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Went to Merley Court after an email was send to me offering three nights for the price of two (£48. 00) for the beginning of the Easter week 14th - 17th April, I decided to book as we were rallying in the area for Easter.
It did mean that I would have to tow there and beginning new to towing I asked when booking that if I couldn't get the van onto the pitch would there be someone to help! I was assured that the wardens would there to help.
Well I couldn't get the van onto the pitch so I thought I would unhitch and push it on with some help from the tent opposite but we couldn't do it! so my son went to reception and asked if we could have help from the wardens, a few minutes later a golf buggy appeared with two gentlemen on it, I explained that I was having difficulty getting the van onto the pitch, one of them replied 'Why didn't you just reverse it on' I explained that I am new to towing and that I thought I could push the van on the other one replied ' Well if you took your handbrake off you might have better luck!' I had put the brake on while we waited them to come over!
I don't think I would visit again! The site was very empty in front of my van a large group of kids started playing football by car and caravan both got hit. No damage was done lucky but I didn't like having to tell the kids to go away as I was down there on my own hubby was joining me for the Easter Rally!
We ordered a take way pizza on our last night it took 50mins and as I mentioned earlier the site was very quiet it wasn't bad value £8.95 for 12' and it was very nice when it finally arrived
I have just returned from a four day stay at merley court. we will definitely be returning. the grounds were beautiful and shower and toilet areas spotless, there was a pub just around the corner that was dog and child friendly. The reception staff were friendly, we had a few problems with our caravan which left us with no lights we asked the warden Rod if he had any ideas and he spent a long time and did everything within his power to help its a shame other places we have visited don't have wardens like him. He came round in the morning to check that we were ok. Excellent service booking again after I have written this review ten out ten from us x
This was our first ever time caravanning. On arriving at Merley Court we were welcomed by polite young girl in reception (which is at the back of the shop)who explained that we could use the facilities at their sister park Oakdene. Merley court grounds were well kept loved looking out the window to watch the squirrels running around. The barriers in and out of the camp are registration recognisable. The showers were nice and clean and water hot. We didn't use the club as we had the dog with us but found some nice pubs in Wimbourne in particular The Cricketers Arms good home made food.
Merley Court was very quiet and as it was so early in the year the outdoor swimming pool wasn't open but the area around it looked lovely and clean. Would definitely come back
Just back from a 4 day break at this nicely laid out park. Reception/shop and bar staff were all friendly and helpful. Nice refurbished club which at the rear opens out to overlook small outdoor pools. Children's play area was a bit basic and was near the entrance to the park which wasn't ideal. You can use the facilities at Oakdene park which is a sister park to Merley Court, they have a nice indoor pool/gym/steam room/sauna and is about 7 miles away along A31. Shower and toilet blocks were always clean though shower cubicle were a bit small. Overall nice park nice stay and about average prices for the area
A large, very nice well laid out site with a big grocery area that also stocks caravan and camping parts, while the staff in reception were friendly and helpful. The toilet block was clean, warm and airy, with plenty of hot water for the sinks and showers. Dumpsters are around the site for recycling/ordinary rubbish. Dogs are welcome on leads and only a couple of miles away towards Broadstone is a very big heath with lots of dog walking. I will certainly come back again.
The site is within easy drive of Poole with its quay and waterfront pubs/restaurants. Brownsea Island is reached by ferry but be warned, if not a NT member there's a further £6. 40 to get off the boat.
Bournemouth has good beaches, and the lovely Compton Acres gardens, with Weymouth and Portland Bill about 1 1/4 hours away, as is the New Forest. Broadstone is a small village with a nice shopping centre, and a Wetherspoons for a nice meal.
Set in 15 acres of breathtaking countryside,right next door to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, this site offers stunning views of the Chesil Bank, Fleet Lagoon, and Lyme Bay. Welcoming tents, motorhomes and caravans, this family friendly site offers spacious grass pitches with or without electric. For kids there's an outdoor heated swimming pool, 3 acre playing area including slides, swings and more.
Facilities include toilets, showers, washing up, launderette, and WifI. There is an onsite shop and off-licence. The Bar in the Barn at the site serves a delicious food and offers a variety of entertainment, including live music. As well as the attractions of Weymouth's beach and harbour, this is a great base to explore family attractions throughout South and West Dorset. Find out more here
Good location just off the A31 roundabout so very good for trips out and about (Kingston Lacy is a *must*).
Mostly caravans/motorhomes with some tents. On the plus side this does mean that there is less queuing for the loos and showers!
Somewhat regimented site (laid out in rows) with marked pitches. Pitches were a good size with plenty of space for our 6m tent and car. (Pitches numbered 82-127 are even bigger if you have a large awning on your van - you can request a particular pitch when you book. )
If you want electricity in your tent then you'll be put in amongst the caravans. Not a problem, they're usually a friendly bunch
Toilet blocks (x3) very clean. Only let down by missing hooks on the wall or hooks hanging off. I know it's late in the season but really that is not an excuse - any campsite pulling in over £4, 000 each and every day ought to be able to fix these as and when they occur. The site workers are however very good - report a fault (e. G. Bulbs blown) and they'll fix it very quickly (and cheerily!).
Showers hot all day, and free which is a big plus.
Being picky I would say the toilet blocks are starting to look tired (aforementioned missing hooks, no shower curtains, scaled-over shower heads, grubby pipework / window woodwork) and could do with a facelift, but I've seen a lot worse (for which I've paid a lot more!).
We went late in the season - if you went in July/August I would imagine there would be a lot of children there, so bear this in mind if you dislike children.
Swimming pool was closed due to no lifeguard (thinks: what's wrong with parents watching over their children instead of expecting someone else to do it?!) - it's probably only open during July/August.
On-site shop has all the basics, and has a bar room (Freeview tv - no Sky) although we didn't use it.
Some background noise from traffic on the A31 during the night but not intrusive. Early flights from Bournemouth leave at 06:30 and 06:40 which will probably wake you up!
Cancellation insurance is very expensive (and added automatically) - minimum £17. 50 ! - but they'll cancel it if you ask when you book by phone.
Overall a very nice site: good location, good facilities, good price (in low season)
Having grown up with parents who were avid Caravanners we made a decision to purchase a used Caravan in June 2012 a Swift Challenger 550 (2005). While trying to decide on tow car and unit combinations we struck on the idea of storing the Caravan on site for the first year and looked around for locations. After a good search we decided upon Merley as it ticked many boxes.
Good points:
Very friendly staff, they helped us every step of the way when we had our van towed from Oxford Caravans to site and made sure everything went smoothly. On each visit we have had excellent service.
After the first initial weekend after delivery we have stayed with our family on several occasions and each time it has been enjoyable. The tow in/out service is £10 in total and we have found it very easy to plan and book a weekend away and arrive on a Friday night to find the Caravan already on the pitch waiting for us.
We have used the toilets and shower blocks on many occasions and have found them clean and the showers a good temperature. The shop is good but a little expensive but there are plenty of other alternatives in Poole etc.
In terms of location we find Merley ideal as shops such as LIDL, Tesco, and Sainsbury are within driving distance. There are excellent restaurants around the area and we found no problems in finding something suitable to eat. We have enjoyable days at Sandbanks, Bransome Chime, Boscome and other beaches in the area.
Having visited Dorset over many years it is very loved by the family and we plan to visit many of Dorset's gems such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast on future visits.
Very good site overall when you weigh up all the factors such as location, nearby shops, restaurants and lovely beaches within 10 mile radius.
Bad Points:
We found that on a couple of Saturday nights there was a lot of noise after 11pm coming from a nearby Club. The level of noise was unfair on people on site especially those with young children. We are reasonable people and enjoy music but after 11pm it needs to be a reasonable level.
Could be more facilities on site but we have access to Oakdene and have already used the swimming pool there although it can be a fair drive in traffic.
Traffic getting to site can be fun and we were held up several times on the M3/M27 and A31 but that is not the sites fault just the popularity of the area.
One of our friends stayed at our Caravan recently and found that the nearest bus stop was quite tricky to walk to and she had to cross a busy road with her daughter to get there. In the end she booked a taxi each day for £20 to ferry her around Poole, Bournemouth etc
We have just returned from a week camping at Merley Court and were pleased with our stay. Earlier reviews comment on problems with hot water; we had none. The toilet blocks were clean and never really full even though we were there at peak season. Washing up areas also very clean and plenty of hot water.
Although our pitch was flat and in reasonable condition, it was rather tight. We do have a rather large and akward shaped tent with 3'pods' + a porch, but most other tents were squeezed in too. We didn't have much space for cooking and playing in.
There were lots of families and our children found friends to play with in the playground where there was an open air table tennis court. The playground equipment was mainly directed at the under 7's. Noise curfew was 11pm and was mostly adhered to. I did make a complaint about a nearby pitch one morning after a very noisy late night drinking game with loud offensive language. Although nothing was done during the evening, the wardens obviously not listening out around the park, we had no further problems and the noisy pitch was very quiet thereafter.
Tennis courts were available with a deposit paid at the shop. The outdoor pool was well cared for and the lifeguards were very friendly and did a good job. We enjoyed some lovely sunny weather and the pool was kept at a reasonable temperature.
The bar was a little pricey, especially if you drink beer rather than lager on tap. We did spend some time in there without mking a purchase to watch the Olympic coverage and this was not a problem. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
The shop was stocked in the usual way and again was quite pricey, but then they usually are! There are plenty of supermarkets in the area and we were able to keep ourselves stocked up on our way home from days out.
It is well worth being a member of the National Trust if you are visiting the Poole area, some lovely beaches on Studland bay with expensive parking but free for NT members. (Access via chain ferry at Sandbanks for £3. 50 is quickest but beware long queue on sunny days. ) Also, NT sites include Brownsea Island in Poole harbour and Kingston Lacey.
All in all I think we would revisit this site. The staff were friendly and the site was just the right size. Fully serviced pitches, clean amenities and reasonable price.
Just returned from Merley Court after a very wet half-term/ Jubilee break. We had mixed feelings about this site.
First the good points:
We received a warm welcome. The security barrier system is good - recognising your car registration.
Our pitch(a fully serviced one)was a good size and level but with no privacy hedging. Other pitches varied considerably in size and were rather cramped, although it was busy due to the Jubilee weekend.
There were three shower blocks with ample showers and basin facilities. These were on the whole clean although did suffer a bit due to the appalling weather and some inconsiderate people who just can't seem to wipe a mop around after themselves. Our main gripe was that the water was never hot, warm it was and verging on hot and not very powerful either. However, the showers were free.
The location of this site is very good, close to Poole and Bournemouth and other attractions.
Outdoor pool looked good but did not use due to the weather.
Now the bad points:
The main one was that the clubhouse and games room were shut for refurbishment, although when looking through the windows there has clearly been no work undertaken! and a notice states it is due to be finished by July 14th. Not only that when booking it was not mentioned to us that this facility would not be open. We were told on site that we could use the facilities at Oakdene (a sister site)'down the road'. Well even on a good day it is not just 'the road', and with the roadworks on the A31 it would have taken a good 45 minutes at least!
The one time we wanted to use the shop to make a hot cuppa after getting drenched and out of milk - they had no milk and no chocolate bars either! Other than that shop looked ok we were just unlucky I guess - they clearly hadn't ordered enough to cover the bank holiday weekend.
Overall the site when we visited seemed predominately full of very large family groups, occupying several adjacent pitches. This may have been because of the Jubilee weekend. However, guests didn't seem as friendly to others as we have experienced on other sites. In particular, we left a night early due to gale force winds, after having tried to rescue our neighbours awning while they were out. We had returned ourselves to find it in that state but many others including wardens must have just merrily gone past ignoring their predicament.
Our neighbours were grateful and left early too. Upon driving out we then saw several other tents and awnings being ripped up by the strong winds while their owners were not there and not one person was doing anything to assist!
Merley Court is a large site, which has enjoyed an excellent reputation. However, it has probably seen better days. Overall quite well cared for, but there was maintenance required. As it was early in the season, the showers in the toilet block nearest to our pitch were closed, although the toilets were open.
The next nearest block was fully open, although the hot water wasn't hot! Only just warm. The games room was closed for refurbishment, and the swimming pool also. The shop had a reasonable choice of goods, with the usual milk, bread, and papers available. The service was quick and friendly.
We were lucky to be sited on a very private pitch, with hedges enclosing us on 3 sides, but a long way for me (slightly disabled) to empty the toilet, and to collect fresh water.
There were several vans parked close together, near to Reception, all with families, and they seemed to be on seasonal pitches. This was the noisiest part of the site, which was otherwise
Quite quiet, with only a few children around
Next to the site was a camping and caravanning accessory store, which was not very busy during our stay.
There is access to a cycle route within a mile, and the town of Wimborne Minster, is about a 2 mile walk. The Minster is well worth visiting There is also a huge market at the bottom of Oakley Hill, with lots of stalls, and a car boot sale which seemed to be a permanent feature.
The nearest bus stop on Oakley Hill is about a 15 minute walk. Buses can be caught from here to Poole, Wimborne, and further afield.
We enjoyed our stay at Merley Court, but probably won't return. We hope the site is soon returned to its full potential.
Set in 15 acres of breathtaking countryside,right next door to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, this site offers stunning views of the Chesil Bank, Fleet Lagoon, and Lyme Bay. Welcoming tents, motorhomes and caravans, this family friendly site offers spacious grass pitches with or without electric. For kids there's an outdoor heated swimming pool, 3 acre playing area including slides, swings and more.
Facilities include toilets, showers, washing up, launderette, and WifI. There is an onsite shop and off-licence. The Bar in the Barn at the site serves a delicious food and offers a variety of entertainment, including live music. As well as the attractions of Weymouth's beach and harbour, this is a great base to explore family attractions throughout South and West Dorset. Find out more here
Well we arrived on the Friday night at 18:30 and we were greeted with a cheery welcome from the warden. The park was clean & tidy and looks like it is 'managed with pride'.
There were some problems with hot water, but there were enough other wash/wash-up areas around the park but this was being attended to as the evening moved on.
The only slight, & I mean slight, niggle was the low, background noise from the traffic on the A31, it was just 'always there' This would not put us off and we will definitely pay a return visit
I just got back from Merley Court, excellent site with friendly staff and well stocked shop. The Clubhouse & Playroom were closed for refurbishment which was disappointing. Also one toilet & showers block was closed which giving the time of year was understandable. As I do not have child cannot comment on play areas but did see a football area and outside pool! As this was a Camping and Caravanning club rally cannot also comment on prices. However the pitchs were well laid out and the toilets and showers were very clean. Yes, I would go back but unlikely too in high season.
Not really the type of site I would normally stay at as I tend to prefer smaller sites. This is a large site but the facilities were very good and immaculately clean.
Shop was well stocked considering it was out of season and the staff were friendly and helpful.
It is only a 5 min walk to get to the Castleman Trailway which was good for exercising the dogs. There is a pub about 10-15 minute walk away.
Due to the size I'm not sure I would want to stay here in peak season, but would certainly stay again at this time of year.
WE stayed here for 2 nights in November. The pitches are plenty big enough, with gravel to put the awning on(very helpful on wet weekends) The toilets were spotless, and I mean SPOTLESS, with the excellent added bonus of 3 separate shower rooms in each shower block(proper shower/loo/sink) ingenious idea if you have kids. Very friendly place, Barrier entry system with number plate recognition. Well stocked shop. As it was out of season it was very quiet and peaceful, everything you need and will definitely go again
This was our fourth visit to this site, and we would return again. Main reasons
1. Location off the roundabout on the A31 at Wimbourne/Poole - no messy lanes to access
2. Large pitches
3. Good Facilities, even the strange idea of a combo shower, toilet and handbasin area.
4. Bar on site, without the OTT entertainment and late night revellers
5. Heated out door pool with life guard.
It is the ideal site for us caravanners who don't now need the Haven style site for the kids, but are not ready for the Caravan club.
My negatives are;
The showers were only cleaned once a day which is fine in low season, however in peak season hourly checks should be made from 0700 to 2300.
The food in the bar was off poor quality, we had Burgers and they were cash + carry. As this is not a high volume site I would expect a higher quality. Not necessarily home made, but farm shop burgers.
They have a nice woodland walk/trail. With 2 dogs graves with head stones, I have always felt this could be developed. Instead it is being closed off by the new development.
Come on Merley Court clean it up and made it a nature trail and explain the dog graves and old foundations!
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Common Questions
Is Merley Court Holiday Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Merley Court Holiday Park have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Merley Court Holiday Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
No Tents 
No Caravans 
No Motorhomes 
No Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
Holiday Homes for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
No Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
No Toilets 
No Showers 
No Washing Up Area 
Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
Laundry On Site 
No Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
No Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar On Site 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <1 mile 
No Wild Swimming 
Indoor Pool <5 miles 
Outdoor Pool On Site 
Horse Riding <1 mile 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
Golf <1 mile 
Tennis <1 mile 
Beach <10 miles 
Watersports <5 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring <10 miles 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
No Dog Walk 
Went to Merley Court after an email was send to me offering three nights for the price of two (£48. 00) for the beginning of the Easter week 14th - 17th April, I decided to book as we were rallying in the area for Easter. 
