1 / 61

Chettle Orchard Campsite.

95%
·
· Hebron, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, Dorset, Wales
4 acres hosted by Paul T.
Avatar
Rustic, quirky back-to-basics camping beside a Dorset village that time forgot

The first thing you learn about the Dorset village of Chettle is that its village store has a good line in award-winning pies. There’s a sign announcing as much on the A354. But, before you reach the little tin-clad shop that’s selling these lauded pastry goods, there’s another sign funnelling campers off the country lane, onto a farm track and into a tree-lined meadow. This is where you’ll pitch your tent,  in the grassy surrounds of Chettle Campsite. Pitch first, pies later.

“The best way to describe Chettle,” says the man behind the first campsite in the village, “is to say it’s quirky and it’s rustic.” This, coming from a man whose idea of a hot tub is an iron bath set over a fire beneath the stars, means you can’t help but be curious about the place. His campsite is several acres in size, with cars parked away from tents and simple facilities that suit a summer-only site reached by mown pathway through the grass. There are a couple of compost loos, a couple of open-air washing-up sinks and a pair of rustic showers with water warmed only by the sun (finger’s crossed). The central focus of the place is the communal campfire and a little field shelter for protection from whichever element might prove a bit too much.

Along with seasoned campers who arrive with their own family tents, the site has a fairly even mix of pre-pitched bell tents too, whose cream-coloured canvas adds to the field's rustic appeal. Bell tents can be rented, furnished or unfurnished; there are six of each available and a handful of campervan pitches too. The thing that’s common to them all is a dug-out fire pit and plenty of room for sunbathing, stargazing and generally enjoying yourself. Rustic it may be, but rough around the edges it is not. The whole thing is carefully planned and when you find out that Paul (‘the man’ behind the site) has 20 years in events planning, it’ll come as no surprise.

And what of 'quirky' Chettle village? It’s a five-minute walk across the fields past “the big house”, a Grade I listed country manor whose estate includes, not only the camping field, but the whole of settlement beyond. There’s a 13th-century church, an eccentric and popular restaurant that's like something out of a Hardy novel and the time-forgotten village store, of course, with it’s award-winning pies. If you want to continue walking, meanwhile, the village sits on the Jubilee Way, a 90-mile footpath through the Dorset countryside. This is the Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a great place to explore that feels a million miles away from the Dorset most of us know. In truth the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the like are only a 40-minute drive. Likewise Salisbury and Stonehenge. All close enough to visit but far enough to forget if you want to stay away from summer crowds.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
Field
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Campers also viewed...
95%
66 Ratings · 37 reviews
Avatar
Louise C.recommends
September 10, 2022
Grass pitch for campervan or caravan
Lovely short break, warm welcome.
A lovely one night stay at this site. Loads of space, beautiful views and great eco facilities. Nice to be able to pitch close to friends and with our dogs. Will be back as a family to enjoy again. The village is pretty and has a good store, easy access to Blandford too.
Avatar
Laura W.recommends
September 9, 2022
Blank Canvas 5m Bell Tent
Lovely quiet campsite. Bell tents well spaced apart and really cosy.
Avatar
Eve G.recommends
September 7, 2022
Fully Furnished 5m Bell Tents - 9642
Amazing break
The trip was amazing just what our family needed. Peaceful, everyone so kind. Under the stars toasting marshmallows. My boys riding there bikes so free. We will be back. Highly recommend. So good for your mind just to switch off in nature. Eve.
Avatar
Rachel C.recommends
September 5, 2022
Fully Furnished 5m Bell Tents - 9642
A great base for The Great Dorset
Peaceful quiet location. Equipment provided in tent was good. We only had breakfasts and drinks on site but provisions for cooking on the fire pit were available. Managed rustic showers and toilets without a hitch! Walked to well equipped village store for snacks. Turning out of the site onto the lane requires care. Directions were good. Don’t forget your torch for night time toilet trips!
Avatar
Jason K.recommends
September 5, 2022
Blank Canvas 5m Bell Tent
Great spot, and everyone was really helpful and friendly
Avatar
Adele S.recommends
September 4, 2022
Fully Furnished 5m Bell Tents - 9642
Amazing rustic getaway!
We loved this site, it was really well kept, set in beautiful surroundings and everything you needed. The bell tent was lovely and clean and really comfortable. I love camping but without the hassle of it and this was perfect. The toilets and showers were rustic but really well kept and everyone was respectful on the site. The shop was amazing and we certainly loved the local cider! Thank you Paulie (and Chase) for the warm welcome. We will be back soon! :)
Location
Hebron, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, Dorset, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar
Hosted by Paul T.Joined in May 2021
From the host
Chettle Campsite is an opportunity for a genuine camping experience. The site sits in a tree-lined meadow and orchard that open out into the rolling Dorset Downlands. The site and our carefully curated pitches allow for a comfy chic meets wild camping feel. The emphasis here is on relaxing, a retreat into the great outdoors, and avoiding the crowds. Our pitches include fire pits where campfires are thoroughly encouraged. We consider a star-lit evening with a flame-grilled meal and a cool drink an essential part of the experience. We light a large communal fire at the centre of the site for people to gather around and share their day's adventures. If it's rainy (or hopefully too sunny!) you can get comfortable in our on-site 'library' a sheltered space where you can relax in a hammock, pull up a sofa, or a hay bale with a book. We will recommend the best kept local secrets for you, let you know our favourite wild swimming spots and country pubs arrange morning and evening yoga classes twice a week. Everything here is geared towards simplicity, a rustic feel, making a minimal impact on the land and relaxation.
Nearby attractions

Chettle Campsite is a five-minute walk from Chettle Village, which sits on the Jubilee Trail, a 90-mile walking route that links Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the Chalke Valleys and beyond. There are endless opportunities for ambling, rambling, hiking, cycling, wild swimming, or pulling up a hay bale and relaxing in the sun but the site is also just a short distance from some of the best Dorset has to offer. The Jurassic Coast, including the world-famous Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Kimmeridge Bay, is within 40 minutes' drive and Paul can suggest a few lesser-known gems too. Tisbury is 13 miles from site and home to Messums Museum and Art Gallery (01747 445042), cafes, pubs, and river walks. Salisbury, Stonehenge (0370 333 1181), and Woodhenge, Bournemouth and Poole and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all within 40 minutes drive. The area is studded with natural history sites, nature reserves like RSPB Arne (01929 553360), castles like Corfe Castle (01929 477060) and proper country pubs.

Food and drink

A few local goodies will be for sale on site when availability allows and in Chettle itself, a five minute walk away, you'll find a well-stocked shop selling everything you will need and specialising in local produce. The village is also home to The Castleman Restaurant (01258 830096; make sure you book in advance). The award-winning Museum Inn (01725 516 261) is approximately a 25-minute walk from the site and The Drover's Inn (01258 840550 ) is within a 10-minute (five mile) drive.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.