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Hardwick Parks is a large open campsite, with areas set aside for permanent mobile homes, a normal touring field, and some large overflow touring/rally fields. Electricity is available to many of the pitches, most of which are on grass, though they have a few hardstandings (gravel). Pitches are large and well-spaced, though not explicitly delimited. The site boasts an air-conditioned toilet block, which I though was rather unnecessary in the UK’s climate, but the weekend we were there topped 35 degrees, so it was a good place to get a brief respite from the temperature outside. The camping fields are largely open, with very little shade. Close by, and part of the same organisation, are some lakes created from gravel pits. The main touring field is close to these lakes, separated only by the river Windrush and a couple of rows of trees. The trees and the water provide an ideal habitat for all sorts of flying beasties, and the campers provide a ready meal for them! The lakes are good if you enjoy water sports, with several different activities on offer. However, don’t think it will be peaceful, as there are generally several jet-skis on the go during the day. A welcome change from most water sports facilities that I have seen is the inclusion of two swimming areas on the edge of the lake. These are quite large (at least a hundred metres of shoreline each), inflatables are permitted, and we found them ideal. However, parents of small children, and non-swimmers, should be warned that there’s not very much water at paddling depth. There’s nothing much to do on the site apart from using the water. No pleasant woodland walks, nowhere much to cycle (in fact, we didn’t use our bikes once), so I’m not sure I’d want to spend many days here myself. However, it’s well placed for days out to places like Oxford and Blenheim Palace, so you may find it ideal for this sort of activity. The single toilet block, although new and air-conditioned, seemed a bit small for the size of site. However, the site wasn’t full during our stay, and the facilities had no trouble coping. They always seemed to be clean and tidy. Showers were free, fixed-temperature push-button types, a bit too hot for my taste. Shop on site sold basic provisions, including freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat for breakfast. With that and the weather, we thought we were in France! There’s nowhere to eat on site, but in Standlake, about a mile down the road, there are at least two pubs. We tried the Black Horse, and found the food excellent. Beware - there’s a height barrier in place from about 6pm to 8am, so if you have a motor home or bikes on the roof, check your arrival and departure times with reception before you find yourself stuck.
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