Bell tents in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

This 380-square-mile (980-square-kilometre) chalk plateau on the borders of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire boasts undulating hillside, historic landmarks, steep valleys, and traditional villages, making it a favourite for outdoor adventurers. Bridleways, footpaths, cycle routes, and wheelchair-friendly trails cut their way across the region’s fields, reserves, and ridges, while working farms and secluded glampsites provide plenty of spots to sleep beneath the stars at any time of year.

97% (355)

Top-rated campgrounds

This 380-square-mile (980-square-kilometre) chalk plateau on the borders of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire boasts undulating hillside, historic landmarks, steep valleys, and traditional villages, making it a favourite for outdoor adventurers. Bridleways, footpaths, cycle routes, and wheelchair-friendly trails cut their way across the region’s fields, reserves, and ridges, while working farms and secluded glampsites provide plenty of spots to sleep beneath the stars at any time of year.

97% (355)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Charisworth Farm

97%

(99)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet

2. Teddy's Farm

99%

(154)

95 units · Tents, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.

3. Hollington Park Glamping

95%

(11)

6 units · Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

Pod and bell tent glamping in woodland on the edge of the North Wessex Downs

4. Secret Garden Glamping

1 unit · Glamping · Lymington, Hampshire, South East England

A tucked-away bell tent within walking distance of Lymington railway station, near the coast and the New Forest.

5. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%

(44)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand

6. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

7. Oxwick Farm

100%

(79)

14 units · Tents, Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England

Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.

8. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

9. Haddon Copse Farm

99%

(49)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs

10. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

11. Harry's Meadow

97%

(73)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Back-to-basics camping with campfires in a spacious wildflower meadow, set on a beautiful New Forest estate

12. Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%

(3)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!

13. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

14. Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

15. Liberty Farm Camping

100%

(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

16. Marshwood Farm Camping

100%

(53)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · Wiltshire, South West England

Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside

17. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

18. Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

19. Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

20. Knowle Meadow Camping

100%

(2)

4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Knowle Meadow Camping is a multi-award winning lavish camping and glamping site in a tree-enclosed meadow located in the heart of south Somerset, eight minutes from Ilminster. The site offers a small, intimate number of camping pitches as well as fantastic glamping options, including a Shepherd's Hut and Lotus Stargazer Belle tents. The site has a Scandinavian wood-fired barrel sauna available for all guests at set times, with a half-moon window showcasing the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There are hotel-style washrooms, with powerful rainfall showers. With ten generously sized pitches available for tents or small campervans, the site offers a memorable and intimate camping experience. The camping pitches are all individual, surrounded by wildflowers and long grass, creating a picturesque setting for all campers. There is also an all-weather barn with seating, and campers have access to a fridge freezer. The Yarrow Shepherd's Hut is a two person hut made locally in Merriott. It boasts a superbly comfortable double bed, warming log burner, mini kitchen, and private Scandinavian woodfired hot tub. Yarrow's private hedge-enclosed garden has a firepit with a grill and outside seating, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The site also offers two Lotus Stargazer Belle Tents (each sleeps up to two adults and two children), Bluebell and Foxglove, each with its own unique style. Both tents are six metres in diameter with skylight windows, providing uninterrupted views of the night sky. Each tent has a king-size bed and two single "camp" beds suitable for children. There are log burners, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Electricity is available too. There are a wealth of walks direct from the campsite to a number of local pubs and other attractions. Further down our lane is a cycle path which links to Ilminster, Chard and beyond. The Jurassic Coast (and Lyme Regis) can be reached within 25 minutes. Knowle Meadow Camping won gold for the New Tourism Business of the Year and silver for Campsite of the Year at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2024/25.

Camper favorites in and near Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Liberty Farm Camping

100%

(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

Marshwood Farm Camping

100%

(53)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · Wiltshire, South West England

Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside

Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Knowle Meadow Camping

100%

(2)

4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Knowle Meadow Camping is a multi-award winning lavish camping and glamping site in a tree-enclosed meadow located in the heart of south Somerset, eight minutes from Ilminster. The site offers a small, intimate number of camping pitches as well as fantastic glamping options, including a Shepherd's Hut and Lotus Stargazer Belle tents. The site has a Scandinavian wood-fired barrel sauna available for all guests at set times, with a half-moon window showcasing the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There are hotel-style washrooms, with powerful rainfall showers. With ten generously sized pitches available for tents or small campervans, the site offers a memorable and intimate camping experience. The camping pitches are all individual, surrounded by wildflowers and long grass, creating a picturesque setting for all campers. There is also an all-weather barn with seating, and campers have access to a fridge freezer. The Yarrow Shepherd's Hut is a two person hut made locally in Merriott. It boasts a superbly comfortable double bed, warming log burner, mini kitchen, and private Scandinavian woodfired hot tub. Yarrow's private hedge-enclosed garden has a firepit with a grill and outside seating, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The site also offers two Lotus Stargazer Belle Tents (each sleeps up to two adults and two children), Bluebell and Foxglove, each with its own unique style. Both tents are six metres in diameter with skylight windows, providing uninterrupted views of the night sky. Each tent has a king-size bed and two single "camp" beds suitable for children. There are log burners, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Electricity is available too. There are a wealth of walks direct from the campsite to a number of local pubs and other attractions. Further down our lane is a cycle path which links to Ilminster, Chard and beyond. The Jurassic Coast (and Lyme Regis) can be reached within 25 minutes. Knowle Meadow Camping won gold for the New Tourism Business of the Year and silver for Campsite of the Year at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2024/25.

Stories from the community

G

Gillian

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Oxwick Farm

A very warm welcome from Nigel at the site, with explanation of the site. We loved staying in one of the pre-pitched bell tents, so cosy and warm with very comfy beds! Warm shower and clean composting loo. Helpful little things like the - rechargeable lanterns for use and bottle lanterns when it got dark. A plus too, lots of kitchen ware and crockery.

A

Anup

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

We loved staying at tams land. The views are absolutely beautiful as is the sound of nature and wildlife. We stayed in the otter tent which was well equipped for a family of 3 and a dog! Tam is an excellent host, unfortunately due to traffic we arrived late than planned on Friday night however tam was understanding and accommodating anf helped us settle in quickly. On the Saturday night it was a complete wash out and tam offered to let us stay in another one of their lodges as it had a log burner - this was excellent, appreciated and well timed (we'd been on the beach all day and were completely soaked)! We would definitely recommend staying here! Thanks again Tam!

H

Hubert

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Charisworth Farm

I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay. The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨ Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!

L

Lucy

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Oxwick Farm

The glamping tents are cosy and spacious, the beds were incredibly comfortable and clean. The tents are well spaced out so there is privacy and peace. We had a BBQ and a firepit provided. Facilities were fabulous with a well-stocked kitchen and lovely hot shower. Excellent, friendly hosts. My teenage nieces and nephew loved it and well hopefully be back.

J

Jade

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Charisworth Farm

Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly. We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese. It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.

Nicole

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Oxwick Farm

We had a wonderful 2 nights stay in a Bell tent. The tent is well equipped and the shared kitchen is a very nice and comfortable area. Electrical devices can be charged here. Nigel was very friendly and helpful and we loved his dog. The house of the owners is a beautiful, old building and adds a special atmosphere! Can recommend staying here!

K

Kelvin

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Teddy's Farm

Teddy was an amazing host, and was so helpful on every occasion. I thouroughly enjoyed cooking the lamb sausages made at the farm. Well deserving of any campsite awards they earn.

B

Benjamin

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Teddy's Farm

Great spot. Teddy and Mrs Teddy (sorry!) were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Massive fields. Load of space. Good showers and toilets. 👍

A

Alice

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Oxwick Farm

We really enjoyed camping here, the tent was beautiful and the area felt private from the rest of the campsite. Nigel was a lovely host, made us feel welcome and had great knowledge of the local area.

S

Sonia

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Oxwick Farm

Rustic, peaceful vibes for a quiet break from life! Quirky amenities but by no means in adequate, the host, Nigel was extremely welcoming and friendly. Stayed in Sir Galahad bell tent, which had a large comfy bed and even though it was warm when arrived, once we had opened up the tent there was a lovely cool breeze and feeling at one with nature. We had a quiet and secluded plot with our bench table and BBQs available although we’d brought our own and cooked a lovely steak from the local butchers only a few miles away in the quaint town of Chipping Sodbury. Would Definately recommend for something different and peaceful. Thank you, we hope to return!

H

Hannah

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping and Camping near Bath

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Fox Talbot Glamping tent at Piccadilly campsite! Everywhere was spotlessly clean, we didn't have to queue to use any of the facilities and my children loved the play area. The tent itself was beautiful! Freshly cut flowers! The beds were comfortable and warm, the biscuits were delicious and I breathed a sigh of relief seeing a electric kettle for the tea and coffee (I hate boiling water on a camping stove) Thank you Rachel for a lovely stay!

R

Rebecca

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

The campsite is gorgeous, along the river in a little secluded valley surrounded by trees with countryside views. The kitchen is perfectly equipped and the hot shower is a great amenity. The beds are comfy and the tents are nicely furnished.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents in Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB guide

Where to go

Shaftesbury

Lined by steep, cobblestone streets and surrounded by rolling fields, this hilltop parish on the edge of Cranborne Chase is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. No-frills farmland, eco retreats, and fancy glampsites provide plenty of camping options, while hiking and biking routes through the AONB and Blackmore Vale offer adventurers an intimate glimpse of England’s famous West Country.

Warminster and Longleat

Home to the UK’s most famous safari park, this rural region to the north of Cranborne Chase is a great destination for Hipcampers with kids. Overnight options include campervan parks, glamping lodges, and back-to-basics campgrounds, while sights like the River Wylye, Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve, and Shearwater Lake are ideal for rambling, riding—and even sailing!

Salisbury

This historic city just east of Cranborne Chase is convenient for car-free Hipcampers, at just 90 minutes from London and 2 hours from Cardiff via train. Take advantage of the region’s caravan parks, traditional tent grounds, and exclusive glampsites to enjoy easy access to the cathedral city itself as well as the Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs AONB, Stonehenge, and New Forest National Park.

Fordingbridge

Nestled between Cranborne Chase and the New Forest, this riverside destination has something for every Hipcamper. Ancient archaeological sites, water parks, and archery centres provide plenty of thrilling daytrip options, while a network of riding routes and footpaths guide adventurers between the AONB and National Park. Outdoor accommodation includes pet-friendly touring parks, glamping huts, and traditional farmland campsites.

Wimborne

At the southerly tip of the Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs AONB, this market town and its scenic surrounds are home to holiday parks, back-to-basics campgrounds, and glamorous yurt sites, providing easy access to AONB attractions such as the Kingston Lacy Country Estate and iron-age Badbury Rings. Plus, the Dorset coast is just a 20-minute drive away, making it easy to tick off multiple landscapes in one visit.