CSMA HOLIDAY ACCOMODATION

WHITEMEAD FOREST PARK

 

 

　

The CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association) leisure retreat at Whitemead in the forest of Dean was the destination for our family weekend break. There were five adults in our party and we had hired a six berth, self catering deluxe log cabin for our three night stay (Friday to Monday). It was out of season so we had taken a bit of a risk with the weather, but for early November it was dry and sunny, albeit a little chilly.

 

The drive from our Essex home took just over five hours with a stop on the way for lunch, the distance travelled was just over 200 miles. On arrival we picked up the keys to our cabin from Reception and armed with a map of the camp, we went in search of our home for the next three days.

The cabin was situated close to a small pond, around which, over the weekend, we would see various wildlife. We had a parking space by the side of the cabin, so not too far to carry our bags and the essentials that we had brought with us, no need to bring bedding, towels or cooking utensils as all of these were provided. Externally, the cabin didn’t look very big but once inside it was deceptively so. There was an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner, which also served as the third bedroom with the pull down sofa bed. The master bedroom had its own en-suite shower, a double bed and its own TV. The second bedroom had twin beds and there was a separate bathroom. Off of the lounge was a good sized wooden decked veranda with table and chairs.

 

Having unpacked, I went for a walk around the camp to get my bearings and explore all that there was on offer. The facilities included a heated indoor swimming pool (just as well for November), two hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room and gym. There was a restaurant and bar as well as a showroom (The Venue) where live shows were regularly held. There was a mini-market where one could purchase all the things you might need, or had forgotten, and also toilet and shower blocks which were supplied for the use of those staying in mobile homes and caravans. I went back to the cabin just long enough to pick up my swimming trunks and towel then I was off again to sample the pool, sauna and steam room. After a most enjoyable time unwinding in the pool, I returned to the cabin for dinner and a relaxing night in front of the TV.

 

I was up early the next morning, had my breakfast and made my way to the swimming pool before the rest of my party had arisen. It was a little too early as it happened, as I was left standing outside the pool waiting for it to open,  the life guard was late for work and no one was allowed in the pool until he arrived. I spent about an hour in the pool then went to the reception to pick up some leaflets on the area. Back at the cabin we all looked through the leaflets and decided to head towards Tintern Abbey as it was one of the few attractions in the area that appeared to be open this time of year.

 

Whitemead, and the forest of Dean, is very close to the Welsh border, and Tintern Abbey even closer. We arrived in the area just before lunch time and we viewed the Abbey from the outside but did not venture inside as there appeared to be very little to see as it is mostly a ruin, albeit a beautiful one. This morning was very cold and there had been a sprinkling of snow first thing, so having walked around Tintern for a while, and starting to feel a little cold, we decided to retire to the Abbey Hotel for lunch. After lunch we headed into Wales and drove around a little, stopping for a while in Monmouth and heading towards Abergavenny before heading back to Whitemead and the warmth of our cabin for tea. After Tea we went to “The Venue” and watched the live band “BrumBeat” performing some old classic numbers, they were very good and it was a most enjoyable evening.

 

Next morning and it was an early breakfast and swim again for me, this time I managed to persuade my wife and sister-in-law to come with me. After our swim we made a few purchases from the mini-mart before heading off for the day in the direction of Ross-On-Wye and then Malvern. We had Sunday lunch at the “Nags Head” just outside Malvern, the food was very good and the place had a great atmosphere with shelves full of curios, it was obviously a popular place to eat as it was packed out and we had to wait for a table. After lunch and it was a slow, sightseeing drive back to Whitemead where my wife and I enjoyed a walk around the camp and surrounding area before tea, then it was drinks in the bar before bedtime.

 

Our final morning at Whitemead, but before we left, I had one last swim in the pool. To break up the journey home and to get the most out of our short break, we decided to drive to Bourton-On-The-Water where we had tea and cakes and also visited the CSMA Motor Museum (it is attached to the CSMA holiday cottages). After a most enjoyable stop off in Bourton, we continued on our way home, stopping once more at the South Mims service station for another break from driving.

 

All in all a great weekend away, the weather could have been better, but that was our fault for deciding to go away in November, but all things considered we were reasonably lucky, with the worst of the snow holding off until we had got home. From this, my first experience of a CSMA holiday retreat, I would highly recommend them, I certainly enjoyed myself as did the rest of my party.