UPPERTOWN FARM, CARSINGTON WATER CAMPSITE REVIEW
Location: Derbyshire
Uppertown Farm, Overtown, Hognaston, Ashbourne DE6 1NR
We visited 30th July - 1st August 2021
Back to basics camping. Great views. Cheap as chips. What more do you want?
PRICE AND BOOKING:
It cost us £10 per pitch, per night. To book, we rang the number listed on their website and we were informed that there were plenty of spaces, so turn up, pick a pitch and someone would be over later that day for payment. Like most small campsites - it was Cash only.
DIRECTIONS
Upper town Farm is located on the main road that leads down to Carsington Water car park. The camp site is well sign posted, as is Carsington Water which is around a 10-minute walk straight down the road; more on this later though.
THE SITE
There are two fields to choose from, totalling around 30 pitches in total and there are pros and cons to each field. The top field is much more sheltered, with large trees overhanging from the road. It's much more flat, so no real need for levelers or chock blocks, but there isn't much of a view of the reservoir. The second field is much less sheltered which is great for the summer sun and if you are lucky enough to get the right spot, you can get a perfect view of the reservoir. However, it is on a hill, granted it's not massive, but still something to bear in mind. The weekend that we visited, the weather hadn't been great and we camped in the 2nd field. Though it was well-drained, there was a substantial amount of sludge towards the top where the entrance was, so had to be careful when we were leaving not to get stuck on the slope.
One main thing to point out before we go any further, THERE ARE NO FACILITIES. If proper bogs and hot showers are what you are after, then this site might not be for you. There is a freshwater tap and an elsan point, so you will need to bring your own loo with you. Also, there are no bins, so you will have to take your rubbish home. I think that this is reflected in the price however, as it is only £10 per pitch. So even a family of four in the caravan will pay the same as a single person in a tent. No extras for dogs, awnings, gazebos and the pitch sizes are a really good size also, so you don't feel like you are penned in at all.
There is a another field directly over the road from the campsite, that can be hired out as a rally field. If you are a member of the Camping and Caravan club, keep an eye on the 'Out & About' app, as this is often used as a
'THS site' throughout the year.
SURROUNDING AREA
All within walking distance, there are a few local amenities on your doorstep if you are thinking of camping here. Heading back up towards Knockerdown is The Pudding Room and The Knockerdown Inn. They both have a great menu, including some good Veggie and Vegan options as well as a takeaway service from the Knockerdown Inn too.
Both of these places have campsites attached to them that also have facilities, so if you prefer having that extra luxury, then these might be best to look into - though we have not stayed here ourselves, so can't make comment on them.... yet!
Down the bottom of the road is Carsington Water. This is a Seven Trent reservoir and Watersports centre. There are loads of activities for the whole family to get involved in. If you have a paddleboard or kayak, you can pay a small launch fee to use them on the reservoir, Or there is plenty on offer to hire and enjoy the water. If this isn't your thing, you can take/hire a bike, or even hike around the paths around the site. The whole routeis apx 8miles, but there is plenty of perfect rest stops along the way to enjoy the views. There are plenty of other things on offer too, such as shops, cafes, an ice cream parlour and a children's play area.
See here for parking info.
We love this Campsite. It's got a really nice relaxed atmosphere and great for a few days break away, though a longer stay without a shower might be a bit tough so be sure to visit Carsington Water for a day of paddle boarding, windsurfing or kayaking - even if it just to use the showers afterwards!
