Trail View Campsite Review For Families

Trail View is a small, friendly campsite nestled between Ashbourne and Buxton, overlooking the scenic Tissington Trail. It’s a great spot for families who love cycling, walking, and wide-open countryside. The site offers a mix of electric and non-electric pitches, including some hardstanding options for caravans and motorhomes.

Our Experience

We all had a fantastic stay. With so much to do locally (Tissington Trail, Ashbourne, Carsington Water), it’s a brilliant location for camping. On the actual site, the small playground and football goals kept them entertained, and the expansive grassy areas were perfect for running around and playing games. The clean, modern shower facilities were a big plus for us parents. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout our stay.

Pros

• Stunning views: You can see the Tissington Trail right from the campsite.
  
• Spacious pitches: Plenty of room for kids to play.
  
• Clean facilities: The shower and toilet blocks are well-maintained and very clean. It’s something we prioritise when camping.
  
• Friendly staff: Always ready to assist and extremely friendly.
  
• Affordable rates: Prices start from £15 per night for tents. We paid £25 a night, which included electricity. A bargain for a family of four.
  
• Play Facilities: We thought the play equipment and football goals were just ‘right’. Enough to keep the kids entertained, but it also challenged them to be creative and make friends.
  

Cons

• Noise levels: Despite requesting a quiet pitch, we were placed near the shop and facilities, leading to some late-night noise, especially on the first night.
  
• Trail access: Reaching the Tissington Trail requires crossing a busy A-road, which isn’t ideal for young children on bikes. There is a nearby footpath, but cycling is not permitted on it. Given that we arrived in our car, we put the bikes back on the bike rack and drove close to the trail. This prevented any issues and meant we could enjoy the trail without any traffic.

Play Facilities & Community Vibes

One of the standout features of Trail View Campsite is its child-friendly amenities, notably the small playground and the football goals set up in the expansive grassy area. These facilities are centrally located, making them easily accessible from all pitches, allowing children to play within sight while parents relax nearby.

Our daughter, Matilda, and son, Barney, were immediately drawn to these areas. The playground provided age-appropriate equipment that kept them engaged, while the open space with football goals became a hub for various activities, including gymnastics and bike riding. It was heartwarming to see them quickly make friends with other young campers, highlighting the sense of community that camping fosters.

This communal atmosphere is one of the aspects we cherish most about camping. In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities for children to engage in unstructured outdoor play and for families to connect with others are invaluable.

Trail View Campsite encapsulates this spirit, offering a safe and welcoming environment where kids can be kids, and parents can unwind knowing their children are nearby and entertained.

Pitch Allocation & Noise Considerations

When we booked our stay at Trail View Campsite, we specifically requested a quiet pitch, understanding that campsites can be lively, especially during bank holidays. Our main concern was ensuring our 4-year-old, Barney, could get a good night’s sleep. However, upon arrival, we were assigned Pitch 1, which is situated directly adjacent to the shop, toilet/shower block, and the main entrance road.

The proximity to these facilities meant that there was a constant flow of foot traffic and activity. On our first night, the shop remained open quite late, and there was noticeable noise well past midnight from the decking area directly in front of the shop. This made it challenging for Barney to settle down, and we all felt a bit groggy the next morning. Fortunately, the second night was quieter, with activities winding down by 10:30 pm, which we found acceptable.

We understand that the campsite was likely at full capacity due to the bank holiday, and it’s possible that our pitch assignment was an oversight. However, for families with young children or those sensitive to noise, it’s crucial to ensure that pitch requests are accommodated as closely as possible.

For future stays, we would recommend:

• Reiterating your request: When booking, emphasise the importance of a quiet pitch, especially if travelling with young children.
  
• Inquiring about specific pitch locations: Ask about the proximity of your assigned pitch to communal facilities.
  

Despite this hiccup, we genuinely enjoyed our time at Trail View Campsite and would consider returning, ensuring we secure a pitch that better suits our family’s needs.

Access to the Tissington Trail

The trail is visible from the campsite, but accessing it involves a short journey along the A515, which can be busy and fast-moving. For safety, we chose to drive to a nearby trail access point. The trail itself is a 13-mile traffic-free route stretching from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay, offering beautiful views and a gentle gradient suitable for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café on-site?

No, but the small shop stocks a variety of refreshments and essentials.

What was your favourite part?

The expansive space for the kids to play and the beautiful views of the trail.

Is it suitable for dog walkers?

Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on leads at all times.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £15 per night for tents and £20 for caravans/motorhomes, with additional charges for extra adults, children, and amenities.

Are there bike trails nearby?

Absolutely! The Tissington Trail is right next to the campsite, and you can also connect to the High Peak Trail for extended cycling adventures.

Is there suitable parking?

Yes, each pitch includes space for parking, and additional parking is available for a fee. 

Final Thoughts

Trail View Campsite is a fantastic base for families looking to explore the Tissington Trail and the surrounding Peak District. While there were a couple of minor drawbacks, our overall experience was extremely positive, and we would definitely consider returning. The staff are friendly, the campsite is beautifully maintained, and the play facilities for the kids are just right. We’d just make sure we got a pitch in a quiet area so we could enjoy everything the campsite has to offer without the drawbacks. For more information or to book a stay, visit their official website.

Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by Ryan