Hello campervan life …. we have missed you so much!! It was our first camper van trip since Covid-19 took over and cancelled everyone’s travel plans. I didn’t think that a camper van break would be possible this year, so I am so happy to be in our home on wheels and exploring beautiful parts of the UK. There are so many wonderful places to visit on our doorstep. We wanted to book a campsite near to our base in Staffordshire, with opportunities to walk and cycle nearby, and The Firs Club Site seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
The Firs Club Site
Set high in the rolling hills of Derbyshire’s countryside is The Firs Club Site. This small and peaceful campsite is a perfect base to explore the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District. With a choice of hardstanding and grass pitches with and without electric, there is a pitch to suit everyone’s needs.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions
We were pleased to hear that the communal areas including the washroom and toilet block, and dishwashing facilities were open at The Firs Club Site. As we have a converted T5 campervan without an onboard toilet or shower, a washroom and toilet block is essential for the Otis and Us tribe.
We were greeted on arrival and directed to our pitch. We had a choice of the remaining pitches and we opted for a pitch near to the wash block as we have three young children. The Caravan and Motorhome Club are asking that all guests entering the reception or entering confined spaces on all their Club sites wear a face covering from July 24th onwards, so do remember to pack one.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club have taken excellent steps to maintain the health and safety of their staff, members, guests and the local communities. The various systems in place adhere to social distancing and government guidelines and I can honestly say that everyone did an excellent job and the systems that had been put into place really worked. The site is absolutely beautifully maintained.
As I mentioned, the toilet and washroom block was open at The Firs Club Site, with a system that only three visitors are allowed in the block at any one time. The dishwashing facilities only allow one person in at any one time. The communal areas were absolutely spotless.
Our pitch at The Firs
Our pitches were well spaced out and we were able to keep ourselves to ourselves without any trouble at all.
The site was full, but it was well spaced out so it didn’t feel like it was ‘full’ or busy. It was also a really quiet site. There is no playground, but plenty of space for the kids to play, and the girls loved riding around the site on their bikes safely.
We had electric hook up, and as I mentioned earlier we were near to the wash block facilities. There were other pitches to choose from with the most incredible countryside views but as our hook up cable wasn’t long enough to reach the electric hook up, we opted for the hardstanding pitch near to the wash block, which definitely worked well with the kiddies.
The Firs Club Site
Crich Lane, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2JH
Things to do near to The Firs Club site in Derbyshire
We stayed for just one night as it had been a while since we had jumped in the camper and hit the road, and we wanted to see how travel felt about travel since Covid-19 and the reopening of the campsites. I can honestly say that our stay reassured us, and surpassed our expectations … and it felt so good to be in the camper!!
With this in mind, we stayed at the campsite and just enjoyed the tranquility of the campsite, the fresh air, and time together as a family. We didn’t feel any pressure to get out and explore the area. The campsite is absolutely beautiful and we didn’t feel the need to venture far.
There are supermarkets nearby including Co-op, Aldi and Morrisons in Belper (approx 2miles.)
If you wanted to explore the area there is so much to do nearby.
Matlock park farm
Matlock Park Farm offers fun for all of the family. There is an abundance of animals to meet, feed and cuddle. There is an indoor play barn, go-karts and a café. The riding school is also open all year round and offers lessons and short pony rides.
Visit the website for Covid-19 updates.
Markeaton park (9.6miles)
Markeaton Park is a large park in Derby. It is a wonderful day out with kids and offers an abundance of activities and things to do. Try your hand at mini golf, visit the dedicated children’s play areas and paddling pool, hire out rowing boats and pedolos on the main Markeaton Lake or take a walk in the gardens. There is something for everyone.
Please check the local website for Covid-19 updates.
Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham is an attraction in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. It is a hilltop park reached by cable car, with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafe.
You can read more a recent review here
Local walks and cycle paths
There are miles of scenic cycle paths on the doorstep, along with a couple of bicycle hire centres.
There are also some beautiful walks – just ask at the club site reception for more information.
We drove home via the beautiful Bakewell and decided to stop off for a lovely walk and a picnic along the river Lathkill. Parking was difficult to find, but once we found somewhere to park up we enjoyed the beautiful walk and a quiet spot to sit despite the beautiful weather. The kids jumped in and paddled in the water…well worth a visit.
How to book The Firs Club Site
Head over to The Caravan and Motorhome Club to book.
Join the Club
As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club you are then able to enjoy a number of benefits including;
- Great savings on over 1000 UK attractions.
- Members save £140 on average per year on site pitch fees when staying at Club sites
- Free dedicated club magazine
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Disclosure – Advertisement feature. We received one night complimentary stay in return for this honest review. All thoughts and images are my own