Joe, Molly and the lane
now featuring Eevee and Brucie!
The ongoing blog of caravanner, holidayist and dog-lover
Jock E Wheel !
31. Oct, 2022
Swiss Farm , Henley review
So we have been here before so we already knew it!
And it is easy for us, only less than an hour's drive. This is a very smart site, incredibly easy to find and in a smashing area. The site has everything including a lovely massive dog walk with views over Henley.
We were a bit late, was just getting dark, and the reception was closed. No matter! We had received all our instructions via email and had our car number logged for automated entry, and our pitch number, with directions.
Wow! This place was packed when we arrived on the Tuesday evening, and we found our pitch very easily, which was large, spacious and fully serviced.
No problem hitching, towing or unhitching this time, and we soon swivelled the caravan into place with the motor-mover and in half an hour we were having our first beer. Our only issues were water and TV, none of which we could achieve, the pump problem striking again and a cable purchased the next morning from the helpful ladies in the shop next morning sorted that (the site is in a big valley so there is a coaxial cable extension fitting available for that purpose).
So the great thing about the situation is a very easy .7 mile walk into the centre of Henley.
There is a well stocked shop in reception which includes parts as well as the basic foods. Next door is the 'Cafe/Pub' which serves breakfasts, take-away coffee and freshly baked Croissants and Vienosserie etc. This place is well run and very clean, it has a nice lounge bar (no dogs, unfortunately), The cafe/restaurant part extends into a bright conservatory, dogs ok here, with special nights (Friday; Fish and Chips, Saturday; Grill Night)-Fish and Chips were freshly cooked and excellent, reasonable and with terrific service.
The facilities are great and clean with two massive toilet blocks, recycling, dog-wash and lots of other useful extras. It is quiet, well laid out, and with our hard-standing pitch, not too muddy. What a bonus with the weather in late October, we were able to have our day and then end the day sitting in the sun!
There are lots of woodland and river walks nearby and easy driving into the country, Wallingford, Marlow and Maidenhead, a lot of which with drives through lovely woodlands.
It's next door to Henley Rugby Club, we never went, but apparently they are very welcoming. Most places are also dog friendly.
The pubs in Henley?
The Bull in Bell Street; Great service, lovely free-ranging pub, expensive and a frugal steak Ciabatta. Lovely Brakspears Gravity bitter.
Angel on the Bridge; Lovely in the sunny river garden, great service and value, massive Steak baguette & Fries and lovely Brakspears Gravity bitter.
The Three Tuns; Super traditional tavern on High Street; Superb service and food (Thatchers Gold and Mussels/Frites), good value and friendly little bar and dining room.
The Fox and Hounds, Christmas Common; Bustling and traditional Chilterns Pub, great menu, lovely atmosphere (Sunday roast and Haddock and chips)...and of course superb Brakspears Gravity bitter!
SWISS FARM Site; Very recommendable.
Review...from possible 10
Ease to find ...10
Site ...09
Services ...09
Internet ...10
Toilets/Showers ...10
On site bar/Ent ...08
Pitches ...09
People ...08
Cost ...08. Total ...81%
Total ...£157.00 (Five days)