The Riverfront York

5 stars

Lovely spot, easy to get the bus into York. We had a shady spot under the trees. It was our first time in a campervan but everything was easy and convenient.

Nice location

We booked to stay here for 2 nights having read the reviews and the fact that the site had just won an award locally. We were excited to arrive at the site, first impressions were good although there was no one to meet you when you arrive and talk you through things, you simply arrive, pitch up and that's it. The location is nice. The riverfront is quite pretty and busy at times. We pitched up and the pitches were well kept and nicely laid out with EHU and water. That's when things started to go a little wrong for us. The on site cafe and restaurant were very busy and share the toilet block for the campsite, albeit a different door on the side. However, because it is very busy, the toilet area was pretty grubby with toilet paper strewn all over the floor. The dedicated camping toilet block has a coded entry, but I forgot the code and just tried what I thought was right and it let me in. It was the wrong code though so I'm not sure how secure the entry is. In any case, we found that the door was left ajar most of the time. The laundry area was small with one sink and despite this being a recent upgrade, the paving slabs outside were broken and uneven. We got the feeling that the campsite area was a bit of an afterthought to support the restaurant, it felt a bit confused. Having said that, the site was nicely laid out and kept. Security was pretty much non-existent, although it does say there is CCTV in operation, the whole site is open to anyone walking through. The waste bin area was filthy, with the large bin overflowing and dozens of bottles left lying around the bin area, not very well kept at all. The worst part though was that on our first night, we were woken in the night by the most foul smell, it really made you feel sick, it was that strong and foul smelling. I checked online and did some research and found that this has been a problem since at least 2011, with a local councillor stating it was causing distress to residents but clearly nothing has been done. It appears to be coming from a sewerage treatment plant nearby. It was so bad that we decided we couldn't stay another night and left. All in all, The Riverfront, despite its award, was very very disappointing. Would we return? Not a chance, sorry.

Site's response

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience Alan. We’re glad to hear that you appreciated the layout of the pitches, the riverside location, and the general upkeep of the site. We also appreciate your honest feedback on the areas where things didn’t meet your expectations. The points you’ve raised about the shared facilities, cleanliness, and the overall feel of the site are noted and will be reviewed with the team. The issue with the smell is unfortunately something that has affected the wider area from time to time, and while it’s outside our direct control, we understand how unpleasant that must have been and why it influenced your decision to leave early. We’re always working to improve, and feedback like yours helps us better understand what’s working and what needs attention. While we’re sorry to hear you wouldn’t return, we do appreciate you giving us a try and sharing your thoughts so openly.

Amazing campsite...

Our 1st stay at this campsite and it’s fabulous, we are now looking to come back with the family.

Site's response

Thank you for your fabulous review Jayne. We are thrilled you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again very soon.