Camping in Dorset AONB

·

In Dorset, campers can enjoy some of the most spectacularly scenic camping in England thanks to the 95-mile, World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast (which spills over into Devon). Here, golden beaches sit between rock-formed arches and chalk-white cliffs—and tents and caravans are perfect for soaking up the divine coastal views. In addition, over half of Dorset is protected by the 1,000-square-mile Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where endlessly varied countryscapes await inland. Open-air adventures swing from kayaking to horse riding to coasteering and more, though the best way to explore is to strap on some walking boots and hit the trails (including the long-distance South West Coast Path).

95% (2.2K) 1,305 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dorset AONB

Primrose Fields Campsite

1. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

2. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

3. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
62 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Stockbridge, England
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Liba Vineyard

4. Liba Vineyard

3 units · Glamping · England
Liba Vineyard is a biodynamic vineyard and luxury woodland glamping site on the edge of Salisbury, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge. Our vineyard, hand planted in Spring 2024, has nearly 4,000 vines of four different varieties. We manage our vines in line with organic and biodynamic principles, working hand-in-hand with nature and avoiding the use of any herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers. We hope to take our first (small) harvest in 2026, by which time we will be fully certified (organic and biodynamic) and will be able to make our wine on-site. Our glamping pods, brand new for Autumn 2025 seek to give guests an eco-luxurious stay in an area of native woodland bordering the vineyard. These pods are perfect as a base for exploring Salisbury, nearby historic sites such as Stonehenge and Old Sarum, or the beautiful countryside of the New Forest National Park, Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, North Wessex Downs or the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty slightly further afield.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£187
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

5. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
36 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cullompton, England
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
27 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Deer Barn Retreats

7. Deer Barn Retreats

94%
(33)
3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England
Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

8. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
20 units · Tents · New Forest, England
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Jubilee Camping

9. Jubilee Camping

96%
(98)
51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Wookey Farm

10. Wookey Farm

98%
(181)
45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Somerset, South West England
Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Berries Farm Camping

11. Berries Farm Camping

100%
(37)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Berries Farm Camping is a small eco-friendly family-run campsite, located in the heart of West Dorset Countryside. We are situated at the top of Lyme Regis, on the A3052. Set amongst 5 acres of picturesque farmland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within walking distance to Charmouth, which is part of the World Heritage Coast. With your own spacious camping spot, enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills of Lyme Regis. We provide generous grass only pitches for tents and camper-vans. These are unpowered sites. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate for caravans. Nearby attractions include the Jurrasic Coast, quaint market towns and local pubs serving farm fresh food and local seafood. Enjoy River Cottage HQ for a cookery course and get a taste of local cuisine. Also near by is Lyme Regis driving range, golf course and foot-golf. If you fancy exploring Lyme Regis, take the park and ride which is within a short walking distance South of the farm. If walking is more your thing, there is an abundance of local footpaths including the south west coastal path, with Lyme Regis just 1 mile away. Our amenities include flushing toilets and hot water shower blocks. A designated space is avaliable for washing dirty dishes. Be advised that only cold water is provided. BBQ's are permitted; however, they must raised off the ground to prevent damage to the grass. Bricks will be provided for this purpose. Please note that campfires are now allowed at this time. Please feel free to bring your pets, but bear in mind there will be sheep on the farm. Our “what3words” for Berries farm is: ///lives.grandest.honeybees https://w3w.co/lives.grandest.honeybees) Postcode: DT7 3UE (this will NOT take you directly to the farm, please follow the ''what3words'' above) Latitude, Longitude: 50.740819, -2.936091 You’ll share 5 acres of land surrounded by a further 15 acres of beautiful hillside farmland for you to enjoy.
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night
Glamping and Camping near Bath

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!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night
Teddy's Farm

13. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

14. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

15. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
North End Farm

16. 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)..
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Splatt Farm Gardens

17. Splatt Farm Gardens

100%
(7)
1 unit · Tent · Bridgwater, Somerset, South West England
Classic, simple, farm camping for families near the Quantock Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Charisworth Farm

18. 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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Camping5Acres

19. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

20. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

In Dorset, campers can enjoy some of the most spectacularly scenic camping in England thanks to the 95-mile, World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast (which spills over into Devon). Here, golden beaches sit between rock-formed arches and chalk-white cliffs—and tents and caravans are perfect for soaking up the divine coastal views. In addition, over half of Dorset is protected by the 1,000-square-mile Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where endlessly varied countryscapes await inland. Open-air adventures swing from kayaking to horse riding to coasteering and more, though the best way to explore is to strap on some walking boots and hit the trails (including the long-distance South West Coast Path).

95% (2.2K) 1,305 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dorset AONB

Primrose Fields Campsite

1. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

2. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

3. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
62 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Stockbridge, England
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Liba Vineyard

4. Liba Vineyard

3 units · Glamping · England
Liba Vineyard is a biodynamic vineyard and luxury woodland glamping site on the edge of Salisbury, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge. Our vineyard, hand planted in Spring 2024, has nearly 4,000 vines of four different varieties. We manage our vines in line with organic and biodynamic principles, working hand-in-hand with nature and avoiding the use of any herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilisers. We hope to take our first (small) harvest in 2026, by which time we will be fully certified (organic and biodynamic) and will be able to make our wine on-site. Our glamping pods, brand new for Autumn 2025 seek to give guests an eco-luxurious stay in an area of native woodland bordering the vineyard. These pods are perfect as a base for exploring Salisbury, nearby historic sites such as Stonehenge and Old Sarum, or the beautiful countryside of the New Forest National Park, Cranbourne Chase National Landscape, North Wessex Downs or the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty slightly further afield.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£187
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

5. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
36 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cullompton, England
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
27 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Deer Barn Retreats

7. Deer Barn Retreats

94%
(33)
3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England
Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
Lepe Beach Campsite

8. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%
(149)
20 units · Tents · New Forest, England
Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£40
 / night
Jubilee Camping

9. Jubilee Camping

96%
(98)
51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Wookey Farm

10. Wookey Farm

98%
(181)
45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Somerset, South West England
Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Berries Farm Camping

11. Berries Farm Camping

100%
(37)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Berries Farm Camping is a small eco-friendly family-run campsite, located in the heart of West Dorset Countryside. We are situated at the top of Lyme Regis, on the A3052. Set amongst 5 acres of picturesque farmland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within walking distance to Charmouth, which is part of the World Heritage Coast. With your own spacious camping spot, enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills of Lyme Regis. We provide generous grass only pitches for tents and camper-vans. These are unpowered sites. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate for caravans. Nearby attractions include the Jurrasic Coast, quaint market towns and local pubs serving farm fresh food and local seafood. Enjoy River Cottage HQ for a cookery course and get a taste of local cuisine. Also near by is Lyme Regis driving range, golf course and foot-golf. If you fancy exploring Lyme Regis, take the park and ride which is within a short walking distance South of the farm. If walking is more your thing, there is an abundance of local footpaths including the south west coastal path, with Lyme Regis just 1 mile away. Our amenities include flushing toilets and hot water shower blocks. A designated space is avaliable for washing dirty dishes. Be advised that only cold water is provided. BBQ's are permitted; however, they must raised off the ground to prevent damage to the grass. Bricks will be provided for this purpose. Please note that campfires are now allowed at this time. Please feel free to bring your pets, but bear in mind there will be sheep on the farm. Our “what3words” for Berries farm is: ///lives.grandest.honeybees https://w3w.co/lives.grandest.honeybees) Postcode: DT7 3UE (this will NOT take you directly to the farm, please follow the ''what3words'' above) Latitude, Longitude: 50.740819, -2.936091 You’ll share 5 acres of land surrounded by a further 15 acres of beautiful hillside farmland for you to enjoy.
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£14
 / night
Glamping and Camping near Bath

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!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night
Teddy's Farm

13. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

14. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

15. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
North End Farm

16. 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)..
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£65
 / night
Splatt Farm Gardens

17. Splatt Farm Gardens

100%
(7)
1 unit · Tent · Bridgwater, Somerset, South West England
Classic, simple, farm camping for families near the Quantock Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Charisworth Farm

18. 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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Camping5Acres

19. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

20. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night

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Camping in Dorset AONB guide

Where to go

Jurassic Coast

From Lyme Regis near the Devon border, Dorset’s fantastical Jurassic Coast sweeps east along the 18-mile-long Chesil Beach, around the Isle of Portland, and on to Lulworth, Swanage, and Studland. Whether kayaking between bays, hiking along the jagged shoreline or hunting for hidden fossils, there are countless opportunities for outdoor fun, with campsites perched beside cliffs, tucked into peaceful valleys, and scattered around seaside towns.

West Dorset

Inland from the western half of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, the Dorset AONB sprawls across miles of heathlands, bluebell-filled woodlands, and wide-open country views, especially around landmark Colmers Hill near Bridport. Go cycling, hiking, and horseback riding, then explore Thomas Hardy’s Dorchester before bedding down on a local farm campsite or in the comfort of a garden glamping pod. 

Bournemouth, Poole, and East Dorset

Nowhere epitomises seaside-holiday Dorset quite like its southeast corner, where sunny Bournemouth has been drawing visitors to its sprawling sandy beach since Victorian times. Neighbouring Poole Harbour is a watersports hub, while the wild, trail-threaded New Forest National Park sits just over the border in Hampshire, and campsites and caravan spots dot the surrounding countryside. 

North Dorset

Up on the border with Wiltshire and Somerset, blissfully rural and often-overlooked northern Dorset feels worlds away from the coastal buzz, opening up enormous potential for tranquil escapes under the stars, whether you’re camping on a family farm or kicking back in a hillside glamping hut. Green fields and hills give way to lavish country estates, prehistoric hill forts, and Sherborne town, known for its 8th-century abbey.