experience any queues but this morning 4 ladies were queuing and were surrounded by midgies! Two showers only - not 2 for the ladies and 2 for the men - are not enough for the whole campsite. Plus the fact that the one on the right (future campers please take note) was just a trickle! They have been repaired in the past but because of the age of the plumbing system they can not be made any more efficient. Please, if any exective of the Club is reading this, give this campsite the upgrade it deserves as soon as possible. The wardens can only do so much!
3rd. The siting of the reception is in the wrong place for the wardens to be in control of security of the site.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Malcolm Williams (Club member) said...
You are greeted with a very friendly welcome form Mark and Bell the site managers the site is well looked after and tidy, the amenities block is old but always clean and the shop is well stocked. Mark as an unusual way of insuring that all have a good time with out disturbing others, well done a good time had by all the Williams family, see you soon.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Kevin Boothroyd (Club member) said...
Very warm welcome, from Site Managers Mark and Nat who also offered plenty of local information.
Site very close to Pennine Way and the Transpennine Cycle Way. Facilities although well used were spotlessly clean. A small shop with plenty of stock. To conclude a very clean and tidy site, in a beautiful setting and would thoroughly recommend to all.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country
Graham (Club member) said...
The turn off from the A628 is not clearly marked. If you are travelling from the direction of Manchester the left turn is about 200 metres from the Crowden name sign. The signs indicating that there is a Camping and Caravan Club site are very small and behind a wall, look out for the signs for the youth hostel. The intial approach is deceptively wide and then narrows to a walled single track road, which has plenty of width for all units.The tricky bit is at the end where, as first time visitors we did not know where the entance was. This is important for positioning the caravan for a left hand jig into the site via a narrow entrance gate. When we queried the restricted access we were told that the gatepost for pedestrian access can be lifted out giving an additional metre of width. As it was we managed entrance and exit without problem.
Mark and Nats gave a warm and friendly welcome but their warning about the midges set the tone for our stay. Before we could apply protective cream my wife and I had already been bitten many times.
The facilities are basic but spotlessly clean and we never had to queue, even though the site appeared to be full to overflowing. We had three backpacker tents pitched close together and immediately by our car such was the presure on space.
Whilst we will not be returning, due to the midges it is idealy located for those who want to go on walks without using vehicles.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED: 
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Steve p (Club member) said...
Wanted to test our new tent somewere not too far away . Arrived on thursday evening and was received By a lovely Member of staff. Made us feel really welcome . Site was excellent very clean and perfectly kept site. Not a leaf out of place. Really does the place credit would recommend this site
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Secluded
Mike Swinburne (Club member) said...
If your a driver, you can get into the site easily, but don't expect to be driving through the gates of Buckingham Palace, after all it is a camp site. This is my favorite site, very friendly, quite and peaceful. The staff are very helpful and friendly. If you like walking, without driving miles first, this is the site for you. you can walk every day, leaving you van on the site. My first visit and will definitely going back
DATE STAYED: June 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Secluded
peter blackwell (Club member) said...
Have passed this site many times but only just stayed for two nights. Warm welcome, well kept, grass and trees and brilliant tough walking. good facilities at, as a true Yorkie, the right price. Thankyou.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
The boomerang (Club member) said...
Approached this site with caution after reading other reviews about site entrance, unsure what to expect. Just approach slowly and with caution (this goes for departure)and you should have no problem whatsoever.
Site manager came to meet us-what a friendly chap! Helped us on to our pitch made us feel very welcome at a busy arrivals time.
The site itself is small - 45 pitches, but a great place to stay. Not cramped. It is a wildlife haven...however, facilites are kept to the usual standard of cleanliness and the fact there are only 2 showers was not a problem at all(apart from the fact someone had to steal the showerhead-why? please return it you fool.).
Shop is small but well stocked.
Great location and well worth a visit..
DATE STAYED: May 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country
David Black (Club member) said...
Loved this site. Beautifully located and nicely laid out, easy access to good walking terrain (the Pennine Way runs very close by of course).
Facilities are somewhat limited with only 2 showers, but I only had to wait once and there are wash basins etc in the toilet blocks, also washing up point. I understand these are scheduled for updating soon. One point: the shower trays are of the old 'smooth vitreous enamel' type and are very slippery; these should be replaced asap, or non-slip matting or duckboard added - a grab rail too, as I was unable to stop myself from falling quite heavily. The club needs to look at this quite urgently in my view, meanwhile take care when showering!
The managers are excellent: friendly, helpful and informative, and the site is kept neat, clean and tidy to a high standard. We suffered a major vehicle breakdown while out and about and manager Mark and partner really could not have been more helpful and supportive; thanks to them for that - they're a great advertisement for the club and really personify the club motto I feel.
Access is tight when towing but not difficult if you drive sensibly. The lane on the approach from the main road is too narrow in places for two units to pass each other - one unit would almost certainly have to reverse back to a wider part of the track to allow passing. Also, the access to the A628 is on a difficult bend of a very busy road, with limited visibility on exit. I can't see that anything can be done about the road of course, but I think clearer signposting at the point of access from the road would help; if you miss the access (as I did once, but fortunately not when towing!) and you are towing, you will have to go some distance to find a safe turning point. None of this will put me off using the site again though - in fact I'd love to return soon.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded,Lake
a andrew (Club member) said...
spent a few days at this site and would go there again the staff were great just a bit tight to get in but seeing this was the first time towing a caravan I was worried but got the caravan in no problems I would recommend this site to anyone will be going back.
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country
Chris (Club member) said...
First class site in all respects. The review about access worried me but access was easy with care. (Van is 7.2 m) Hardly used facilities so can't really comment on them. Walks were stunning and so many interesting campers. Why do parents take children to sites like this with nothing for them to do? Not even a road suitable for cycling on never mind ball games. Manager and assistant excellent. Note the phone box on the map has gone and the road layout slightly changed- makes it easier.
DATE STAYED: May 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Active break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Elaine Clayton (Club member) said...
we had a three night stay over the easter holiday - staff were lovely although the facilities could do with being updated - only 2 showers and no wash rooms - but we were told that there are plans to update these so would probably go back again
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country
Floatingbrick (Club member) said...
A peaceful site set amongst great views overlooking scenic hills and reservoirs, with plenty of walks for all capabilities. The site was very welcoming and friendly. There was no TV signal and little phone signal, so take plenty of DVD's to keep the family entertained. Toilets and washroom facilities were clean, basic but functional. Access to the site is fairly tight but nothing to worry about (just stay away from the wall on the left as you enter the site!). Overall, a RECOMMENDED quiet and friendly site that's worthy of a visit!
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country
Julian (Club member) said...
Just had 5 nights at this site. Wardens very helpful and friendly couldn't do enough for us. Shop well stocked, toilets and showers very clean and tidy. Drying room facilities useful. Site used for Duke of Edinburgh students who were all very well mannerd and polite.
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Simon (Club member) said...
After 5 years membership this is definitely the friendliest site we have ever visited. The wardens (and assistant warden) were fantastic, the facilities clean, showers hot and the shop well stocked. The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking & cycling and even though the site is not far from the A628 the road noise was barely audible. We found entry/exit to the site a little tight but managed a twin axle without incident. All in all a wonderful and we will gladly stay there again!
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded
Robert Davies said...
This is a lovely site, I don't get to go camping as often as I would like to therefore I pay the none menbers fee but it is quite reasonable. I would however warn people to watch out for late summer stays, the insects (midges and daddylonglegs) arrive in their swarms due to the area being mainly moorland, this can be a bit offputting to tent dwellers but if you time it right, it is an overall great experience with some of the best walking areas around
DATE STAYED: September 2009
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Secluded,Lake
Kevin Buckley (Club member) said...
I travelled to Crowden not realising that there is a really tight left hand turn to access gate into the site area until I arrived. As it was raining heavily my rear mirror visibility was impared and consequently the offside rear of my caravan hit the very large gate post denting in the side panel and damaging the awning rail on my caravan. I did not notice the damage until I was pitched up with help of warden Mark who was very apologetic! He did say however that due to the difficulty in the extremely tight LH turn the club are considering moving the access across a bit! I am most disappointed that the neither the website nor the sites guide make any statement as to the difficulty in the entry/exit and if I had read this I would NOT have used the site.
Last year my car broke down whilst at Burrs Country Park and recovery vehicle came onto the site to do the necessary but if it had happened at Crowden I very much doubt that they could have ever recovered my car and Caravan. The cost of damage is around £300 and as I have £150 voluntary excess and will loose some of my no claims bonus it is simply not worth claiming for the repair on my insurance.....typical! Now my nice clean gleaming caravan looks a mess which on trade-in (probably 2 years time) will loose some of it's value.
Other than this problem I was more than pleased with the site, it's team and facilities but will never visit again unless the access entry is sorted out.
DATE STAYED: September 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Difficult
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country
martin said...
a great campsite to pitch up then go hiking for the day.some beautiful scenery to be seen and also some easy walks for the beginners such as myself,i would highly recommend a visit.
DATE STAYED: March 2009
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country
Nicky Cooksley (Club member) said...
Never again. I have never read a statement from a site further from the truth. Booked in for a week on the description and left after 1 night.Will seriously consider any site from this club in future with scepticism.
DATE STAYED: August 2010
RECOMMENDED:
LOCATION: Secluded
