Sandy Balls Holiday Village
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We have stayed holidayed at Away Resorts before (Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight) but unfortunately this time our holiday had to be cancelled due to our cottage being uninhabitable and it needed urgent maintenance. Despite every effort Michelle at the head office couldn't find us alternative accommodation anywhere on the IOW. Michelle said we could book at another of the parks at any of the lodges/cottages (thanks Michelle!) We chose Sandy Balls and were pleasantly surprised. We stayed for 4 nights at Sandy Balls and had a lovely relaxing stay. We stayed in a luxurious lodge with a hot tub. It was in a secluded cul-de-sac which was nice and quiet.The whole lodge was spotless and comfortable. The hot tub was lovely but took a while to get up to a good warm temp. It did have some debris in it from the trees but it can't be helped when surrounded by trees! Otherwise it was clean. There was WiFi which was a bonus because there is little to no network coverage in that area and other areas of the park. There were built in speakers in the room that you could link to your phone and play music. Each TV was a smart TV which previous guests were still logged in to, so we were able to stream some films! All the bedside tables had wireless phone chargers. The showers were great, good water pressure and there was plenty of hot water. The amenities on site were great. There was a shop that was well stocked but we did bring a lot of essentials with us. They have a little coffee shop in there where you could get fresh pastries, bread and cakes. The cakes were yummy! There's a place to hire bikes, a restaurant, a spa/leisure centre with free bookable swimming sessions and arcade (I spent far too much time there). We enjoyed a lovely walk down a footpath not far from our lodge. It went down to the woods and the River Avon. It was very quiet and serene. The dog loved it. There were a couple things missing but it didn't greatly impact on our experience. -There were no bed side table lamps or any other lighting apart from the main ceiling light, which is annoying if you want to read in bed. I did speak to a helpful lady at the main reception but unfortunately they didn't have any spare. - The double room mattress is tired. I slept on one side that was absolutely fine but the other side was completely collapsed. My other guest slept in one of the twins and only one out of the 2 mattresses was suitable, the other was tired. I think in a luxurious lodge there should be decent mattresses or at least worn mattresses should be checked and replaced. I think this would have been a problem if there had been guests in every bed. But there were just 2 of us. -The signposts for the Glade were non existent. We were given directions upon checking in (which was very smooth- it's like a drive through check in service) and followed them but we just couldn't find the lodges or a sign post for them. After going around in circles a helpful member of staff pointed out a curve in the road that led to the Glades. There was a sign but it did not say the 'Glades' name on there, just lodge numbers and the numbers did not correspond to the number of our lodge. Which was confusing because all the other areas of the park had the names on. We found it in the end but our key didn't work. So I had to go all the way back to the office. -Lighting is bad in the Glades cul-de-sac. All other areas are well lit with street lamps. For security and safety this is a must. I had to use a torch when walking up to to the shop in the dark. But all in all we had a great stay and would return. I'd recommend the park to groups, couples and families.
Joanne AbrahamsJoanne Abrahams
10
Booked a last minute 7 night stay in a comfort lodge. Arrived at reception just before 18.00 after a 7 hour journey. Lodge 206 on entering smelt musty/damp. A piece of laminate flooring missing by the sofa. The sink had no cover where the tap could of gone depending on which side you wanted the drainer, this could of been dangerous if a child had put their fingers in it. Reception closed at 18.00 so contacted the out of hours number and spoke to the night manager/supervisor. He arrived at the lodge within a few minutes. He offered us another lodge 204. We accepted this as there was no smell issues and after informing us someone from the office would be contacting us the following day for an update he left. Reception did contact us the following morning whilst we were out and we said we would call into reception when we got back. The receptionist was very apologetic and asked if everything was ok in our new lodge and I said the teaspoons and cutlery tray were dirty, the sofa was torn, there was a spongy area in the flooring entering the bathroom that our foot may go through and the whole floor of the lodge was sloping giving us the feeling of being drunk in some places. Only had x1 bedside lamp for x3 bedrooms. There's a 400mm base unit to store food products in and an under counter fridge with freezer compartment, not enough space for a 3 bedroom lodge. On their website it states "If you're looking for comfort and space". These lodges are tired and faulty. We did say it feels like a step up from Pontins and we did book last minute and that shouldn't have any effect on our lodge especially when the site is like a "ghost town". We have stayed here twice before and love it here. We were offered another lodge but I said I'm not moving again, we should of been given a lodge without defects in the first place. We were offered £30 vouchers to be used in the restaurant. On returning to our lodge a dog was looking under our lodge so my husband went outside to have a look but there wasn't anything there, however, he did notice it had been reinforced at the front of the lodge with steel plate therefore they were aware of the flooring problem and willing to put guests in it. The fridge seal wasn't closing properly therefore food had to be thrown away. Since complaint about the 1st lodge they've repaired the laminate flooring, put a cover on the sink and replaced the fridge ( maybe the cause of the smell).
Jane KelsallJane Kelsall
30
We stayed in one of the Knightwood lodges and really liked the shabby sheek / up cycled look they have. Very clean inside but the decking area could do with a bit more care as there was lots of gravel and a few rust marks on the deck but over all we loved the lodge. The only complaint is that the oven is not fit for purpose, took 45 mins on gas mark 9 (full power and yes pre heated for 30 mins) to cook 8 sausages and they barely browned. The reception staff tryed to educate us on ovens and how to use them so we just gave up. Ovens we have used here in past stays have been fab but maybe I just forgot how to cook. Hot tub was lovely and hot also well maintained by friendly staff members daily. Activities were abit disappointing, our kids done the Lazer tag which they enjoyed but it was very basic and we were a little disappointed. They also did the Gel masters which is like paint balling but shooting with orbeez instead, this was great to watch our 8 & 10 year old boys against 2 adults, all had a great time. Charlie was our host for both activities and was very friendly and great with the kids, 10/10 for Charlie. The Woodside Inn was ok, again a shabby sheek look witch we like, lager wasn’t to my liking, kids loved the kids meal deal and the price was not to bad. Grown up meal a bit boring but done the job, staff were a bit hit and miss but hey we all have bad days. Aubreys was not that great, boring menu, kids menu was good and again boring lager. Staff again 1 or 2 were friendly. The Sandy balls on site shop looked great inside with a farm shop feel and with fresh produce well presented with a Jeremy Clarkson cardboard cutout too but very overpriced as is every on site shop so we took a 5 min drive into Fordingbridge for our groceries. So maybe if they lowered there prices they would sell more!! Soft play area is a nice touch and great to wear out the kids before bed. The arcade was a big hit for our kids but after spending nearly £100 in there and walking out with what look like £6 worth of prizes I couldn’t help but feel ripped off. Verdict…. Yes we would come back, the new Forest is a lovely place and there are a few beautiful walks on campus that you can take. But only 4 stars from us.
LeeLee
30
We have stayed holidayed at Away Resorts before (Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight) but unfortunately this time our holiday had to be cancelled due to our cottage being uninhabitable and it needed urgent maintenance. Despite every effort Michelle at the head office couldn't find us alternative accommodation anywhere on the IOW. Michelle said we could book at another of the parks at any of the lodges/cottages (thanks Michelle!) We chose Sandy Balls and were pleasantly surprised. We stayed for 4 nights at Sandy Balls and had a lovely relaxing stay. We stayed in a luxurious lodge with a hot tub. It was in a secluded cul-de-sac which was nice and quiet.The whole lodge was spotless and comfortable. The hot tub was lovely but took a while to get up to a good warm temp. It did have some debris in it from the trees but it can't be helped when surrounded by trees! Otherwise it was clean. There was WiFi which was a bonus because there is little to no network coverage in that area and other areas of the park. There were built in speakers in the room that you could link to your phone and play music. Each TV was a smart TV which previous guests were still logged in to, so we were able to stream some films! All the bedside tables had wireless phone chargers. The showers were great, good water pressure and there was plenty of hot water. The amenities on site were great. There was a shop that was well stocked but we did bring a lot of essentials with us. They have a little coffee shop in there where you could get fresh pastries, bread and cakes. The cakes were yummy! There's a place to hire bikes, a restaurant, a spa/leisure centre with free bookable swimming sessions and arcade (I spent far too much time there). We enjoyed a lovely walk down a footpath not far from our lodge. It went down to the woods and the River Avon. It was very quiet and serene. The dog loved it. There were a couple things missing but it didn't greatly impact on our experience. -There were no bed side table lamps or any other lighting apart from the main ceiling light, which is annoying if you want to read in bed. I did speak to a helpful lady at the main reception but unfortunately they didn't have any spare. - The double room mattress is tired. I slept on one side that was absolutely fine but the other side was completely collapsed. My other guest slept in one of the twins and only one out of the 2 mattresses was suitable, the other was tired. I think in a luxurious lodge there should be decent mattresses or at least worn mattresses should be checked and replaced. I think this would have been a problem if there had been guests in every bed. But there were just 2 of us. -The signposts for the Glade were non existent. We were given directions upon checking in (which was very smooth- it's like a drive through check in service) and followed them but we just couldn't find the lodges or a sign post for them. After going around in circles a helpful member of staff pointed out a curve in the road that led to the Glades. There was a sign but it did not say the 'Glades' name on there, just lodge numbers and the numbers did not correspond to the number of our lodge. Which was confusing because all the other areas of the park had the names on. We found it in the end but our key didn't work. So I had to go all the way back to the office. -Lighting is bad in the Glades cul-de-sac. All other areas are well lit with street lamps. For security and safety this is a must. I had to use a torch when walking up to to the shop in the dark. But all in all we had a great stay and would return. I'd recommend the park to groups, couples and families.
Joanne AbrahamsJoanne Abrahams
10
We had a lovely time here. Even though it was busy during February half term, we enjoyed our stay here. Staff were very helpful. We had an issue with the power at the unit we were staying and they couldn't turn the power on, so they gave us an upgrade for free.
Tinali GarrettTinali Garrett
00
We love the New Forest and come to Sandy Balls at least once a year. Restaurants and bars are quite expensive so we normally eat in once or twice a week or grab a takeaway. New Wongs Chinese in Fordingbridge is excellent and only a 7 minute drive. Kids have a such an amazing time and also love the name 😜, memories made for life.
Kevin SearsKevin Sears
00
Nearby Attractions Of Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Arniss Equestrian
Arniss Equestrian
4.8
(89)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Sandy Balls Holiday Village
The Fighting Cocks Pub
The Fighting Cocks Pub
4.2
(971)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Sandy Balls New Forest Holiday Village, Southampton Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 2JZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 330 053 7000
Call
Website
awayresorts.co.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.2
(1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
relaxation
adventure
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Sandy Balls is 120 acres of woods and parkland near the New Forest in Hampshire, England. Located between the village of Godshill and the town of Fordingbridge, it is bounded on the western edge by the River Avon. Now run as a holiday centre, Sandy Balls is owned by Away Resorts.
attractions: Arniss Equestrian, restaurants: The Fighting Cocks Pub
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