The Old Vicarage

View prices & book 8.4 229 reviews
Visitor image of the stream and site grounds (added by manager 06 Sep 2022)
The 17th-century old vicarage
The view down the river
Enjoyable

  • Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire
  • Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham
  • Space for outdoor activities; rope swing and stepping stones
You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s. There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away. Every bank holiday, the site opens up their Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, with a chillout room, TV room and games, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine. Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities.

Site type

Motorhome pitches 5
Tent pitches 20
Touring caravan pitches 5
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Open now
Opens 2 October
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 10 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 15 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Bookings must not be for more than 15 consecutive nights.
  • No cars/motorbikes by the pitch/unit. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • The games room is open between 19/04 and 30/09.
  • The Cave Bar is only open 26 - 28 May and 25 - 27 August.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Wed, 02 Oct 2024 to

Reviews

86%

would recommend this site to a friend

84%

would stay here again

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    10
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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Amazing site open, perfect place the kids who life rivers and parks

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: The lake, has relaxed it was, how open the area is and enjoyed waking to to chickens around the camp site

Disliked: Nothing i can say that I didn't dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

The view and surroundingโ€ฆ

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 6
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 8
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Luxury 1 bedroom cabin

Liked: The view and surrounding

Disliked: Would have liked to have been welcomed

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Thank you for your review Unfortunately we did have a family emergency on the date you booked so we had to leave the office suddenly (we are a family run business). We sincerely apologise for this Kind regards The Old Vicarage Team

We have an 11 and 2 year old and there were thingsโ€ฆ

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 6
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 6
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 6
Wifi No rating
Ellie S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: We have an 11 and 2 year old and there were things to do with both of them. Our older child was always busy and our youngest enjoyed the cars and bikes available all the time. The campsite wasnโ€™t too big but big enough to run around and the other campers were really nice.

Disliked: I didnโ€™t dislike anything really. There was work being done while we were there which is good, this campsite has the potential to be really good and hopefully once the works are done on the facilities then it will be fantastic.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review. We are always trying to upgrade and renew our site, thank you for your understanding Kind regards The Old Vicarage Team

Has potential but in much need of some TLC

Overall 2/10
Location 2
Value for money 2
Accommodation 2
Facilities / Activities 2
Customer service 2
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 2
Wifi 2
Marie C. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Liked the setting with the trees and river

Disliked: Not sure if there is a financial reason but everything seemed a little uncared for and in need of some money, the ladies facilities in particular were shocking, one working shower with a see through cheap shower curtain, we were offered the use of the shower in the holiday flat but this was nothing but a cold trickle, staff were not on hand to deal with any issues, the electric hook up were extension leads which seemed to go in every which way, including under the water, and across roadways, the campsite appeared over sold and although we booked in advance, we didn't have a pitch allocated to us and the only place available was amongst brambles and nettles. There is a no loud music notice around the site, we had to put up with an evening of ridiculous loud music, which could be clearly heard across the campsite, once I managed to contact a member of staff by telephone, they did wander across and ask for it to be turned down, but it was turned back up within 5 mins and was never challenged again, although they would have heard it ! They was a lot of rubbish piled up and broken items just stored around the site, as I previously said it all just seemed a little uncared for, shame really I was looking forward to spending my birthday here, this is a wedding venue, I definitely would not like my wedding here !

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks for your review. We cannot make repairs during the summer months - we do this over the winter. We care about our site an awful lot and are very upset when things get ruined that we have paid money for, put time and effort in and want others to enjoy but some people don't. Staff are always on hand to deal with problems or queries - as stated when you check in if you cannot see one of us for any reason, as we are a small family business and are very busy then to ring the assistance bell in reception and somebody will attend to you. Regards The Old Vicarage Team

We had wonderful time kids was enjoying playing in the riverโ€ฆ

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: We had wonderful time kids was enjoying playing in the river

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review We hope to see you again soon Kind regards The Old Vicarage Team

Loved the campsite. it was like going back in time for usโ€ฆ

Overall 8/10
Location 8
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 6
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 2
Wifi No rating
Nathan S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Loved the campsite. it was like going back in time for us as it was close to wild camping where you could pitch where you wanted. It was tents only which was just perfect because now days campsites are overrun by caravans which take away the camping experience. Our daughter absolutely loved the river along with the rope swings and zip wire over the river. she made so many friends whilst in site which is what we was hoping for with this site. It's absolutely perfect for kids

Disliked: The toilets and there only being one shower which was freezing cold really let the site down but despite that we will be back!

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review We are currently installing another shower in the ladies and the mens shower is hopefully being installed over the winter. Please let us know if the water is cold during your stay so we can attend to the problem Kind regards The Old Vicarage Team

The location was incredible. The stream through the site was perfect, andโ€ฆ

Overall 6/10
Location 10
Value for money 4
Accommodation 2
Facilities / Activities 2
Customer service 4
Child friendliness 6
Cleanliness 4
Wifi 6
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: The location was incredible. The stream through the site was perfect, and children from all over the camp site played for hours. It was safe and clean. The cave bar was a great addition, and food was available

Disliked: The facilities were very basic. The allies toilets were being repaired and whilst alternatives were given. These were also in high demand. Female shower had no door but a see through curtain. Washing area had no bin and one sink for a busy campsite. Bins area was some bags which were overflowing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks for your review. As you stated the ladies toilets were being repaired and we didn't have the chance to install the door beforehand. Washing area has signs in there stating you need to take your rubbish back to your pitch as when we did have a bin in there everyone used it as a dumping area for their rubbish. Bags were overflowing because we were waiting for the skip company to come and remove the skip. Regards The Old Vicarage Team

Has a lot of potential with some investment in the facilities.

Overall 6/10
Location 10
Value for money 6
Accommodation 4
Facilities / Activities 4
Customer service 4
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 4
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Site is idyllic, lovely stream running through which the kids loved playing in with zip wire and rope swing across. Lots of other play equipment for kids to enjoy as well. Fire pits to hire made for cosy evenings and toasted marshmallows.

Disliked: Not enough facilities for the size of the site, only 2 toilets and 1 shower in females. When I did brave the shower it was freezing cold. No marked pitches so felt a bit haphazard with tents squeezed close together. Rubbish piled up in corner, no obvious recycling even though it was stated that there was some. Either bigger/more bins or more frequent collection needed.

Recommend to friends Visit again

River on siteโ€ฆ

Overall 6/10
Location 10
Value for money 6
Accommodation 4
Facilities / Activities 4
Customer service 4
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 4
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: River on site

Disliked: There is not always warm water, there are no trash bins on site, the tents pitch are uneven, the grass is not cut, the toilets are bloked

Recommend to friends Visit again

The stream was loads of funโ€ฆ

Overall 2/10
Location 8
Value for money 2
Accommodation 2
Facilities / Activities 2
Customer service 2
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 2
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric grass tent pitch

Liked: The stream was loads of fun

Disliked: Where to start? Form No hot water to broken playground equipment, to trip hazards to dead ratsโ€ฆ The owner has completely checked out and literally doesnโ€™t care what you do. The tents are crammed in so a huge fire risk. The ehu is insane- just wires everywhere. The toilet block is more of a stable with not enough facilities for people staying. And nothing is clean. Itโ€™s such a shame as itโ€™s a beautiful setting but it needs some money spent on it. There isnโ€™t any proper bins so thereโ€™s just piles of rat infested rubbish in one corner. The kids play are is all broken and dangerous. The toilets and shower are not fit for purpose. Itโ€™s also not the cheapest so god knows whatโ€™s happening to the money they make.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Lake and/or mountain Peaceful Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Communal freezer Communal fridge Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Medium (26-50 pitches)

Accessibility

Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible toilet Disabled facilities Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mud

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Watersports nearby

Location

The Old Vicarage

Park Lane

Elkesley

East Retford

Nottinghamshire

England

DN22 8AS

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

53.27251ยฐN
-0.96438ยฐW

Route directions

Exit the A1 where signposted 'Elkesley village only'. The site entrance says 'Guests' and is at the end of the slip road.

Nearest transport

Coach
5.7 km Bus Station
11.4 km Hardy Street
14.4 km Hetts Lane
Rail
4.8 km Retford Low Level Rail Station
4.9 km Retford Rail Station
11.4 km Worksop Rail Station
Airport
23.4 km Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport
23.9 km Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport
31 km Sheffield City Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

The surrounding countryside has great places for walks and wildlife-spotting, with trails around the lakes and wetlands of Idle Valley Nature Reserve (15 minutes' drive) and lakes for fishing too. Then there's Sherwood Forest, 25 minutes away: some 450 acres of wildlife among ancient oak trees, alongside a wealth of biking and walking trails to take you through them. Adventure seekers can see it all from the treetops on ropes and wires at Go Ape, and the kids can clamber about at Robin Hoodโ€™s Hideout, an acclaimed natural play area. For family antics out of the forest, Sundown Adventure Park (20 minutes) has rides and themed playgrounds for the under-10s and families can also make tracks for Ferry Farm Country Park (45 minutes), to feed lambs, meet pigs and zoom about on go-karts and the adventure playground. An hour away and a major hub since Robin Hood's days, Nottingham still draws the crowds. Tour the castle and the caves, stop for a snifter in Ye Trip To Jerusalem (oldest pub in England, perhaps...), skate on ice at Motorpoint Arena and see what law and order meant in the Sheriffโ€™s days at the National Justice Museum. For further historical wanderings, Creswell Crags presents an array of prehistoric caves in a cracking limestone gorge and Newark's castle, Air Museum and National Civil War Centre sum up the centuries very entertainingly, all around half an hour away.

Must see

Sherwood Forest Country Park 10.2 km

Mansfield Museum 21.3 km

Bolsover Castle 22.4 km

Hardwick Hall 24.9 km

Hardwick Old Hall 25.7 km

National Trust

Clumber Park 6.8 km

Mr Straw's House 11 km

The Workhouse, Southwell 21.3 km

Hardwick Estate: Stainsby Mill 25.7 km

Hardwick Hall 25.7 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Bothamsall - Robin Hood's Cave - Walesby - Bothamsall 3 km

BABWORTH HALL 5.5 km

Headon - Upton - Askham - Grove - Headon 5.9 km

CLUMBER PARK 6.1 km

Clumber and Surrounding Forests - Robin Hood Way 6.7 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Nottinghamshire?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does The Old Vicarage have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Old Vicarage dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near The Old Vicarage? The surrounding countryside has great places for walks and wildlife-spotting, with trails around the lakes and wetlands of Idle Valley Nature Reserve (15 minutes' drive) and lakes for fishing too. Then there's โ€ฆ Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Old Vicarage?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Old Vicarage? From R2,777.73 (for 1 night, 6 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.