We spent the lead up to Christmas at Chatsworth in the Trouvaille Classique MWB - here’s how we got on...
We arrived at midday on Friday, and with no time to check into our campsite we headed straight to Chatsworth house carpark and to the House for a look at the grandest Christmas decorations we have ever seen!
Charlie was desperate to get to the playpark, so unfortunately, it was a short but sweet whistle-stop tour. After the zip-wire fun, we were all tired out, so we decided it was time to check in at the Chatsworth caravan and camping site.
Highly recommended campsite
We stayed here a couple of years ago and always recommend it to our try before you buy hire clients for its amazing location....we were excited to return and get the key to the gate!
Probably due to the windy forecast, we had a choice of pitches, and we wisely chose a sheltered one. We then cracked open our mince pies and clotted cream and made a cuppa to see us through before heading back out for the illuminations in the gardens.
A muddy bike ride
As the demo MWB Classique has a bike rack fitted, we were able to bring the boys' bikes, so they hopped on and raced to get through the secret door, where you get the key into the Chatsworth estate.
The cycle ride was muddy, but the boys were happy, especially when we came face to face with the deer in the park. It was an incredible sight to behold.
Incredible lights and a toasty night
We then went back to look at the incredible lights. They were truly spectacular, and the rain just about held off.
Luckily, we didn't have far to go to get back to the campsite after, and no sooner do you pop the gas propex heater on, and the camper is nice and toasty, especially with the external thermal blinds on both the front cab and pop top. We really wouldn't be without these extras on a winter trip away.
A windy day
The next day, with gales forecast, many people sleeping in a pop top may have opted for an early exit, but with our very own sturdy Orange Campers roof in place with stainless steel gas struts and extreme weatherproof canvas, we weren't worried!
We could weather the storm with the help of the thermal wrap for sure.
We started the day with another cycle ride, but a flat tyre soon put paid to that, so we ended up at the cafe eating a turkey roast. Yum!
Then, we walked a directed trail behind the estate, which was great fun despite the wind.
And once again, it's really not far back to the van; it's so handy!
Back within minutes for a Christmas film and a much-needed break for the grown-ups before cooking two different meals on the marvellous three-burner hob to suit fussy tastes.
We had a chilled-out colouring session on the dining table and then headed out for an evening walk to the Dev Arms for crisps and pop and a game of Uno.
Billy thrashed us all and then wondered at the constellations all the way home.
All in all, it was a busy two-night stay! No wonder the boy's heads hit the pillow in the pop top, and not a peep was to be heard. Despite the storm, we all slept like logs in our home-from-home beautiful camper.
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