Golden Grove in Essex

a real gem of a site. It is full of rustic charm and in the middle of peaceful Essex countryside. Its great value. Lovely walks for the dof. There are toilet facilities in the Club Huut as well as useful infomation of where to go locally. A clean and tidy site. A friencly welcome. Thanks for a relaxing stay. We will definitely return.

Formerly a Caravan Club 5CL site, Golden Grove became a 9-pitch site with effect from 1 May 2013 and is now a Camping & Caravanning Club Listed Site. This growth in size has not in any way spoiled its ambience, which is a haven of peace and quiet in a wholly rural setting (although allowance must be made for the occasional noises to be expected in any agricultural area – for example, the sound of a shotgun on a neighbouring farm). Indeed, it is my favourite of all the sites I have seen in East Anglia.

Pets are welcome (though, as at most sites, dogs must be kept on a lead when outside their caravan – including when walking on local footpaths – partly out of consideration for other people and their animals, and partly to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds).

The pitches are along the hedge and tree-lined north edge of a large meadow, and are thus well sheltered, but the wide southern aspect is open to the sun from daybreak to dusk. For TV addicts like myself, there is uninterrupted “line of sight” access to the Astra 28.2⁰E satellite but terrestrial reception may not always be as good.

There is a WC with wash basin and hot water, but no shower. There are 8 water points, 16A electric hookups for every pitch (but it is advisable to bring a 25m cable), and a chemical closet emptying point with its own rinse tap.

Nature lovers should like this location. Owls are very often heard, and may be seen; muntjac and other deer occasionally trot across the site; there are rabbits in their multitudes, and I have myself seen hares in the meadow, though I have yet to see a fox.

There is no shop in Great Saling, but Shalford Village Stores is only 3 miles away and there are supermarkets within 5 miles. The former village pub is due to re-open in July 2013, I believe as a restaurant. Information about local amenities and attractions is provided in the site "club house".

Visitors are assured of a very friendly and helpful welcome at Golden Grove.