Tiny houses 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.

65% (20)

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.

65% (20)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cowleaze Farm

83%

(6)

1 unit · Glamping · Faringdon, England

A unique glamping pod with a hot tub and views of the Uffington White Horse

2. North End Farm

94%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

North End Farm is situated in the spectacular Dorset countryside, yet only a couple of miles from the Jurassic Coast, beaches, pubs, restaurants. Wonderful walks are available on and beyond the farm. The Pavilion is a great place to rest and strike out from. The beach is 1.5 miles away. It is on a network of footpaths in the middle of it's own organic farmland. Bridport and Lyme Regis offer plenty of art and culture and are reknown for food, River Cottage and the Jurassic Coast. There is nothing better than being warm and cosy around the wood burner looking out at the great views. The Pavilion is good for couples, solo adventurers, art lovers, foodies and furry friends (pets)..

3. The Hobbit House and Secret Garden

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Ilminster, Somerset, South West England

Your own private retreat with cosy furnished Hobbit House and quirky features set in your own large private mature gardens. You have an outdoor under cover kitchen with sink and gas hob and prep area, campfire with tripod grill. You have you're own flushing toilet and hot shower. You have your own entrance to the garden. The house is approx 3x3m. We provide cutlery, cooking utensils and wood for the log burner and campfire. There is an electric socket in the house next to the bed suitable for charging purposes. Arrival 3pm and vacate by noon. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.

4. Riding Gate Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, Somerset, South West England

A lodge with a hot tub in the Somerset countryside

5. Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

6. South Downs Offgrid Cabin

50%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Petersfield, England

Escape to a truly romantic off-grid getaway, offering views over the South Downs National Park that will leave you breathless. Experience absolute serenity as the twinkling stars illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing ambiance with the warmth of a crackling wood fireplace. Nestled within the South Downs National Park our secluded retreat provides pure tranquility close to historic picturesque towns. In The Guardian's list of the Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats (Dog Friendly)

7. Wild Offgrid Cabin w/ Unspoilt View

33%

(3)

2 units · Glamping · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

In The Guardians Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats *Dog Friendly* Is it time for an escape from too much concrete and too many commitments? Escape Off The Grid will give you just that: this totally off-grid experience in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you’re just one-two hours from London. So what’s on offer here? A cool, sustainably made wooden cabin with a woodburner to keep you cosy, simple but comfy furniture, and best of all, a double bed set next to vast glass windows looking out on a wonderfully quiet landscape. Chances are you’ll want to stay there all day looking down the valley… breakfast in bed may well become a necessity. Everything is ready for you (bedding, cooking stuff, a fridge, kindling for the firepit and woodburner) so all you need to bring with you is food – pick up supplies from local farm shops – or eat at the rural pubs in the quaint local villages. With no phone signal and no wifi connection to distract you, you’ll have all the time in the world to chill out, read a book, write a journal, hike the unknown, or meditate in nature.

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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Riding Gate Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, Somerset, South West England

A lodge with a hot tub in the Somerset countryside

Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

South Downs Offgrid Cabin

50%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Petersfield, England

Escape to a truly romantic off-grid getaway, offering views over the South Downs National Park that will leave you breathless. Experience absolute serenity as the twinkling stars illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing ambiance with the warmth of a crackling wood fireplace. Nestled within the South Downs National Park our secluded retreat provides pure tranquility close to historic picturesque towns. In The Guardian's list of the Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats (Dog Friendly)

Wild Offgrid Cabin w/ Unspoilt View

33%

(3)

2 units · Glamping · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

In The Guardians Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats *Dog Friendly* Is it time for an escape from too much concrete and too many commitments? Escape Off The Grid will give you just that: this totally off-grid experience in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you’re just one-two hours from London. So what’s on offer here? A cool, sustainably made wooden cabin with a woodburner to keep you cosy, simple but comfy furniture, and best of all, a double bed set next to vast glass windows looking out on a wonderfully quiet landscape. Chances are you’ll want to stay there all day looking down the valley… breakfast in bed may well become a necessity. Everything is ready for you (bedding, cooking stuff, a fridge, kindling for the firepit and woodburner) so all you need to bring with you is food – pick up supplies from local farm shops – or eat at the rural pubs in the quaint local villages. With no phone signal and no wifi connection to distract you, you’ll have all the time in the world to chill out, read a book, write a journal, hike the unknown, or meditate in nature.

Stories from the community

View from parking area towards cabin site- hidden from view

D

Dan

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at South Downs Offgrid Cabin

If the allure of a secluded cabin, nestled deep within the countryside is too difficult to resist, then this cabin will offer a much-needed escape, blending the peacefulness of nature with the comforts of contemporary amenities. Communication from the host outlined, step by step, everything we needed to know about the cabin, the check-in/out process, and the surrounding area. This also included directions to the cabin, advice on the best local amenities, and tips for maximising enjoyment of both the accommodation and its natural setting. There is a designated parking area, and from there, a bit of a walk is required to reach the cabin itself. Far from being an inconvenience, this walk was the prelude to a gradual immersion in the natural environment. While the presence of livestock, contributes to the rural charm, guests with dogs should take note, there’s a need for vigilance and respect for these resident animals. The tranquil setting created a retreat that was both restorative and invigorating. Whether you are an adventurer at heart or simply in need of calm, this cabin offers a unique and memorable escape.

jmdando

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cowleaze Farm

Lovely pod with the most wonderful view to the Uffington White Horse. Had everything I needed and more - wood-fired hot tub was a first for me! The hosts were super-friendly snd helpful. Plus a beautiful wildflower meadow to enjoy. Would definitely recommend this for a relaxing break 😊

Gareth

April 2025

3 nights at The Hobbit House and Secret Garden

Lost for words. The Hobbit House and accompanying grounds kept us warm, secluded and very happy for a three night stay. Although we would happily move in permanently. Worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere secluded, off the beaten track and something back to basics. Kitchen area is beautifully simple in design and appreance. Toilet and separate shower block were clean and easy to use. The Hobbit House itself was snug, beautifully decorated and peaceful. Theo was an excellent host too. We will be back!

R

Ryan

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Cowleaze Farm

We loved our stay at the veg patch pod. It felt very homely and was lovely and cosy with the log burner. Having the hot tub on in the evening overlooking the fields enjoying a beverage made us instantly feel relaxed and this was when the weather wasn’t particularly great so it must be even better as the weather improves. The area was also lovely and we enjoyed doing a nice local walk which Katy recommended to us. Whenever we asked for anything Katy and Mark were on hand and very helpful especially having the hot tub lit and warm for us after our walk, whilst still maintaining our privacy. We wished we had booked for a little longer but we’ll probably visit again in the future for a longer stay. Also the freshly cooked bread in the welcome hamper was amazing. We have already recommended the pod to some of our friends.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Tiny houses 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.