The Old Vicarage at Elkesley is a relaxed riverside campsite just off the A1, offering spacious pitches beside the River Poulter. Families can enjoy a zip wire, river swing, tubing and outdoor games, along with a unique onsite cave bar. Ideally located for local attractions including Sundown Adventureland, it's perfect for fun-filled countryside camping escapes.

Why choose The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite

Onsite activities include a zipwire, river tubing and a river swing

The River Poulter runs through the site with views from your pitch

Set in the grounds of a 17th century house with an onsite cave bar

About the site

This is a spacious riverside campsite set within the grounds of a historic property in a small village just off the A1, around 15 minutes from Worksop and under an hour from Nottingham. Pitches are spread throughout the grounds, which lead down to the banks of the River Poulter, surrounded by mature trees, open green spaces, and an ornamental bridge often used for weddings and events. Families can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities onsite, including stepping stones across the river, paddling in the shallow water during summer months, a rope swing, zip wire and outdoor play areas with climbing equipment and games. The relaxed setting makes it ideal for traditional camping, group stays and countryside getaways. All pitches are grass, with electric and non-electric options available in a range of sizes. For guests seeking extra comfort, a furnished log cabin sleeping six with its own ensuite facilities is also available onsite. The unique Cave Bar opens during the May and August Bank Holiday weekends, adding something special to peak-season stays.

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite is open from 02/04 to 29/09. Stay from £28/night for 2 people (2-night minimum).

Site map

What facilities are at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Electric hookups

Fires allowed

Fishing

Freezer

(In communal area)

Fridge

(Allocated in communal area)

Kids playground

Near pub

Open year round

TV room

Wash up area

Watersports

Site facilities include a washing-up area and basic bathrooms with showers, toilets and baby changing facilities. There's also an accessible toilet and a fridge/freezer. The site can also supply firewood, fire pits and BBQs for a fee. Please note that if making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased onsite.

There are a selection of outdoor play amenities for kids including a rope swing across the river, a zipwire, and if you bring an inner tube, you can take a river ride. There's also a games room, open from the end of April until the end of September and free WiFi is provided.

Guests have access to a cave bar (open only during May and August bank holidays) that includes an area selling snacks and junior fishing rods and nets for the river, a bar with a relaxing chill-out room and a TV in reception, available on request, plus rustic outdoor seating.

There are 52 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

30 x Non Electric Grass Pitches

Max 8 people

Grass pitches without electric, suitable for tents only.

16 x Electric Grass Pitches

Max 8 people

Grass pitches with 10 amp electric hook up, suitable for tents only.

Other accommodation

5 x Electric Grass Pitches (Certificated Location)

Max 6 people

Grass pitches with electric, available only to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Suitable for caravans.

Log Cabin

Max 6 people

A cosy cabin with a double bed and sleeping on a mezzanine level too with double futon. It includes a living room (with double sofa/futon) and bathroom.

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite reviews

4.14 /5

35 reviews

80%

would recommend

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Camping (35)Glamping (0)Motorhome or Campervan (0)Caravan (0)

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Family with young children (14)Family with older children (13+) (2)Solo (2)Couple (2)Group (15)

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Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Amazing site

Recommends site

Anne F

Medium Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesSep 2025

Lovely little river with lots of swings for the kids to play with. Only thing was the breaker kept going off on the shower so the hot water was very unreliable. But otherwise the facilities were super clean despite muddy kids. Would visit again.

Site's response

Hi Anne, thank you so much for your comments. We hope to see you again and its lovely to see the children playing in the river and having such fun.

Amazing

Recommends site

Spencer G

Large Tent - Electric Grass PitchesSep 2025

We loved it (4 adults and 3 children). Perfect site, kids loved the river and swings zip lines etc. will definitely be returning in the new season. 5 star. It was nice the cave bar being open and being able to get a beer.

Love the river

Recommends site

Louise M

Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesMay 2025

Really nice site, the river is fantastic. my kids and dogs loved it. Would definitely visit again. Toilets and showers were fine, weren't spotless but when loads of kids have been swimming in a river, that's to be expected. Perfect place for a mini get away. The river is perfect, not particularly deep so perfect for all ages. Wish I'd taken a rubber ring or dinghy as my teenage son would've enjoyed it even more. Loads of swings and zip lines and other play areas. Only criticism would be the cost to hire a fire pit with wood. £25 that included a bag of scrap wood, not logs. More like a bag of kindling. I could've bought a decent fire pit for that price. So make sure you take one, or buy one! Washing up area was inside a hut, much better than being outdoors. Overall, a fab stay with plenty to do.

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Need to know

Frequently asked questions about The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite

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Site rules

What time is check-in/out at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite?

Check-in at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite is from 2pm-6pm and you must vacate your pitch before noon on your final day.

Is The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite dog friendly?

Up to two dogs are welcome to join you per pitch at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite, provided they are kept on a lead at all times whilst onsite. They also must not be a breed/crossbreed listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (e.g Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

Are BBQs and campfires allowed at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite?

Raised BBQs are welcome at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite, with protection underneath so as not to damage the grass. Dispoable BBQ's are not permitted. Open campfires are not permitted.

Pitches

Can I view a map of The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite?

Yes, a layout of The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite can be viewed here.

Does The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite allow awnings, gazebos or pup tents?

Yes, all are permitted at The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite, for a small charge.

What's nearby

How far is The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite from the A1?

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite is located just off the A1 so please note there may be some road noise.

A note from the site themselves...

The Old Vicarage is set in former monastic land, most of which belonged to Welbeck Abbey. To this day, the Abbey's secrets are still being revealed, its subterranean passages having even been used to store the nation's art treasures during the Second World War.

It is a place to switch off, enjoy nature and spend quality time outdoors. With plenty of space to relax, riverside surroundings and activities for all ages, we've created a campsite where families and friends can make lasting memories in a laid-back countryside setting.

The Old Vicarage at Elkesley Campsite is ideal for...

Couples

Older children (13+)

Young children

Things to do on site and in the Retford area

There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor fun, with open green areas perfect for games and relaxing by the river. Guests can enjoy stepping stones across the shallow River Poulter, a rope swing and a bridge ideal for playing Pooh-sticks.

Children under ten can make the most of the zip wire, while the trampoline and climbing frames add to the family-friendly atmosphere.

The river is a popular spot for light-hearted activities such as duck races, lilo racing, tubing and even a casual game of volleyball.

In the surrounding area, you'll find animal parks, nature reserves and woodland trails to explore, including Sherwood Forest.

Other nearby attractions include: