Peak Gateway Leisure Club

Easter 2011
The following are recent testimonials about Peak Gateway from some of our visitors this year:
 Just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for accomodating us over the Easter & Royal Wedding Weekends (Pitch 47). We were originally only stopping for Easter but decided to change our plans and stay the following weekend as well when we saw the site & facilities (thanks to some jigging around by Jean at the front desk!) We have had a great time and think the site is great! We would have no hesitation in recommending you to our camping/caravanning friends and will definately be back in the future!
> With our very best wishes
> Jamie & Helen Norgrove

Easter 2011. Overall we found Peak Gateway a really nice friendly site. The staff were very helpful including owner who likes to get involved. The event nights were good fun and the park even has it's own tune and dance. Some static owners even help out on site which I thought was really kind. Apparently this was down to the owner being as nice as he is! We didn't try out the meals on site so can't comment on this, but other people did tell us how good and reasonably priced they were. The kids entertainment was excellent inc. Trampolines, bouncy castle, wooden climbing area, swings. On Easter weekend they had lots of activities inc. Easter egg hunt, face painting and a sports day. I don't think our young daughter old saw bed until at least 10.30 on a couple of nights! We have been told they are putting up a sort of circus tent for kids to play in all weathers which is a great idea. The shower area was always clean, although we did have a couple of cold shower times which was not fun. Timing seemed to be everything. The facilities for campers is due to be renovated. What's there right now isn't great but for a loo and sink it's ok. The pot wash near the camp area was a bit hit and miss with the hot water, we found the pot wash at the main shower block was much better. As normal with camping on bigger sites where there's a bar you do tend to get the rowdy type but any loud noise lasted no more than 30mins or so, so wasn't a major problem. Would we visit again? Yes, due to the staff, facilities and location.   Date of Visit: April 2011  Unit:  Tent Only stayed for 2 nights but will definitely be going back. Really helpful and friendly staff, helped out with a trailer malfunction even before we checked in. Can recommend beef, onion and mushroom baguettes on friday night in the bar which is very reasonable for food and drinks. Can't think of any negatives, can't wait to go back! There seems to be a lot of returning customers, which speaks for itself. Arrived at this site on the Sat of Aug Bank Hol Weekend.Staff brilliant, friendly and helpful. Was nervous when told we were on the 'overflow field' and to pitch anywhere and when we arrived we had to pitch in middle with lots of other tents as all the edges were taken up. Despite this everyone had pitched with sensible gaps so didn't feel too bad. Also kept the ballgames down! We stayed on til Tuesday and by then was only ourselves and one other tent left for the Monday night and it was beautiful. Site is walking distance to Ashbourne but only 10 mins in a car. The site has lots of statics and there were events on the whole time like treasure hunt, school sports day (for adults and kids)which involved the campers and the static owners and there was no 'clickiness' as you sometimes find. Highlight was the St Trinians School Disco on Sunday night in the function room. In excess of 50 grown ups dressed in school uniform was hysterical and again everyone was friendly and chatty. Even the staff were dressed up and it was hard to look at them the next day without their wigs and skirts without laughing. There is a nice playground and indoor games room for kids and a small pub as well as the function room. Also a cafe only doing breakfasts and shop inside reception which was very basic. Plus points. Very friendly staff and residents, events to keep kids and adults occupied however no pressure to join in if you just want to chill, Main shower block lovely and clean. Function room beer prices very reasonable, very clean all over, pitches good size, noise policy in place on fields but noise allowed til very late at function room which couldn't be heard from the fields. Best of both worlds! Didnt encounter queues at toilets, showers or washing up areas as other visitors have mentioned and we were there for Bank Holiday, also no problems with hot water encountered. Lots of bins and recycling bins and never saw them overflowing. Suggestions. Make more of catering opportunities by opening cafe at other times. Have bigger shop. Keep the events up and keep doing everything else the same. Obviously have the pub open each evening if possible. We are family with 14yrs and 7yrs old children and would DEFINATELY go back just for the entertainment ! Date of Visit February The entrance to this site is very welcoming... Down a lane with sheep on both sides it is very inviting... On arriving at Reception you will find many things to make your stay enjoyable... The Outside Inn is very cosy and friendly with entertainment most Saturday nights. The owners Bob and Annie go out of their way to make sure everyone enjoys themselves..... For the children there is a Games room, Play Area and bouncy castle.... The cafe serves lovely dinners... A lot of the pitches are Seasonal but the touring area is situated in a lovely part of the site with outstanding views....... There is also a huge tent area with enormous pitches... The site has the usual electric hook ups and water and numerous showers. It is also very dog friendly... There are various walks leading from the site one which takes you to Ashbourne which is a very well known market town... Places of interest nearby are Carsington Water, Dovedale and Alton Towers...... We love this site and will be going back many times...

Date of Visit: July 2010  Unit:  Tent Overall a nice site with very friendly staff, but I felt it was a little over priced and maybe not maintained as well as it could have been. Pitches are a good size and the facilities on site are also good. Lots for kids to do so ideal for families. Food served on site is very good.

Date of Visit: September 2010  Unit:  Tent

Stayed here for two nights and have just returned home. The good points first - the site is located very close to Ashbourne which is a very pretty town with an excellent chippy located on the market square !

It is well signposted from the main road and access is taken via an attractive tree line avenue in the middle of open countryside. We used the site as a base to visit Alton Towers which is about 15/20 mins. Drive away and easily found.

The site itself is not too large but well laid out, being split into an area containing modern static vans and permanent tourers, semi-permanent tourers, tourers and dedicated tent field. The camp centre, containing various bars / cafes / children's arcade and playgrounds lies at the centre of the site in a cluster of buildings.

Despite the other reviews found here I thought that overall the site was nicely landscaped and well maintained to be honest and we would definitely camp there again. A card access barrier provides security to the site.

Yes the tent field toilets were located in a temporary building but they were clean and handy. It was quietish when we were there so we never had to queue but I bet it is a pain in high summer. Our only issue was cold water for washing up after 10am.

To be fair we tended to use the recently refurbished toilet block for showers and proper clean ups which is based at the camp centre, was much nicer and not too far away (100yds max).
Our plot (one of a few electric hook up pitches) was spacious (about 9m x 9m square) and plots are open but marked.
The pitch was clean and tidy and the grass was kept short. The staff were all very very friendly and there was always a duty warden checking up on things (with a hi-viz jacket and a smile).
The pitch (with electric) was reasonably priced for the facilities on offer (save for the tent field toilets which I hope are temporary pending construction of permanent facilities).

Would we recommend the site ? definitely yes yes yes.

Date of Visit: September 2010  Unit:  Tent

Went to his campsite the first weekend in September, found the site very clean and the toilets and showers spotless, the showers were always hot and always managed to get one never had to wait. The toilets on the camp site are very basic but very clean.

The washing up facility was very clean and hot water always available.
We used the pub on the site and the prices are very reasonable also had food on the saturday night which was very nice and also very reasonable.
Found the wardens and all the staff very very friendly.
We will be visiting this site again definitely. 

Date of Visit: September 2010  Unit:  Touring Caravan

We have just returned home after the most wonderful 2 nights we have had. The site is very clean and well set out. The owners are lovely people who made us feel very at home, we were meant to leave at lunch time but left early afternoon. The food and bar on site are fantastic value for money.

Views are lovely across the surrounding countryside. We didn't want to leave. There's a little arcade/games room with pool table, air hockey and a few well chosen arcade type games for most age kids, absolutley perfect!. The outdoor play area is excellent for under 10's, also has 2 trampolines free to use.

The bar is open over the weekend serving great basic food and only £2 for an excellent sized kids meal. All the staff are welcoming and friendly. This site deserves more than the star rating it has. We are looking forward to visiting again next year.

Look out for Function weekends in the bar, they look like great fun. Thank you Peak Gateway. 

Date of Visit: October 2010  Unit:  Motorhome

Just returned from 3 nights here,cannot fault it at all,already booked for bonfire weekend. Everyone was so friendly from bar staff to receptionist to warden to owner. Showers and pot wash area very clean and always hot water. We had a hard standing pitch which was close to everything. Oh and check out the food,after tasting it I don't know why I bothered going to the supermarket before,we know better next time. All in all a 5* site in my opinion. A lot of seasonal people there but they were all friendly and not clicky like some sites

Date of Visit: October 2010, Unit used: Touring Caravan

Hi, can we just say a massive thank you for an amazing weekend,it was our first time with you and have already booked for bonfire weekend. Couldnt believe how friendly everyone was,on some previous sites we have noticed that the "seasoners"can be very asloof and clicky,we found his the total opposite on your site. The talent show was the funniest thing we have seen in ages and well done to everyone that entered.
Anyway thanks again and see you in less than 2 weeks 

Date of Visit: November 2009  Unit:  Touring Caravan

Just came back from a weekend away here and I have to say it is the most friendliest of places. The owners were very friendly and helpful nothing was to much for them.

The showers and toilet block were clean and spacious the water was hot too, nothing worse than having a cold shower but here was lovely.

The bar was open and have to say again very friendly and the kids welcome, meals reasonable priced about 3.00 pound each and nice portions. They had mulled wine on tap and have to say I did get the taste for it lol. Had a nice games room for the kids and the park is right outside the bar so you can sit in peace with drink while kids play.

The pitches were of good sizes and although it rained at times the site was hardly wet. Will definitely be going here again

 Date of Visit: October 2009, Unit used: Touring Caravan

We have just returned from Peak Gateway after a lovely weekend. This is the nicest site we have been to this year. The owners & their children were lovely & helpful. The site was spacious & well maintained.

Toilets & showers were brilliant size, clean & warm. Playground was brill & we had to keep dragging our girls away. It suits all ages & has seating nearby for you to relax while watching your kids. The bar area was clean, warm & very family friendly. Food & drink were reasonable.

I can't say enough about how helpful & friendly the owners were. Our caravan came of the towball on our way out & before we were out of the car the owner was there to help us! Thank you for a lovely weekend!

Review by: Jumpers4Goalposts, Date of Visit: September 2009, Unit used: Touring Caravan

Totally agree with the last review, this is a large clean modern site with big flat pitches, I didn't use the motor mover and reversed in which is something for me who cant reverse to save my life, modern bar and shop and on the edge of the Peak District. Dont worry about them not having a website trust the reviews.

Stayed for a weekend and they charged £20 per night, well worth it. An assault course bouncy castle for the kids and I sat and read a book from the shop library on the clean modern tables just outside the bar. Lovely lady on reception which is always nice on your arrival to a new site. Key card barrier which is a must for any modern site. Cant fault the site and will return again.

Review by: Usnthekids, Date of Visit: August 2009, Unit used: Touring Caravan

Have just returned from Peak Gateway after having spent bank holiday weekend there. Site is clean and tidy and the toilets were immaculate. Owners are very friendly and helpful, shop is ok and bar is great, comfy sofas, pool and darts and children allowed too. Pitch was large, site not too big ( approx 100 ) so kids could roam free and visit the park on their own. We will definitely be going again, only thing missing was some chips at the end of the night !

OWNERS COMMENTS;

Thanks for a lovely review of our site. We have started food on site on Friday nights (pie and chips) and themed food nights on saturdays so that now you will be able to get your chips at the end of the evening as well !!! Thanks again for your comments.  Annie & Bob.

Review by: Maccapacca, Date of Visit: August 2009, Unit used: Tent

This was the only site in Ashbourne we could get in at short notice, so we were a little dubious about what to expect but we have just spent 4 nights and had a fab time. The site was kept very clean, the shower / toilet block were spotless with plenty of hot water( pressure a bit low) and a free hairdryer. The views were beautiful and the setting itself was really peaceful even when the field was full. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be returning.

Review by: How-camp-are-we, Date of Visit: August 2009, Unit used: Tent

We have just returned from a 3 night stay at Peak Gateway with our 2 young children and have had a lovely time! The site consists of static caravans, log cabins, caravans, trailers and tents in lovely surroundings and kept very clean.

The field we were allocated had fantastic views over the Derbyshire Dales and completely unspoilt by any houses in view although Ashbourne is only a 5 minute drive away. Each tent/caravan is allocated a pitch number and although our tent is a large 12 man we had plenty of room around us for the children to play. Although the site was nearly full there was a feeling of space and the owner clearly has not been 'greedy' during peak times and crammed loads of tents in.

The children's play area was a real bonus (we hardly saw our 2) and with the swipe car barrier in operation we felt that they were completely safe to explore the site on their own.

The toilets, pot wash and freezer near the tent field was very adequate, however the new toilets and showers near the main entrance were to a very high standard and kept immaculate.

The friendly bar on site with an adults only room and family room was very reasonably priced and next to the children's play area.

Overall this site was very reasonably priced for the facilities, cleanliness and pitch sizes and we will definitely be returning!

Review by: Missysqueak, Date of Visit: August 2009, Unit used: Tent

We have just returned from our camping weekend at Peak Gateway and the site was fantastic. We had an electric hook up tent, the ground was level and you get a very generous size pitch - ours is a 3 bedroom tent and we had plenty of space.

The views are absolutely fantastic, it did help that the weather was good all weekend. The facilities are clean and in good working order, showers and toilets are spacious, spotless, water's hot. There's a children's play area which my daughter loved, I would say suits children of 3 years and over.

There is a bar although we didn't try it with a beer garden outside next to the children's playground so you can keep an eye on the kids and enjoy a cool beer. We will definitely be returning again at some stage.

Written by :

Annie