Looking for some tailored advice. I'm looking for a campsite in Dorset for a folding camper for myself, daughter in law and two young children (2 & 4). We would like to be close enough to the sea to walk (so not too far for little legs) but don't want lots of club/on site facilities. So a quiet site would be nice. I'm getting very bogged down in the 'big' sites, which offer too much for us.
Anyone got any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
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Have a look at Seadown at Charmouth. No club or play park, or arcade etc, but it is a short level walk through the park down to the beach which has a cafe and visitor centre.
We've never done it but I'm pretty sure you can go on a fossil hunt at Charmouth beach which may (or may not!) interest your 4yr old.
There is another site in that area with direct beach access but it's name escapes me. However, I think it would be too "commercialised" and won't fit what you're looking for anyway!
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Unfortunately sites within easy walking distance to the beach are few and far between and those that are, usually charge a premium or are the holiday centre type such as at West Bay and Littlesea.
Swanage is a nice place and has a lovely sandy and safe beach for kids. The nearest campsites are all good but are about two miles away. Likewise Weymouth with sites about 4 miles away. I would choose either of those for children if you can use public transport to get to the seafront from the nearest campsites. Both towns have a good bus service.
Seadown at Charmouth is probably best within walking distance although I believe the beach there is shingle and the sea gets deep quickly and is not too safe for small children. Further along the coast is Golden Cap which is pretty well on the beach but again the beach is shingle and the sea is dangerous for kiddies.
Durdle Door holiday Park is nice but does have a small clubhouse. It is situated on the clifftop above Durdle Door with quite a steep walk down to the beach.
I camp in Dorset regularly but can't think of any other sites with easy access to a beach suitable for young children. There used to be a lovely site in Swanage town but they stopped taking tourers and tents so I now camp out at either Norden Farm at Corfe Castle or Tom's Field and Shop Campsite at Langton Matravers which is 3 miles from Swanage seafront but with an excellent bus service from right outside both campsites. There is a steam train running from Norden or Corfe to Swanage which the kids would love but it all costs money.
Ulwell Village campsite just outside Swanage is a nice site about two miles from the seafront with a good bus service. It has a shop, bar and swimming pool but is not a big commercial site although it is a bit pricey.
Check out Ewelease Farm Osmington, nr Waymouth. It has its own shingle Beach. We have been going since our boy was 3 or 4 and he thinks it is truly amazing! Got to get used to compost toilets though.
Remember the OP has an F/C, though, which will probably rule out Eweleaze Farm, the nearby Rosewall and Swanage Bijou Camping (which, like Eweleaze, has a very limited opening season).
I'd go with Bob61's suggestions above (Tom's Field or Norden Farm) and either drive into Swanage or take the bus or train.
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Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 08/2/2017
Remember the OP has an F/C, though, which will probably rule out Eweleaze Farm, the nearby Rosewall and Swanage Bijou Camping (which, like Eweleaze, has a very limited opening season).
I'd go with Bob61's suggestions above (Tom's Field or Norden Farm) and either drive into Swanage or take the bus or train.
We were camped up next to a folding camper in the Beach Field last summer at Ewelease Farm. and very comfortable he looked too.
Hasksaw Bob I've just had a look at Swanage Bijou Camping, it looks very civilised. Ive not heard of it before. The family love Swanage and a campfire so I think we will have to give it a go this summer. :)
Not stayed there, but it is very conveniently located for the town and beach. Only "snag" I can see is having to leave your van on the carpark away from the tent field.
...oh, and those noisy steam whistles!
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Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 08/2/2017
Not stayed there, but it is very conveniently located for the town and beach. Only "snag" I can see is having to leave your van on the carpark away from the tent field.
...oh, and those noisy steam whistles!
I was almost thinking of going there myself until I noticed there is no EHU - lol.
I am always a little hesitant about campsites that allow fires close to the tents because it only takes one small spark to put a hole in the roof of a very expensive polyester tent as I once discovered when somebody put wood on a BBQ close to mine!
However, it sounds perfect for anyone who likes that style of camping.
Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 08/2/2017
Not stayed there, but it is very conveniently located for the town and beach. Only "snag" I can see is having to leave your van on the carpark away from the tent field.
...oh, and those noisy steam whistles!
I only get to camp in the vans in the winter and spring, they're out earning the rest of the time. Me and the family are in the bell tent over the summer, so a car free field would suit us fine...add in the noisy steam whistles and I could pretend I'm back at a festival!
And yes, campfires are a bit of a marmite thing. Good thing we have a lot of choice.
I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all for your replies and suggestions. I have looked at each and every one and done a short list for my daughter-in-law as I can't decide between three!!
Seadown looks wonderful and so close to the sea would be brilliant. Woodyhyde is next to a steam train line - perfect for my 4 year old train spotter. Toms Field has dark skies, which would make my holiday.
Hi Hacksaw (if that's not too familiar)!
Looks lovely but not open during our ideal dates - I did forget to put in the OP that we are planning on w/c 15 May to avoid school holidays (just granny, DIL and the kids).
I love that people are so helpful and take the time to help each other - restores my faith in the Internet!
Although hubby and I are planning a two week break in Northumbria in July (no kids required) if you have any suggestions...
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: Looking for a Dorset campsite
