Camp Hartland

Situated on a road between two National Nature Reserves, it is difficult to compete with the countryside credentials of Camp Hartland. Blissfully rural and wonderfully quiet, the greens of the ancient Dorset heathland are dotted throughout the year with the ever-changing colour of wildflowers. In winter it’s the brown and white of crispy morning frosts, overlooked by circling hen harriers. Then, when summer comes, the purple haze of bell heather spreads into the grey waters of the nearby moors. Nestled in the midst of this wild and natural landscape is the 28 day pop-up site itself, a destination that clearly received Mother Nature’s memo: "Keep it simple, keep it green and keep it peaceful".

Three miles from Wareham and only a little further to the coast, Hartland Farm is a historic smallholding that is now a working stables. While horses frolic in the fields, a grassy heathland stretch is set aside for hardy campers and a couple of rustic family bathrooms have been readied for their arrival. Hot showers inside a wooden hut are accompanied by a washing up area. But beyond this there's very little onsite – just the way it should be. There are no electric hook-ups or chemical points, a positive approach by the owners to encourage only campers looking for that back-to-basics, authentic experience. And authentic it is, with the working farm on the doorstep and sheep grazing in the next-door field. Chickens scratch as they please, supplying eggs to the farmhouse, where you can also collect a morning croissant, perfect for breakfast.

While the site merits attention for its simplicity and welcoming atmosphere, Camp Hartland’s location dusts the icy on the cake. The nearest neighbour is a beautiful thatched pub that has a large summer garden, while the market town of Wareham, 5 minutes by car, boasts a 10th-century wall that give views over the medieval settlement and across the waterfields beyond. It is the dynamic heritage coast, however, that draws the crowds, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, secluded coves and unique formations like Old Harry Rocks. For all of these costal attractions Camp Hartland is well located and walkers can join fabulous sea-front footpaths just a stones throw from the site.

This is a campsite of old; an easy-going, peaceful place that boasts little more than what is required. Good, well-maintained sanitary facilities, a grassy patch to pop the tent and a welcome spot to kindle the campfire. While the less observant flock to their road map’s designated motorhome compound, this little gem retains its quiet charm and unpretentious beauty – a 28 day hideout in Dorset’s best position.