"Cabin great but carpet stained and nets tatty"
Christine - May 2025
"Very run down. We were put right at back of site - no signal of any kind. Heating fullBlast on arrival (was 26 outside!) then got turned off completely. Looks in need of love on the inside. Nothing shuts or locks"
Gemma - May 2025
"Great trip, would definitely do again."
Mike - Apr 2025
"Excellent - really clean and everything you need even Netflix!"
Helen - Apr 2025
"Our Sandy Balls Holiday Village review: We recently booked one of the new Bluebell lodges where the old campsite used to be. Honestly, theyve done a fantastic job with the decor and facilities - its a really comfortable place to stay for a few nights. The lodge had great amenities, including WiFi and a 55-inch smart TV in the lounge, plus a TV in both bedrooms, which was handy. The master bedrooms bathtub with ensuite was a real treat, although we never quite cracked how to get the mirror TV working. The kitchen was well-equipped too, with a good oven, microwave and a slimline dishwasher. Wed definitely stay again!"
Imogen - Apr 2025
"Just a few issues with a broken sofa and split shower hose. Both resolved quickly. Asked for an iron, but didn't get one. Couldn't get oven to work and no instructions for any appliances which would be useful."
Angela - Apr 2025
"Overall, we had a decent stay. The sofa was broken and the shower hose split, but both got sorted fast, which was good. We asked for an iron but didnt receive it. The oven was tricky to use without instructions, which wouldve helped."
Emma Clarke - Apr 2025
"Excellent only down side is accommodation was not available until 1630, but we made use of the excellent facilities whilst waiting"
Timothy - Mar 2025
"Really enjoyed our stay overall. The facilities were top-notch, though waiting until 4:30 for the room was a bit of a pain."
James - Mar 2025
"Really enjoyed our stay, will definitely return soon."
Claire - Mar 2025
"The charging point to our accommodation wasnt working so we were told we had to charge up the car at another accommodation. Not ideal. The shower would run hot and cold whilst in use. The hot tub doesnt bubble (first world problems) but it was just like sitting in a bath. Food was expensive for what it was - I ordered a takeaway and it was overcooked, stone cold and not as advertised. I asked the waiter how many chicken wings were in a regular portion and he told me fivethere were three."
Verified Guest - Mar 2025
"We had such a great time at the lodge! It was bright, airy and spotless, which made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The layout was perfect for us - two bedrooms with en-suites meant no fighting over the bathroom, plus an extra bathroom for the kids, which was a real bonus. Inside, there was plenty of storage for all our stuff and the kitchen was well-equipped, including a dishwasher and washing machine, which made life so much easier. We loved stepping out onto the patio doors to the balcony - such a lovely spot to relax with a cuppa. Honestly, we wish we had booked a lodge with a hot tub because the family atmosphere was so lively and we could see and hear everyone enjoying theirs all day long.The site itself had loads to offer, especially for families. The kids had a blast in the soft play area and during the tiny tots swimming hour - perfect for little ones. We also tried our hand at archery, which was fun and went swimming and used the sauna - all great ways to unwind. Sadly, the jacuzzi was out of order, which was a bit disappointing, but it didnt spoil our stay. We also explored the beautiful forest nearby and it was such a treat - we saw wild ponies and even spotted some deer from afar. The locals warned us not to feed or pet the ponies, but you could get close enough to touch if you wanted.On-site facilities were really handy - theres a tiny supermarket that stocks everything from bread and milk to board games and cards, so we never needed to go far for essentials or a bit of entertainment. The little arcade kept the kids happy and there were some lovely restaurants if we didnt feel like cooking. We returned home genuinely relaxed and feeling grounded - honestly, we loved our stay and almost wished we could live there! Definitely a place well be visiting again soon."
Ellie and Tom - Mar 2025
"The boules was unable to be used as outside and not maintained The table tennis was the same poorly maintained"
Trevor - Mar 2025
"We really enjoyed our stay at Heartwood Lodge. The place was spotlessly clean and had everything we could possibly need. Loved the peaceful spot at the back of the park, but still handy for all the amenities. The surprise bonus was the fantastic home entertainment system-huge TV and sound bar, definitely a highlight!"
Ben - Feb 2025
"Great spot for a relaxing break, would definitely return!"
Marko - Sep 2024
"We really enjoyed our stay at Esme! The decor was lovely and the layout worked well for us. There were a few spots that could do with a proper clean - stains and mould on the curtains and some strong smells - but overall, it was great. Location was spot on too!"
Harriet - Aug 2024
"The place was really nice, good quality stuff all around and the welcome pack was lovely!"
Lucy - Feb 2024
"Really handy, everything you could possibly need was there."
George - Jan 2024
"We had a brilliant time and the staff handled COVID restrictions really well!"
Oliver - Nov 2023
"Great family trip, were definitely coming back soon!"
Laura - Aug 2020
"We had a wet July weekend, but surprisingly, no one grumbled about rain."
Sam - Jul 2020
"We had an awesome time here! The kids loved it, especially our 14-year-old who usually isnt that easy to please but actually said he enjoyed it. The staff were super friendly and always cheerful, which made a big difference. The facilities were spotless, with handy antibacterial handwash stations everywhere. Only tiny gripe was a loose tap in the bathroom, but overall, a fantastic stay!"
Alex - Jul 2020
"Really enjoyed the stay, will definitely come back soon!"
Mark - Jan 2020
"Lovely spot with a welcoming vibe"
Emily Parker - Sep 2019
"We really enjoyed the lodge itself - inside was spotless and cosy, which made our stay nice. However, the outside area let us down, especially the picnic bench on the porch, which was pretty grimy. Considering the price, we expected everything to be tip-top."
Sammy - Jul 2019
"Really enjoyed trying self-catering for the first time, it was quite a good experience."
Jessica - Jun 2019
"Really enjoyed our visit, cant wait to come back with friends again!"
Jamie - Apr 2019
"We really enjoyed our stay! Plenty of space for all four of us and the two dogs too."
Sarah - Mar 2019
"The lodge was spotless and spacious, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms - one en-suite, which was handy. It had a microwave, dishwasher and plenty of crockery. It would've been better if the second bedroom had a double bed instead of two singles, though."
Julia - Oct 2018
"Great restaurants, helpful for coeliacs"
Helen - Aug 2022
"We had a lovely holiday at Sandy Balls. Our Superior Lodge was very clean, well-equipped and welcoming."
Jan - Jul 2022
"Checking-in dealt with very efficiently. A nice relaxing week"
David - Jul 2022
"Excellent location in beautiful surroundings."
Nathan - Jul 2022
"We got upgraded which was a very pleasant surprise and it was lovely and clean all in all very pleased but was very upset that the outdoor pool was closed when asked to open and it was warm outside they staff was very rude and unhappy to do so"
Trevor - Jul 2022
"We had a truly wonderful time at Sandy Balls and the New Forest. Our lodge was lovely and clean, beds comfortable and the doggy welcome pack was a lovely thought. Lovely site , deep in the woods, gave a relaxing start to every day. I would definitely go back there. Staff in the shop were lovely."
Mandy - Jul 2022
"Perfect place for families"
Loreta - Jul 2022
"This was my second visit because I loved it so much the first time. Stayed in a cabin this time. Slightly disappointed that there was no WiFi, considering the price but otherwise lovely.
The site, facilities and staff (apart from one who was very unpleasant) are all excellent. However, I have Coeliac disease and although there is an acceptable gluten free menu, there is a misconception (not just by yourselves) that gluten free = vegan or vegetarian. We are neither! We eat all meats,eggs, cheeses etc, it is just conventional grains mostly that we have a problem with, so don't need vile vegan cheese included in our options. Vegan and Vegetarian are a lifestyle choice. Coeliac disease is an illness that can cause bowel cancer or worse. so we would like the same choice as others. It really isn't that hard nowadays!"
Dawn - Jul 2022
"The campsite is great. The children loved the activities, they did Archery Laser air rifle and walking the Alpaca's. We swam everyday and the pool was great. It was a bit difficult booking the outdoor pool and it was fully booked by the time we worked it out! The lodge we stayed in was very comfortable. Although more than one baking tray would have been good and sharper kitchen knives.
The staff were fantastic from the restaurant, welcome staff to the rangers they could not be more helpful, they made the experience."
Justine - Jul 2022
"We’ll be back soon ?"
Steve - Jul 2022