Grapestock 2011 suggestions for venues please

[HeyWayne]

Billing Aquadrome. Now that takes me back (aproximately 20-21 years to be precise). My mum and dad bought a trailer-van almost identical to the one that made an appearance at Grapestock 2010, except ours had an awning - which I ended up sleeping in.

For us, Billing would be fantastic, but equally the "Midlands" (clue's in the name) is also easy enough. Equally, Vinstock also holds a certain appeal - just need to update my passport and get one for Bean.

This time it is likely we'll have our own tent as Grapestock 2010 had the desired effect and has whetted LadyWayne's appetite. Mildly.

From our point of view (and I'd wager other child-laden folk) a campsite which is level, has plenty of open space for toddlers to run around on would be great. Our vision of Grapestock was one that allowed Bean to run around like a loon (as per usual), maybe have the 'communual area' closer to the camping so that we (LW and I) can be a bit more 'involved'. But that;s us being selfish.

I'm pretty confident that wherever it be, we'll be there.

Billing Aquadrome is about 30-45 minutes from here, so would be easier than the 3-1/2 hour drive, but I'm sure our bonnie Scots grapes would appreciate something a little further nawf.

[bobleponge]

Cherbourg just under 3 hours from me I reckon, not driven it in a long while and a new road is under construction so could be less.

[binley100]

Cherbourg just under 3 hours from me I reckon, not driven it in a long while and a new road is under construction so could be less.

Brill........... OH is looking for an excuse to buy a tent ........

[ailsasyl]

Reckon there would have been more scots if it had been earlier, not a holiday up here for us, The school holiday overlap for the first two weeks in august if that helps, the midlands would be a bit of a trek but if it was holiday time could combine with visit to sisters although that wouldn't help out other scots.
Driving a distance isn't an issue for me apart from the petrol costs and as long as we have plenty of time to plan its ok.
France would be out for us as it would mean two new passports!

[di]

I've never heard of Billing Aquadrome...I saw pitches are from £10 a night...but is it one of those places where you end up spending far mare?

We've camped at Rendlesham Forest several times and if it were more central it would be ideal...kiddie friendly and once there no extras that cost a fortune.(don't think they'd be too accomadating to a large group though from past experience

[di]

Sorry...thatlast post sounded like I was being down in it....not at all
Looks good and would be close enough for us.x

[BarleySugar]

A an addition to cost estimation Dover -Calais £50 return for car and up to 5 passengers, overnight crossing though (just 2 weeks ago). Around 8 hours drive from Calais, so you need to figure in petrol and travelling, do you break the journey for an overnight stop.

[its hilly]

I'd love to do France Boble but tbh dont think pennies will stretch just now, or then as the case may be.
What about Midlands some where? Fairly centralish, except for Scots grapes.
Jackie, I'd vote for Devon, cos my folks live there, how big is you're garden? lol.

[bobleponge]

I think Calais is about 6 hours from me, although I have been told I do drive a bit fast.

[zazen999]

Bob.

Appreciate the offer; but with your job - what are the chances of people making arrangements and then you having to rush off and do work type stuff at short notice?

Just before we go down this road.....if we are talking 50/50 then yours might not be the best venue; but if it was say, 1 in 20 then it's possibly a chance worth taking.

And where are the nearest B&Bs?

[bobleponge]

Zaz

Thats a good point, and one that I have considered before throwing open the gates of Palais Leponge.
If its decided that Raisinstock (proper name surely?) 2011 will be chez moi then I shall be there at the appropriate time, without a question.
Even if "Operation Certain Death" was offered on my doorstep I would turn it down for the chance of hosting many "Raisins" at my humble abode.

Nearest B+B's ....... hmmmmm, you could be struggling there Mrs.

[lynda66]

Zaz


Nearest B+B's ....... hmmmmm, you could be struggling there Mrs.

*giggles ..... Zaz doesn't 'DO' camping

[jackie j]

I'd love to do France Boble but tbh dont think pennies will stretch just now, or then as the case may be.
What about Midlands some where? Fairly centralish, except for Scots grapes.
Jackie, I'd vote for Devon, cos my folks live there, how big is you're garden? lol.

Very tiny lol just room for one incy tiny tent.

[bobleponge]

*giggles ..... Zaz doesn't 'DO' camping

Nor do I, thats why I offered my garden, so I didnt have to camp!!

[zazen999]

Zaz

Thats a good point, and one that I have considered before throwing open the gates of Palais Leponge.
If its decided that Raisinstock (proper name surely?) 2011 will be chez moi then I shall be there at the appropriate time, without a question.
Even if "Operation Certain Death" was offered on my doorstep I would turn it down for the chance of hosting many "Raisins" at my humble abode.

Nearest B+B's ....... hmmmmm, you could be struggling there Mrs.

cool; I just thought it best to ask first!

I'll find somewhere to stay nearby; my interpretation of nearby is probably significantly further away than others...I'll get Mr Z right onto it