And so to our second stay. This time we went to Greenacres Campsite, which is just outside Coleford and a short hop from both businesses.
Maureen and Andy have owned Greenacres since 2007. Three years, and a lot of hard work, later, they opened with a static caravan and a portacabin converted into a toilet and shower block for a trial run. In 2015, they got planning permission for a new toilet/shower block and increased capacity, and the build was completed in 2017. Last year, Maureen and Andy enjoyed their first season with 40 pitches, which are set out over two acres of land.
Pitches are approximately 9 x 9 metres. Electric hook-up is available on every pitch and 12 are suitable for caravans, campervans etc. Which is great, because we rocked up in Lula, one of three campervans for hire from Wanderlust Camper Co. Lula sleeps a family of 4-5 and the cleverly designed interior provides a living, sleeping and cooking area – it’s amazing how much can be packed into a compact space! She’s fully equipped for the good life on the road, so we didn’t have to worry about anything for our overnight stay. And if we had forgotten anything we needed, there is a very handy small shop onsite.
Greenacres has a lovely relaxed, friendly vibe. It’s spacious and, as well as a proper play area, there is plenty of safe space for kids to play and get to know each other. All the facilities are excellent, clean and plenty of hot water. Camp fires are allowed and wood can be supplied, which makes for a very pleasant evening.
But evenings aren’t just for sitting around. We decided to visit Buchanan Park, a five-minute stroll along a public footpath with direct access to the site. The park was purchased in 1923 with funds raised by the local community to mark the bravery of local hero Angus Buchanan, and in accordance with his wishes to provide a place for children to play. During the First World War, Buchanan, who was 21 at the time, rescued two seriously injured soldiers under heavy machine gun fire. In so doing, he was shot in the head and blinded. In 1917, he was decorated with the Victoria Cross by King George V in recognition of his selfless act.
Today, Buchanan Park is a well maintained area with good play equipment for children and also includes some fitness equipment for adults. Wander through the 41 acres of grounds and you’ll spot many wildflowers and wildlife. Being so close to the campsite, it’s a ‘must visit’ place! If you’re into sport, the clubhouse at the nearby King George V football field regularly screens matches, and campers from Greenacres are welcomed.
Back to our walk, we continued along the Burial Path, which can be accessed via the park or Scowles Lane. It leads to Newland Church where, until 1867, deceased Coleford residents were buried. The Burial Path is a popular and well route. It can get a little muddy and rocky, depending on the weather – if it’s fine, you’ll most likely glimpse the Sugar Loaf mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, as your walking along. Arriving at Newland, you’ll see the church, which is known as the Cathedral of the Forest and deserves a look. And well worth a visit is The Ostrich Inn, a lovely old pub, which is also one of the best restaurants in the Forest. It caters for a wide variety of tastes, including vegetarian food. Food is homemade, freshly prepared and delicious! The pub also has a great range of real ales, up to eight are generally available on tap. Make sure you stop off for a refreshing pint and why not get a bite to eat – we did!
Next, it’s farewell to Lula and hello to a night in a pod!
