Gilert Atlantis 5 Tent Review

What can I say about the Gilert Atlantis 5 (2011)tent.
I bought this tent from Ebay after seeing one on display at my local camping shop.
Pitching it turned out to be a pain - the poles are fine but the sheaths on the tent are far too long, this results in taking ages to pitch and getting caught up in the poles as they come apart in the process.  Dismantling it also brings the same problems.
The tent never really stood up straight, I don't know whether that's because the pitch sloped slightly or the fact it was second hand, but it never felt it was up right.
The carpet it came with was a nice colour, but felt thin and flimsy and was slightly too small for the living area.  It also moved a lot and we had to use Velcro dots to stop this from happening.  
There are no side windows, but there are front ones, unfortunately those Velcro dots came in very handy when he curtains did not fit properly.
The tent could also do with a tighter cover for the back window as I felt a draft coming though most of the time.
Ventilation was also a problem as there wasn't much of it.
The bedrooms were separated by a flimsy curtain, so we disposed of this and used the room as one big bedroom - much better and spacious.
Its blue - a major bugbear with me as I'm not partial to the colour in a tent, also waking up in the morning is a little earlier as they is no protection for the sun first thing, a darker section is needed overhead or you should wear eye shades.
On a plus side there is loads of room and plenty of head room.  Its sleeps 5 but would be more suited to 3 or 4, you would have to be very close friends to get 5 in that bedroom!
Leakage was not a major problem, however we did find one leak in the groundsheet when we were packing away - probably due to buying a second hand tent.  We still cant find what must be a tiny hole, but we know its there somewhere.  I think you probably get what you pay for and this was a cheap option and it showed in the workmanship.
Good wind resistance, but I cant see it lasting in really strong winds, there's no bracing system like other makes available.
Overall a nice but cheap tent, but if you can afford something a little more I would go for the alternative options to give you a longer lasting and sturdier tent and I'd not choose blue. 
Not a very warm tent either and needs two people to erect and dismantle.
On a plus side it didn't fall down and we are currently re-using the carpet for the bedroom in our new tent.
I wouldn't buy one again - especially from Ebay but I hear the 2012 model is a bit better.
Alternatives include the Vango Icarus 500 and the HiGear 5.  

Review - Newpark Holiday Park Gower

Newpark Holiday Park
Port Eynon, Gower, Swansea, Glamorgan, SA3 1NP
Date of Visit:
Pitch:	7	The site was tiered, so the pitch was flat and well drained. Most pegs went in first time, but there were more than a few stones, so bring rock pegs just in case. Site also a little exposed so the wind will catch you.
Customer service:	2	Arrived early evening to a busy site. After visiting reception, where we were handed our toilet roll and a list of rules, we pitched our tent. Were told the guy would be down to check our pitch (once he had finished his tea behind the reception desk) but he never materialised.
Facilities:	3	Facilities at a bare minimum, no clubhouse or pool and a poor shop.
Cleanliness:	4	Toilets and showers in the top block were clean, however did need updating, the hand drier never worked. Went into the lower block only once and the lights didn't work and wasn't so clean. Shower tokens were needed and were 20p each. Most felt the tokens never lasted long enough, but I found the time was ok. Also if you do need to put in another token, its outside the door - difficult when your in the nude!
Views:	7	A good view of the coast. The beach is nice, but a fair trek to get to on foot.
Tranquillity:	0	They need to police the site and enforce their quiet policy. The drunken partying near us made noise long into the night and there were numerous arguments and fights nearby. This is supposed to be a family site but I would not feel safe taking my family here again. The owner did come around in the morning to tell off the noisy ones, but unfortunately also tried to tell us off as she thought we were with them – we soon put her straight and we did not receive any apologies for the mistake or the noise. It would have been better if she had sorted out the hooligans in the evening when it all started.
Value for money:	0	Were booked in by other members of the party, so I didn't choose the site. Was more than a little surprised to find out it was £24 a night for a tent (included electric hook up we didn't need, and were not offered any refund).
Overall:	2	Wont be coming back. Disappointed at this site.

Review - Bank Farm, Gower.

Bank Farm
Horton, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1LL
Date of Visit: July 2011
Pitch:	8	Pitches were excellent with no stones and relatively flat. The site was fully booked so we were on field 12!
Customer service:	7	Friendly welcome, which included an escort to the pitch by following a golf cart.
Facilities:	8	Being in field 12 we had a five minute walk to the facilities.  They could do with another toilet block further up the campsite. Toilets were nice and clean, as were the showers and washing up area. Lots of hot water for the latter, but showers became cold after 5pm. The kids in our party loved the pool and play area. It kept them occupied for hours. Good on site clubhouse with good reasonably priced food. Shop was well stocked and was reasonably priced. Opening hours were displayed clearly (unlike many others).
Cleanliness:	8	Toilets and facilities clean as was the campsite.
Views:	9	Stunning views overlooking the beaches. Beautiful. Bit of a trek to the beach - better take the car.
Tranquillity:	8	Busy but as the site is so large you couldn't notice. Also nice and quiet at night as the sound hardly travelled.
Value for money:	7	Not the cheapest but you pay extra for the location. Didn’t have the EHU so cant comment on the value.
Overall:	7.5	Good family sire with lots of room to run about and fab views.

Review - Woodlands Caravan Park Devils Bridge

Woodlands Caravan Park
Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW
Date of Visit: August 2011
Pitch:	7	Pitches (mostly level, but some on a slope) were on a first come first served basis, which would have been fine if the field was clearly marked out, but it was a bit of a free for all and you had to decide for yourself where to pitch and park the car.  Several spots had just been vacated, resulting in patches of dead grass and mud.  We decided on a level patch not too near the trees. Our only concern was the above average rainfall for a bank holiday resulting in a boggy field, which could have done with better drainage. The track in and out of the field resulted in a foot of mud and could have been a bit treacherous to navigate in a smaller car.
Customer service:	6	The staff are friendly and helpful and check in is a breeze. We were not shown to our pitch, but were given a map and directions.  Confusing on our first visit but luckily we remembered the way.
Facilities:	7	Toilets and showers are at the far end of the field housed in a portakabin style unit. No extra charges for showers and plenty of hot water. There is a café and shop on site, unfortunately we didn't use either. Lots of space for children to run around and swings and things everywhere for them to play on.  Lots of walks around the site and the gardens have some fascinating an beautiful sculptures of animals dotted around the site.
Cleanliness:	7	Showers and the toilets are kept clean throughout the day, but needs more attention at busier times.
Views:	7	Nice views of the surrounding countryside and if you like sheep you are in luck as there are loads in the surrounding fields.
Tranquillity:	8	The site is quieter than most and the surroundings lovely. Quiet most nights after 10 to 11pm.
Value for money:	9	Having visited other sites I can say this one is exceptional value for money.
Overall:	7.5	A return visit for us this year, as last year it was our first camping trip and this year having visited other sites in Wales, we now had something to compare it to this time. The site remained the same, ideal as a base for sightseeing the north west of Wales. Facilities remained good, clean showers and washing facilities and as usual the sheep to keep us company (but not too loud)! Would love to visit again - perhaps without the rain and we are doing so very soon.

Review - Watersmeet Farm Caravan & Camping Site

Watersmeet Farm Caravan & Camping Site
Turnpike Road, Lower Weare, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2JQ
Date of Visit: April 2012
Pitch:	9	The site was easy to find and is access by a large gate, this made us feel very secure at night and we left our tent knowing it would be safe in the daytime. The pitch was very flat and well drained, as such the tent was easy to pitch and had loads of space in which to do so.
Customer service:	10	Booking was easy and emails returned very quickly. The owner was very helpful and made us feel very welcome, letting us pitch at leisure and checking up on us later to make sure we were OK and to answer any questions.
Facilities:	7	Toilets were always clean and fully functional, as was the disposal point and clean water facilities. Unfortunately there is no washing up facility but thats not a problem for us. There is a new shower room at the site, which is one of the best I have seen, just like being at home with lots of space and a proper screen and big enough so you have place to dry without getting your clothes wet. There are a few pubs locally within 5 minutes walk, and a garage just a minute away for any necessities and of course petrol, but we opted to enjoy Weston Super Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, which are only a small drive away.
Cleanliness:	8	Clean facilities and clean site.
Views:	9	Set in the farm, which has sheep, a few cows and horses in the nearby paddock, with a lovely view of the surrounding Mendip Hills.
Tranquillity:	9	Very peaceful and quiet.
Value for money:	9	We booked a tent pitch with EHU, at the bargain price on £12 per night.
Overall:	8.5	Overall we were very pleased with this campsite and would recommend it to anyone looking for a base to explore the county and enjoy the delights of the country. We shall be returning as soon as we can.

Review - Pont Kemys Caravan Park

Pont Kemys Caravan Park
Chainbridge, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 9DS
Date of Visit: June 2012
Pitch:	10	Pitch was excellent. Nice clean grass and very large, it was like having our own field. Stone free and when it rained it was well drained. Plenty of space for both tents in our party. Lovely site - the only downside was the pitch we had was surrounded by the roadway which gave the feeling that we were camped on a roundabout. But there was a hedge surrounding it on one side which helped alleviate this and the river was close by.
Customer service:	8	Owners were very helpful and we were shown to our pitch immediately.  Check in was a breeze. The owner brought over a picnic table for our exclusive use.
Facilities:	9	Toilets and facilities were very clean, with loads of free hot showers and just the right distance away from the pitch. Only having to queue once at 'rush hour' for the showers. Washing facilities were excellent and there’s the use of a microwave for 20p. There's a small field suitable for kids to play on, but apart from two goalposts there's not much else for them. There is a TV lounge, which could do with updating but was adequate for the kids when bored. There's also an adult only area and another camp field, without EHU which looked picturesque but I’m not sure how noisy it is after 11pm. There is also a dog walk on the furthest area of the site. The small on site shop was fairly well stocked and reasonably priced and sold most things including ice cream.
Cleanliness:	9	Very clean camp site and facilities.
Views:	6	Not much of the surrounding area but the river makes up for it.
Tranquillity:	7	Very peaceful most of the time and our pitch had the background relaxing sound of the nearby river, which runs along the site. The owners golf buggy got a little annoying especially as he started it up at early at 8am and used it continually throughout the day and evenings. Perhaps he should invest in an electric one which would be quieter.
Value for money:	9	Excellent.  Location was also great for exploring the area.
Overall:	9	Would visit again but would ask for the bottom field and forgo the ECU for the lovely location or have a riverside pitch. Would definitely visit again, one of the most enjoyable sites I have stayed on.

Review - Pencelli Castle

Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park
Pencelli, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7LX
Date of Visit: May 2012.
Pitch:	9	Pitches were all flat and generous. We were given a choice of pitches and just told to let the owners know where we had set up. Each pitch is clearly marked and bordered by flowerbeds and bushes and numbered.
Customer service:	9	Owners were helpful and polite and the inclusion of the information room was genius - we found this very helpful and helped us plan our days out as well as being full of local information on the area and its surrounding wildlife.
Facilities:	10	Shop is handy on site for those forgotten items such as milk and is reasonably priced. Toilet and other facilities have won awards and its clear to see why. Some of the cleanest I have ever seen. Washing room, laundry room and the drying room all available to use. With only the laundry costing a little extra. Loads of space to walk around and the canal only a few yards away. Duck pond was pleasant to view the ducklings.
Cleanliness:	10	Facilities were excellent, clean and tidy at all times. Washing room, laundry room and the drying room all pleasant to use.
Views:	8	Lovely views of the fields and mountains, entertaining ducks and ducklings come wandering around the site. Sheep opposite are also fun to watch when they are being fed.
Tranquillity:	9	Lovely quiet site and a quiet policy which is kept to. Also on a clear night good for stargazing.
Value for money:	8	A bit on the expensive side but well worth it for the peace and quiet. 1 tent, 2 adults and EHU came in at £23 per night.
Overall:	9	Would highly recommend and hopefully will be visiting again soon.

Review - Blossom Touring & Camping Park

Blossom touring and camping park
Tredilion Llantilo, Pertholey, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8BG
Date of Visit: 01/05/12
Pitch:	4	Each pitch is bordered by trees, which was nice, but the site seemed more suited for caravans and motor homes and the tents were just allocated a small row at the bottom of the field. Unless you wanted an EHU in which case the pitch was only just big enough for our tent and was half sharp gravel and not really suited to a tent pitch.  It was also in the caravan and motor home section.  Because of this it felt cramped and claustrophobic as the other units were too close.
Customer service:	9	Owner was very pleasant and helpful.  Nothing was too much trouble.
Facilities:	7	Toilets were clean and tidy, but can not comment on the showers as I didn't use them, although I did overhear someone say they were lukewarm. EHU was metered - so the whole weekend only cost 80p!! No onsite shop, but local stores has pretty much everything as Abergavenny is only 5 minutes away.
Cleanliness:	9	Very clean site and the facilities were spotless.
Views:	5	Not much to look at – unless you love trees.
Tranquillity:	6	Visit spoiled somewhat by the arrival of the Bongo owners club, who seemed oblivious to the 11pm quiet rule. However this was quickly sorted by the owner when several people complained. Much appreciated.
Value for money:	7	Cheap and clean, but not much to do on site and hardly any views.  EHU the cheapest I've ever paid for.
Overall:	6	Would recommend to caravan and motor home owners, unfortunately though not to tents.

Campsite review scoring

I've decided to use a scoring system for the campsites I will be reviewing:


It will be marks out of 10 for:

Pitch - whether its grass or gravel, sloping, if its get boggy etc.

Views - when you look out of your tent - is it worth looking at whilst you sip your tea?

Tranquility - The higher the score the quieter it is.

Facilities - to include whats on site, ie shop, toilets, showers etc.

Cleanliness - higher the score the better. 

Value for money - do you get what you pay for?

Customer service - faced with a smile or a frown!! Higher = better.

Overall -Average marks out of 10.  (Although I may change this to reflect my own opinions.)

Bear in mid that these are just my opinions and what you look for in a camp site may be totally different to what I look for, which is basically somewhere quiet in the night, a nice view and a safe and secure pitch.