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We stayed here quite by chance, after arriving at our previously 'booked' accomodation at 7:30pm and finding that it was not what we were expecting (see Beachcomber review). We didn't know what to expect from Ord House either, but it was the first site that we came across, it looked nice, and they had one pitch left - it being Bank Holiday Weekend - so we took it. Well, not only were we relieved to find a place to stay, but as we got drove around to our pitch and got settled, we soon noticed how well-oganised and attractive the campsite is. It is a very large campsite, mostly of static caravans (but there were quite a few caravans and tents) and even though it was pretty much full, there was no sense of overcrowding in our area. The people that we dealt with in getting the pitch were very friendly and accommodating (no pun intended!).
It turned out that Ord House is in fact star-rated accomodation - I think it was 5 stars but I might be wrong. The modern toilet block is spacious and well planned. There are lots of toilets and the shower cubicles are spacious. There is even a family showering room, which has a bath and a double shower cubicle that would fit a whole family, as well as washbasin and nappy changing bench. The toilets were, on the whole, clean and tidy, although at one point in the evening they had gotten a bit messy and dirty (only to be expected with so many people staying there, I'm sure). However this was clean again by morning. A notice on the door said that they had won "Loo of the Year" in 2002.
In the same block is the washing-up facility, which has four sinks and an area set aside for vegetable preparation. This facility was consistently clean and tidy.
Access to these areas is by key, but once you have paid for your pitch hot water is free. I think that use of the hairdryer may have been free as well but I didn't need to use it, so I can't be sure.
There is a well developed outdoor play area, which also has a tennis table and a minigolf course. There is a separate ball games area. And there is a well stocked camping goods shop - you can even buy a new tent here if you need to! There is a restaurant, as well as a lounge bar and bar. There is a dog-walking track around the perimeter of the campsite.
The laundry facilities are behind the main House. I think it was about £2 for a load in the washing machine. I didn't notice the price on the tumble dryers. There is a line-drying area at the back, and the laundry room has iron and ironing board.
The tide crossing times for getting to and from Holy Isle/ Lindisfarne are posted in the window, near the camping shop.
Info for tent campers: pitches are numbered and separated by stone walls and/or small hedges. I think that most if not all are sheltered by well established trees. The ground was a little on the solid side, probably owing to the tree roots, but when it rained in the night we were actually well protected by the enormous trees that we were under. The pitches seem to all be level, and are not too far from the modern facilities block. Rubbish bins are located unobtrusively but conveniently nearby.
A convenient and very pleasant spot for exploring the Berwick - Lindisfarne area, or for somewhere to stay on your way further North or South.
©Copyright Caroline and Nick Porter
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