Marwell Resort

View prices & book 8.3 911 reviews
Aerial view of the freshwater carp lake
Sunset at the lake
Aerial view of cooper's crop field
52-acre site in the south downs national park

  • Lakeside site on the edge of the South Downs National Park
  • A 15-minute drive from central Winchester; 1.5 miles from Marwell Zoo
  • Fishing, archery and other adventure sports
Zebras, tigers and bokibokies await in these handsome Hampshire surrounds – taking the kids to see Marwell Zoo's multitude of beasts is likely to make for some very happy hols indeed. Marwell Resort is within walking distance of this much-loved menagerie and is home to plenty of adventurous action in its own right – head here if you like the sound of oodles of outdoor activities in a pretty lakeside setting. The team at Marwell Resort have been instructing for more than 25 years, so they're well qualified to help you try out sports like archery and clay pigeon shooting. (Please note that many of these activities have a minimum age restriction applied.) The site lake has a total of nine swims available for anglers (mega-sized carp can be found in its waters, including whoppers weighing up to 45 pounds). Surrounded as it is by trees, it also looks pretty fine (especially at sundown) and is a popular spot with local wildlife. Marwell Resort has strong all-round facilities, including toilets, showers and wifi. There's also an on-site bistro restaurant that serves up nourishing meals seven days a week. You can set up a barbecue and cook your own grub, too (stock up on fresh meat and veg 15 minutes' drive away at Westlands Farm Shop).

Site type

Touring caravan pitches 43
Motorhome pitches 10
Tent pitches 43
Rent a tent 5
Open all year
Opens
Please note

Admission

  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Dogs

  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

Extras

  • Facilities/activities including fishing, archery, axe throwing, air rifles, clay pigeon shooting, and adventure golf are subject to extra charges payable on arrival.

General

  • The bar is open between 02/01 and 31/12.
  • The restaurant is open between 02/01 and 31/12.

Occupancy

  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Reception

  • Reception is unmanned after 6 p.m.. Please inform the site while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time, so that the team can provide information about your unit/pitch.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.
  • Swimming in the lake is not allowed.

Vehicles

  • Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • The restaurant opening times vary, depending on guest occupancy numbers at the time of stay. There are minimum and/or maximum age limits for some activities. Not all activities are available daily and some are unavailable from 01 September to 31 March. Fishing bookings must be made in advance. Guest wifi is available in the bar and grill area but may be slow. Phone service may also be limited, depending on your provider. The shower blocks do not have heating.

Languages spoken

English

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 45%
    10
  • 8%
    9
  • 21%
    8
  • 6%
    7
  • 8%
    6
  • 2%
    5
  • 3%
    4
  • 1%
    3
  • 2%
    2
  • 1%
    1
Location
9
Value for money
8
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
6

85% would recommend this site to a friend

82% would stay here again

What customers say

Guests praise the spacious pitches and friendly staff. The site offers numerous activities for families, including a popular soft play area, mini golf, and woodland walks. Many enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant, with pizzas frequently highlighted. Facilities are generally clean, though some reviews mention occasional issues with water pressure and the need for updates. While many found the atmosphere relaxed, some noted noise from other campers during peak times.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 04/08/2026

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Reviews page 1 of 92
Arrival date (latest first)

Really gone down hill since last…

Overall

2 out of 10
Location
5
Value for money
1
Facilities / Activities
1
Customer service
2
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
1
Wifi
No rating

Electric gravel touring pitch

Liked Really gone down hill since last time I Stayed apparently it has new owners

Disliked Toilets and showers were filthy no toilet paper, shame as it used to be a nice site, expensive and facilities really gone down hill

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really enjoyed stay (campervan). Would return again.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
9
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
8
Anonymous

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked The bar facilities were very good, enjoyed the pizza services (very quick to bake and tasty). Enjoyed the live music.
Very nice cooked breakfast, enjoyed the adventure gold. All located in a beautiful setting.

Disliked Some areas seemed rather ‘run down’. Enjoyed a walk around the site but disappointed in the dilapidated huts, outdoor activity climbing frames? Exercise equipment etc.
Toilet/ shower facilities very ‘tired’. Low water pressure from showers.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Large filed with lots of space…

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
7
Value for money
3
Facilities / Activities
2
Customer service
7
Child friendliness
7
Cleanliness
2
Wifi
1

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Large filed with lots of space for our group. Friendly reception staff

Disliked When we arrived, there were no instructions in the field as to where to pitch our tent. I called reception and was advised that there were posts around the field but there weren't, and I was told someone would come and help us; no one ever did, except the guy living in the cabin in the filed said Go anywhere. Toilet and shower facilities were very dirty, with toilet paper everywhere most times we used them. Showers were cold, and water dribbled out. In Sunset Field, we were so close to the fishing lake that all night, all we heard was the alarms from the fishermen catching fish, and there was no lighted path back to this field from the toilets like the D field

Recommend to friends Visit again

Site itself and location is good.…

Overall

4 out of 10
Location
No rating
Value for money
No rating
Facilities / Activities
No rating
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
No rating
Wifi
No rating

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Site itself and location is good. Staff are fantastic and friendly.

Disliked Came here a few years ago and it was excellent. This time not so much, lots of issues: toilet blocks are really poor and not kept clean, showers didn’t work, adventure park now closed, booked a safari tent separately and that was in poor condition. The whole sits is undergoing a revamp and they said it should be done in early 28

Recommend to friends Visit again

Will not stay again.. similar resorts are far superior for same price.

Overall

3 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
2
Facilities / Activities
1
Customer service
1
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
5
Wifi
7

Electric grass pitch

Liked The showers were good however only at certain times as during busy periods the water pressure was poor often leaving no water coming out what so ever. The pitches are good size and plenty of room between. Bar and entertain at the weekends is a nice touch which not all sites offer.

Disliked Many things are closed down and this is not advertised..Quad bikes closed, archery closed, high wires closed, axe throwing not avaliable, clay pigeon shooting not available..This was really poor and nothing on the website to say this. Staff were unhelpful in the reception and shop and generally looked fed up much like the site itself.. Crazy golf was open but at £50 for 6 people is extortionate considering its a very basic course ad well.

The place has so much potential and clear was a great site at one time but has just been left to fade away.

There are similar resorts for the same price nearby that are far superior...

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great pitch and surrounding area Vast…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
10
Emma S. 1 review

Electric gravel touring pitch

Liked Great pitch and surrounding area
Vast amount of activities and areas for children
Peaceful and welcoming

Disliked Toilets and showers
Needed a more regular clean and checks

Recommend to friends Visit again

Good site but cleaning facilities lacked.

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
7
Value for money
5
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
5
Child friendliness
7
Cleanliness
3
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Electric grass pitch

Liked Big pitches, bar/restaurant on site and the live music was fun. Good list of activities on site. Our pitch location was good. Tucked away. Felt safe.

Disliked Water pressure was poor. Hot water ran out regularly. As did the drinking water. Shower/toilet blocks were not the cleanest.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Get your water system sorted.

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
6
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
3
Wifi
No rating

Electric grass pitch

Liked The site itself was nice, pitches were decent and was all very relaxed. Decent hook up posts and the on site playground, bar, mini golf and pizza bar were great. Saw a soft play but never needed to use it as it was great weather, but looked nice in there too. We got a leaflet of what was on and times which was very helpful with quite a bit to do on site.

Disliked Water and showers..... the water tap was constantly not working and when it was, it was a trickle at best. When needing to fill up aquarolls and water bottles, it was a joke. The washing up station was the same, no pressure nor hot water most of the time. Showers were hit and miss too because of this. For this reason, we wouldn't return.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very nice people and helpful and…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
6
Anonymous

Electric grass pitch

Liked Very nice people and helpful and very chilled and very reasonabley priced

Recommend to friends Visit again

Teenager, toddler and dog all had…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Non-electric grass pitch

Liked Teenager, toddler and dog all had things to do and were kept entertained. We had a lovely stay and would definitely book again

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area Soft play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Peaceful Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Communal freezer Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Shop nearby

Type

Large (51-200 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Restaurant nearby Tennis nearby

Location

Marwell Resort

Hurst Lane

Owslebury

Hampshire

England

SO21 1EZ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.98572°N
1.27669°W

Nearest transport

Coach
5.4 mi Broadway Guildhall
6.3 mi Southampton Uni Interchange
6.3 mi Southampton Uni Interchange
Rail
3.4 mi Shawford Rail Station
3.4 mi Eastleigh Rail Station
3.8 mi Hedge End Rail Station
Ferry
8.4 mi Southampton Vehicle Ferry Terminal
8.4 mi Southampton Passenger Ferry Terminal
9 mi Hamble-le-Rice Ferry Landing
Airport
4.4 mi Southampton Airport
28.2 mi Bournemouth International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Marwell Zoo (five minutes' drive) has over 140 different species to admire – you can also leave the car back at base and stroll over (about 20 minutes) for a pedestrian safari. Paultons Park (25 minutes' drive) is another perennial fave for family-oriented days out – here you can meet Peppa Pig, crash down log flumes or opt for wanders through a dinosaur-filled forest. The South Downs National Park has some truly splendid hiking trails, including the 100-mile-long South Downs Way (the trail starts 15 minutes down the road in Winchester). Mountain bikers also have plenty to choose from around these parts – an exhilarating bike track through the woods is on hand in the nearby village of Bishopstoke (10 minutes). The gorgeous New Forest National Park (25 minutes) is also within easy reach, and one of the best ways to get around is by open-top tour bus. There are three routes to choose from – it all comes down to whether you prefer vistas of heather-covered heathland or coastal explores. Speaking of the sea, beaches like Lepe and Highcliffe Castle (both 40 minutes) are very much worth the journey (make sure to pack jelly shoes and a towel if at all tempted).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Hillhead 12.1 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Calshot 12.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Lee-On-Solent 13.1 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Lepe 14.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Cowes 15.1 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium 5.1 mi

Winchester Cathedral 5.5 mi

Southampton Maritime Museum 8.3 mi

Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' 8.6 mi

Mottisfont Abbey Garden, House and Estate 12 mi

National Trust

Winchester City Mill 5.4 mi

Hinton Ampner 6.7 mi

Mottisfont 12 mi

Uppark House and Garden 16.9 mi

Newtown Old Town Hall 19.6 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Upham - Woodcote - Green Hill - Upham 1.9 mi

Upham - Street End 1.9 mi

Shawford - Highbridge - Marwell - Shawford 3.3 mi

CRANBURY PARK 4 mi

COMPTON END 4.1 mi

Local events

  • Southampton Boat Show (Friday, 18 September 2026 – Friday, 18 September 2026)

    Southampton, Hampshire 8.2 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Hampshire?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Marwell Resort have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Marwell Resort dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Marwell Resort? Marwell Zoo (five minutes' drive) has over 140 different species to admire – you can also leave the car back at base and stroll over (about 20 minutes) for a pedestrian safari. … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Marwell Resort?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  12 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  4 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Marwell Resort? From £30 (for 1 night, 8 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.