Punch Bowl Hotel

Location

Toilet was like something out of a horror movie. No designated plots, just people abandoned all over the field. Only two actual electrical points, but with 30 extension leads laying across the floor. I couldn’t work out if the young lad that showed us to our pitch was incredibly rude! Pub has lost its licence so does not serve alcohol.

We loved this campsite, nice walk into Bentham, not too far from the coast and lots of other attractions and really friendly owners, checking daily to make sure everything is ok. Their son always has a smile on his face and a great sense of humour. It is a basic campsite but I think that's what we loved about it, great for all tent sizes and no additional charge for gazebos. Great value for money, who cares that the showers and toilets are not all singing and dancing, it's more wild camping with electric (very important to keep your wine cool). I understand it's not some peoples type of site, but the website clearly points this out. Changes are happening all the time, but I hope the original charm remains. We had a beautiful Malaysian meal in the pub, would highly recommend booking. We had such a lovely time we stayed another night. Looking forward to visiting next year.

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The fluffy dog was nice.

The site was absolutely terrible. When we arrived the site was rammed. He squeezed us down the bottom of the field and had to run extension leads for the electric. We were warnes about the facilities and preference to bring own. The main issue is the state of the site and the facilities. Two toilets made out of hardboard. No lights and no sinks to wash your hands. The shower was terrible. Again no lights and the water heater would never get warm and go to freeing when someone flushes the chain. In this climate basic hygiene is essential. The rubbish area was spilling over the bins and stacking up on the floor and stuck of rotten food and dog waste. I understand they said facilities are limited but what they had are not fit for humans. The site was over booked and terribly run. How they think its OK to have a sight like that and allow people to stay. The back of the pub was packed for of rubbish and the shed near the toilets was open and was full of garden tools etc and rubbish. If you want a place to crash for a night and have full working facilities then fine it will work.

Everyone was friendly and had a good atmosphere on camp.
Days out were close and spectacular, especially the Ingleton waterfalls trail.

There only being one toilet per camper, but I know its in the pipe line to extend.

Lovely, friendly owners.

Train noise, tiny pitch sizes, over crowded site. It really was chaotic when it hit the weekend, cars parked everywhere and no space at all. We were aware that facilities were basic but the toilets were so small you couldn’t really fit in, and why not install a sink when installing the toilets; to be able to wash your hands? A bit bizarre!and maybe put toilet roll in just to make a small gesture to functionality? We had booked 5 nights but left after 3 as it was like camping in a car park. Maybe for an odd night or two in non peak times, if you are self contained and don’t mind train noise, it would be fine. I wish them all the best though as I know it’s working progress and they haven’t achieved what they want yet and hopefully it can be a lovely site as they were very warm and friendly people.

Lovely friendly family run campsite. Very helpful. Had a fantastic time.

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It is a beautiful location and we had great weather so could see the amazing stars during our stay. Sadly, that's about all the positives I have.

When we arrived it was quite chaotic. I went to the bar and waited for quite a long time for someone to come and tell me what was going on. I then got told that I could pitch 'here' but I'd have to wait for the owner to get someone to come move their cars, which I did for about 20 minutes. It was a bit like camping at a festival (don't get me wrong, that's fun when that's what you're going for) I was aware that there were only two toilets but I didn't expect the amount of people to be there, nor for them to be so small and made of MDF. The 'playground' was one small plastic slide and one swing. We pitched and stayed one night but then we left early and did not want to stay the second night. It didn't feel like a warm family-friendly campsite like most others I have been to.

Where do I start, we have had the most amazing stay this week, the site is basic and this is stated in the details so we where prepared for this but the amenities were ample for what we needed, pitch with electric, toilets, water, shower and somewhere to get a beer and food, and saying food it was tremendous and there was nothing left even from our 7 year old.
The hosts Dougie, Shanti and ash, also all bar staff etc were the nicest friendliest people you could wish for and nothing is too much trouble, I have NOTHING negative to say about punchbowl it is what it is and we will be returning without a doubt, thank you guys for helping make more memories for my family, arran, Stacy ,Archie,11mths and Ethan,7years, highly recommend this site but if you are needing more than basic amenities it might not be for you.

Leaving

Everything, this family would virtually do anything for you. Extention, wires, even leant a camper van a step (not sure why he didn't have his own). Credit to the family they work well together even after obstacles are put in their way. The council fight them at every turn, however, temporary measures have been put in place. Each time we have been there has been some improvement and jobs done. The site is child friendly, dog friendly, very good price per nite with electric. Love it see you soon xx

Other campers complaining, when actually there are far worse sites that charge a lot more x

Great place for kids to run around

Facilities