It was are first holiday in 12 years. There was no stress putting up a tent straight in unpack. Had a great time.

We've just got back from a 7 night stay in a ready tent, we had a fantastic time,

The tents were a massive bonus. Sleeping under canvas but none of the stress of putting up a tent whilst trying to entertain the kids! We'd booked a high chair and travel cot at £10 each for the week. They were waiting in the tent when we arrived. The heated shower block was only yards away, always well maintained, with a handy bath for keeping the kids clean.

Most things in the spar shop were overpriced, so what we didn't bring from home we picked up from the huge co-op in Fordingbridge. The arcade was like a magnet for the older kids, who'd been saving there 2p pieces for months. Toddlers wood, the soft play area, was fantastic for a rainy morning. We had a lovely meal from the pub but the takeaway food was terrible. Someone did recommend the fish and chip shop in Fordingbridge!

I can't praise the cycle shop enough. They spent ages making sure we all had the right bikes and helmets. We had a bike seat and a trailer for our youngest, 15 months old. He spent most of the time in the seat, then when he fell asleep we put him in the trailer. I would recommend using your own harness, especially if your child is a wriggler. The trailer was really handy for carrying your lunch and the rest of the junk you need when going anywhere with kids. The cycle shop gave us routes to follow, which made it really difficult to get lost and the kids loved all the wild ponies and donkeys.

They also do really cheap repairs, my nephew's bike came back like new with new gears and other bits that 8 year old boys break off their bikes!

The swimming pool was OK, on some days they roped off half the pool for swimming lessons, which was a real nuisance. The outdoor pool was freezing but it was all clean and there was always a lifeguard on duty.

All in all, we had a fantastic time! Sandy Balls is a fantastic place to explore and the new forest was lovely. I'd definitely give it 10 out of 10.

I was a camping virgin before this trip but now Sandy Balls has helped me to look forward to my next New Forest adventure. We have two young boys 3 and 4 years old they had the time of their lives. Even in the bad weather they had things to do. The soft play area was a great success and the swimming pools are lovely. The staff are so friendly and do everything with a smile. I'm really struggling to find another site with such a favourable review, I think we are just going to have to stick with Sandy Balls. Highly recommended.

New Forest Sandy Balls camp site is a great site for first timers, as everything you would ever need is on-site.

Situated in the New Forest among trees and horses, this is the real deal. On-site facilities are comprehensive, and extend to toilet blocks with heated floors in the showers, hook up points with water, drainage and TV aerial, and a pool with a mini leisure centre.

Forgot something? You can buy pretty well everything from the Spar store, from camping supplies to fresh bread baked on-site! The staff are great too, and even though you expect a rousing call of 'Hi de Hi' every morning, it's actually OK to stay here, but be aware that kids and dogs are allowed, which means it's a bit lively at times.

The grounds are large, and have plenty of places to explore. What's more, you can take a 10 minute walk up the road to see free range Horses and Donkeys! The local pub is predictably 'New Forest quality', and serves proper food and Ales.

Everything is clean and working too. David 'Note the wich cweamy texture of the soil' Bellamy awarded Sandy Balls a Gold star for ecological quality, and who am I to argue?

Sure, it's not classy, per se, but it's damned good despite it's size, and it's open all year round, which is nice in the Winter, when many official sites have shut for months.

Whether you have a Tent, Caravan or Camper, you will be accommodated on a good sized pitch with all amenities, and at no more than the going rate. Even non-tent owners can book a Log Chalet too!

What more could you possibly ask for, apart from a little more class perhaps?