Say the name out loud and most people smile or raise an eyebrow. Then they find out it is a well-regarded holiday village on the edge of the New Forest, with woodland lodges, pools, ponies wandering past and a handful of alpacas.
If you are weighing up a family break, a dog-friendly weekend or a Christmas away from the kitchen, sandy balls deserves a proper look. This guide covers where it is, where you can stay, what is on site, and how to get the most from a visit. I have also included the questions people ask most before booking, so you can decide with confidence.
What Is Sandy Balls?
Sandy Balls is a holiday village in Godshill, near Fordingbridge in Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest National Park. The postcode is SP6 2JZ. It is now run by Away Resorts and is listed with Visit England’s Quality in Tourism scheme as a holiday park offering camping and caravanning.
It is a village in the real sense. You can stay in a lodge, a caravan, a camping pod or on a touring pitch, then walk to the shop, the cafe and the pools without getting back in the car.
Where does the name come from?
The site’s own brochure says the name dates back to the reign of Henry VII. Locals have used it for a long time, and it has stuck through every change of ownership since.
Where is sandy balls located?
It sits roughly 12 miles from Salisbury and about 14 miles from Paultons Family Theme Park, the home of Peppa Pig World. Bournemouth Airport is the nearest airport. Southampton Airport is around a 36-minute drive.
Accommodation at Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Choice is the main strength here. Reviews and listings mention woodland lodges, caravans, camping pods and touring pitches, so the budgets and group sizes vary a lot.
Lodges and holiday homes
Lodges are the usual pick for families. Typical listings show two-bedroom homes sleeping up to seven, with extras such as a hot tub on some units. If you are travelling with grandparents or friends, a larger lodge is much easier than booking two rooms.
Camping pods and touring pitches
If you want to be outdoors without a full tent set-up, pods are a sensible middle ground. Touring pitches suit people who already own a caravan or motorhome. Pitch rules, hook-up details and seasonal availability change, so check them before booking.
Pet-friendly stays
Dogs are welcome in selected accommodation, which makes sandy balls popular with owners who hate leaving the dog at home. The New Forest is excellent walking country, and the open forest is right on the doorstep. Always confirm pet policies and any extra fee when you book, because only certain lodges allow animals.
What Is There to Do On Site?
You could stay inside the gates for a week and not get bored. Facilities listed by the park and by travel sites include:
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- A gym and a jacuzzi
- Adventure play areas and a soft play zone
- An arcade
- Restaurants, a Starbucks coffee shop and a village store
- A spa
Meet the alpacas
One reviewer from the Express & Star crossed “walk an alpaca” off a bucket list during a stay. It costs a small charge and is a great activity for children, and for adults who will not admit they want a go.
Where to eat
The Forest Table cafe and restaurant gets a thumbs-up from guests who value comfort over fancy. If you are self-catering, there is a shop on site, but a big supermarket shop beforehand will save money.
Seasonal events
The village runs themed events through the year. Away Resorts promotes a “31 Days of Halloween” programme in October and a Winterfest at Christmas. Dates and prices change each year, so check the current programme.
Days Out Near Sandy Balls
Leaving the site is half the point of a New Forest holiday.
In the forest
New Forest ponies roam freely all year, and deer are often seen at dusk and dawn. Cycling is the easiest way to see the forest, with plenty of trails of different lengths. Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Lymington are all within easy reach by car.
For families with energetic kids
Paultons Park is a manageable drive, as is Marwell Zoo. Visit England’s listing also points to the Ringwood Brewery for adults who fancy a tour.
For something quieter
Fordingbridge is about five minutes away by car and has a relaxed, small-town feel. Salisbury Cathedral is a good half-day trip when the weather turns.
Tips Before You Book
I would not book anything without going through this short list first.
- Choose your dates early. School holidays, Halloween and Christmas fill up quickly.
- Compare booking routes. Prices on the official site and on third-party travel sites can differ, so check both.
- Check what is included. Some listings state that only the accommodation is in the price, so activities, pool access and pet fees may cost extra. Confirm before paying.
- Pack for changing weather. The forest is lovely in rain if you have boots and waterproofs.
- Bring a bike or plan to hire one. It is the best way to see the forest.
- Verify current facilities. Opening hours, pool times and spa access can change by season.
Is Sandy Balls Worth It?
For most families, yes, provided you want a comfortable base with plenty to do on site. It is not a luxury hotel and does not pretend to be. Reviews tend to praise the location, the choice of accommodation and the range of activities. It will not suit anyone after total silence or fine dining every night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sandy balls?
Sandy balls is a holiday village in Godshill, near Fordingbridge in Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest National Park. It offers lodges, caravans, camping pods and touring pitches, with pools, play areas and a restaurant on site.
Is sandy balls dog friendly?
Yes, selected accommodation accepts dogs. Not every lodge allows pets, so confirm the policy and any fee when booking.
Does sandy balls have a swimming pool?
Yes. Travel listings mention both indoor and outdoor pools, plus a gym and jacuzzi. Opening times vary by season, so check before you go.
How far is sandy balls from the New Forest?
It sits right on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Travel listings put the national park within a few minutes’ walk.
What time is check-in and check-out?
One travel listing gives check-in after 4pm and check-out before 10am. Times can differ by accommodation type, so confirm them in your booking.
Final Thoughts
Sandy balls works because it makes a family break easy. You get the open forest, a good choice of places to stay and enough on site to fill a rainy afternoon. If it sounds like your kind of trip, pick your dates, compare the booking options and decide which lodge suits your group. Reserve early, because the best dates go first.