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Hobby Farm

95%
·
43 reviews
 · Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, England
1 acre hosted by Hobby F.
2 glamping pitches · 14 motorhome/tent pitches
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Hobby is a Star Host
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A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

In the height of the school holidays, when seaside campsites bulge and spread and ice-cream vans jangle their tune down on the waterfront, places like Hobby Farm can become true sanctuaries. Equidistant from Dorset’s highest point, Lewesdon Hill (three miles north), and it’s lowest, the beaches or the Jurassic Coast (three miles south), this rural retreat in Marshwood Vale is a thoroughly peaceful slice of the Dorset pie. It’s both a secluded backwater and a well-located rambler’s paradise – dogs are welcome, there’s a good pub down the lane and every local footpath leads somewhere scenic, but when you simply want to stay put and relax, there are few quieter spots to be.

Hobby Farm is an adults-only campsite, which is undoubtedly the main reason that there’s such a notable sense of calm. But the general setting plays an obvious role too. The camping meadow is bound by mature trees and hedgerows, for example, and centres around a large pond, beside which alders and willows grow. There are just nine pitches in total, ensuring there’s never a crowd, and no electrical hook-ups, so old-fashioned tent campers reign supreme. A pair of traditional shepherd’s huts have been kitted out for glampers, too, and parked up in their own space – a handy option for walkers who don’t want to carry a tent.

If you’re open to ideas, amiable hosts Tom and Gaby are happy to recommend local pubs or walking routes. They also run the stables a few yards up the lane from the campsite and are happy to offer livery to campers who want to bring their horses along too. If you’ve got the time you can walk all the way to the beach – the nearest being at Seatown, where the Anchor Inn makes and excellent viewpoint-cum-watering-hole – or hop in the car and drive. It’s 15 minutes to Bridport, 15 minutes to Charmouth, 20 to West Bay and 20 to Lyme Regis, each one being worth several hours of your time. Though be careful not to eat into your camping time too much – it’s tough to put a limit on chilling around the campfire, fishing in the pond or paddling around in the small white row boat that waits invitingly on the waters’ edge.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Lake
Field

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Motorhome/tent pitches

1 unit
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Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric

94% (36)
Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 2 · Vehicles under 16 ft
Non designated pitches mean you choose your pitch on arrival. A pitch is for up to 2 people. Toilet and showering facilities (3 toilets and 3 showers) are shared with 14 pitches. Washing up facilities provided. Electric sockets available and fridge/freezer. This is an adults only grass pitch
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
£22
/ night
for NaN guests
14 dispersed sites

Glamping

2 units
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Badger's Retreat

100% (3)
Glamping pod · Sleeps 2
Badgers Retreat is a comfortable Shepherd's Hut with ensuite shower and toilet in an adjacent field to a small adult-only campsite. Badgers Retreat is situated around a small pond with 1 other shepherd's hut, Otters Nest.  The hut is warm and cosy with heating as well as kitchen area with sink, hob, fridge, and kettle so you feel right at home. The comfy double bed means you’ll sleep soundly too and wake up to the sound of the countryside with birdsong and distant church bells.   ** Please note that the price is based on you bringing your own bed linen, towels and pillows.  Mattress protector provided. **  Badgers Retreat is a cosy 6 ft x 12 ft Shepherd’s Hut.   Cosy and warm whatever the time of year.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
£100
/ night
for NaN guests
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Otter's Nest

Booked 10 times
Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 2
Otter’s Nest is a comfortable Shepherd's Hut on the edge of a small adult-only campsite. Otters Nest is situated around a small pond with 1 other shepherd's hut, Badger's Retreat. It has a private toilet and shower outside of the hut that is not shared with others.  The hut is warm and cosy with woodburner heating as well as kitchen area with sink, hob, fridge, and kettle so you feel right at home. The comfy super kingsize bed means you’ll sleep soundly too and wake up to the sound of the countryside with birdsong and distant church bells.   ** Please note that the price is based on your bringing your own bed linen, towels and pillows.  Mattress protector provided. **  Otter’s Nest is a cosy 6 ft x 12 ft Shepherd’s Hut raised up on a decked platform.   Cosy and warm whatever the time of year with a woodburning stove.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
£90
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

95% Recommend41 Ratings · 43 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Beautiful and peaceful
9 ft Class B ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Beautiful, quiet campsite. Big pitches, clean, brilliant facilities and a great night's sleep. I'll definitely be back!
E
Emma H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Bliss, I'll be back
With pets ·
Badger's Retreat
Had a beautiful stay. The hut was clean and well equipped. The shower was a bit lacking but better than nowt. I particularly loved that the hut was enclosed in its own paddock so my dog was contained and I could relax. The bed was comfortable and I slept like a log. Had a visit from a peacock as the sun went down each evening, how cool!
D
Denise H.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Badger's Retreat
This is a lovely campsite with nice facilities and each pitch has a lot of room with a fire pit and a table/bench. There's a large pond and it's a very pretty campsite. The shepherds hut is small but has what you need, a bed, toilet, shower, fridge and two hobs.
L
Laura C.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Recommended
16 ft Class B ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Absolutely lovely small site. Very nice showers and lavs. They even leave a fire pit for you. We plan on returning
C
C L.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Badger's Retreat
We LOVED everything about this campsite. The setting, the shepherds hut, lake… really lovely. Watching the sunset over the hill was stunning. We didn’t camp (we glamped) but we did have a look at the camping facilities & toilets / showers / kitchens are some of the best camping ones we’ve seen. Befriended three ducks from the pond too, a lovely addition 🦆 Thank you!
S
Samantha G.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
13 ft Class B ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Fantastic location for campers wanting a chilled out stay with good but basic facilities.
I
Ilana C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Stayed for 4 nights and would definitely recommend. Nice little site. Nice Clean shower/toilet block with sinks for washing up. Also 2 plug sockets to charge the essentials. The fridge/freezer is a good addition. Fire pits provided with logs for sale. Farmer also popped round offering bacon, sausages and eggs. Lovely area with lots of nice walks. About an hours walk to the beach. 100% would recommend and stay again.
L
Liam T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
Lovely place !
16 ft car ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Lovely little park , only for adults which meant was so quiet. The owner came by at the end of the afternoon to see if we needed anything which was lovely, was no check in but often this parks are don't have check ins. Small facilities but couldn't fault it, cleaned and tidy, we wouldn't need anything more.
R
Renata C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
Lovely Little Camp Site
Tent · With pets ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
This is a lovely campsite, very quiet and extremely good loos and showers. We liked that it is adults only amd dog friendly. We brought our fire pit with us but I think you can hire them and bought logs on site which was very handy. It’s nice and close to Bridport and Lyme Regis and a beautiful beach at Eype. We recommend going to Shavecross Under The Stars cinema in Lyme Regis - a highlight for us, great pizzas and beer. Great walks around the area but hilly!! Thanks for having us!
K
Katie W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent ·
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Great view, no fuss arrival, close pub (food stops early), hot showers no fee. Shaded areas.
B
Barnaby P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
I read previous reviews, most good and a few not so good. I came to the conclusion that perhaps the not so good ones had just booked the wrong type of campsite. Hobby Farm is a very functional small campsite. No reception, no shop, just a couple of toilets, a couple of showers and I would estimate about 10 pitches for camping around the edge of the field we were in. There were some shepherd huts in the adjacent field although I don’t know if they shared the facilities with us or had their own. In peak season I would argue that there would be queuing for the facilities, but for us in October there were probably no more than 6 pitches occupied and about 12 people on site so it worked just fine. There is a friendly pub (Five Bells) close by - if you use the pubs postcode you will virtually be at the site. Pub was open between 6-10 with food orders until 8 with a good menu. For our needs (4 motorbikes for a weekend away) Hobby Farm was great.
M
Michael W.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Lovely farm setting with a picturesque lake. Quiet in October with clean and hot showers which is a must for us. Were never bothered by owners and staff so left to get on with. Just how we like it. Made use of the log burners that are located at each pitch. Would stay again :)
J
James L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Otter's Nest
Such a lovely place with most tranquil surroundings and the cabin is so comfortable and cozy. We so enjoyed the fire at night making bbqs and star gazing. Loved meeting the horse neighbours. And took a little row in the boat around the lake :)
S
Sophie S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Pros: 1) good pitches for tents. No hardcore under the grass which a lot of campsites have so no needing to hammer in the pegs with Thor's Hammer. They're pretty level and some even have a picnic bench. 2) beautiful area with great views. 3) hands off approach from the owners (some campsite hosts can be a bit... suffocating, so it's refreshing that we were left completely alone. 4) great location for getting out and about to various places, Lyme Regis being a notable example. Also, check out the Beer Quarry Caves if you like history! It was a great place and only 30 minutes away, with the donkey sanctuary only a short drive from there too. Cons: 1) star taken off for the facilities - they do the job but not enough of them and even with just two other sets of campers we had cross over/waiting for the toilets and showers. When you're using the loo or a shower, you feel as though you're in there with whoever else is using the them and can hear everything. Would be good to have more hooks for hanging things on too. 2) I've not taken a star off for this as not really the site's fault - we didn't really get much of the touted peace and tranquility. There was nearby loud music every night until very late, and there also seemed to be a bell ringing practise on one of the nights from the nearby church, doing battle with the music which seemed to grow louder as if they were trying to drown out the church! We were also unlucky and had quite a loud, obnoxious group of campers decide to set up right next to us who liked a drink shall we say. So overall, can't say it was particularly relaxing despite the potential of the location and scenery. Would I return? If the facilities were improved (and had a bit more sound proofing), yes. I'd be willing to take the gamble that we just struck unlucky the first time with the amount of noise.
J
Jon M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Great campsite! Directions to find it are simple to follow, then once you get there it's everything you could want. The pitches are well spaced out and have their own washing machine drum firepit. Some of the pitches have a picnic bench, which is a bonus. The toilet/shower block is great and the communal fridges are really handy. Some lovely walks in the area and a pub just down the road! Lovely peaceful location, and even heard owls at night. Will definitely be back!
C
Charmian D.
3 years on Hipcamp
September 2021
Really great campsite, beautiful scenery surrounding you, fab facilities including hot showers, clean toilets, electricity point to charge your phone and a fridge/freezer. Wildlife all around, we heard owls and pheasants in the early morning which was ace. Lots of space and a great local pub! It has everything you need. And a close drive to places like Lyme Regis, Seatown and Bridport! Thanks so much for a cracking night stay, and we booked last minute too! We’ll be back! :-)
E
Emily ?.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Really enjoyed our stay here. It’s so quiet and peaceful at night, all you can hear are the owls and there’s so little light pollution that it’s perfect for stargazing. The showers and loos are simple but extremely clean with reliable hot water. Lots of footpaths nearby for walking towards the sea and the coast path or inland through the hills. Highly recommended for getting away from it all!
L
Lauren V.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
The site is lovely, and was very quiet during our stay (apart from an occasional barking dog, and the embarrassment of our car alarm going off at 11pm!). The site is a field, with a large pond at the bottom and a smaller pond near the top. The view of distant hills and the sunset were spectacular. The loo and shower block was excellent - simple, but very clean and pleasant. Only 2 of each, but it seemed to be plenty. Maybe a hook in the loos would be good, as the basins were in there, so needed somewhere to hang a towel. There were also two fridges provided, and a nice, spacious washing-up area. There was a slight confusion about pitches - we were late to arrive, and most pitches were taken, so we opted for a small grassy pitch, but once we had pitched our tent, we realised it was right in front of the only drinking water tap, so had to carry our tent to the other free space. We would definitely visit again, and the whole area is wonderful to explore.
K
Kate W.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Stayed for 2 nights, this was my 3rd visit to Hobby Farm, its an excellent place to stay, its rural and very quiet, definitely of the beaten track. The view from the campsite is amazing as well. The facilities are basic but spotless. Ideal location if you just want to sit and watch the world go by. Good location to use as a base to explore the local area. The staff are friendly and helpful, they more or less just leave you to it. Sitting outside the tent late at night was lovely and hearing the owls nearby was nice. Definitely worth a visit. I'll be going back.
J
John D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
We enjoyed 3 nights at Hobby Farm - a peaceful and picturesque setting. Facilities were very good, with clean toilets and hot showers. Great having the village pub walking distance down the road too. Would recommend to others and hope to be back!
R
Rosie R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
We enjoyed our stay at Hobby Farm. Was quiet, the other campers all seemed friendly and relaxed. The pitches were spacious and the facilities spotless. We never felt like the site was too busy & always managed a shower when we wanted one. The fridge and powerpoints were a great touch. Loved having the pub a 10 min walk away. We'd come back :) thanks!
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Danielle L.
4 years on Hipcamp
July 2021
There are only supposed be 9 pitches, but there were 15 different groups, meaning we had to take a tiny space, others just pitched where they could. There are only 2 toilets in a very cheap shed, people had stuffed paper towels in the knot holes for privacy, and there are long screws sticking through the walls. There is no chemical toilet disposal. The showers and toilets were kept very clean, but there were just too many people for the site, with only one sink people were queuing to wash up. The views were lovely, especially the sunsets, but we won't be coming back, we didn't expect so many people.
M
Margaret ?.
3 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Such a lovely campsite in the middle of the peaceful countryside. Nice & quiet to relax & leave your stresses at home with added bonus of availability for a fire pit. The owner Tom is a really nice guy & helpful with any local queries of places of interest etc. Only weaker points in my opinion are when we last camped there were 14 tents/vans on site. It states 10 on website. Sharing 2 small showers & 2 toilets with 28 people can be abit challenging. Plus on earlier visits there was a freezer to place your ice packs in, now there is a tiny freezer shelf that doesn't freeze them. Overall though a lovely spot for £20 a night.
K
Kerri D.
4 years on Hipcamp
July 2021
Lovely site, clean new facilities, hot showers. Not overcrowded and very quiet. Local pub just up the road. Had a great time.
C
Craig ?.
3 years on Hipcamp
July 2021
Lovely location, quiet, clean. But, you state you have 10 pitches, adults only. At one point I counted 12 tents and 4 vans, Including 2 vans on one pitch both with awnings, and one family with children. All well and good, everyone deserves a holiday, but 2 toilets and 2 showers are not sufficient for the amount of people on the site. At £20 per night, I guess you get what you pay for, but it's obvious by the amount of people you let on to the field, you're never fully booked. You're just in it for the money, and not the welfare of your guests. David came to see us and said he couldnt chat for long because his dinner was ready! He was with us less than a minute, telling us there was wood available if we needed it. Before he came to us, he spent around 20 minutes "chatting" with the couple next door, to us, and when he left us, at least 10 or 15 minutes with each of the other guests. He was on site well over an hour I'd say. We just felt that was a little rude. Overall, the break we had, did us both good away from work, and London. However, I feel it would of been better if you'd stuck to your policy.
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Ian C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Badger's Retreat
We thoroughly enjoyed our break at hobby farm. It is so beautiful and peaceful. The shepherds hut was lovely and cosy and the staff attended to every need we had. We had an amazing break in Dorset and will definitely return in the future. Hobby farm is the perfect base to explore the area or just simply relax and enjoy the farm. Thank you so much
S
Simon B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
We loved how remote this site felt with great views of rolling hills but still being within walking distance of a pub and a short drive to both Lyme Regis and Charmouth. We didn't see the owners whilst there but they kept everything clean and topped up. The facilities were quite basic in wooden sheds but had flushing toilets and hot showers and there was a decent sized sink for washing up and a fridge so there we had everything we needed. We would return.
L
Lauren I.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Great spot. So peaceful. Friendly and helpful people. Clean facilities. What’s not to like!
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Dug M.
5 years on Hipcamp
September 2020
Booked without prior knowledge and found a gem of a camp site. Now, your going to be disappointed if you rock up expecting a glamping experience. This is not boutique. It’s a simple, no frills peace of heaven. The shower and toilet blocks are basic but kept well stocked, clean and well serviced. Hobby farm is a working farm, not a theme park and the family work hard to manage the site and keep visitors happy but they cannot make the ground flat at visitors insistence. It’s a sloping field but there are plenty of places to pitch and the details do say it’s sloping. For the small in inconvenience, of uneven ground, you will be treated to big sky’s, peace and unbelievable views. The family have planted woods behind the site and there is a lovely dog walk to a view point and picnic table. There are two lovely ponds with a resident king fisher And nature surrounds you. It was a blissful 3 day break. There is a freezer for your cool blocks, fire pits, logs on sale, use of a toilet tent and loo if you want. Pick your pitch, put your feet up and enjoy. The staff are on hand to help if you need it but otherwise you are left to relax. It was perfect and we will go back.
J
Jill L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2020
Adult Only Grass Pitch Non Electric
Spent 4 nights in this lovely spot. Fridge and charging points were very convenient. Hassle free camping with no bother from anyone. Closely located to plenty of gorgeous beaches. If you’re looking for a quiet camping spot then look no further
D
Danny N.
4 years on Hipcamp

Location

Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Hobby F.

Joined in July 2019
From the host
Hobby Farm is an adult only countryside campsite retreat in the heart of the Dorset Marshwood Vale, West Dorset, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are numerous footpaths leading to the nearby coastal beach at Charmouth and it is just a 10 minute drive to the bustling seaside town of Lyme Regis. There’s also an abundance of wildlife all around the site with otters and ducklings to be found on the pond, horses grazing nearby and even a badgers set on the hill. There’s also a lovely country pub serving great food and ale just a 500 yard walk down the lane too! Choose from our 14 non-electric grass pitches for tents, trailer tents, campervans or, if you are looking for ‘posh camping’ why not try one of our 2 well-equipped glamping Shepherd’s Huts. Otter's Nest and Badger's Retreat both around our fishing pond.
Nearby attractions

You're a matter of minutes from the Jurassic Coast: Head south-west for Charmouth, one of the best places for fossil-hunting, and south-east for the small fishing town of West Bay, where you can join family-friendly mackerel-fishing trips with West Bay Charters (01308 421800). Bustling and historic Lyme Regis is a few miles further than Charmouth with The Cobb, the 13th century harbour arm, a Dorset must-see. Lyme Regis is also home to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum (01297 443541), which helps you dip into the history of the coastline, explaining its geology and why it is now so famous. Back inland, the market town of Bridport is just under six miles from Hobby Farm Campsite, with a regular market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a leisure centre, cinema and its own brewery, Palmers, which offers tours (01308 422396). The former Cistercian monastery, Forde Abbey, is around seven miles (a 20-minute drive), meanwhile, with beautiful gardens to explore.

Food and drink

It's a 10-minute walk to The Five Bells (01297 489262), with an excellent beer garden in summer and Palmers Ales on tap. Further afield, The Anchor (01297 489215), overlooking the sea at Seatown is a 10-minute drive, while West Bay’s Rise (01308 422011) café/bar is a recommended all-rounder with harbour views. For seafood, you might like to try The Watch House Café, which is right on the beach (01308 459330). Bridport has a wide range of good quality eateries to choose from and there’s also a farmers’ market in the town on the second Saturday of the month. At Beaminster, Brassica (01308 538100) and Ollerod (01308 862200) are particular highlights.

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