Date of Visit: August 2023
Overall View
Brookside CL is a family and dog friendly CAMC members only 5 pitch site just on the outskirts of Newland in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. It is situated in the bottom of a small valley and surrounded by trees and green fields in all directions.
Care should be taken to follow the site’s directions to access the site and do not use Sat Nav at all from the A40 by Monmouth. Please see arrival video HERE.
Facilities
This is a no facility site with the exception of a clean water, grey water, Elsan disposal point in one corner of the field. The motorhome service point is in the entrance car parking area. All appear relatively new and are kept very clean indeed.
There are two large waste bins at the road entrance to the site, one for general and one for recycling.
There are a number of picnic benches dotted throughout the site which you are invited to use if you so wish.
There was also a box of cooking apples for you to help yourself if you wished to.
All the main TV & radio channels were available but the line up of others was understandably somewhat limited compared to more open areas. Mobile wise, Three’s coverage checker suggested only 3G was available where in fact 4G was picked up and good enough for streaming. EE was fine on 4G and both Vodafone and O2 indicated that 4G was available. There was no WiFi.
Review of Site Pitch
The site is level and laid to grass which is kept well mown and swathes of wildflowers distinguish between each of the pitches. It is fenced off to the road and there is a good area in which to pull off the road before entering the CL itself, the gate is not locked, however.
There is the choice of EHU or non EHU grass pitches and similarly there are a couple of hardstanding pitches just outside the fencing. EHU is metered and £5 cards can be purchased. At the time of visiting the rate was 35p/unit and our electric cost just over £2/day which included running the fridge, heating water, watching tv and charging phones etc.
We stayed oh Pitch 1 and no blocks or levelling aids were required – pitching up was a matter of moments which was very pleasing.
Each grass pitch is generously sized and easily accommodated caravan, awning and car alongside.
Alongside one side of the site is a brook, (not fenced), which ran quite strongly after some heavy and prolonged rain. For that reason, you are required to keep pets on leads at all times and care should be taken with young children.
There was a very pleasant aspect from the front of the van and it is very peaceful.
Around and about
Please note that although most of the places listed here are not too far away, the roads and need to climb in and out of valleys does affect journey times considerably.
The Forest of Dean has a very mixed and interesting past, with at one time being a hunting grounds for the Kings in the Tudor era, then more later becoming very heavily industrialised with iron foundries, quarries, charcoal making – there are reminders and remnants of these all over the Forest. Seeing the valleys today it is hard to recognise the history – including the more recent industrialisation. The Dean Heritage Centre is a great place to visit and shows you a good range of artefacts and exhibitions to accompany your tour. The centre is relatively accessible and there is a good café. Dogs are allowed in the café and the shop but not on the heritage trail and museum itself. There is also a playground for children and a Gruffalo trail to walk round. Further details, please see:
Tintern Abbey – This is a very famous abbey ruins on the banks of the River Wye between Monmouth and Chepstow. It was, up until the time of King Henry VIII’s dissolution of all these buildings, a Cistercian monks abbey. There is ample parking, including all accessible parking. A high quality gift shop is available at the entrance, plus the usual toilet facilities and despite the ongoing structural re pairs remains largely accessible to all. There is no café at the venue but a very nice café is about 50 yards away. It serves all manner of usual café fayre including highly recommended cakes, coffees and teas.
Monmouth – This is the nearest large town to the site – after Coleford. This sits on the River Wye and the A40, the main trunk road through the area. There are good car parks dotted throughout the town, markets are regularly held and there is a good range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as the usual high street suspects. Please note that the high street is on the side of a hill so may well require relocating the car and completing the visit in two halves. The medieval bridge which is at one end of the high street is of particular note, being one of very few that still exist which could be locked by the use of a portcullis or wooden doors.
https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/explore/monmouth
https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/monnow-gate-and-bridge-p1504521
Coleford – This is known as the central administrative town for the Forest of Dean and has a good range of shops, supermarkets, including the nearest fuel stop. There is a small railway museum in the centre of the town, showing the industrial past of the area.
https://www.gwrmuseumcoleford.co.uk/
We opted to have Sunday lunch out during our stay and after perusing the internet, we came upon the Woodman Inn in Parkend. We were not to be disappointed and the most delicious Sunday lunch was had and at a reasonable price. Dogs are allowed and there is level access and plenty of parking to the front and side of the building. It is about a 15 minute drive from the site. https://woodmaninnforestofdean.co.uk/
Lydney & Harbour – This is a small town on the A48 and is also home to the nearest National Rail service. There is a small harbour which is currently being renovated into a tourist destination. Fabulous views of the River Severn and the newer Severn Road bridge can be seen – if you have good weather, you can see for miles in either direction. There are toilets, a small café/visitor information centre, disabled parking and access is reasonably flat enabling you to get up close to the banks of the River Severn. https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/lydney-harbour-p1312571
Ross on Wye – This is the furthest venue from the site but can be combined with a visit to Weston’s Cider and then on the way back to site, Symonds Yat. A market town close to the Wales/English border and at the western end of the M50. About 15 minutes away is the famous Weston’s Cider farm, home to a lovely café, shop and tour, (book ahead for tour is advised). Good parking but none near the entrance. Dogs allowed in the garden area outside the café where seating is available for you to have a drink etc. https://visitrossonwye.com/ https://www.westons-cider.co.uk/summer
Tram Stop – Fish & Chip shop Coleford – This is the nearest shop to the site, was well patronised when we passed it one evening.
https://www.zmenu.com/tram-stop-fish-and-chip-shop-coleford-uk-online-menu/
For something slightly different you may wish to pay a visit to a micro pub which is conveniently next door to the fish and chip shop. It is an independent place with an eclectic mix of drinks, decorations etc. It is built on several levels, access is not good for people who find steps etc difficult. It usually closes at around 9.30pm so please check web-site before setting out.
Forest of Dean Railway – This was a surprise to the trip – expecting something akin to a miniature style railway, (there is a small one a few miles away but we did not visit on this occasion), to find a full sized heritage railway and to learn of its industrial past was very interesting. It is well worth a visit, good parking at Norchard, which is pretty much mid-way and the railway recommended starting point. Access is very good, toilet and café facilities offering the usual fayre, (very efficiently too). You are able to order ahead online for a breakfast bap and a hot drink if you wish – a good number of people had done so. The line then takes you first to the southern most point at Lydney Harbour – a couple of minutes flat walk and you will be at the National Railway line/station. It then returns to Norchard High Level and proceeds on to the northernmost station at Parkend. With stops for photos etc, 1.5 – 2 hours is required. Dogs are allowed in all areas including the museum and shop at the entrance. In busy times you are advised to book online ahead.
Kingfisher Cruises & Symonds Yat – This is a very famous area on the River Wye, favourite spot of canoeists and there are rapids a little further on the River. It is a very small area so can get very busy at the weekend and in high season. The views are amazing and there is lots to see. A comfortable and informative way to visit is on the Kingfisher Cruises, there is a Facebook page but currently no web-site. It is a case of turn up, pay by card or cash and enjoy a 40 minute journey up and down the section of the River Wye including a very informative commentary and history of the area. Access is difficult so it is advised to call ahead to discuss suitability. Dogs are allowed and light refreshments are available onboard.
https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/information/products/symonds-yat-east-and-west-p1313151
The Saracens Head is the main pub/restaurant on the East side, (and more commercial side of the river). Booking at peak times is essential although it is possible to take a chance and turn up to see if a seat outside is possible. Dogs are welcome throughout and the meals are of a very high standard.
Buses – The nearest buses are available at Coleford.
The nearest caravan dealers are Forest of Dean Caravans in Parkend – they are a full dealer with service and accessory shop.
Summary
A very pleasant stay in a well looked after and popular CL. There are plenty of activities to do in the surrounding area to suit all. A site to which we would return.