Capel Battery Reviews

Peaceful location

Great location next to the Battle of Britain Memorial. Clear instructions on how to find, enter and leave the site. There is electric hookup both on hardstandin and grass. On the grass area we found that a very long cable was needed. It would be great if an elsan point could be installed. Bus stop outside the site for regular buses into Folkestone and Dover. We enjoyed the Spitfires flying overhead during the day and noted how well located the site is for channel crossings. If you are self contained unit and interested in WW2 history this is a great place to stay.

Excellent site in the making, ideal for people crossing the channel

As per description. Martin was on the ball and instructions were clear and self explanatory, will certainly use again. Can't fault the site. As described, is in its early stages and can only improve, but there is no where you can give a seven or ten star rating. Highly recommend, totally secure and although unmanned, has security cameras.

Unusual and quiet, perfect for a short stay if you have your own toilet

Availability of information, such as how to open the gate if on foot leaving the site would have been useful in advance. Martin was helpful by phone and messaging but other people staying didn't seem to have his number. Think it depended who you booked with. Hardstanding for electric hook-ups was flat, but couldn't have pegged an awning if wanted to. Drinking water stand pipe easily available unless someone parks in front! Positive points are beautiful views, quiet and being able to arrive and leave at any time - useful for pre or post Channel stopover and fine for one or 2 nights. Negative points are a lack of toilets or showers of any kind of waste disposal. No general bins, recycling or black grey water. No one to greet you. I wouldn't have felt happy about the safety of young children running around unsupervised, but the site was very interesting. Local pub 'Valiant Sailor' was closed for refurbishment, so we had to get a cab to find food. £8.50 into Folkestone. There are buses but not very frequent in the evening. There appeared to be a couple of takeaway places within walking distance, but we didn't try them as we didn't want food going cold before we got it back. Café at the war memorial was lovely and very reasonable. We would visit again, especially if the pub reopens!

Good site, good people

A good, clean basic site. Water and electric hook up provided.

Motorhome campsite

Enjoyed for a quick stop off. The bus stop was outside of the campsite.

Totally unique site

We stayed on the site for the evening prior to taking a ferry to France early next day. What an incredible site, which was part of the strategic coastal defences during WW2. Work is ongoing and it will be interesting to revisit to see the progress. You have to be self-reliant, as there are no toilets or shower facilities onsite and the local pub was closed. Nevertheless we enjoyed our short stay and would definitely book again. One suggestion would be to have a sign on the green gates for visitors to identify Capel Battery as we had to ask at the Battle of Britain Visitors Centre where the camp site was.

Site's response

Thank you for feedback. There is now a sign on the gate. The local pub 'The Valiant Sailor' has re-opened.

Unusual overnight stay

This is an unusual stopover as on a World War II gun battery site. The site is still very much under development so I would say it is fine for a stopover night for the tunnel. The Battle of Britain memorial is just a short walk away and there is a nice cafe there too. The pub referred to when booking is closed but the Royal Oak pub is just over 2 miles to cycle up the other end of the village and on cycle path. I would stay again but I think a little over priced at £25, just based on another site we normally stay at which is closer to tunnel and also has a shower and washing up facilities. Very quiet and peaceful as we were the only van there and saw lots of wildlife, rabbits and a foxes.

Not disappointed

This is a lovely place to stop if you love history, they are all working so hard to improve the site and definitely would love to go back and see their hard work pay off. It's definitely no frills, but they are honest about this when you book. All electrics are brand new, so had no concerns. Coffee in the morning at the memorial site on the balcony was a real treat.

Peaceful

Very quiet and full of character. Basic yes, but we were quite prepared for this. Just a couple of minutes drive from Folkestone.

Relaxed and quiet

Perfect stopover for a night or two. Very relaxed and has great access to the North Downs Way. The history of the site is very interesting and look forward to visiting again to see the progress.

Excellent location

The site is a work in progress. WW2 gun battery next door to the royal airforce memorial. The site is not for small children or anyone not so good on their pins. The history is amazing with loads of information about the site online and on boards around the site. There are no frills, just water and power. Very quiet with fabulous views with Spitfires flying overhead. All the money raised from the overnight stay goes back in to the site development. Martin, the owner, is very friendly and a font of knowledge. There is a small museum on site as well. If you are interested in this type of thing, it is worth a visit.

Excellent hospitality

Warm welcome upon arrival. We knew there was no facilities apart from water and electric hook up. The view of France and the proximity to the Battle of Britain Memorial was excellent. The pub is a five minute walk with good food. The site is full of WW2 history it's not your average campsite. Motorhomes only at the moment with 5 pitches. It was perfect for that something different. We will definitely go back.