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Hardyes Countryside Camping

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· Weymouth, England
4 acres hosted by Christopher R.
17 motorhome/tent pitches · 18 tent pitches
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Christopher is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

The view from Hardyes Countryside Camping is field after field after field. Stay here and you can gaze at this rural scene all day and, on a clear night, enjoy the starriest of skies. This is somewhere to enjoy simple camping in a peaceful part of Dorset that feels, as this area’s most famous son put it, far from the madding crowds. It’s Hardy Country indeed; the quiet countryside that inspired the writer. His preserved home, Hardy’s Cottage, is just 20 minutes’ drive from here. But closer still, another famous Thomas Hardy from Dorset is commemorated. This one, the Vice Admiral who helped Lord Nelson to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. A monument to him is high on one of those rolling hills you can see from the site.

That’s not all that’s within easy reach of this site that feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s actually in a good spot to explore all of Dorset from. Nowhere is too far away from this central spot and much is within a 20-minute drive: Dorchester, Bridport and the Jurassic Coast all included. Weymouth, Durdle Door and Lyme Regis are all just a little further. After days of fossil hunting, exploring market towns and historic sites, you’ll be glad for the peace and quiet back at Hardyes Countryside Camping.

Tucked behind the farmhouse and yard at Higher Hogleaze Farm, is where you’ll find its four acres. They’re shared by tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans – all are welcome here and so is your dog. There’s a relaxed atmosphere that’s helped along by host, Chris, who keeps the place spotlessly clean. He built the facilities which are sheltered in a barn and include flushing toilets, reliably hot showers and a campers’ kitchen too. It’s a sociable space on a sociable site in the middle of Dorset, the middle of Hardy Country – and the middle of nowhere as well.

Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Coastal
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100%
24 Ratings · 17 reviews
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Tabea S.recommends
September 18, 2024
Hardyes Countryside Camping-No EHU
6 sunny days to explore Dorset
The campsite in Dorset was fantastic! Chris was super friendly and helpful. He gave us lots of ideas for short trips in the area with options for every interest (some of them are also pinned on the wall in the facility). He checked in with us every day and made sure we got and found everything. The atmosphere on the campsite was relaxed, we felt welcome right away. The sanitary facilities were very clean and well maintained. We can highly recommend this campsite!
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Stacey D.recommends
August 27, 2024
Hardyes Countryside Camping-No EHU
would recommend
Directions were clear and we were welcomed with a teacake and smile. would recommend this location. Facilities were clean and spacious.
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Suzanne P.recommends
August 18, 2024
Hardyes Countryside Camping-No EHU
Easy to find camping ground with good access to a range of spots within day-out driving range, including Swanage, Lulworth & Corfe to Hardy's Cottage, a whole raft of ancient forts and Dorchester's Roman townhouse (most complete and best preserved in the country), beautiful Dorset villages like Abbotsbury and Cerne Abbas etc to West Bay and beyond's stunning Jurassic Coast scenery. Chris's excellent local knowledge really helps take the uncertainty out of what-to-dos for those unfamiliar with this part of Dorset. The campsite itself is clean and well-maintained, small and friendly and will contine to benefit from the ongoing tweaks and improvements that are planned.
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Karen H.recommends
July 28, 2024
Hardyes Countryside Camping-No EHU
Good site, well
Chris greeted us and was very warm and friendly. Campsite was well kept. Shower and toilet block was clean.
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Hermina C.recommends
July 13, 2024
Hardyes Countryside EHU Pitch
What an absolutely wonderful spot and wonderful host. Chris's warm welcome was outstanding and his knowledge of the area meant we found some real gems we wouldn't have discovered otherwise. If you prefer a campsite that's relaxed and informal, this is just the place. Showers were lovely and big and clean. And the site remote enough to be lovely and quiet, but a close enough drive to everything you need.
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Adam And Emma J.recommends
June 30, 2024
Hardyes Countryside EHU Pitch
Very chilled, pretty views, good clean facilities.
Location
Weymouth, 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 Christopher R.

Joined in December 2022
From the host
Situated 5 miles in from the stunning Jurassic Coast you'll find this little slice of tranquility that we call home. This peaceful site is ideally set close to not only the Jurassic coastline, but Dorchester too. A perfect retreat for those looking to explore nearby nature and see some amazing sunrises and sunsets. There are non electric and electric grass pitches for campers, featuring lovely countryside views that stretch for miles. There are also a couple of hardstanding picthes with electric hook up, suitable for caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Venture to Weymouth, just a 25 minute drive away and enjoy the golden sands beaches and incredible attractions, fun for all! Dogs are welcome and as there are so many nearby trails, this is a lovely retreat for you and your furry pals. The site is open on bank holidays and weekends between 29th July and 29th August.
Nearby attractions

The campsite is six miles west of Dorchester within the Dorset National Landscape. Host Chris provides lots of local information on things to do in the shared area in the barn. Some of the highlights are in Dorchester itself where you can visit the Dorchester Museum and the Roman Town House. Not far beyond town, in Higher Bockhampton, is Hardy’s Cottage (nine miles), birthplace of Thomas Hardy, which is open to the public thanks to the National Trust. The Hardy Monument, to Vice Admiral Thomas Hardy, is five miles south of site and a good place for a walk in the hills with outstanding views – all the way to the Isle of Wight and Torquay on a clear day. In the other direction (north) you can visit the hillside Cerne Abbas Giant (11 miles). The closest place to reach the coast is Abbotsbury (eight miles) at the west end of Chesil Beach, an 18-mile shingle beach with the Fleet Lagoon behind it. Perhaps a better bet for family-friendly swimming, though, is Weymouth (13 miles) where there’s sheltered sand and plenty of facilities too. The famous chalk arch of Durdle Door is 18 miles from the campsite while Charmouth and Lyme Regis, which are great for fossil hunting, are just over 20 miles away.

Food and drink

Hardyes Country Camping is just six miles from Dorchester and you’ll find supermarkets on the edge of town with plenty of independent shops in the centre. Market day in the town is Wednesday. For basic supplies, there’s a village shop a little closer in the village of Winterbourne Abbas (three miles). You’ll also find the closest pub, The Coach House Inn, there. It’s a modern country pub that does food and it’s walkable on local footpaths. Another nearby pub is The Saxon Arms in Stratton (four miles), a pretty thatched inn with a good menu. It’s about the same distance to Martinstown and The Brewer’s Arms, a freehouse serving ploughmans, pizzas and more.

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