HOODLANDS FARM CAMPSITE REVIEW - SHEFFIELD, PEAK DISTRICT
Location: 'Peak District'
Fulshaw Lane, Penistone, Sheffield S36 9FD
We visited 27th - 30th August (bank Holiday) 2021
THE SITE /NEED TO KNOW
Hoodlands Farm Campsite could quite easily become one our favourite small, local sites what with it's breathtaking views of the Peak District National park and the Underbank reservoir. It's North East of the Peak District and also located not that far off the M1 so easy to get to - and not that it's a make it or break it kinda deal but phone reception is great - I was on Three Mobile and dotted between 4 and 5g! There is also a pub within walking distance too!
The only 'downside' is that it can get a bit windy as it's quite high and open, and some may say a bit pricey.
We went as a mini group - 6 adults 1 dog. Some sites don't allow 'groups' - so always worth bearing this in mind and possibly consider booking separately if there are a few of you.
PRICE AND BOOKING:
It is a Camping and Caravan Club certified site and you can find more about those here and we stayed for 3 nights over the August bank holiday weekend 2021 and it cost us £20 per unit per night.
It was booked through Facebook (very 21st century - which was great for me as I hate talking on a telephone) and it was required to pay in advance. I've never done this on a farm campsite before - however, this may have been because it was the August Bank holiday which is a popular weekend for campers so they wanted to guarantee your attendance which is understandable.
We went as a mini group - 6 adults 1 dog. Some sites don't allow 'groups' - so always worth bearing this in mind and possibly consider booking separately if there are a few of you.
Our 'mini group' consisted of 2 vans and it was going to be 2 small tents, however, it worked out cheaper to have 1 big tent with two compartments.
DIRECTIONS:
It's North East of the Peak District and also located not that far off the M1 so easy to get to and the Google Sat Nav took us straight to it. There is a steep hill and a few twists and turns but nothing that I think would cause an issue - plus the site had towed caravans and motorhomes on during our stay.
THE SITE:
All the top pitches come with electric. We did enquire for if there were cheaper rates if you didn't need or want electrics - and they did offer to knock £5 off the tent prices which was lovely of them - however - again it was cheaper to share in the end.
There is no 'reception/farmhouse/building' here - but on arrival, there is a noticeboard just past the gate with a phone number on to call where the owner then allocated us to a pitch.
The site is quite small, with only 12 pitches - However, there is a grass space at the bottom that isn't 'allocated'. The field is raised up in the open - hence the gorgeous views - but because of this, it can also get quite windy.
The field was a little bit on a decline but no chocs were needed for us. Tent goers, you may need an air mattress as a bit unlevel in some areas.
We had 1 pitch for all 3 of us and an Owner came to meet us with a 3-way splitter – which I've never seen before - but as the guys didn't need electricity we didn't use it so can't advise as to whether this has an effect on the power. The owner we spoke to was ever so lovely and welcoming and I imagine if you have any issues during your stay you'd ring this number and they'd come over to see you - alternatively you do see them dotted about the campsite for new arrivals, cleaning the toilets etc.
The toilets and showers are located in a little hut at the far end, as is the elsan and sink for pot washing. They were unisex, and with 4 toilets 2 showers, and with the fear of sounding a little 'snobby' like most farm campsites the facilities needed a little TLC. For example, one shower head had come off so you had to hold it and there was just one setting on or off 🤣🙈 but they do the job and I came out feeling clean and refreshed!
One important thing to note though is that there is a 12min time limit on the lights - so if you're like me and take ages to 'prep' or clean you may want to bear this in mind and take toilet seat covers/prep your shower gear before getting naked in case the light turns out on you🤣🙈
Because of this and especially if you only have a small tent and don't need/want the electrics it may seem a little pricey. But for Vans/motorhomes/caravans if you compare it to other private farm sites we've been to which are apx £7.50 each a night for no electrics it's not that bad (However - I do think for us personally the cheapness of the £10 per unit per night at camping and caravanning club THS (no facility) sites and the new, updated posh official club site facilities have spoilt us 🙈) but as I've mentioned, the views, location and atmosphere here made it totally worth it, and we'd defo come back again!
SURROUNDING AREA
We love, love LOVED it here.. such lovely walks, with great views for all abilities!
We recommend doing the walk around the Langset Reservoir - which you can find on our AllTrials here.
We walked from our camp, down to the reservoir, and around. And our walk took us apx 3 hours - we did stop a few times for photos and had an hours picnic down by the water. SAFETY NOTE: it's advised that you DO NOT swim in the reservoir.
If you're not a big walker there is a car park close by that has some really interesting Damnbuster War History noted on some information pillars and pinpointing where on the walk that you can see things like bricks used for the Blitz, and target practice remains etc so be sure to check this out before you start (un like us having to play 'catch up' afterwards - which was still fun and interesting).
And if you follow the paths down from this carpark you can get to an area to see a view of the water. This is pretty level and easy so I'd say suitable for most abilities - we even saw a lady in an electric wheelchair - but I can't comment on how far along the path that it is/was wheelchair friendly.
There are two other reservoirs near by, Midhope and Underbank, We saw Midthorpe which was also lovely - but Langsett was my favourite and on our next visit, we hope to see Underbank and venture further into the centre of the Peak District.
I didn't see any 'local' shops, so be sure to take what you need with you - but there are local farms selling eggs and there is a local pub - which does take away pies!! Apx 10-15 min walk down the hill - but check opening times before planning your visit as we did a walk on Sunday intending to pop in on the route back but it was closed (6pm ish) also be careful not to drink too many as you have to walk back up the hill after 🤣 - just kidding it's not as bad as it seemed in the car - honest. But there are a few picnic benches on the route also for if you needed a break.
OVERALL
We will definitely return to camp here - but as it's not too far from us we would aim to go up on a Saturday morning rather than a Friday after work just to save a bit of money.
Pack your walking boots, and check the weather - you may need extra layers, a windbreak, and or guide ropes due to being exposed to wind.
