97% (180) • 66 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Swanage
Abbey Home Farm
1. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
124km from Swanage · 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)
95km from Swanage · 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
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
3. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(59)
113km from Swanage · 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
Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts
4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts
143km from Swanage · 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
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
5. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
46km from Swanage · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
6. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
115km from Swanage · 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
7. Farrs Meadow
96%
(141)
21km from Swanage · 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
Pittaford Farm
8. Pittaford Farm
99%
(67)
126km from Swanage · 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
Huckleberry Farm
9. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
146km from Swanage · 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
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
10. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
98%
(20)
95km from Swanage · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Foot of the Downs
11. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
123km from Swanage · 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
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
12. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(33)
91km from Swanage · 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
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
13. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
67km from Swanage · 3 units · Glamping
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
14. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
80km from Swanage · 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
Marshwood Farm Camping
15. Marshwood Farm Camping
100%
(53)
54km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
Oakhill Ponds
16. Oakhill Ponds
96%
(13)
78km from Swanage · 8 units · Glamping
A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
The Big Green Shepherds Hut
17. The Big Green Shepherds Hut
100%
(3)
135km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
Rocombe Valley Retreat
18. Rocombe Valley Retreat
97%
(17)
111km from Swanage · 5 units · Glamping
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping
19. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping
100%
(8)
123km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Hendred Farm Huts
20. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
118km from Swanage · 4 units · Glamping
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
97% (180) • 66 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Swanage
Abbey Home Farm
1. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
124km from Swanage · 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)
95km from Swanage · 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
Little Fleece at Folly Farm
3. Little Fleece at Folly Farm
100%
(59)
113km from Swanage · 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
Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts
4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts
143km from Swanage · 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
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
5. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
97%
(33)
46km from Swanage · 5 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
6. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
115km from Swanage · 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
7. Farrs Meadow
96%
(141)
21km from Swanage · 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
Pittaford Farm
8. Pittaford Farm
99%
(67)
126km from Swanage · 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
Huckleberry Farm
9. Huckleberry Farm
81%
(16)
146km from Swanage · 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
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
10. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping
98%
(20)
95km from Swanage · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Foot of the Downs
11. Foot of the Downs
100%
(25)
123km from Swanage · 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
Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
12. Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
100%
(33)
91km from Swanage · 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
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
13. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge
90%
(20)
67km from Swanage · 3 units · Glamping
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£128
/ night
Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
14. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping
100%
(14)
80km from Swanage · 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
Marshwood Farm Camping
15. Marshwood Farm Camping
100%
(53)
54km from Swanage · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
Oakhill Ponds
16. Oakhill Ponds
96%
(13)
78km from Swanage · 8 units · Glamping
A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£125
/ night
The Big Green Shepherds Hut
17. The Big Green Shepherds Hut
100%
(3)
135km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A cosy shepherd’s hut for two in the Surrey countryside
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£90
/ night
Rocombe Valley Retreat
18. Rocombe Valley Retreat
97%
(17)
111km from Swanage · 5 units · Glamping
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping
19. Lockhurst Hatch Farm Glamping
100%
(8)
123km from Swanage · 1 unit · Glamping
A single, traditional shepherd's hut with countryside views, and a cosy feel
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Hendred Farm Huts
20. Hendred Farm Huts
99%
(37)
118km from Swanage · 4 units · Glamping
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Catherine
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
This is the ultimate weekend getaway. Jane and the family are fabulous hosts. Everything was so incredibly clean, and there was so many personal touches from fresh bread to handmade soaps. The view of the property from the cabin was truly spectacular.
Would definitely stay again ☺️✨
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
We had a great stay! Would highly recommend.
Everything you need is there and the hut is so cosy and the beds super comfy. The views around are beautiful and it feels very secluded. Amazing walks straight from the hut! Thank you
See more
K
Kimberley
October 2025
With pets
I had a lovely stay, Despite visiting in October, the Shepard’s hut kept me nice and warm. The hut was as pictured and described. There were lots of lovely nearby walks. The Shepard’s hut was very accommodating for the dogs too who enjoyed their stay and use of the field. Thank you.
See more
R
Rachel
October 2025
2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
We had the most wonderful stay at this little countryside getaway! From the moment we arrived, Jane was absolutely incredible - so kind, welcoming, and full of helpful information about the lodge and surrounding area. She’d thought of everything, leaving clear instructions for how everything worked, which made our stay effortless and relaxing.
The thoughtful touches really made it special - from the freshly baked bread to the delicious shortbread cookies, everything felt homely and made with love. The setting itself was pure peace and quiet, surrounded by nothing but cows, trees, and the soft sounds of nature. It was the perfect place to switch off, breathe deeply, and just enjoy the calm of the countryside.
We honestly didn’t want to leave - a hidden gem that we’d return to in a heartbeat!
See more
R
Richard
October 2025
2 nights at Beautiful hideaway, panoramic views
Off grid, basic and rustic shepards hut. Very relaxing, and comfortable,
Excellent communication from Alice on finding the feild and lots of good information about the local area.
Really enjoyed my time here.
See moreE
Eren
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
My girlfriend and I had a lovely stay at Little Fleece to celebrate her birthday. The hot tub was lovely and we made some great pizzas using the pizza oven. Jane and Dave were brilliant hosts - it was lovey to meet you both! The homemade bread and biscuits were a lovely touch. Thank you!
See more
F
Fatima
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Huckleberry Farm
Our getaway to Huckleberry Farm was a gift for my husband’s birthday. Everything from start to finish was really organised and fun. Met all of our expectations. Charlotte and everyone on site were really helpful and sweet. We enjoyed horse riding and seeing the guinea pigs. We stayed in the shepherd’s hut, a clean and well maintained space that felt like home for the night. All in all a wonderful experience. Completely recommend! Thank you Charlotte and everyone at Huckleberry Farm for having Ali & I. Looking back to visiting again sometime soon!
See more
A
Anne
October 2025
With pets
Lovely break . The little touches made it very special from the tea coffee and milk to a birthday gift for my husband. Very thoughtful
See moreT
Tim
September 2025
1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
What a beautiful spot. Lovely little cabin. Everything worked as expected. Hot tub was AMAZING! Pizza oven worked a treat. Loads of wood supplied.
Jane and Dave were so kind and accommodating. Just wish we had more time there!
See more
A
Amber
September 2025
With pets
Had the most lovely stay, would definitely recommend. The cabin was well thought out, cozy and beautiful.
Thank you ❤️
See more
J
Joanna
September 2025
With pets
This was our second stay and this time we stayed in Agatha. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and everything was perfect. Hendred huts really offer a peaceful relaxing break away from everything!
See more
E
Emily
September 2025
1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !!
All windows had lovely views.
Ivan & Sylvia S xxx
See moreI
Imogen
August 2025
1 night at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
The shepherds hut was amazing, Jane’s attention detail was fantastic, she had baked bread and shortbread.
The hut is in amazing condition and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Highly recommend!
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See moreB
Barnaby
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
Really lovely stay, absolutely nothing bad to say. Highly recommend!
See moreM
M
August 2025
2 nights at Little Fleece at Folly Farm
My partner and I had an incredible stay at Little Fleece. It had everything we needed, set in such a peaceful and relaxing environment 🙌🏽
See more
M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See moreC
Cameron
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Quaint Farm in a National Park
We loved our stay at the hut - it was perfect! Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery at the back of the farm and waking up to the incredibly friendly sheep and horses was so nice. The hut itself is really cozy, lovingly decorated and has everything you need in it. We would love come and stay again!
See moreB
Beth
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Little Fleece at Folly Farm
Amazing stay, a great lil escape out of London. Such a relaxing space, has everything you need and also such wonderful hosts!
See moreB
Barb
August 2025
2 nights at Quaint Farm in a National Park
Super nice shepherd’s hut! Loved the animals nearby too.
See more
Shepherd's huts near Swanage guide
Where to go
Lulworth Cove
Set some 16 miles from Swanage in Dorset is Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campers can set up tents or hook up the motorhome to nearby private campsites along the Jurassic Coast that provide clean shower and toilet facilities, picnic areas, and easy access to the cove’s turquoise waters. Or rent a cottage or go glamping in a shepherd’s hut for a bit more comfort. Created by melted ice overflow from nearby seas and rivers, the cove waters are popular for swimming and kayaking. Then, enjoy land activities like coastal walks along rugged cliffs for sea views or explorations to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Corfe Castle
Northwest of Swanage lies Corfe Castle, a historic ruin built by William the Conqueror that exudes medieval charm. Nearby private farm campsites and holiday parks in villages offer a range of amenities, including tent pitches and campervan spaces, as well as clean shower and toilet facilities, electrical hookups, on-site shops, and wifi access. Cottage and cabin rentals are also available near the castle. Then wake up and enjoy Corfe Castle’s ancient walls that are over 1,000 years old. Afterward, take a hike along Purbeck Hills on the Purbeck Ridgeway to get views of Old Harry and the Swanage Railway.
New Forest National Park
Just a short drive northeast of Swanage sits the enchanting New Forest National Park. Wilderness explorers can hike the park's trails, including the scenic routes of Lyndhurst Circular Walk and Tall Trees Trail, which offer views of the forest’s ancient woodlands and open heathlands. Find cycling adventures and exciting wildlife sightings—most notably of the free-roaming New Forest ponies. Afterward, unwind at a tent or caravan park run by Camping in the Forest with amenities like full electric hookups and toilet and shower facilities.
When to go
Summers in Swanage bring pleasant temperatures and are popular for coastal walks, swimming, and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and a vibrant display of foliage, creating a colourful backdrop for hiking and exploring. Winter in Swanage brings a different charm, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.