Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site

Early in 2013 I was unable to use Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site due to flooding. With the majority of other local campsites closed in the winter I had to look further afield. The one who had availability was Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site in Lingfield, Surrey.

Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site – Initial Thoughts

The journey to the campsite was straightforward and upon arrival reception were friendly. Just beyond the entry / exit barrier is the main area where most people will pitch. Beyond this is the meadow where there are more hardstanding pitches with views over the rolling fields. In total the site has about 60 pitches.

The pricing structure at Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site does not suit solo motorhomers like myself. If you want a pitch with electric hook-up then you will be looking at £17.00 per night, but this does include 2 people. Ewelina joined me for Friday and Saturday nights so it represented decent value for those nights. It should also be pointed out that this price does not include the showers which are £0.50p for 10-12 minutes. There is free hot running water in the hand basins though.

Compared to most club sites, Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site had a slightly tired feel about the place. It’s hard to put your finger on it but the layout and landscaping of club sites are more well thought out. What was very noticeable was the fact that there seem to be many long term people on this site. There are many old looking caravans with large Calor gas bottles outside. I’m told that many of these are workers from the North of England who are contracting at nearby Gatwick airport. Some may not like this but personally I wish there were more campsites in the South East offering seasonal pitches. On the subject of Gatwick airport many reviews of this campsite mention the aircraft noise. Personally I did not find it an issue, it was not that loud!

Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site – The local area

The closest shops are in Lingfield village about a 25 minute walk away. As well as a Co-operative and Costcutter supermarkets there are pubs, take-aways and a small selection of other shops.

One shop that deserves a special mention is Joyce’s With Best Wishes in the High Street. In a world where bland multi-national chain stores seem to rule, this little independent place is a lovely surprise.  You would mainly describe this as a cafe with good tea, coffee and snacks but they do so much more. There is a large selection of Belgian chocolates at the main counter and as you wander around all the nooks and crannies you find postcards and greetings cards, gifts and so much more besides. It’s obvious from the layout and attention to detail that this place is owned by someone with a passion.

The train station is about 1.5 miles from the campsite and it has regular trains to / from London.

Also in the town centre is St Peter’s Cross with attached cage. The cross dates from about 1437 and was built to mark the boundary between Puttenden and Billinghurst Manors.  The cage dates from 1773 and was used to lock up people.

Others who might consider visiting Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site are those planning to visit The British Wildlife Centre or Lingfield Racecourse. Other places slightly further away but of interest include Hever Castle and Wakehurst Place.

Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site – A summary

So would I use Long Acres Camping and Caravan Site again? I’d have to say for someone travelling alone there are better value sites out there. However if there are two of you or you are perhaps looking for a seasonal pitch it would certainly be worth booking a few nights to see what you think.