Monewden Airfield

Liked Lovely site with well equipped, clean accommodation. Very friendly owners

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Liked Quite

Disliked What I didn’t like about the place:

1. Poor WiFi Connection.

2. Facilities:
The toilets and kitchen were quite a walk from the pod, which was inconvenient, especially with children.


3. Customer Service:
As a business owner myself, I understand that even if you offer a great product, poor treatment of customers reflects badly. Customer service is about how people feel and feelings don’t lie.


We arrived on a Monday afternoon. My son fell seriously ill the next day (Tuesday), and I had to rush him to the hospital that night. We stayed two nights and returned on Thursday afternoon.

After returning, we used the kitchen to fry chips, the frying pan provided didn’t work on the cooker. We cleaned up after ourselves, disinfected the surfaces, and left the oil on the counter to cool. We were the only guests in the pod at the time.

The next morning, we discovered someone had poured water into the avocado oil and left it in the sink — clearly a statement.

We were returned to our pod when we met Lisa and guess what she said?“Please leave the kitchen the way you met it.” My husband asked what she meant, since we always cleaned up after ourselves. To me, the undertone was clear — it was a loaded statement implying that we were dirty/messy people.When I asked Lisa about the oil, she denied it. Its just her and her husband who go to check the place in the evenings...few seconds later she offered to replace the oil she knew nothing about...

She also told my husband to move our car because “another customer” was arriving and might need access, even though there was clearly enough space and that customer never passed through. The message felt like: “You’re less important, and others matter more.”

At one point, a man working on the planes said to my boys — who were quietly seated — “Hope you boys are behaving.” This came across as unnecessary and judgmental, especially since the children hadn’t done anything wrong. It suggested an assumption that they were likely to misbehave, mind you they hardly acknowledge us...what happened to what's the best part of your holiday or are you having fun?

On the day were leaving, Lisa asked: “Is everything OK in the pod?” She hadn’t checked it yet — the question felt like a passive way of suggesting we might have left a mess or caused damage.

All of these subtle remarks and actions created a very uncomfortable atmosphere for us. We felt like we were walking on eggshells.

This was the first time in 7 years of family trips that we felt so uncomfortable. We’ve stayed in places where we were the only Black family, and we were warmly welcomed. In fact, we didn’t want to leave those places.

We booked this trip for 7 days but left after 4 nights(2 nights at the hospital)— we simply couldn’t stay any longer. As soon as we got back i decided to google the area (Woodbridge), a few things started to make sense.

No, I didn’t raise a complaint because I didn’t want to deal with the emotional labour of being patronised or gaslit. Her internalised bias, poor communication, and passive-aggressive behaviour weren’t accidental — they felt intentional and very calculated.

I’ve included photos showing how clean we left the place, and the kitchen everytime we use it. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this place to anyone from my community.

They can come and do damage control to make them feel like they were the...but I really dont care hence why I did not have any conversations with her, i know it would have been a performance from her end.

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From the manager: I'm disappointed to receive your comments on the Pitch up website and very sorry you didn't enjoy your stay with us.
We do have to consider all our guests, but not at the detriment of others. We tried very hard to please and responded to all your requests in a timely manner, as we would do for anyone who stays with us, this can be seen from our reviews of 10 out of 10 and previous comments left.
Lisa

Liked What a brilliant getaway! Lisa and Steve were so welcoming and thought of everything. The pods are fantastic and comfortable and the facilities are brilliant and absolutely no distance to stroll over.

Disliked N/a

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Liked The whole experience!

Disliked The airfield was stunning, the A-frame was spotless and Steven and Lisa couldn’t do enough for me, even picking me up when my taxi didn’t show! I would recommend this 100% the setting is stunning and they are fascinating people! Honestly, I would’ve paid double the price

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Liked The hut was really cosy, well equipped kitchen and bathroom. Perfect for a relaxing and much needed break!

Disliked WiFi and phone signal didn't really work inside the hut but no big deal, I didn't go in holiday to check my emails

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Liked We were warmly welcomed by Lisa and shown to our Robin A frame, which smelled amazingly of fresh wood on entry. Lisa then offered to walk with us to show us the toilet/shower. During our stay, there was excellent communication and customer service. The A frame was clean, tidy and homely with a beautiful view of a field full of wild flowers, rabbits and nature. At night you can see the milkyway as there is no light pollution, so that’s amazing too!

We were left alone to enjoy our stay and we left feeling refreshed and happy, with intentions of returning either together or with the kids!

Disliked The only thing that I’d point out is that there could be a halfway toilet on the grounds, however I’m almost certain there are some being built.

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From the manager: Halfway toilet is currently under construction and will completed in the next few weeks.

So pleased you enjoyed your stay with us Sophie, it will be lovely to have you back.

Lisa
Monewden Airfield

Liked Interesting place. Cozy and clean. me and my family really enjoyed the place.

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From the manager: Pleased you and the family enjoyed your stay Ashish.

Lisa
Monewden Airfield

Liked The airfield surroundings are lovely, it’s a really relaxing and peaceful setting. The A-frame we stayed in (Robin) looked brand new, with a comfy bed, a sleeping platform and a sofa bed. The pod has a heater for chillier nights, a fridge and kettle with milk and tea-making things provided, electric lights, spare plug sockets and a picnic table outside. I misunderstood the meaning of “campers kitchen”, so do be aware if you book the pod without an en-suite you will need to take cooking/eating equipment. Plenty of space inside for me and 2 teenagers. I’ve never used a shower and toilet in an aircraft hanger before - that was a first! and the big sofa in there would have come in handy for a change of scenery if the weather had been bad (or for teens to hang out as the phone signal was better in there than in our pod, which was fine for us). We saw a deer, an owl, partridges and pheasants but no aircraft activity, sadly, probably a bit windy this week. Woodbridge isn’t too far for shops and takeaways. The owners seemed lovely, and I can definitely see us returning. It was perfect for a chilled couple of days in the countryside - it’s not hot-tub luxury glamping with the associated crazy prices, it’s a great deal for a very comfortable stay, on a small yet spacious site, and deserves the ratings it’s getting.

Disliked Not a dislike at all - but the addition of a microwave and a few bits of crockery in the hanger, as there is space, would make this a great site for people new to camping as all they’d need is their usual overnight stuff. Just a thought that might make this lovely place even more appealing for families.

I couldn’t see any photos of inside this pod online so have uploaded my own for future bookers.

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From the manager: We now have a microwave situated in the hangar for our visitors to use. Crockery and cutlery will follow in the next few weeks, we just need to make the work space a bit bigger and put up a couple of shelves.
Thank you very much for the feedback and hope you will visit us again.

Lisa
Monewden Airfield

Liked Friendly and welcoming hosts. Peaceful and quiet location with beautiful grounds to wander. The A Frame was really lovely, well equipped and cosy, with more than enough space for us as a family with young children. The kids loved the pull down ladder with access to the sleeping area and thr futon bed was large enough for two. We loved the Airfield and seeing the aeroplanes and we were lucky enough to watch some take off, which was a great experience. Their is nice pub just 5 minutes drive away that serves lovely food and local beers and the rural roads are quiet and picturesque. We will definitely return and would highly recommend.

Disliked Nothing to dislike.

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From the manager: Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to see you again.

Lisa
Monewden Airfield

Liked Beautiful cabin. Really lovely touches like personal water tap, barbecue, tea and coffee and even Easter eggs!

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