Shepherd's huts near Bournemouth

·

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

97% (216) 72 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bournemouth

Abbey Home Farm

1. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
110km from Bournemouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Quaint Farm in a National Park

2. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%
(26)
81km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.​ Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£125
 / night
Pittaford Farm

3. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
137km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

126km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping
Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

5. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
97km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

6. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
45km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

7. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
147km from Bournemouth · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views

8. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views

100%
(33)
78km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer. The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay. The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries. Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos. Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable. Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink. The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£108
 / night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

9. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%
(122)
104km from Bournemouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Farrs Meadow

10. Farrs Meadow

96%
(141)
12km from Bournemouth · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Foot of the Downs

11. Foot of the Downs

100%
(25)
113km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Glamping
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£117
 / night
Huckleberry Farm

12. Huckleberry Farm

81%
(16)
130km from Bournemouth · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

13. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%
(20)
51km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Glamping
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£128
 / night
Hastingford Fishery Glamping

14. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
146km from Bournemouth · 4 units · Glamping
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

15. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%
(14)
69km from Bournemouth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£32
 / night
Hale Farm

16. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
147km from Bournemouth · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Marshwood Farm Camping

17. Marshwood Farm Camping

100%
(53)
40km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Rocombe Valley Retreat

18. Rocombe Valley Retreat

97%
(17)
121km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Glamping
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night
Fallow Coombe Glamping

19. Fallow Coombe Glamping

94%
(9)
78km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
Beautiful, tranquil site, with one Shepherds Hut and area for sole use. Nestled in the valley in Rake Hampshire with stunning views throughout the year. Surrounded by Ancient woodland walks. 5 min drive or 1 hour walk to our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm, where you will find a Tea Room, Pick Your Own fruit and veg. Farm Shop and Barn Emporium with lots of wonderful boutiques to look at. Fallow can accommodate 2 Adults and up to 2 children. The extra beds are for children only. Come and enjoy the beauty and peace and immerse yourself in nature. Due to the tucked away location you will receive detailed directions after booking.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£108
 / night
Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

20. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%
(8)
110km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£96
 / night

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

97% (216) 72 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bournemouth

Abbey Home Farm

1. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
110km from Bournemouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Quaint Farm in a National Park

2. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%
(26)
81km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping
Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way.​ Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£125
 / night
Pittaford Farm

3. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
137km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

126km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping
Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

5. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
97km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

6. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
45km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

7. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

95%
(65)
147km from Bournemouth · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views

8. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views

100%
(33)
78km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
The Shepherd's Hut at Coombe Farm Glamping is only an hour or so from London and within easy reach of Goodwood, Cowdray and the south coast; yet once you're here, you'll feel as if you've stepped through the back of the wardrobe and into the ancient woodland that surrounds, unimpeded views towards the South Downs and barely another soul around. The hut stands alone in the field, so you will exclusively enjoy the tranquility the land has to offer. The Hut is equipped with fresh linen and towels, made extra cozy and warm with a beautiful flame and clean burning bio ethanol burner which creates a relaxed ambience, providing amazing heat for the chillier season stay. The wash area is compact with everything you will need for alfresco catering and dining, including a great camp compressor fridge. We also provide equipment to cook on the ample fire pit for an authentic camp experience. We have a revitalizing, hot and spacious shower, all run from our off grid system. We also provide luxury toiletries. Our loo is composting, extremely clean and freshly set up for every new guest and in keeping with our off grid, low-fi ethos. Our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm is in Rogate, 5 min drive from Rake or about an hours walk through the woodland south from the hut. The popular Tea room offers a great breakfast and lunch menu. Booking is advisable. Between the nearby traditional market towns of Petersfield and Haslemere you will discover a diverse choice of places to shop, dine and drink. The site is encompassed by beautiful walks and trails taking you further into the heart of the South Downs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£108
 / night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

9. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

97%
(122)
104km from Bournemouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Farrs Meadow

10. Farrs Meadow

96%
(141)
12km from Bournemouth · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Foot of the Downs

11. Foot of the Downs

100%
(25)
113km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Glamping
Glamping on a family farm in Sussex, just off the South Downs Way and not far from Brighton
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£117
 / night
Huckleberry Farm

12. Huckleberry Farm

81%
(16)
130km from Bournemouth · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
A back-to-basics campsite that’s well placed for visiting Oxford and the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

13. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%
(20)
51km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Glamping
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£128
 / night
Hastingford Fishery Glamping

14. Hastingford Fishery Glamping

100%
(8)
146km from Bournemouth · 4 units · Glamping
Searching for a peaceful holiday/short break without kids underfoot? Ramble along to Hastingford Fishery, an adults-only shepherd's hut and fishing site set in a scenic lakeside setting less than five minutes’ drive from the East Sussex village of Hadlow Down and 20 minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This site should suit couples or singles wanting to 'get away from it all' and also fishing fans down to the ground. It’s got several fishing lakes to choose from with lots of different species, so settle down on the banks with rod in hand and while away a few hours (or days) in quiet contemplation, waiting for something to bite. But please note, the site is not for 'competition anglers' although there are plenty of good sized carp around. and asks anyone fishing to only use barbless hooks, and for fish to be returned to the lake quickly after being caught.Not the fishing type? Chill out in and around your secluded hut, or there’s plenty to entertain in a leisurely fashion: paths wind around the lakes and through copses/shaws (as this is the High Weald) plus through the local countryside. There are spectacular views towards the South Downs National Park from the top lakes. A spring-fed lake is also on site to cool off in with some wild swimming. Lots of bird life around, with feeders outside each hut and waterfowl visitors to the lakes.When it comes to eats, pick up or have supplies delivered from supermarkets or takeaways in Uckfield, Heathfield or Crowborough or take a drive to Buxted Park for some posh food or pubs in Blackboys, Crowborough, Ringles Cross, 5 Ash Down, Rotherfield, or Buxted (it'll take about 10 minutes to drive to any of these). Lots of sample menus in huts.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

15. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

100%
(14)
69km from Bournemouth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£32
 / night
Hale Farm

16. Hale Farm

100%
(152)
147km from Bournemouth · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£14
 / night
Marshwood Farm Camping

17. Marshwood Farm Camping

100%
(53)
40km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Rocombe Valley Retreat

18. Rocombe Valley Retreat

97%
(17)
121km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Glamping
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night
Fallow Coombe Glamping

19. Fallow Coombe Glamping

94%
(9)
78km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
Beautiful, tranquil site, with one Shepherds Hut and area for sole use. Nestled in the valley in Rake Hampshire with stunning views throughout the year. Surrounded by Ancient woodland walks. 5 min drive or 1 hour walk to our family farm, Durleigh Marsh Farm, where you will find a Tea Room, Pick Your Own fruit and veg. Farm Shop and Barn Emporium with lots of wonderful boutiques to look at. Fallow can accommodate 2 Adults and up to 2 children. The extra beds are for children only. Come and enjoy the beauty and peace and immerse yourself in nature. Due to the tucked away location you will receive detailed directions after booking.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£108
 / night
Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

20. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping

100%
(8)
110km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Glamping
A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£96
 / night

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Shepherd's huts near Bournemouth guide

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

The rocky peninsula known as the Isle of Purbeck juts out south of Poole Harbour and is part of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. A hike along part of the South West Coast Path is the best way to discover the coast, passing landmarks such as the Durdle Door, Old Harry’s Rocks, and Kimmeridge Bay. Afterwards, ride the Swanage steam railway to Corfe Castle, stop at a country pub to sample Dorset’s local ale, or spot wildlife on a cruise to Brownsea Island.

East Dorset

Dorset’s rural landscapes are dotted with ancient woodlands, magnificent castles, and Victorian gardens. Picnic on the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, explore miles of hiking and cycling trails in the Cranborne Chase AONB, and camp on rural farms far from the crowds. Further north, the verdant Salisbury Plains are home to one of the UK’s most famous landmarks—the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.

Hampshire

East of Bournemouth, the pretty coastal towns of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are popular destinations for summer campers, and lie on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park. Head into the park to enjoy woodland walks and scenic bike rides, stopping to explore traditional villages and dine at country pubs along the way. For a change of pace, ferries set sail to the Isle of Wight, where you can enjoy sea-cliff walks, blue flag beaches, and ocean-view camping.

When to go

Bournemouth’s coastal micro-climate has long been its unique selling point—the city has one of the warmest and driest climates in the UK. Beachgoers arrive en masse in peak season (July-August), but waters are often warm enough to swim in spring and autumn, which is the best time to avoid the crowds. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in winter and the city’s holiday festivities are worth a winter caravan trip.

Know before you go

  • Bournemouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip. 
  • Bournemouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.