The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park Reviews

Not perfect but still OK We have been coming to the Isle of Wight for more than 30 years and have always stayed at The Orchards. So, when we decided to bite the Covid bullet and get away for a few days, The Orchards was the logical place to go. Our last visit was about 10 years ago and, in that time, very little seems to have changed. The outdoor and indoor pool areas, play area, shop and takeaway are as we remembered them. The mobiles have of course been updated, although there now appear to be a lot more than we remember. The shop has had a bit of a makeover, not particularly successfully in my opinion. There wasn’t much in the way of stock but it is the end of the season, so perhaps this was to be expected. The most obvious physical change to the site is the creation of a large area of ground where permanent mobiles/chalets for purchase will be located. It did occur to us that at the height of the season when The Orchards would hope to be full, the pressure on the existing campsite facilities would be greatly increased once all these new dwellings are fully occupied. Hopefully there are plans afoot to upgrade the facilities. For our short break we chose one of the new Sundance caravans, which are located at the north end of the static mobile area. The caravan is well equipped and comfortable, although the advertised 6 person capacity would make it very crowded! In common with other recent reviewers, we also felt that the cleaning could have been better. The caravan does have some strange design features that I think are worth a mention. In neither the main bathroom nor the small en-suite are there any razor sockets, so there is no way of charging electric razors or toothbrushes. Take a 3-pin razor plug with you!! Luckily, we had one with us. In the main bathroom there is no towel rail or any hooks for bathrobes. In the good-sized main bedroom there are no bedside lights, so if you like to read in bed you have to get out of bed to turn the light off. Take a torch!! Finally, a word about the internet on site. The charges aren’t too bad – we opted for 5 days for £10 – but they are per device. Also, the signal was very hit and miss and kept dropping out and the speed was fairly slow. In conclusion, did we enjoy our short break? Absolutely! The IOW is a lovely leisurely place – we always feel it is rooted in the 1950s - and The Orchards is well located for getting round the island. Would we return? Absolutely, although for us (aged grandparents!) we would avoid the high season crowds and stick to the spring and autumn.

Overall a lovely short break We first visited the Orchards back in 1984, and were regular visitors first with the children and then on our own, for many years, so it was natural that it was our first choice for a recent 4 night short break. We discovered that the park had changed hands after booking, but were not concerned about this as they were extremely helpful when we needed to change our ferry crossing just a couple of days before sailing. Our good impression was confirmed by the friendliness of the reception staff, on our arrival, and thought the introduction of a complimentary welcome pack containing sachets of tea, coffee, milk and sugar was a very nice touch. The layout of the park did not appear to have changed from the last time we visited, although I had the impression that the units were closer together than previously. A trick of an increasingly elderly memory I suspect! The shop has changed in that there are now displays of island themed goods taking up most of the available space. Being the end of the season, food stocks were naturally low, but adequate for our needs. The Prosecco went down very well! We didn't make use of the lovely indoor pool etc. We had booked one of the 'New for 2021' Sundance mobiles. These are beautifully situated at the bottom of the park, with views over the north of the island and the channel, to the mainland beyond. These units have a lovely veranda, furnished with table and chairs, but unfortunately, ours did not get the afternoon sun, due to it's north facing aspect. However, this was October, so I suspect it may be different during the summer months. We found the unit itself to be very comfortable - for two people. Although it is a 3 bedroom mobile and is equipped for 6, there are only 4 chairs at the table in the small dining area (2 others were in a cupboard) and the seating area would have been a quash to seat 6 (there were 2 block stools under the coffee table). However, the main bedroom was certainly more spacious than others we have had, with a good amount of space at the bottom of the bed. I found the bed extremely comfortable, and having the beds made up ready for arrival was another nice touch. Note - only 1 pillow per person is supplied. Overall there is a good amount of storage space. It was nice to have an en-suite toilet and washbasin. The main bathroom has a sensible sized shower, with first rate water pressure Now the areas we found lacking..... For the first time ever in our experiences of mobiles - no shaver sockets anywhere! So nowhere to charge the electric toothbrush or OHs razor. Very odd. The lighting: no bedside lighting at all, only the main ceiling light. Only overhead lighting in the living area. No lights over bathroom sinks, or the vanity mirror in the main bedroom. Note - this is positioned so low that it can only be used sitting down if you are anything over about 5'! No hooks in either bathroom, so nowhere to hang a bathrobe or large towel. (There are 4 hooks in the narrow corridor, outside the bathroom.) Not even a towel rail in the main bathroom! The cleaning: this has been outsourced to a firm, and quite honestly is not up to the standard it was previously. Our mobile was new this year, so how on earth has brown, rust type staining been allowed to build up in the shower? I was tempted to deal with it myself, but given we were only there for 4 nights, didn't want to waste our holiday on cleaning. The floor wasn't particularly clean, and clearly the sofa cushions had not been removed for cleaning as there was popcorn down the sides. No, we didn't report these issues, because we were there to make the most of our time away. Clearly a manager needs to be checking things more carefully. These niggles aside - we had a lovely, relaxing time. Would we go back? Probably.

A changing site Been going to the orchards for years but do feel like it is starting to need some real work doing to the site as things are starting to look a bit neglected. This could be down to the fact they are installing the new lodge area of the site which has taken up a lot of space. I didn’t get the same relaxed feel as usual from this site it was busy and quite noisy at times with a few culprits in particular! Probably stemming from the fact they have taken away half of the touring and camping area that used to be available therefore cramming everyone in. Outdoor pool was also shut which was a real shame as the weather was incredible. Dog walk is a tiny area with broken fences all around so not secure however this didn’t affect us as our dogs are under control. Guy in the takeaway was rude! Yes it was very busy but still! Will we return? Possibly?! I do still like the fact this is one of the few sites on the Island that is not overly commercialised. Please keep it like this not all people love the “pontins” experience!!!! There are plenty of these types of sites on the island already.

Another good visit We stayed for the week 18th -25th September in a Bramley caravan. Check in was easy and friendly, with a welcome pack of tea, coffee snd sugar, which was a nice touch. The caravan was well equipped and comfortable with a spacious living area. The only negative was cleanliness, whilst I can’t say it was dirty there were some areas that had been missed ( there was food debris in the seal around the fridge, food in and around the bin and sticky marks on the dining table). Didn’t bother reporting to reception it was quicker to clean it myself. The shop was well stocked and the staff friendly as always. There are lots of changes being made to the site, all of which appeared to be positive. The one thing that hasn’t changed is how peaceful and relaxing the site is.

A lovely relaxing break We upgraded to a Discovery caravan this time. Caravan was clean, comfortable, spacious, well equipped with good facilities. Large kitchen area with good quality equipment and everything you might need. Shower room with large shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet accessible from the double bedroom as well as the passage. The site was well kept and very quiet. Bus stops at entrance of site going both ways. Reception staff pleasant, helpful and informative.

Visit to Isle of Wight Great campsite in central location on isle of wight. Not too far from anywhere. We had a fully serviced pitch which was great as water and electric straight into the caravan. Great value for money as the ferry price was included in our fare. We travelled beginning of September this year so the weather was amazing. Only small gripe was that the open air pool closed on the Sunday after we arrived Saturday and so we only got to use it just the once and because the weather was so good I would have used it everyday had it been open. Shower block very clean and tidy. I would recommend for all ages.

The worst customer service and dirty caravan We are so up set by the way we was treated at this site my husband had to have a emergency operation and we had to try and change our ferry times my daughter and her partner when a head with out us we was going to meet them later . After the way I was spoken to by a member of the staff there and no manger called me to talk about this we did not go on our holiday and I will say I am glad we did not . my daughter arrived on the Saturday and the caravan was dirty and in appalling disgusting state my son complain And at first they was trying to say it was clean well he took pictures and the caravan was smelly dirty and disgusting This used to be a lovely place to go but not now no one cares and the service is not good . The shop has no food or anything In it and they change disgusting price it is for a cup of hot chocolate and a tea which comes out of sashay If your thinking of booking I would look elsewhere until they improve the customer service and the hygiene of the caravans . They caravan had spiders everywhere and the sheets on the bed was dirty and this is how it was not even been change from the last occupiers The fridge was broken and the light not fixed the shower was disgusting with black mould And list it never ending. Were is the Covid cleaning In place because clearly it not there because they don’t care I have sent them two emails but they don’t care as they have not even bothered to reply ?

Hidden gem This caravan site is just lovely! The most peaceful and calm setting for a holiday, our first holiday since October 2019!! This site is in a village called Newbridge, about 10 minutes from Yarmouth where we got the ferry from Lymington. We did find we had to drive absolutely everywhere (lots of country lanes that didn’t feel that walkable, although we’re not used to that as live in a busy town!) but we did favour the quiet environment, it was bliss! We booked a sovereign caravan that was pet friendly as we brought our dog, was also a disabled access caravan as well so had sliding doors and a ramp to the van and designated parking right outside the van. Caravan was clean and had all we needed in it. Our kids loved the outdoor pool but it closed the day after we arrived so we made the most of it! The indoor pool is quite small and can get busy quickly at times but you produce your welcome card and the staff tell you how long you can have in the pool. There is a children’s play area next to the pool which says you must stay with your children, not all parents did this but that’s no fault of the park! The shop is small also and does stock good produce but not a lot of it so we opted to go to the co-op that is only a 10 minute drive in freshwater or the Asda in Newport that is 20 minutes the other direction. The takeaway and bar is very good value for money, we ate their a few times and took dinner back to the van, you can call your order through and they let you know when it’s ready to save you a trip! Reception staff are lovely and helpful. We had to gather up our linen in a clear bag and leave the main door and windows open at the end of our stay, which we did (covid rules of the site). They did not allow day visitors to the site either but again they’re being covid safe. Overall, a lovely and relaxing holiday was had by us here, we will book here again if we get the chance.

Peaceful but not the view we were expecting Peaceful caravan site. Caravan clean and comfortable. Great sized heated indoor and outdoor pools. HOWEVER one of our reasons for staying here and booking a Roxbury caravan with balcony was to “make the most of the views” as stated on the website. When we arrived at our caravan our view was the side of another caravan, to see the view you had to sit on balcony and turn to the left to see between 2 caravans. So my hope of sitting in the lounge with patio doors closed if it was cold and still enjoying the view was gone. The balcony was not clean, there were cobwebs, leaves and sand on the table and chairs. When I spoke to reception regarding the view and if there was another van with a view available, there was not one, but they could offer me a full refund and I could find somewhere else to stay on the island. After travelling since 6am this was not an option. Although staff were nice, I think some monetary compensation would have been nice as we were paying the same as people in the other Roxbury vans that had the full view.

5 night stay We have just returned from 5 nights here. Lovely site, good sized pitches, staff were polite and helpful. Both pools got the thumbs up from the children, outdoor pool was a bit cooler than it was supposed to be, but apparently the heater was on the blink and as it closed for the season in a couple of days. It was fine once you had been in there for a few minutes though. There were also hot and cold drinks available from the pool cafe. Washing up facilities were big, with views over the site and surrounding areas. Toilets/Showers were clean and spacious. Onsite pool tables and table tennis were also popular as was the play area. Shop was a little pricey and lacked stock. Never used the takeaway but there was a horse box bar which was busy.

Couldn't fault anything We live on the island, so thought we'd stay local for our very first trip in our new campervan. There is a real quality about the facilities at The Orchards. We stayed on an electric hookup hardstanding pitch. The views are outstanding. Although we didn't use the pools, we were impressed with what we saw. The showers are excellent...private cubicle with sink, shower, mirror and room to hang clothes with lovely hot water. A separate washing up, laundry facility. We used the shop which was well stocked with all you might need, including fresh veg, fruit and local produce. Staff on reception were very polite and helpful. We didn't use it, but the take away was doing a roaring trade. Friendly, family feel to the site. All very organised, which eased us newbie campers in well. We'll definitely be booking again. On bus route, and beautiful country walks on the doorstep.

Fantastic campsite with very good facilities Just returned home from a great week camping at the orchards. Lovely clean site, friendly helpful staff and brilliant facilities. Pitch sizes where good, we was very lucky to have such a large area with friends. Wash facilities immaculate and very good, my only slight grumble would be a more powerful shower, but didn’t really bother me, plenty of room and plenty for all. Stunning views from the washing up area! Lots of sinks and even washing machines & tumble dryers. We’ve all had a really good time and the children loved the pools and play area. We had a take away from on-site on the last evening, enjoyed by all! Loads of great day trips & beach’s near by and we are in some lovely restaurants. It’s the perfect base to explore the Isle of Wight

Lovely well run campsite with excellent facilities. We have just come back from a very enjoyable week camping at The Orchards. The campsite was very well run with an excellent facilities block with lovely warm showers which have their own mirror, sink and bench, great washing up facilities and free irons, pay for washing machines available. The children were in the outdoor and indoor pools every day. A particular member of staff was great fun at teasing the children with water guns and even the hose...they thought this was brilliant of course! We had an evening and a breakfast meal from the on site takeaway which was very handy. Handy on site shop. This was a great base to explore the Isle of Wight with the nearest quiet beach 10 minutes drive away. Booking was easy and they organised the ferry there and back. Would definitely recommend.

Could be better Caravan musty smell dusty and had to wash all the cutlery before use Beds uncomfortable Went to visit the bay at colwell bay Another hoseasons camp which is lot more modern spacious and cleaner This camp is old fashioned and needs a good clean and updating

Pleasant little site We stayed here for a long weekend recently. Our daughter booked this and kindly invited us along. Our first impression of the site on arrival was good. It's a small site set in beautiful countryside with a nice indoors swimming pool and an outdoor one too. There is a small shop but this was a bit disappointing as it's not particularly well stocked. Basics available such as milk, eggs , bread etc but No fresh produce whatsoever. We stayed in a Russet caravan which was clean and tidy . It was a basic model and It wasn't very well equipped , for example only a small amount of cutlery, no small vegetable knife ( although perhaps that's because they don't sell vegetables) only one pillow provided per bed. etc. The little gas cooker worked very well . There is a microwave and fridge with ice box. The bedrooms were ok but somewhat cramped and of course the walls are thin so don't gossip about each other. LOL. The shower room with a nice powerful shower is separate to the toilet which is useful but be aware that if you are either larger than average or claustrophobic you won't like the tiny loo space. If our 6 foot 4 inch son in law had been with us he would have struggled with the dimensions. A special mention for the excellent take away. We had delicious burgers one evening and asked if a whole chicken could be ordered for the next evening. This was done for us and it also was delicious. Very good service. It has been years since we've stayed in a caravan and it brought back happy memories of past times. The reason we chose a caravan holiday was because our 7 year old grandson has recently read about caravan holidays in an Enid Blyton book and desperately wanted to stay in one. This visit made him very happy. He loved the pools and playground. Also lots of open space to play . I would visit again but I'd be more prepared with regards food supplies and I'd also opt for a bigger more modern accommodation .

Really good well run site in beautiful surroundings This site was recommended by my daughter who was full of praise for it . She wasn’t wrong. Our journey to the site started with Red Funnel ferry to East Cowes which set the scene for a great week. The administration at the site arranged everything including the ferry. The site is well laid out generous pitches. Toilets were spotless,the showers with was basin roomy. There is a on site shop, takeaway with simple good food. There are two swimming pools a play area and plenty of space for games, and for pet owners two dog walks.

used tio be such a nice campsite - terrible customer service We have stayed at this site on several occasions it was always very friendly and staff helpfull however it has changed hands. We booked a 2 week stay here eventually as staff do not answer the phones. but unfortunately have had our caravan broken into and all fixtures and fittings stripped , so I tried to ring on several occasions to say we would have to cancel as we no longer have a caravan and insurance is going to take a

Lovely little camp site Stayed here for 5 nights, what a lovely little camp site. All the staff are so friendly & couldn’t do enough for you. The toilets and showers were always immaculately clean & tidy which is very welcome!

Site Deteriorated Stayed at the Orchards IOW for many years but sadly this year it seems to have deteriorated. In the past years reception staff have been extremely friendly and welcoming but this year staff were unhelpful and disinterested which was extremely disappointing. The campsite is undergoing some changes, which you except change has to happen but these changes don’t seem to be for the best. The toilet block which is normally in good working order and clean this year is not the case. We have had to use dirty toilets, toilets that are blocked overflowing with faeces smelling disgusting. The showers are Either cold or dribble out of the shower head so you can’t actually have a proper shower, very few showers are hot. I even had to let somebody out of the accessible toilet this morning in the washing up area who had been locked in the toilet. After many years of staying at the orchard and having very many happy holidays this I think is our last year, as it has been very disappointing. Come on team get your act together otherwise you are going to lose a lot of returning customers. Sadly other campers on the site who are also regulars all seem to have the same opinion that this site has deteriorated.

Lovely quiet family friendly holiday base We stayed in a pearmain static caravan for one week. 2 adults, 2 kids (7and 9) and a baby. The older kids loved the pools which were clean and well run. We used the take away twice, which was tasty and well priced. The shop was good for oddments- but doesn’t carry much stock, a shame as we would have much rather spent our money there than Asda! With such lovely fresh produce available on the island I’d have loved to be able to buy some fruit, veg, eggs and salad! The caravan was spacious and comfortable, but didn’t look much like it had had a deep clean for a while as had lots of cobwebs and all the cook ware had encrusted food on, so needed to be rewashed before use. I didn’t go to the reception about this because on the website it advised that if work was required in the caravan we’d have to evacuate and wait outside whilst they worked.. and having only been able to get in at 5 we were all tired and the kids grumpy from travelling so I just cleaned up myself. However, we we generally enjoyed our relaxing holiday here.