Thorn Golf Centre — Attraction in East Devon

THIS IS NOT A DOG FRIEND RESORT We arrived on the campsite and were shown to where we were camping. We pitched up and then sat for the evening, there was no one around us but people were close by behind a bush. During the evening there was people playing golf close to us which was quite strange. It is completely run down and the toilets are disgusting. We had my dog with us as it stated on the website that this was a dog friend camp site. During the evening a dog approached us which was off lead and there was no owner around, as they sniffed each other the dog attacked our dog, myself and my boyfriend, we was screaming and no one came to help us. My boyfriend had to physically pull the dog off and pin him to the floor as I grabbed my dog and placed him in the car. The dog had bite my arm making it bleed and attacked my dog also causing his front leg to bleed. The owner was nowhere to be seen so we were very confused. When asking the owner he said it was probably a dog from another camp (he also stated a name and then tried to back track to say he didn’t know where the dog had come from) he was completely unsympathetic about our situation. Going forward I felt completely unsafe and felt unsafe for my dog and wanted to leave, again the owner and his wife did not care and that because they had removed the dog it was fine, I needed to see a doctor and a vet for our injuries (we live in Essex which is a 5 hour drive away) I had asked for a refund for the nights that we was not staying but he did not care and said that it wasn’t there policy to give a refund even though it states that the terms was for unexpected weather and late arrivals. The owners were disgusting about the situation and just walked away even though I was bleeding, they offered no help, first aid and all they said was to run it under cold water, they were completely cold in their demean. We had to leave and get a hotel which cost us further money, I have tried to go through the site for a refund but they have completely ignored them and myself. I definitely...

This is a fantastic, laidback campsite in a fabulous location close to the coastal path, with a very scenic walk down to Sidmouth, the local town. If you’re looking for bells and whistles then book into the site opposite and good luck to you - you will miss out on a real gem with plenty of space, and a fabulous owner.

You don’t need to be really close to other campers either which allows you the freedom to have the kind of holiday you want to have - you don’t have to worry about being super-quiet while at the same time you can easily settle your children to sleep without worrying about them being disturbed.

Yes facilities are basic but everything you need is there. There’s also a good atmosphere and the people who choose to stay here are friendly and welcoming.

As far as I know, it’s only open for one month in the year which coincides with Sidmouth Folk Week. The campsite is the home of the Sidmouth Fringe Festival during this week, which gives a forum to fantastic west county contemporary acoustic bands on 4-5 evenings of the festival. These are extremely well attended and have a fantastic atmosphere. You can go to see a band (where wonderful food is available, as well as the bar of course), then amble back to your tent.

I totally love coming here, it’s the highlight of my year to be honest, and have been returning for...

This used to be an amazing course for beginner golfers or even just a quick practise round of golf. However, recently it has gone downhill as it is now just more of a hobby for the farmer that looks after the course, it is no longer looked after full time. There are only 3 different lengths of grass (one of which is just never cut so technically only 2 lengths) and weeds grow all over the course. Also, and this is a major problem, where the holes are placed on the putting greens, the ground raises around it so it is practically impossible to putt the ball. I would have recommended this to anyone a couple of years ago but I certainly wouldn't now. A shame to see it go so far downhill so fast. Even the driving range has became very poorly looked after for the ground isn't even flat...