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California In England Holiday Camp

A Memory of Wokingham.

I have fond memories of holidays at California in England from the early sixties. I spend my holidays there with my parents over four years from 1963 to 1966. It was a great holiday and as a young boy there was a lot to do. The glass floored ballroom was amazing ,made, it is rumoured, from glass that came from the old Crystal Palace in London.

There was swimming in the lake, boating, fishing, games and competitions. It was a bit like Hi-de-Hi really but more organised.

Sadly the main building was destroyed by fire in 1976 and nothing of the original camp remains. However, it is still a holiday resort as California Country Park so the name lives on.

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Added 24 August 2011

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Comments & Feedback

I remember going to Little California pre 1960. I recall there was a little railway. The train waited at a station with a cover. I got on the train and my dad paid. I then went on a journey near some woods, and then returned. I sadly don't remember much else.

By Nick Beard on Wed Sep 10th 2014, at 4:30 pm

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My uncle Jack Carter was resident bandleader with his band Jack Carter and his Californian's during the 50s 😃 Thought it was a magical place when we were taken on a family day out circa 1956/7

By Lynne Griffiths on Thu Apr 27th 2017, at 7:19 pm

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I was a waitress at the California in the early 60’s. It was a lovely place to work, always something going on. I remember doing a young girls hair for the beauty competition and she won! I met my first husband there, he was the photographer. Sadly our marriage didn’t last. Such wonderful memories of a great summer.

By caz44 on Mon Jun 11th 2018, at 8:04 pm

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You probably served me when I was there as a boy. I also remember the photographer who must be your first husband. It was a great place and very friendly. I think of it every time I watch Hi-De-Hi!

By Peter Jaques on Wed Jun 13th 2018, at 8:06 am

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I grew up in the California area, in the late 1970s, and can remember the derelict main building. Even though by then it was just mobile homes, the lake and the walks, it was still a nice place to go for an afternoon.

By paulwren01 on Fri Nov 9th 2018, at 7:55 am

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I used to visit California in England. My Auntie used to live in a Bungalow called ‘Radford’ 139 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead. I remember the speedway. There was a ballroom there I believe. I was fifteen at the time. I used to love to visit when I stayed with my Auntie. I loved those days, they were the best. Hoping to visit again soon.

By Catherine Stubbington on Fri Oct 3rd 2025, at 10:07 am

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Is Cresswells garage still there?

By Catherine Stubbington on Sun Oct 19th 2025, at 11:16 am

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Is Cresswells garage still in Finchampstead?

By Catherine Stubbington on Fri Nov 14th 2025, at 10:58 am

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