Month: <span>September 2017</span>
Month: September 2017

Month: September 2017

Snail Spaces: Le Moulin Wibert Boulogne-sur-Mer (Aire)

Municipally-run, the Aire at Boulogne is situated on the clifftop. The whole site runs down the hill and seemingly all of the pitches are on a tilt. Many ramps were in evidence. 

Vincent at Boulogne

One bourne, in a layby on the site road system.

The site is divided by hedges into small areas taking a handful of vans. The hedges provide good screening from the wind. 

We found it pleasant. Not noisy despite proximity to road. Very busy, with motorhomes coming and going all day long. Caravans strictly not permitted – and this is enforced.

Dog walking on the cliff.

Friterie across the road,

Nearby Friterie. Chips not bad. Mayo, delicious!

Bread delivery at 09:00 (in season).

Bus service into town (Beethoven line)

Last visited: september 2017 €7 per night for first 48 hrs), €9 thereafter.

Camper Contact: 12572

 

 

 

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Snail Spaces: Cité Europe

There is an area of car park outside Carrefour at Cité Europe that has the height bar removed. It is signed for motorhomes, which by convention …

Snail Spaces: Canterbury Park and Ride (Aire)

The Aire at Canterbury was very busy. The designated Aire was about full when we arrived and there were vans in the overflow too. Vans from many nations, including GB, B, D, NL and I plates and there may have been others.

The Aire at Canterbury

Parking is snug. Spaces are not level and most vans were deploying ramps. There is fresh water, and waste disposal. The Ladies went untested, the Gents were “O.K.”.  Park and Ride service to Canterbury is included in the charge.

Doom Bar at the Old Gate Inn

We did try out the Old Gate Inn for our lunch.

My starter, a duo of pate
We both had Cod and Chips

The Inn had a pleasant ambience and I would not be averse to spending an evening there if stopping on the Aire overnight.

Old coaching inn ambience

That said, I do think I might need special reason to want to sleep there!

Last visit: September 2017  £3 parking charge per day, £1 after 4pm.

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A Savoury Change

The site at Houghton Mill offers the added bonus of a National Trust Tea Room just a few steps away from the pitch. We had  a tour of the working flour mill and then went to sample the scones made from the mill’s product.

The tea room does a Cream Tea in both its regular guise and also as a savoury version. We both opted to try the latter,

The Cheese Scone was beautifully made, though was rather lacking in the cheese department for my particular taste and was on the small side when compared to many NT scones. It was served with a small plastic pot of Mascarpone Cheese and a second pot with caramelised red onion chutney, No butter. 

The pot of tea was generously sized but came without a jug of water.

Counter service, no table service available. Staff split between cheerful and helpful and surly and awkward. 

Points For:

  • the quality of the bake
  • the thoughtful provision of a savoury cream tea version
  • well-made pot of tea with at least three cupfuls in it
  • little storage jars on the table with mixed brown and white sugar lumps and sugar tongs – a nice touch
  • View of the river and swans thereon

Points Against:

  • NO BUTTER
  • Nasty plastic pots for the “cream” and the “jam”
  • Minimal provision where the Mascarpone was concerned
  • No water for the tea
  • Lack of general cheesiness
  • The nasty disposable butter scraper
  • Counter service
  • Poor ambience, coupled with high noise levels
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Snail Spaces: Houghton Mill (National Trust)

Our first National Trust site.

A riverside site adjacent to the Trust’s water mill and tea room.

Pitches (53) on grass are a bit rough and ready. Staff friendly and helpful. Facilities a little dated. Only three shower cubicles, with pushbutton operation. Sunday cooked breakfasts available in the mill tea rooms.

One large washing machine £3 a load, one large dryer £0.70 for 15 minutes.

Extensive walking opportunities on riverside paths, waymarked ways and leafy lanes. Alpacas abound.

Village is very attractive with thatched cottages etc.

Rather nice overall, though far too busy and hectic throughout the property for our taste. Would prefer out of season but the site is not open all year.

Last Visit: September 2017 £23

A Cuppa and a Cake: Houghton Mill

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Snail Spaces: The Mile Farm Shop, Pocklington

Small quiet site situated just outside Pocklington in Yorkshire. Family-run business includes a Farm Shop and Cafe. Very child-friendly with indoor and outdoor play areas. Shop sells local produce including alcohol.

Pitches on grass on good hard ground. Very level. 

New toilet and shower facilities are a huge improvement over previous arrangements and now consist of unisex wetrooms in a purpose built block.

A new introduction is the gate, locked at night with height-bar access for cars to come and go out of hours.

Last Visit: September 2017 £18 pn

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