Sandford Holiday Park Review (Poole Dorset)

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Wouldn’t it be great if you had a in-depth view of a holiday park before you committed to booking any length of stay?  

Fact is that unless you have been before, that would be impossible wouldn’t it? 

That’s why I have put together this Sandford Holiday Park Review.  Not only have I given my opinion but I also asked the wife and my kids William (11) and Kathryn (13) for their input.

Williams thoughts on the internet connection alone may just have you rushing to book, but more about that later.

 

So let’s dive in…

 

Date of Visit – July 2020

 

The Journey

We live in the West Midlands. We hooked up the caravan at home and drove in the M5 to junction 11. We then followed the A419 to Swindon, A346 and the A338 to Salisbury and finally the A354 and the A350/A35 to Poole.  

This route took us past the Cotswolds Airport, bit of a shock to see so many massive airplanes including Jumbo Jets at the side of the country road in the middle of nowhere. 

There is very little traffic on this route and lots of places to stop at the side of the road.

 

Arrival at the Sandford Holiday Park.

 

 

On arrival at the site, we were directed to the touring field.  We waited at the gate and checked in.   Due to COVID restrictions our welcome pack was left in a plastic sleeve on the pitch it’s self.  We had a serviced pitch.  This means that we had a tap and drain so no need to keep filling the Aquaroll and emptying the waste master.

With lots of people about I felt under a bit of pressure to get the caravan onto the pitch quickly, however on the plus side it also meant that there were lots of people there to lend a hand if required. 

We were quite local to the main toilet and shower block.

 

On site facilities at Sandford Holiday Park

 

Whilst the park retains a small friendly camp site feel, the reality is that it is quite a big park and has great facilities. There is a large poole, indoor bars, outside seating for sunny days, a shop, climbing frames for little ones and an arcade. 

Away from the main complex there is a sports pitch for football and basket ball (more about that later)

Off site there is a pub next door within very easy walking distance.  The whole holiday park is very flat and it felt very safe to walk around.

 

What did the wife think?

 

Louise Liked the location best.  The easy proximity to some beautiful parts of Dorset meant that thinking of days out was a cinch.  We have listed our best locations for days out later in this article.  She also liked the fact that the kids were occupied from dawn till dusk, meaning that we got a holiday as well.

What did the kids think?

 

Kathryn is 13 and William is 11.

 

 

Kathryn  said that is was easy to make friends her age.  Better still because some of those friends are non season pitches, it is likely that they will be there next time we visit the site.

She liked the low prices in the arcade meaning her pocket money lasted longer and the VR games.

She also said that the outdoor pool was very warm.

William is a football lover.  He said that he liked the outdoor football pitch, not too busy but always someone there to play with.  He also liked riding his bike around the site.

On the theme of football he enjoyed visiting Sandbanks (you will read why later).  He also liked the fact that we had good mobile phone signal, and more importantly data, so that he could watch the match on the TV and Netflix on the evening.

The best Three days out from Sandford Holiday Park.

 

1. Poole and Sandbanks
2. Bournmouth
3. Weymouth and Portland

Poole and Sandbanks

 

Poole is only 6.7 miles away and only takes about 12 minutes.  Poole has a lovely town.  Some nice town parks and a nice harbour.  We had some lovely Chips in the harbour and on another evening we went to Tandoori Nights for a lovely curry.

 

 

 

 

Sandbanks is the home of football legend Harry Rednapp and the location of Rick Steins  restaurant.  The multi million pound houses on Sandbanks are amazing.  We caught the chain ferry and visited Studland Beach.  This must be one of my favourite beaches in the Uk. Further along the beach is for nudists but we sat up by Ferry Road so that William could watch the chain Ferry.

 

Bournmouth

 

If you have never been to Bournmouth then whilst staying at Sanford Holiday Park you will have the perfect opportunity.  It is only   11.6 miles and takes just  25 minutes by car.  The beaches are gorgeous and the town centre shops and famous gardens will keep you busy all day.

 

Weymouth and Portland

 

 

A little bit further afield at 21.4 miles and a good 35 to 40 minute drive is Weymouth and Portland.  Weymouth has a fine beach and we particularly enjoyed a drink in the Harbour. 

 

 

Whilst in Weymouth don’t forget to check out Portland and Portland Bill Lighthouse.  On the way back to Sanford Park stop off at Bowleaze Cove. Bowleaze cove is 3.2 miles from Weymouth and en-route back to Sandford.

 

 

Other places local to Sandford

 

Lolworth Cove  – 11.6 miles away and a 26 minute drive.  A very very pretty little village with a lovely beach.

 

 

Corfe Castle –  7.7miles Only a thirteen minute drive, down the road, well worth a visit.

 

 

Wareham – 2.8 miles, five minute drive. Lovely for a picnic.  Bit of a worry watching the local kids jumping off the bridge into the river.

 

 

Conclusion

The whole family loved Sanford Holiday Park, so much so that we have booked a return visit for the last week in July 2021 (Same dates as last year)  Its unusual for us to return somewhere two years running, however we know that the kids will have a great time and we will have a real rest.