New motorhome in The New Forest

Taking an inaugural trip to ensure that everything in her recently acquired vehicle is working as it should, editor Sarah opts for a stay at a campsite she knows well

- Sarah Wakely

We published our popular Top 100 Sites Guide in the previous issue, and as ever, it was great fun to put together. I always make sure to read the comments from our readers about why they choose to stay at a particular site; very often, it’s not the all-singing, all-dancing campsites that appeal most, but those offering that little something extra, that you can’t quite put your finger on. And when you discover a good campsite, many of you often comment on how you love to return there, too.

Which is one of the reasons that we decided to visit Setthorns Campsite in the New Forest for our inaugural trip away in the Autocruise. Not only is it just an hour’s drive from home - ideal in case something went wrong - but I’ve also stayed there numerous times; in fact, one of my first memories is playing at the site as a child, on a family caravanning holiday.

These days, Setthorns is part of the Forestry England Camping network (campinginthenewforest.com/campsites/setthorns), which has an excellent selection of sites around the UK, offering various levels of facilities.

Setthorns is a low-facility site (there are no washrooms or showers, so you must have your own chemical toilet), but it’s the perfect place to relax and get away from it all in the beauty of the New Forest, surrounded by nature.