Bell tents in Moors Valley County Park and Forest

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Forest-themed fun is the name of the game in Moors Valley County Park and Forest, which lies along the Moors River. Walk, cycle, or ride a Segway around miles of leafy trails, go fishing at Moors Lake, or relax and admire the views on the Moors Valley steam railway. Woodland playgrounds will keep the younger members of the family entertained, but there’s plenty of entertainment for adults too, including Go Ape Treetop adventure courses, a bike park, and an 18-hole golf course. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside or stop by the park café for afternoon tea.

97% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

4. Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

1 unit · Glamping · England
The Birch Bell at Manor Farm Cottage The Place Escape to our charming smallholding and micro-flower farm in the heart of Somerset for a truly wonderful camping experience. Nestled near the stunning Mendip Hills and the serene Somerset Levels, this idyllic little campsite invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the restorative peace of this place. Along the way you'll meet our sheep, and be welcomed by the camp Guardians (Frodo, our friendly little Jack Russell and Nemo, our very agile mouse-hunting cat). Nearby things to see and do With easy access to both the Somerset levels and surrounding Mendip Hills, and with the wonderful city of Wells just a short distance away, this spot makes a great base from which to explore the outstanding and unique countryside and nearby places of interest and attractions. From Manor Farm Cottage you can take in some gorgeous walks along the lanes and public footpaths. A short walk from us you'll find our local vineyard at Fenny Castle where you can book a vineyard tour and wine tasting to sample their award winning English wines, or pop over to Wookey Farm where you can meet the very friendly rare-breed goats and buy their incredible goats cheese. There are 3 local pubs within walking distance, and if you head out onto the Levels, you can enjoy a cider by the river at The Sheppey, a great riverside pub in the nearby village of Godney. If you want to venture a little further, discover the breath taking beauty of local RSPB nature reserves, ideal for peaceful walks and bird watching. Wander through the historic city of Wells, marvelling at its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Just a short drive away, experience the mystical allure of Glastonbury and its famous Tor, and then of course there is the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge to explore. For a dose of culture and history, visit the elegant city of Bath with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making your stay in Somerset truly magical. And if you want to indulge in a day of learning about flowers, how to grow them, and floristry tricks and techniques, get in touch to find out about the workshops that are on offer at Manor Farm Cottage Flowers on the smallholding.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£60
 / night
Knowle Meadow Camping

18. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£45
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

19. 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.
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from 
£100
 / night
Looking down the field

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.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£60
 / night

Forest-themed fun is the name of the game in Moors Valley County Park and Forest, which lies along the Moors River. Walk, cycle, or ride a Segway around miles of leafy trails, go fishing at Moors Lake, or relax and admire the views on the Moors Valley steam railway. Woodland playgrounds will keep the younger members of the family entertained, but there’s plenty of entertainment for adults too, including Go Ape Treetop adventure courses, a bike park, and an 18-hole golf course. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside or stop by the park café for afternoon tea.

97% (289)

Top-rated campgrounds

Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

4. Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

1 unit · Glamping · England
The Birch Bell at Manor Farm Cottage The Place Escape to our charming smallholding and micro-flower farm in the heart of Somerset for a truly wonderful camping experience. Nestled near the stunning Mendip Hills and the serene Somerset Levels, this idyllic little campsite invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the restorative peace of this place. Along the way you'll meet our sheep, and be welcomed by the camp Guardians (Frodo, our friendly little Jack Russell and Nemo, our very agile mouse-hunting cat). Nearby things to see and do With easy access to both the Somerset levels and surrounding Mendip Hills, and with the wonderful city of Wells just a short distance away, this spot makes a great base from which to explore the outstanding and unique countryside and nearby places of interest and attractions. From Manor Farm Cottage you can take in some gorgeous walks along the lanes and public footpaths. A short walk from us you'll find our local vineyard at Fenny Castle where you can book a vineyard tour and wine tasting to sample their award winning English wines, or pop over to Wookey Farm where you can meet the very friendly rare-breed goats and buy their incredible goats cheese. There are 3 local pubs within walking distance, and if you head out onto the Levels, you can enjoy a cider by the river at The Sheppey, a great riverside pub in the nearby village of Godney. If you want to venture a little further, discover the breath taking beauty of local RSPB nature reserves, ideal for peaceful walks and bird watching. Wander through the historic city of Wells, marvelling at its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Just a short drive away, experience the mystical allure of Glastonbury and its famous Tor, and then of course there is the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge to explore. For a dose of culture and history, visit the elegant city of Bath with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making your stay in Somerset truly magical. And if you want to indulge in a day of learning about flowers, how to grow them, and floristry tricks and techniques, get in touch to find out about the workshops that are on offer at Manor Farm Cottage Flowers on the smallholding.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£60
 / night
Knowle Meadow Camping

18. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£45
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

19. 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.
Potable water
Showers
Trash
from 
£100
 / night
Looking down the field

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.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£60
 / night

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Bell tents in Moors Valley County Park and Forest guide

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for peace and quiet: Back of Beyond has grass pitches, hard-standing, glamping options, and wild camping in the woods. It’s adults-only, plus there’s a dog park and lake. 
  • Best for a family camping holiday: Red Shoot Camping Park is less than a 20-minute drive, within the New Forest National Park, and has self-catering huts, kids’ play areas, and a family pub right next door.
  • Best for riverside camping: Woolsbridge Manor Farm has spacious tent and caravan pitches, all within walking distance of the park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites and caravan sites near Moor Valley can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Early bookings are essential—up six months in advance for the most popular sites.
  2. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Many campsites open from March through October only.

When to go

Summer is peak season, but Moors Valley fills up with families on weekends and school holidays throughout the year. Make an early start if visiting at these times and book activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Walking and cycling are possible year-round, but other activities depend on the season. The steam railway runs from May through early September, while fishing on the lake is permitted from June through March. 

Know before you go

  • Moors Valley County Park and Forest is located in Hampshire, just west of the New Forest National Park. It’s about a 20-minute drive or bus ride from Bournemouth.
  • You can explore the park on foot or rent a bike.
  • The park has a café, kiosk, gift shop, and Visitor Centre.
  • Moors Valley has several accessible trails, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire.

Popular Moors Valley County Park and Forest glamping styles