Recommended campsites in Dorset and Hampshire

This quiet site is within the grounds of an original Victorian Grange, with its facilities block in the original stone barn. There are riverbanks and ancient woods, and that’s before you even leave the campsite. Choose your environment too: there’s a tree-lined meadow or formally landscaped gardens by the old Grange, where you’ll find hardstandings.

Bridport, West Dorset DT6 3TT
T: 01308 488234 W: binghamgrange.co.uk

Highlands End Holiday Park

This brilliant campsite is a sister site to Golden Cap Holiday Park just down the coast. It, like Golden Cap, is right next to a shingle bay, only here you are pitched on a small cliff top with some spaces directly overlooking the sea. There’s a heated indoor swimming pool, and the site is easy to access from the A35 Dorchester to Honiton Road. The South West Coast Path runs alongside the campsite.

Eype, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6AR
T: 01308 422139 W: wdlh.co.uk

Merley Court Holiday Park

A family-friendly park near the town of Poole, and set in tranquil woodland. The site is very well maintained, with immaculately-kept hedging, and offers a heated outdoor swimming pool and a great adventure play area. The bar opens into a walled courtyard. An ideal overnight stop too, for those taking ferries to France, or those just wanting the shorter hop over to explore Brownsea Island in Poole harbour.

Poole, Dorset BH21 3AA
T: 01590 648331 W: shorefield.co.uk

Norden Farm Touring Caravan and Camping Site

This campsite's location is perfect, just over the hill from the stunning ruins of Corfe Castle, and an easy walk into this fascinating village. Norden is a working farm, with cows and ducks to entrance the younger children in your party. It’s right next to a park and ride for the Swanage Railway, so the local steam train becomes a form of regular transport, chugging its way into Corfe Castle and on to the seaside town of Swanage. 

Norden, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS
T: 01929 480098 W: nordenfarm.com

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ISLE OF WIGHT

Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park

This award-winning 5 star holiday park is set within an AONB. There’s an outdoor heated pool overlooked by the bar and a children’s playground; the whole site is family-friendly. There’s also a shop offering basic provisions and essentials. Appuldurcombe is ideally placed for exploring the Victorian architecture of Ventnor and its botanical gardens. The beaches at Sandown and Shanklin are within 10 minutes’ drive.

Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 3EP
T: 01983 852597 W: appuldurcombegardens.co.uk

Ninham Country Holidays

Ninham is just one and a half miles from the beach resort of Shanklin and is set in 120 acres of woodland and farm land. Various footpaths lead from the campsite into the Island's countryside and a 15-minute cycle ride will have you at the beach. Facilities include a new modern facilities block, laundry, games room, outdoor pool and fishing ponds. 

Ninham, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 7PL
T: 01983 864243 W: ninham-holidays.co.uk

Whitefield Forest Touring Park

This site is situated in a forest setting where red squirrels are often seen. The touring park is located between the sandy beaches of Ryde and Sandown and there are a number of footpaths and bridleways in the local area. The site has a modern toilet and shower block along with a children's play area. 

Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1QL
T: 01983 617069 W: whitefieldforest.co.uk

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HAMPSHIRE

Lytton Lawn Touring Park

A great family campsite with a well-stocked shop, internet station, outdoor play area and access to the swimming pools, gym, and spa facilities of the highly equipped statics site Shorefield Country Park, which is nearby. So you can choose the peace and quiet of your own campsite near the Beaulieu Motor Museum, or head for the facilities of the larger complex.

Milford on Sea, Hampshire SO41 0TX
T: 01590 648331 W: shorefield.co.uk

Riverside Holidays

Overlooking the River Hamble, this campsite has statics and touring pitches on level ground. It’s just two minutes’ walk away from one of the river’s three marinas, where you’ll find Hamble Sailing Centre, and is ideal for those who love walking, sailing and angling. There are places to eat here as well as it being a lovely place for a stroll to see the yachts and boats. Bikes are available for hire from the site.

Southampton, Hampshire SO31 4HR
T: 02380 453220 W: riversideholidays.co.uk

Shamba Holidays

This site is ideal for visiting the many attractions of the New Forest. There are 150 large, well-drained grass pitches, all with hook-ups. A great heated outdoor swimming pool is here, along with a toddler paddling pool. Both are covered by a sliding roof meaning you can enjoy a swim in all weathers. There’s also a café and bar. The site is close to the A31 for excellent access to all the sights.

Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 2SB
T: 01202 873302 W: shambaholidays.co.uk

Sandy Balls Holiday Centre

This large holiday park is set in woodland of the New Forest. There are a lot of facilities at this site, which has occupied this location for more than 90 years. A central piazza has indoor and outdoor pools, a pub and a restaurant. There’s a friendly atmosphere and immaculately maintained pitches in a location which is ideal for seeing the best of New Forest wildlife.

Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LZ
T: 0845 270 2248 W: sandyballs.co.uk

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