Belated pics from my latest trip to Birchwood Tourist Park in Dorset.
It was hot, way to hot for me and the dog in fact, and the Campingaz TE 28 thermo-electric cooler struggled to cope in the heat.
We went there over the weekend before the schools broke up, thinking it would be nice and quiet.
All was well until they decided to put two large family units right next to me, despite plenty of other EHU pitches being free! They were there to join their parents who were in a motor home near by.
They did come over and asked if I was bothered by the rowdiness etc... I did ask for the music to be turned down, and they did. And they offered me some of their goodies a couple of times, which was nice of them.
However, I had to put up with a bunch of noisy children and their parents for 3 days out of my 6-night trip!
It was my 4th trip there, and I chose to camp out of season after my not so pleasant experience there during the Diamond Jubilee weekend last year when it was packed.
Not impressed with the management, especially when there were plenty of other EHU pitches free around the site. The unit a few pitches away from me as seen in the pics below went to complain when the two family units arrived and pitched between us, as they too were looking forward to some peace and quiet like I was.
I shall let my sentiments known when I book my trip for next year.
Anyway, here are a few pics from the trip.
Tent set up without the windbreak as we needed the breeze to cool us down even in the shade of the tarp! It was so hot inside the tent I decided to keep the cool box outside instead as it was cooler.
The unit a few pitches away from me, without the two family units between us, and there were plenty of bunnies around the site.
Another view of the site from my pitch.
Another view of the site.
It was so hot that the dog and I went for a drive nearly every day in the car in order to cool down! We went to Sandbanks a few evenings after our BBQ dinner, and he loved Sandbanks!
We also spent some lovely times in Wareham Forest in the evening when it was cooler.
Birchwood remains my favourite site. When it is quiet, it is very lovely and peaceful, and dog-friendly. Can't wait to return next year.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Glad you had a nice time DK We love Dorset even though we have been there a number of times, were always finding new places to see. As always your set up looks perfect Your dog is one lucky animal, being taken on doggy heaven holidays so much. Thanks for sharing. Geoff
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Borda loves to chase the bunnies. However, he has learnt that when he is tethered, he can't. Therefore, he would sit quiet and watch them from afar.
I choose camping as my main form of holidays nowadays because I can take him with me. Shame that the cat can't come with us, and I do feel a bit guilty for leaving her behind in a cattery.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Lovely pics, thanks for sharing. Looks like your dog had a great time. Sorry to hear that noisy families spoilt half of your holiday.
We have just come home early from a trip for a similar reason. We are a family of four but my kids are young and are ready for bed by 8pm at the latest. The large family group that arrived had their children playing out until well after midnight whilst the adults were talking loudly and drinking!
Quote: Originally posted by purplebean on 28/7/2013
Lovely pictures. Anywhere you recommend we should go this summer, we are staying at Corfe Castle which can't be too far from where you were
Definitely the beach at Sandbanks, and the lovely Wareham Forest.
These two are sufficient to keep me and the dog entertained, however, neither of us are as active as your son!
I drove past the tank museum and saw a tank in action, and believe it is worth a trip.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
We are not as active as our son either he is aware of the tank museum and has been going through a WWII phase lately, although he appears to be Roman again this weekend. We are planning on parking at Studland and taking the chain ferry over to sandbanks.
Great pics, and nice little set up you have there. Shame the management couldn't appreciate you were after a quiet break and spread the guests out a little bit!
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Wareham Forest is tiny compared to the big ones like New Forest or Thetford Forest etc., however, it is big enough to have its own cycle track called the Sika Trail, and plenty of walks too.
However, please be forewarned that sign-posting is not great, therefore, make sure you bring a map of the forest and bring a compass with you.
chelsea girl,
Don't worry, I'll make my sentiments known to the management.
They know me too well after 4 trips there!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
We have just booked to stay at Birchwood in July - we were going to go to Wareham Forest just up the road, where we have stayed before....but Ive just saved myself £103.00 by booking here ! So very chuffed with myself.
Not stayed at Birchwood before, but it sounds like it should be good from the reviews :-)
I have booked my trip for next year already, the same week as in the week after the half term holiday.
I did not like Sandbanks last year as it had a beach polo tournament and the place was packed. However, there was nothing on last week, and the beaches were deserted! Hence the decision to camp there in early June (or Sept after the critters and ankle biters have gone back home) from now on.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Birchwood Jul 2013
Your dog is one lucky animal, being taken on doggy heaven holidays so much. Thanks for sharing. Geoff
he is aware of the tank museum and has been going through a WWII phase lately, although he appears to be Roman again this weekend. We are planning on parking at Studland and taking the chain ferry over to sandbanks.
