York Rowntree Park Club Campsite
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It was our first trip of the year, and as ever, we prepared in advance for our journey to one of our favourite sites. Motorhome cleaned, clothes and food packed away in eager anticipation, Post Code punched into the Sat Nav, what could possibly go wrong? It became apparent during our journey that we would be 30 minutes early, so we pulled into the nearest services and had a coffee. Sat Nav checked once more, telling us we would arrive at 13:00hrs, which would maximise our time in York. We unusually sailed through York, meeting little to no traffic, the red lights were kind to us, and before we knew it, well, 12:58 to be precise, we could see The Swan pub and our Clementhorpe Rd turn. We pulled into the site, and once again unusually for us, we were the first to arrive, but noticed at least two other motorhomes directly behind us. I got out of the van and started to chat to lady behind us, and after a few seconds the blind came up signaling they had opened the office, and the Warden came down the steps to great us.
Now, let me state my position clearly. I fully understand and abide by the club rules, they are there for a reason, and can only imagine the chaos that is caused when people disregard the rules that are there to benefit the local area, the Wardens (who do a fine job in sometimes difficult circumstances), and the customers who use the sites.
But why oh why was I reminded that I was too early! The conversation went something like this:
Warden – Yet another day this year when people turn up early, not had a single day this year when everyone turns up at the time they should.
Me – I was 2 minutes early
Warden – You were 5
Me – In fact, it would have been more like 90 seconds early (remembering the time at The Swan), but you know how it is, timing a journey and negotiating the traffic through York
Warden – You have Sat Nav
Me – Yes, and Sat Nav told me I would get here at 13:00, but there were no expected traffic hold ups.
I then realised how ridiculous the conversation had become, and decided to let everyone get on with things, but it bugged me all holiday, and I wondered if the people in the motorhomes behind me who also arrived 90 seconds early where also reminded of the arrival time.
PS, it obviously still bugs me, otherwise I wouldn’t have posted this review.
A great site, ideal location, a bit expensive
We stayed recently for 2 nights, having been before in early January. It is an ideal site from which to explore York centre, as it is easily accessible by foot or bike. The facilities are clean and tidy and the welcome was warm and friendly. It is quite an expensive site to stay at in comparison to others, but the central location probably explains it. We will be coming again when it's warmer to explore the area by bike.
Sadly disappointed
I have visited this site many times and enjoying our stays so choose it as our first site to visit since covid.
Some of what I am about to say is about the site and other parts about the club.
The site is the same but the new block of flats next door make sleep difficult as there air unit it running all night and can be heard quiet easily from in my caravan. Has this not been sort by the club and local council.
I was told of by a warden for allowing my dog to poo before i could get off site even though I fully cleaned up. My dog doesn’t understand the site rules I am afraid. The way I was approached was aggressive very much like some of the site signage. Yet I seen lots of people not abaying the site speed limit even though this site has a history of accident but no warden to be seen.
About the club, simply to complicated to book, to pricy, to difficult to make last minute changes without great cost. It explains why there were pitches available at the site at a peek time when in previous years even with the booking blocks the site would have been fully booked.
I was interested for the club to try deposits but it looks like a disaster from a business point of view and totally impractical for caravaners who genuinely want to book their full season of holidays in one go unless you are rich.
I sadly will be checking out my options before I book another club site. Very disappointed since covid thing have changed so much and not in a good way
edwardate
Reviewed on 07/01/2023 04:18
Another nice stay at Rownt
Stayed here a couple of nights again week before christmas, it’s in a great spot for walking into York centre. We wanted to book again with friends first week of 2023, 4/5th Jan but i’m not paying £85 for 2 nights and neither are our friends. Sorry but i’d rather put it to a site in Spain where I aren’t getting ripped off,
It’s a lovely site with lovely wardens but sorry it’s just getting too expensive and while members keep paying these prices, they’ll keep putting them up.
Thankyou - you are great 👍
Warm welcome from the moment we arrived in the pouring rain. Great site, ticks all the boxes however this holiday was an emotional week for us, for a variety of reasons. The knowledge, support and friendliness of the wardens was amazing. We are truly grateful, you really did make all the difference. Thank you, Dave and Helen
DH Woody
Reviewed on 03/12/2022 08:31
Another visit.
While its always good to visit York,the site is getting far too expensive for standard of facilities. At no time from arrival to departure could the toilet be described as warm.most of time radiators completely cold.water wasn't hot.
Tatty hedges and weeds make site look uncared for.
Christmas tree in reception, nothing on balcony.
Market area busy as expected so you need to pick your time.
The Longboat on main road was really good and makes a change from ubiquitous wetherspoons.
Great Wardens.
I would just like to say thanks to Julie and Carl (plus the other nice wardens too) for making us feel so very welcome when we came to Rowntree's Park for the last 9 days. It was a pleasure to be there, and the wardens were the best. We couldn't come on one of the days due to flooding but a cheery phone call from Julie was just the news we wanted so that we could arrive the following day.
We've been coming to York for over 10 years now and it's a great site within easy walking distance of York so it's a great place to stay.
Thanks once again folks for a lovely welcome and a great stay.
Trevor and Pauline
November Break in York
Arrived just after 1.00 pm following recent site evacuation. Very efficient booking in system. You simply give your name, find a pitch and go back later to pay. Wardens very friendly and helpful. Site was on flood alert all the time we were there and notices reminding you to keep your phone with you at all times in case of evacuation.Facilities on site very clean and although the site was almost full there was never a problem in getting a shower in the morning. Very convenient for the shops in York which are less than a ten minute walk away. We will be back again in November 2023
Christmas Market
Able to arrive early due to site reopening after being cleared after flood alert.
Phone call on previous day very helpful. Staff very helpful throughout our stay, facilities in excellent condition.
York market well worth a visit as we’re the local hostelries.
Holy Grail of Club sites
On Facebook people seem to mention York Rowntree primarily in terms of being unable to get a pitch. Indeed I have done so myself. However two nights at short notice came up and we had been staying 30 minutes drive away.
There was a technical issue with our booking (what we booked and had confirmed was different to what was showing on the Club system)but the wardens got it sorted. Every time I have anything to do with the Club now there is an IT issue of some description. If they don't get it sorted I'll be forming part of the drove not renewing membership.
Just to pick up on issues raised in the couple of other reviews I read - we had no issue with the friendliness of the wardens and yes the site is very brightly lit in places but dark in others. Maybe something to think about if you have a choice of pitch.
1 to 1:30pm seemed to be Wacky Races each day so unless you are hoping for a specific pitch try to arrive a little later. Departure time is 11:15am which I think is fair enough as there has to be an attempt to manage access along the narrow roads leading to the site.
The park next door would be great with kids. There are local shops accessible at the back of the site. It's about ten minutes walk into the city. You would struggle to park a car much nearer to the shops and sites so I can't praise it high enough on location. It is in a fairly quiet area but some noise from the park and adjoining streets. But nothing terrible. The toilet block is good. Everything is raised in case of flooding and whilst there is a ramp as well as stairs it might be hard work if you have limited mobility and rely on using the toilet block.