Review: Long Meadow Campsite

Review: Long Meadow Campsite

With many of our trips, the main focus is the location, and this was definitely true of our last camping trip. We had decided to head away for a couple of nights, and as we were taking some extra family members along, I thought that it was probably wise to stay within a couple of hours of home. After researching some family friendly areas, I decided that the New Forest would be ideal. I hadn’t been there since a rather eventful Brownie pack holiday in the mid 90’s, so I was more than ready for a return visit!

Location

I picked out a site, again mainly going by location, and so we headed to Long Meadow Campsite for a well earned change of scenery. I had been enticed by the fact that Long Meadow was right in the heart of the New Forest National Park, with easy access to woodland walks. Also, being right between the villages of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, it was easy to pick up supplies if we needed anything.

Pitches

There is an area for caravans, and then the main field which is dominated by tents and is large and flat with allocated pitches. There are a few electric hook ups available, although we went without this time due to our short stay. Luckily, we had one of the more scenic pitches right on the edge of the campsite. I thought that the tent pitches were a good size, but quite close together. Fortunately, we had no neighbours on one side so we didn’t feel too hemmed in.  Although it was half term week, the site wasn’t too crowded and everybody stuck to the quiet times. The view from our tent was gorgeous, and it was great to be able to see deer and ponies from our pitch. The campsite keep a large clear area free around the edge of the site, so it really feels nice and open, plus there is plenty of space for children to play away from the tents.

Unusually, we went without EHU this time, but it did mean that we got a more scenic pitch. You can see how much space is kept free around the edge of the site

Long Meadow is right in the heart of the New Forest

Facilities

The toilet and shower facilities at Long Meadow were clean and well maintained. There was plenty of hot water and lots of space in the cubicles (important when you have a toddler), although there is also a family shower room if needed.

The washing up area and toilet block

The reception offers a warm welcome and lots of helpful information on the local area, although there isn’t a shop. We are the sort of family who always forgets something, so it would have been useful to be able to buy a few essentials, but it wasn’t too much of an issue as we could at least drive to a local shop. They will also freeze ice blocks for you, you just need to ask.

Final Thoughts

Although Long Meadow may not have the facilities (eg shop and playground) of other sites, it does offer a beautiful, relaxed campsite in a stunning location. There is plenty of space, plus the site leads directly into the woodlands nearby.

Seconds away from our tent was this beautiful woodland. There is also a scenic walk to the nearby village of Brockenhurst

There are plenty of family friendly walks and cycle ways leading from the campsite

The New Forest is definitely a place that we would love to come back to once our children are older and able to walk and cycle with us.

A two night stay with a large tent and awning cost us £60, which is definitely the higher end of what I’m willing to pay. Having said that, we were staying in a prime location during a school holiday, so I know that comes at a premium, and it wouldn’t put me off returning. It wasn’t an issue for us this time, but it is also worth noting that due to the proximity to woodland, there are no campfires allowed.

Have you ever camped in the New Forest? Any other sites that you would recommend?

Smudged Postcard Family Travel Adventures

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Comments

  • Kelly Kelly June 20, at 11:22

    What a beautiful view to unzip your tent to in the morning! Looks like an idyllic spot for a short family getaway! And I know what you mean about shower cubicle size – the bigger the better or everything gets soaked!

    #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Kids of the Wild Kids of the Wild June 20, at 18:04

    I love the New Forest and this campsite looks wonderful. Trees and views! Perfect. #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Sarah Stockley Sarah Stockley June 20, at 19:24

    Never been to the New Forest but would love to! You know how much we enjoy camping and those pitches look to be in the perfect location. Sarah #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Eli Eli June 21, at 15:29

    I have only ever been to the New Forest once and that was the #GetOutside Launch in January. I must, must take the kids, it looks fab! #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • You know what? I think Brian and I camped at this very campsite many years ago, on a bank holiday weekend when we lived in London. We got there on the train to Brokenhurst, with our bikes, and went cycling in the New Forest on the very trail you have a picture of. My, this was such along time ago! Good memories though, and I’m glad you enjoyed your stay.
    #Adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Lauren Lauren June 23, at 22:18

    I haven’t been camping in such a long time. Going o have to remedy this I think. Love all those forest trails around the site.

    #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Emma Hip2trek Emma Hip2trek June 25, at 09:16

    It looks a great campsite location to go exploring in the New forest. plenty of hot water and room to move in the cubicles are important with little ones. The New Forest looks lovely, I wish it wasn’t so far away!

    Reply
  • David - Potty Adventures David - Potty Adventures July 03, at 11:34

    This looks like a great site Lauren. It’s particularly good when you find a site that isn’t overcrowded during the schools holidays and I love how much space it has for the kids to explore. #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Angharad Paull Angharad Paull July 05, at 11:57

    I love the New Forest – went camping there lots as a kid at a campsite called ‘Sandy Balls’! I love that ponies just wander freely – amazing you could see them from your tent! #familyfriendlystays

    Reply
  • HaveKidsWillTraveluk HaveKidsWillTraveluk July 05, at 21:22

    Looks like a great site and in a gorgeous part of the UK! #familyfriendlystays

    Reply
  • Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) July 06, at 20:07

    I don’t know the New Forest at all, so this is helpful. There’s something to be said for a quiet campsite without too many facilities. More like the real deal! #familyfriendlystays

    Reply
  • Baby Loves Travel Baby Loves Travel July 07, at 07:03

    I like quiet campsites like this. And great to have direct access to walks. #FamilyFriendlyStays

    Reply
  • Annabel Annabel July 07, at 17:18

    This looks lovely. I prefer campsites with less facilities and a good view, this is definitely my cup of tea! We stayed at Red shoot in the New Forest a few years ago. It has a shop and adjoining pub, plus pain au chocolat doing the rounds in the morning! Thanks for linking up with #FamilyFriendlyStays, I think our link ups are compliment each other very well!

    Reply
  • Deborah Patterson Deborah Patterson July 08, at 08:47

    This campsite looks lovely. I like the open space around it. We stayed at Avon Tyrell in the south west corner of the New Forest recently. Pretty crowded but good location and the facilities were good too. There was a shop, and a cafe!

    Reply

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