Tiny houses in Wareham Forest

With more than 1,500 hectares of woodlands and heathlands to explore, Wareham Forest provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike the 13-mile Wareham Forest Way through the heart of the forest, or choose from several short walks and circuits such as the Woodlark Trail, a favourite for families. Cyclists won’t want to miss the tree-lined Sika Trail, after which you can picnic among the trees or enjoy lunch at a country pub. The forest is well known for its wildlife, so keep a lookout for Sika deer, rare birds, and sand lizards.

64% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

With more than 1,500 hectares of woodlands and heathlands to explore, Wareham Forest provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike the 13-mile Wareham Forest Way through the heart of the forest, or choose from several short walks and circuits such as the Woodlark Trail, a favourite for families. Cyclists won’t want to miss the tree-lined Sika Trail, after which you can picnic among the trees or enjoy lunch at a country pub. The forest is well known for its wildlife, so keep a lookout for Sika deer, rare birds, and sand lizards.

64% (11)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. North End Farm

94%

(8)

3 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

North End Farm is situated in the spectacular Dorset countryside, yet only a couple of miles from the Jurassic Coast, beaches, pubs, restaurants. Wonderful walks are available on and beyond the farm. The Pavilion is a great place to rest and strike out from. The beach is 1.5 miles away. It is on a network of footpaths in the middle of it's own organic farmland. Bridport and Lyme Regis offer plenty of art and culture and are reknown for food, River Cottage and the Jurassic Coast. There is nothing better than being warm and cosy around the wood burner looking out at the great views. The Pavilion is good for couples, solo adventurers, art lovers, foodies and furry friends (pets)..

2. The Hobbit House and Secret Garden

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Ilminster, Somerset, South West England

Your own private retreat with cosy furnished Hobbit House and quirky features set in your own large private mature gardens. You have an outdoor under cover kitchen with sink and gas hob and prep area, campfire with tripod grill. You have you're own flushing toilet and hot shower. You have your own entrance to the garden. The house is approx 3x3m. We provide cutlery, cooking utensils and wood for the log burner and campfire. There is an electric socket in the house next to the bed suitable for charging purposes. Arrival 3pm and vacate by noon. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.

3. Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

4. Riding Gate Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, Somerset, South West England

A lodge with a hot tub in the Somerset countryside

5. Wild Offgrid Cabin w/ Unspoilt View

33%

(3)

2 units · Glamping · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

In The Guardians Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats *Dog Friendly* Is it time for an escape from too much concrete and too many commitments? Escape Off The Grid will give you just that: this totally off-grid experience in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you’re just one-two hours from London. So what’s on offer here? A cool, sustainably made wooden cabin with a woodburner to keep you cosy, simple but comfy furniture, and best of all, a double bed set next to vast glass windows looking out on a wonderfully quiet landscape. Chances are you’ll want to stay there all day looking down the valley… breakfast in bed may well become a necessity. Everything is ready for you (bedding, cooking stuff, a fridge, kindling for the firepit and woodburner) so all you need to bring with you is food – pick up supplies from local farm shops – or eat at the rural pubs in the quaint local villages. With no phone signal and no wifi connection to distract you, you’ll have all the time in the world to chill out, read a book, write a journal, hike the unknown, or meditate in nature.

Stories from the community

Gareth

April 2025

3 nights at The Hobbit House and Secret Garden

Lost for words. The Hobbit House and accompanying grounds kept us warm, secluded and very happy for a three night stay. Although we would happily move in permanently. Worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere secluded, off the beaten track and something back to basics. Kitchen area is beautifully simple in design and appreance. Toilet and separate shower block were clean and easy to use. The Hobbit House itself was snug, beautifully decorated and peaceful. Theo was an excellent host too. We will be back!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Tiny houses in Wareham Forest guide

Notable campgrounds

Best for a 5-star camping experience: Wareham Forest Tourist Park has grass pitching for tents and powered hard-standing sites for caravans and motorhomes. There’s also a heated swimming pool and children’s playground on-site and a country pub within walking distance.
Best for caravans and motorhomes: Birchwood Touring Park has a choice of grass, hard-standing, and gravel pitches, all with direct access to the forest trails. Electric hook-ups and TV aerials are available too.
Best for peace and quiet: Wooders Campsite has spacious grass pitches, bell tents for hire, and fire-pits, set on a rural working farm.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Holiday parks and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Book at least three months in advance if you plan to visit at this time.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from Easter through October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Summer is peak season in Wareham Forest, and parking can fill up quickly—make an early start to snag a spot. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but the woodlands are particularly photogenic in the autumn months, with their ever-changing canopy of fall foliage. Wildlife watching is often most rewarding in the early morning and early evening.

Know before you go

Wareham Forest is located in central Dorset, about a 20-minute drive west of Poole. Trains run from Poole to Wareham (a 10-minute journey), from where it’s a half-mile walk to the forest.
There is free parking at Sika Trail, Woolsbarrow, Stroud Bridge, and Sugar Hill, all with direct access to Wareham Forest.
Many trails at Wareham Forest are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.