Woodland glamping in Jurassic Coast

Sweeping along 95 miles of plunging cliffs and honey-coloured beaches, from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, the soul-stirringly spectacular Jurassic Coast is England’s original natural World Heritage Site. Much of it falls within a string of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), which means the coast is a protected, unspoiled dream—a rare find on the south coast of England. This is great news for campers in two ways. Firstly, its beaches are, for the most part, backed by natural cliffs rather than rows of houses and hotels. And, secondly, the low-impact nature of camping means that sites are sometimes allowed where other accommodation is not. Some of the best campsites on the Jurassic Coast are those on the cliff tops—quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach. Camping will get you closest to the coast you’ve come to discover, whether you spend time cycling or hiking the South West Coast Path or diving into the Channel for some water sports. Plus, its geologically fascinating coastline is the best place for fossil hunting in the UK.

95% (296)

Top-rated campgrounds

Just minutes from the M27, the motorway gives way to moorland, drivers reduce speed in homage to the grazing gardeners of the New Forest – the wild ponies – and time slows down in step with the traffic.

Sweeping along 95 miles of plunging cliffs and honey-coloured beaches, from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, the soul-stirringly spectacular Jurassic Coast is England’s original natural World Heritage Site. Much of it falls within a string of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), which means the coast is a protected, unspoiled dream—a rare find on the south coast of England. This is great news for campers in two ways. Firstly, its beaches are, for the most part, backed by natural cliffs rather than rows of houses and hotels. And, secondly, the low-impact nature of camping means that sites are sometimes allowed where other accommodation is not. Some of the best campsites on the Jurassic Coast are those on the cliff tops—quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach. Camping will get you closest to the coast you’ve come to discover, whether you spend time cycling or hiking the South West Coast Path or diving into the Channel for some water sports. Plus, its geologically fascinating coastline is the best place for fossil hunting in the UK.

95% (296)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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

2. Walnut Farm Glamping

97%

(39)

8 units · Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.

3. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

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.

5. Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

6. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

7. 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

8. Forest Edge

100%

(24)

44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon

9. 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

10. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%

(33)

5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England

Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset

11. 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

12. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

13. Dreamhuts Retreat

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A pair of super-luxury shepherd's huts in the rural Culm Valley countryside, where good walks and welcoming pubs abound

14. Kit Tipi - Milton Meadow

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Wareham, England

Secluded, private, pop up glampsite on a farm. Ideally situated to explore the Jurassic Coast.

15. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

16. Lickham Bottom Camp

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills

17. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

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(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

18. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

19. Gold Hill Glamping

90%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Hello, welcome to Gold Hill Glamping, which is based at Allan’s Farm, a working dairy farm and our family home. You are likely to see the cows coming in for milking twice a day. There are our lovely shetland ponies Pixie and Trudie to stroke and and past the time with, they love attention! There are usually fresh farm eggs available to buy if you wish. Wildlife is in abundance here. Deer and hares are regular visitors and different species of owl can be heard hooting behind the glamping fields. We have a lovely bell tent, called Willow Bell which has its own eco- loo and BBQ area with Kadai fire-pit and logs / chairs to sit around the fire. We are excited to be welcoming a spacious Lotus Belle tent to our glamping portfolio from Spring 2021. The Lotus Belle offers all the comfort and spaciousness of a yurt but with the simplicity and ease of a bell tent. Hazel, our Lotus Belle tent, will be situated in a separate, and peaceful location on the farm with its own eco – loo and simple glamping kitchen facilities. Thereby, allowing for visitors to glamp completely separately, but also offering the option for friends and family to stay here together. The tents have a very comfortable double bed, which will be fully furnished for your stay, plus two single futon-style beds (please bring your own bedding for the futons). All crockery, BBQ tools, bedding, a fire pit, seating area and a couple of finishing touches are provided for your stay. Both bell tents also have access to a hot shower, and flushing toilet a short walk away in a converted building in the farmyard. We are also planning a small honesty shop, to buy local sausages, eggs and Barber's cheese which is made from our milk.

20. Strive Glamping

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Strive Glamping offers a unique holiday experience in a beautiful meadow surrounded by woods and wildlife. Keeping life simple and looking after the environment are central to the ethos of the woods. The woodlands extend to over 60 acres, nestled in Dorset countryside. Only 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, and connected by numerous bridleways and footpaths to both local and national walks, it is perfectly positioned for a wonderful break. Our pretty paddock surrounded by fields contain 5 beautiful classic 5 meter Bell tents. Glamping is 20 minutes’ drive from Dorchester in Dorset Half an hour’s drive to the Jurassic Coast and Weymouth harbour Woodland walks accessed from the pitches, trout fishing next door Whether you’re looking for a couples’ getaway or a weekend meet-up with a large bunch of pals, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Strive Glamping at Southover Woods, With more than 60 acres of private woodland and meadow, and the perfect view of a stunning sunset. No matter whether there are two of you or 6 of you, you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. Each comes with two camping beds with mattresses, two bedside tables and lamps, carpeting and rugs, outdoor seating and a travel cot if requested on booking. If you’re quiet at night, the chances are you’ll get to hear owls a-hooting and may even see elusive deer flitting through the trees. Direct from the pitches, you can walk for miles on an extensive network of footpaths in Southover Woods, connecting up with the long-distance Hardy Way and Dorset Jubilee Trail. Keen angers can head right next door to the well-stocked trout pools at Wessex Fly Fishing. The Southover Woods owners also organise bushcraft sessions, yoga, forest bathing and woodland games please see activities listed. Just so you’re aware, the Bell Tent pitches are down a long and bumpy track that can get muddy, and there will be some fetching and carrying of gear required from your vehicles. Situated in the heart of Southover Woods is the amazing Chloe at Birchbark Events. Chloe offers a full range of activities including bushcraft and survival, Foraging, Wellness, Yoga, Team Building, events catering for children, families, large groups and survival specialists. Birchbark Events tailor events around you. Bushcraft is the practice of outdoor skills, studying and developing the understanding, in order to not only survive but thrive in nature. Fire lighting and management, Tools of the trade, Shelter building and camp craft, Axe and knife skills, Water purification, Natural navigation, Tree identification, Whittling, knots and ropes and Access to Wooodland play area.

Camper favorites in and near Jurassic Coast

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Dreamhuts Retreat

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A pair of super-luxury shepherd's huts in the rural Culm Valley countryside, where good walks and welcoming pubs abound

Kit Tipi - Milton Meadow

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Wareham, England

Secluded, private, pop up glampsite on a farm. Ideally situated to explore the Jurassic Coast.

Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

Lickham Bottom Camp

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Gold Hill Glamping

90%

(5)

3 units · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Hello, welcome to Gold Hill Glamping, which is based at Allan’s Farm, a working dairy farm and our family home. You are likely to see the cows coming in for milking twice a day. There are our lovely shetland ponies Pixie and Trudie to stroke and and past the time with, they love attention! There are usually fresh farm eggs available to buy if you wish. Wildlife is in abundance here. Deer and hares are regular visitors and different species of owl can be heard hooting behind the glamping fields. We have a lovely bell tent, called Willow Bell which has its own eco- loo and BBQ area with Kadai fire-pit and logs / chairs to sit around the fire. We are excited to be welcoming a spacious Lotus Belle tent to our glamping portfolio from Spring 2021. The Lotus Belle offers all the comfort and spaciousness of a yurt but with the simplicity and ease of a bell tent. Hazel, our Lotus Belle tent, will be situated in a separate, and peaceful location on the farm with its own eco – loo and simple glamping kitchen facilities. Thereby, allowing for visitors to glamp completely separately, but also offering the option for friends and family to stay here together. The tents have a very comfortable double bed, which will be fully furnished for your stay, plus two single futon-style beds (please bring your own bedding for the futons). All crockery, BBQ tools, bedding, a fire pit, seating area and a couple of finishing touches are provided for your stay. Both bell tents also have access to a hot shower, and flushing toilet a short walk away in a converted building in the farmyard. We are also planning a small honesty shop, to buy local sausages, eggs and Barber's cheese which is made from our milk.

Strive Glamping

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Strive Glamping offers a unique holiday experience in a beautiful meadow surrounded by woods and wildlife. Keeping life simple and looking after the environment are central to the ethos of the woods. The woodlands extend to over 60 acres, nestled in Dorset countryside. Only 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, and connected by numerous bridleways and footpaths to both local and national walks, it is perfectly positioned for a wonderful break. Our pretty paddock surrounded by fields contain 5 beautiful classic 5 meter Bell tents. Glamping is 20 minutes’ drive from Dorchester in Dorset Half an hour’s drive to the Jurassic Coast and Weymouth harbour Woodland walks accessed from the pitches, trout fishing next door Whether you’re looking for a couples’ getaway or a weekend meet-up with a large bunch of pals, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Strive Glamping at Southover Woods, With more than 60 acres of private woodland and meadow, and the perfect view of a stunning sunset. No matter whether there are two of you or 6 of you, you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. Each comes with two camping beds with mattresses, two bedside tables and lamps, carpeting and rugs, outdoor seating and a travel cot if requested on booking. If you’re quiet at night, the chances are you’ll get to hear owls a-hooting and may even see elusive deer flitting through the trees. Direct from the pitches, you can walk for miles on an extensive network of footpaths in Southover Woods, connecting up with the long-distance Hardy Way and Dorset Jubilee Trail. Keen angers can head right next door to the well-stocked trout pools at Wessex Fly Fishing. The Southover Woods owners also organise bushcraft sessions, yoga, forest bathing and woodland games please see activities listed. Just so you’re aware, the Bell Tent pitches are down a long and bumpy track that can get muddy, and there will be some fetching and carrying of gear required from your vehicles. Situated in the heart of Southover Woods is the amazing Chloe at Birchbark Events. Chloe offers a full range of activities including bushcraft and survival, Foraging, Wellness, Yoga, Team Building, events catering for children, families, large groups and survival specialists. Birchbark Events tailor events around you. Bushcraft is the practice of outdoor skills, studying and developing the understanding, in order to not only survive but thrive in nature. Fire lighting and management, Tools of the trade, Shelter building and camp craft, Axe and knife skills, Water purification, Natural navigation, Tree identification, Whittling, knots and ropes and Access to Wooodland play area.

Stories from the community

A

Angie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

We loved our weekend at Oak Tree Nook. The outdoor kitchen shelter was a wonderful evening hang out with everything we needed and more. In the daytime we explored the woods, spent time in the hammock, sunbathed - bliss. We were cosy in the bell tent at night and although we didn't need the log burner, it was great to have the option. The open air shower was sooooooooo good! We would love to come back!

k

kelly

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

Fantastic site and Penny is a great host! We stayed in Bluebell, despite the wet weather we had a wonderful stay. Everything you need is provided, the kitchen is very well equipped, and Penny is on hand for any queries and advice on the local area etc. There is plenty of space and we were not at all disturbed by our neighbouring campers, as the pitches are well spaced. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay again!

J

Joana

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Walnut Farm Glamping

Amazing stay with beautiful views. The tent is equipped with everything you need and beds are comfortable. The environment is very calm and pizza night really is a success, not only the pizza's are very nice but you get to know the other people staying - amazing if you have kids as they start playing together. We had an amazing time and would definitely return and recommend the stay.

S

Selma

August 2025

With kids

5 nights at Homemade Holidays

This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.

H

Hannah

August 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Homemade Holidays

Wow, wow, wow. So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect. Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely. Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.

T

Teegan

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

Me and my family came here for the weekend and wow! We had an absolutely amazing time. The camp site was beautiful, it was fully equipped and Penny was absolutely amazing. She made sure we had everything we needed; she even lugged all of our stuff to the campsite on her quad bike! Could not thank Penny enough. We will be back!

k

kai ling

July 2025

With kids

5 nights at Homemade Holidays

We loved our stay at Buzzard Yurt! Jan was super friendly and helpful, and the kids loved the trampoline, the pond, the hot tub, feeding the chickens, picking the eggs and just everything the lovely campsite had to offer. It was such a good break from the bustle of city life and we cannot wait to return. The night skies were delightful with a sky full of stars and hardly any light pollution anywhere near us, and our days were filled with adventure and nature at the camp. Jan's campsite is conveniently located to lots of lovely sights - Beer, Seaton, Lyme Regis. A perfect break!

With a low level heater, table lamp and double plug socket, fairy lights and tea lights, it’s very cosy.

M

Madeleine

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

Beautiful experience! My 3 year old daughter and I loved it. Such a tranquil location. Rachel was super helpful and gave some great recommendations. The caravan was idyllic. Will be recommending to anyone wanting a good base to explore the New Forest.

A

Adam

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

We had a fantastic time camping at Lickham Bottom. Penny gave us a warm welcome and even took us and our kit to the pitch on a quad bike! The site had everything we needed, and we also enjoyed some great pizzas from the van in the village. It’s also ideally located for trips to the coast.

F

Frances

June 2025

With pets

3 nights at Homemade Holidays

We had an amazing time! Jan was so kind showing our little boy the broody hens babysitting pheasant eggs, and we actually saw the freshly-hatched chicks! Such a peaceful place.

Russet: Luxury ensuite Yurt with Hot-Tub

L

Lucy

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Walnut Farm Glamping

Walnut farm is a very special place. We had the best time staying in Russet yurt - it is extremely comfortable, spacious, private, luxurious, and perfectly kitted out. We couldn’t have asked for more. We loved it all and hope to be back again one day.

M

Megan

May 2025

3 nights at Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

The Shepherds hut was so cosy and magical, Rachel welcomed us so well and it felt immediately like home. There was plenty to do in the area around with walks and maps provided. The surrounding area and views were gorgeous and we had plenty of space within the cabin too. Definitely am looking forward to coming back again in due course! Thank you Rachel

Pippin: Luxury Ensuite Yurt with Hot-tub

H

Hazel

May 2025

With kids

3 nights at Walnut Farm Glamping

We stayed in Pippin with our 10 year old child. Gorgeous location, with a small number of units making for a very peaceful site. We spent most of our stay heading out to visit family but wish we had been able to spend more time on the site as it is really stunning. Hosts were very welcoming. This would be a lovely place to hire out with a group as you could book the whole site…one day, hopefully!

C

Catherine

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

This campsite is extraordinary, peaceful, beautiful and so relaxing. Penny is the loveliest host and so helpful and kind. Everything you can think of to make your stay comfortable is provided. There is an outdoor pizza oven to hire, a selection of games, a small fridge a short walk through the woods and logs are available to buy. My daughter asked as we were leaving ‘can we stay forever?’ which just about says it all. I’m sure we’ll be back!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping in Jurassic Coast guide

Where to go

East Dorset

Dorset, like neighbouring Devon and Cornwall beyond it, is a classic camping destination. With green countryside stretching all the way to the cliffs, it’s possible to wake up to sea views in one direction and countryside vistas in the other. In good weather, classic camping in spots like these is hard to beat. The majority of the Jurassic Coast sits in Dorset and is protected by the 436-square-mile Dorset AONB (one of England’s largest). This easternmost section, around Weymouth and Purbeck, is the most recently formed (a casual 65 to 140 million years old) and takes in headlining sights such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, and the fairy-tale castles at Corfe and Lulworth. There’s wonderful snorkelling, swimming, dolphin-spotting, mountain biking, and coasteering, plus opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horse riding high above along the cliffs.

West Dorset

The astonishingly picturesque, 18-mile-long Chesil Beach is arguably the star of Dorset’s western Jurassic Coast, which extends from the rocky Isle of Portland to Lyme Regis near the Devon border. But there’s plenty more—from fossil-strewn footpaths to charming coastal towns and villages such as Charmouth and West Bay—and it’s all set against the grey limestone, Jurassic-era cliffs that define this patch of south-facing coast. The many coast-hugging camping spots in West Dorset are perfect for rounding off a busy day of cycling, swimming, walking, or water sports. Look out for basic, seasonal campsites near the coast, farm campsites with cuddly resident animals, and places where you can park up, hook up, and kick back with fantastic facilities.

Devon’s Jurassic Coast

A series of cascading, rust-toned cliffs dating back 250 million years, East Devon’s littoral is the oldest stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Overlooking sandy gold beaches and the English Channel, it’s part of the 103-square-mile East Devon AONB and runs from Exmouth to the Dorset border. With scattered campsites and caravanning spots (from unbelievably scenic cliff-top sites to secluded stays on country farms), it makes an ideal outdoor escape. Unmissable stops include Beer’s chalk cliffs and stone quarries, the Regency town of Sidmouth, and Ladram Bay. Coasteering, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and boat trips are all part of the fun, not to mention thrilling hikes and cycles along the cliff-top paths.

Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast

If you’re going camping on the Jurassic Coast with the aim of finding fossils, you might want to head for a campsite near a fossil-hunting hot spot—Kimmeridge Bay, Lyme Regis, and Charmouth are all good hunting grounds. Just don’t hammer into the rocks—only pick up loose fossils you find. And if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, how about joining an expert from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or the Lyme Regis Museum on an organised fossil-finding hunt? Both also feature fossil displays and lots of information on finds from the past.

The best beaches on the Jurassic Coast

Sandy beaches, rockpooling bays, secret and not-so secret coves—the Jurassic Coast is home to the lot. Whatever it is that entices you to this stunning stretch of coastline in Dorset and Devon, you’ll find a beach that meets your needs.

A special area of conservation, Kimmeridge Bay is a great place to rockpool and snorkel with a snorkel trail to follow in the summer months. Charmouth also has charm beyond fossil hunting—its east and west beaches (separated by a footbridge over the River Char) are mainly shingle with sandy expanses at low tide. The gentle slope of the beach and easy accessibility from the beachside car park mean it is a family-friendly place to splash about. Nearby Lyme Regis beach is the place to head to if you want a few more facilities. A small sandy beach sits sheltered by the town’s famous harbour arm, The Cobb, which is backed by cafes, ice cream kiosks, and places to buy buckets and spades.

Perhaps the most photographed and instantly-recognisable beach on the Jurassic Coast is Durdle Door. The background of countless selfies, this limestone arch, formed by erosion, stands just offshore of a shingle beach backed by cliffs. Descend to the beach for a closer view on a well-worn pathway and steep steps, or head to nearby Lulworth Cove to join a boat trip and see it from the water. Boat trip or not, the small-mouthed Lulworth Cove is another of the best beaches along this stretch of coast with a natural harbour. Its pebbly beach is perfect to swim from. For sand, if you’re not near Lyme Regis, which is slap bang in the middle of the Jurassic coast, you might want to look to either end of it. The well-known towns of Swanage, at the Dorset east end, and Exmouth, in Devon, have both been attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times.

Rainy day activities on the Jurassic Coast

If you’re forced into a day off the beach, there are plenty of attractions to visit on the Jurassic Coast. Try the Lyme Regis Museum, visit the Charmouth Heritage Centre, or if you want to find out about the coastline’s heritage, check out the West Bay Discovery Centre (which sits in the town where the TV series Broadchurch was filmed). Away from the shoreline, there’s Corfe Castle and the steam trains of the Swanage Railway that puffs past it. Further inland and also owned by the National Trust, but on an altogether different scale, is Thomas Hardy’s Cottage. This is the site where the writer was born amid the scenery he immortalised in books like Far From the Madding Crowd and Under the Greenwood Tree. For something completely different, kids love Monkey World, while adults might like to sample the fine produce or even a cookery course at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage.