Campsites with swimming in North Wessex Downs AONB

North Wessex Downs AONB packs over 300 swimming-friendly campsites into some of the UK’s most varied landscapes. You’ll find spots tucked beside slow rivers, hidden lakes, and clear ponds—ideal for a morning dip or cooling off after a hike. Campers rate The T Barn (34 reviews), Small Trees Campsite (23 reviews), and The Old Airfield (22 reviews) for clear water, roomy pitches, and easy access to the Downs’ footpaths. Facilities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, and you can fish or hike between swims. Prices start at just £12 per night, with the average around £100, so there’s something for every budget and style. Bring your cossie, a towel, and a sense of adventure—the water’s waiting.

95% (178)

Top-rated campgrounds

We have 3 off grid shepherds huts with hot tubs in a secluded field separate to the glamping campsite. These are for adults only.

North Wessex Downs AONB packs over 300 swimming-friendly campsites into some of the UK’s most varied landscapes. You’ll find spots tucked beside slow rivers, hidden lakes, and clear ponds—ideal for a morning dip or cooling off after a hike. Campers rate The T Barn (34 reviews), Small Trees Campsite (23 reviews), and The Old Airfield (22 reviews) for clear water, roomy pitches, and easy access to the Downs’ footpaths. Facilities like showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, and you can fish or hike between swims. Prices start at just £12 per night, with the average around £100, so there’s something for every budget and style. Bring your cossie, a towel, and a sense of adventure—the water’s waiting.

95% (178)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The T Barn

99%

(90)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

2. Park Farm Campsite

98%

(24)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Malmesbury, England

Off-grid pitches on an organic farm – with a sauna on site

3. Southwood Park Estate

93%

(7)

12 units · Glamping · Chichester , England

Southwood park estate is a beautifully manicured and peaceful destination for those who want to get back to nature and still have all of the home comforts that they are used to. We are at the foot of the South Downs, and only 8 minutes drive from Chichester and the Good Wood Estate We are family and pet friendly site. All bookings come with cooked breakfasts for each guest per day as well as a large log / lighters pack for each day!

4. Secret Garden Glamping

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

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

5. Small Trees Campsite

97%

(38)

33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. The Real Campsite at Park Farm

98%

(21)

9 units · Tents · Faringdon, England

Back-to-basics camping in rural Oxfordshire with big views

10. Great Cotmarsh Farm

100%

(13)

6 units · Tents, Glamping · Swindon, England

Nature isn't tidy so expect some wilderness when you visit. We manage Great Cotmarsh Farm in a way that helps nature flourish and our small campsite, with panoramic views of the Marlborough Downs, is managed to the same philosophy. Small and quiet, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside our campsite is arranged around pathways and pitches mown into one of our fields for Spring and Summertime. Come and stay in one of our luxury tipis or bring your own tent, to share our little slice of heaven. Sleep under canvas and enjoy the pleasures of campfires and proper outdoor cooking. We have our own delicious 100% pasture fed lamb and beef to buy for hearty evening meals and can arrange an essentials hamper of locally sourced, organic produce for some starter supplies. When you visit you can say hello to our stunning native breed cattle and sheep and explore our wonderful, species diverse pasture. If you are after the kind of holiday where you can have fun outdoors, nourish yourself with delicious food and discover your connection to nature - Great Cotmarsh Farm is the perfect place to come and stay. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, foodie fanatic or love touring historic homes and gardens, Wiltshire and the surrounding area has tons on offer and we will provide you with a welcome pack full of useful information. If you want to keep your stay super local, there are footpaths leading off the farm into local meadows and up onto the Marlborough Downs, including access up onto the White Horse Trail. Within walking or quick cycling distance of the farm is the fantastic Broad Town Brewery and Hop Garden where you can enjoy locally brewed ales and street food vendors at the weekends.

11. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%

(35)

6 units · Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames

12. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

13. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

14. Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

15. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

16. Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

17. Hadspen Glamping

100%

(2)

3 units · Glamping · Castle Cary, England

Safari lodges for top-end, eco-friendly glamping in Somerset

18. Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

12 units · Glamping · Bournemouth, England

Set on the Parley Estate near Bournemouth, with a Georgian mansion sitting in four-acres of lovely Dorset parkland, Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt offers pre-erected bell tents on level grass meadows. No fuss, no puzzling tent poles to mess around with. Just arrive on site, move in and your holiday has started. Local attractions and activities include: - Bournemouth Beach & town centre for shops and restaurants 5min drive - Golf: on site 18 hole course and driving range! - Local pub short 10 min walk - Adventure Wonderland (kids’ theme park): five minutes’ drive - Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre: 10 minutes - Go Ape Moors Valley (tree-top zipwires): 15 minutes - Bournemouth Beach: 15 minutes - Splashdown (water park): 20 minutes - Moors Valley Country Park and Forest: 20 minutes - Mudeford Sandbank: 20 minutes - Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum: 20 minutes - Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park: 25 minutes.

19. Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Camper favorites in and near North Wessex Downs AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%

(21)

2 units · Glamping · New Forest, England

Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Camping By The River

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

Hadspen Glamping

100%

(2)

3 units · Glamping · Castle Cary, England

Safari lodges for top-end, eco-friendly glamping in Somerset

Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt

12 units · Glamping · Bournemouth, England

Set on the Parley Estate near Bournemouth, with a Georgian mansion sitting in four-acres of lovely Dorset parkland, Glamping at Parley by PitchingIt offers pre-erected bell tents on level grass meadows. No fuss, no puzzling tent poles to mess around with. Just arrive on site, move in and your holiday has started. Local attractions and activities include: - Bournemouth Beach & town centre for shops and restaurants 5min drive - Golf: on site 18 hole course and driving range! - Local pub short 10 min walk - Adventure Wonderland (kids’ theme park): five minutes’ drive - Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre: 10 minutes - Go Ape Moors Valley (tree-top zipwires): 15 minutes - Bournemouth Beach: 15 minutes - Splashdown (water park): 20 minutes - Moors Valley Country Park and Forest: 20 minutes - Mudeford Sandbank: 20 minutes - Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum: 20 minutes - Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park: 25 minutes.

Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Stories from the community

A

Ade

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Southwood Park Estate

We enjoyed our stay at The camp surroundings are well maintained, what I noticed is that no annoying flies buzzing around when sitting out and while cooking!. The host and people on site are very helpful and friendly. One night we needed help with lighting a camp fire and they were so quick to respond. The facilities in the camp are a bonus, if the weather is nice you won't get bored. Ladies toilets were okay my kids complained about the men's!!

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍

C

Charlotte

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Park Farm Campsite

Absolute gem of a place. Zoe was so welcoming and sorted me out with some wood for the fire pit as well. Clean facilities and beautiful views. Felt very safe as a solo camper. Will definitely be back!

O

Owen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at The T Barn

We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature. A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay. One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail. All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.

M

Meeru

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

Nice and good location and good space love to see again

C

Charlie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Wonderful campsite with great hosts. Driving distance to Salisbury, and plenty of pitching space.

P

Patrick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Old Airfield

An amazing site for young children. Would definitely come again, and for longer. Staff were great, really helpful.

S

Sarah

August 2025

1 night at Park Farm Campsite

Our first family camping experience and I can't think of anything I would change! Beautiful quiet site (apart from the sound of our children and their new friends playing on the old go karts and in the sandpit!). Lovely clean shower and loo block with washing up facilities. Fire pits are available and they sell wood for £10 a bag. Gorgeous spot for watching the moon and sunrise. Will definitely be back! ☺️🌅

D

Dan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Park Farm Campsite

We had a really good stay at Park Farm Campsite for one night in our roof tent. The site was clean and well-kept, with all the facilities (toilets, showers, etc.) in excellent condition. The views were lovely, especially from the far side of the site where we were parked. One tip for roof tent campers: it’s a good idea to bring levelling blocks if you’re setting up on the far end of the field, as the site does slope down. Overall, a great spot for a peaceful night with everything you need. We’d happily return!

R

Reece

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Firstly, the location - yes it’s a cool old WWII airbase! Loads of room to pitch your tent without feeling like you are encroaching on your neighbours. It’s well kept and very clean. The toilets were clean and so were the showers. There’s food (fresh pizza, pastries, etc) and drinks (a coffee / cocktail bar) on site and I thought the prices were reasonable. The staff are friendly and the place had a nice vibe. We took our dog and although she had to be kept on a lead on site, there is plenty of space close by to let her off. if you like camping and are looking to get back to basics, with a few luxuries close by, you can’t go wrong. Beautiful Mudeford is a short drive so there’s plenty to do if you want to venture out. Overall we really liked it. It was just me and my partner this time but we’ve just decided to go back in a few days, this time with the children.

Jaime

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The T Barn

The site is small and fantastic, the facilities are great - hot running water with great pressure in the showers and kitchen area. Great view from the top of the huge hill. Lots of thought and effort have been put into this site, best off grid site I have been to. Each pitch has a ground fire pit with an honesty box for payment of wood, we heard loads of owls and the bats flew really close as it got dark.

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.

k

kirstie

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Park Farm Campsite

Fantastic site. Great field with mowed walkways and pitches amongst longer meadow. Really good eco facilities and Zoe couldn’t have been more helpful and lovely. Thank you!

James

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Lovely site with great facilities in a very picturesque area. Really good for a base for nice walks through the new forest, highly recommend especially the pizza and cocktails are a great touch.

Tent pitches are mown into our beautiful camping meadow.

A

Anya

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Great Cotmarsh Farm

Great little site with only a few pitches so you can really enjoy some peace and the beauty of the local area! The pizza oven and individual fire pits were a great bonus. Fantastic host who was super responsive and helpful.

K

Kristin

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rolling Fields Glamping

We had a great time Glamping here! The tent was perfectly set up and had the food we ordered in the fridge upon arrival. The bathroom and shower was very clean. It was great to have towels, blankets, pots and pans, plates etc included, so we didn’t have to pack so much. It was very hot when we stayed, so we walked about 15 minutes to the pub and stayed for several hours on the river. It’s a very nice pub and we had a great time here watching the boats and ducks go by. If we were to stay again, we’d probably try to rent a boat. We didn’t go swimming but we heard there is a place nearby with easy access for kids to get in the water as well. Our kids also loved playing on the climbing frame and trampoline at the campsite. Fiona was very helpful and responsive to messages. I called her to ask if we were walking the right way to the pub and she answered immediately. Overall, this site is very well organized and lots of attention to detail has been paid. It’s a great setup, especially with kids, there are lots of conveniences like the gas grills and kettle. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more off the beaten track though, you may look further afield.

C

June 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Real Campsite at Park Farm

We loved the site - it was well laid out and well looked after. Views were lovely, pitches were large and quite private (we happened to be the only ones there but even so you wouldn’t have been on top of each other). Amenities as described and clean / tidy. We will definitely be going back - our 3 year old loved it and our 1 year old was interested in everything going on!