Barkhill Shepherd's Huts

From £95 For 1 night, 2 adults 10 9 reviews
Shepherds hut
Evening time at the hut (added by manager 15 sep 2023)
Seating area (added by manager 16 may 2022)
Blue bird shepherd's hut at 7am (added by claire_d174508 01 aug 2023)

  • Adults-only shepherd's hut site in the Blackmore Vale
  • A 10-minute drive to Sturminster Newton's craft shops, cafés and pubs
  • Country hikes nearby; half an hour's walk to the village pub and shop
What a spot Barkhill Shepherd’s Huts has, in four acres of paddocks and surrounded by open Dorset farmland. Each hut has its very own outdoor space, and being spaced approximately 25 metres apart, they have plenty of privacy. They are screened with hazel hurdle fences and decorated with solar lighting and seasonal garden plants. That’s not to mention the far-reaching views towards Hambledon Hill, Compton Abbas and King Alfred's Tower. Inside each hut, the beds are freshly made with duvets and plenty of spare blankets. There's a radio, a Bluetooth speaker and binoculars so that guests can check out the local wildlife, which includes the likes of hares, deer, hedgehogs, barn owls, bats, sparrow hawks, kestrels and buzzards. There’s a logburner to keep the place toasty and a handy ensuite shower (with shampoo, shower gel and hand wash provided), toilet and basin. Kitchen facilities are also internal and they include a small gas hob, fridge and a cluster of kitchen utensils. Ground coffee, tea, herbal tea, a pint of milk and a bottle of wine are provided. The outside space is pretty ace too. You’ll be set to soak up plenty of fresh country air around the open firepit, which has firewood provided. There's also a gas or charcoal barbecue. There’s a seating area by the firepit and barbecue so you can get settled for any alfresco meals. Guests are welcome to pick their own apples and pears in the small orchard. If you feel like eating out, just roll on over to Sturminster Newton (10 minutes’ drive), which has a few pubs and eateries (including one which was in the Good Food Guide every year for 40 years). There are also two small supermarkets less than 10 minutes drive away if you need to stock up on supplies.

Site type

Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 2
Open now
Please note
  • Group bookings of 2 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed on site.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 7 consecutive nights.
  • No cars/motorbikes by the pitch/unit. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • There is no reception on-site: on arrival please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Thu, 28 Mar to

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would recommend this site to a friend

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would stay here again

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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

If you get the chance you have to stay here!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Michael C. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: A truly amazing stay! The Hut was so well equipped we felt like we could up-sticks and move in permanently without a care in the world and never look back! The space was fantastic, the bed unbelievable comfortable, our own shower and full bathroom in the hut itself made for a truly incredible stay. And that's before we even get on to the view, the setting, the welcome and the attentiveness. Waking up to stare out over the fields and hills was so special, going to sleep under the starlit sky it perfect peaceful surroundings, a lovely welcome gift of red wine, and a lovely greeting really made the experience special, plus plenty of firewood and the fire pit right outside our door. Absolutely uncomparable. We will definitely stay again!

Disliked: Not one thing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. Sincerely hope to see you again soon.

Beautiful spot, cosy hut, friendly hosts

Overall 10/10
Location No rating
Value for money No rating
Accommodation No rating
Facilities / Activities No rating
Customer service No rating
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness No rating
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Beautiful spot just outside what seems to be a quintessentially English village (Okeford Fitzpaine). Lovely view of the Dorset countryside with wildlife sounds all around. John and Jane met us when we arrived and showed us around but let us get on with our cosy weekend. They were both very friendly and hospitable. The shepherd's hut was in a field near to their house but they'd put up small inobtrusive wicker privacy screens near the hut decorated with fairy lights to make it even cosier. The hut was clean, well-kept, traditional in style and you could tell John and Jane had thought about the little extras. The bed was comfy and the shower was hot (though we didn't need it given the heat). We cooked both nights at the hut, once in the kitchen and once on the bbq. We had everything there we needed to cook. Fresh coffee was also provided! We both had a really wonderful time and would definitely return (if we ever get a weekend to ourselves again)!

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Ben Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a great and thoughtful review. We really appreciate it and hope to see you both again some time. Kind regards John & Jane

Beautiful wk end getaway!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Jane & John lovely hosts, beautiful shepherd hut, lovely shower, comfortable bed, well equipped, with everything you need and more. Lovely bottle of wine in the fridge, tea coffee milk. Wood burner, extra blankets if needed. Beautiful country side views!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent location, beautifully appointed and super comfortable

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Gillian M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Super comfortable, cosy and well equipped with lots of personal touches. More space than you might expect and very efficient shower with plenty of hot water. The huts are in a superb position to enjoy your individual space and uninterrupted fabulous views. Jane is a wonderful host, every need enthusiastically catered for, nothing is too much trouble and the welcome gifts were much appreciated. Ideally located to enjoy this part of Dorset with superb walks in all directions and pretty towns and villages to explore. Can’t recommend Barkhill highly enough and will definitely be booking again.

Disliked: Nothing, everything was genuinely perfect

Recommend to friends Visit again

Totally loved our stay in the latest addition to the shepherds huts,…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Karen L. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Totally loved our stay in the latest addition to the shepherds huts, Sunny Jim. Couldn’t have asked for better hosts, Jane and John, who were always on hand and made us feel totally welcome. The facilities are spot on with private outdoor seating spaces, parking, gas barbecue and fire basket for sitting out in the evening. The hut was superbly set up, spotlessly clean and homely with a perfect view across the rolling hills of Dorset. Access to a variety of places worth a trip to is easy. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Sturminster Newton mill. Jonathan gives a great history tour and the tea and cakes were delicious. If you’re looking for somewhere that is welcoming, quiet with expansive views and plenty to do on the doorstep then you cannot go wrong with the Barkshill Shepherds Huts.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wonderful welcome, amazing views, beautifully appointed. We felt very spoilt. …

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Claire D. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Wonderful welcome, amazing views, beautifully appointed. We felt very spoilt. Jane and John had thought of everything. Lovely toiletries in the showers, freshly cut flowers, milk in the fridge, there were biscuits, a cafetiere and fresh coffee, nice tea bags... they had included so many extras we had not expected. There were gorgeous local art works and tasteful vintage pieces used to decorate the hut. It was so peaceful; we had a wonderful 5 days and nights. Highly recommend a trip to Milton Abbas if you happen to be there for the annual summer fete in July; also Weymouth for sandy beaches and a lovely harbour and the mobile fish and chip van in Child Okeford ! We will definitely be coming back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant hut! Intimate, cosy, fabulous hosts!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Hannah B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Location, facilities, amenities, hosts, everything!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The Shepherd Hut is situated in a raised position enabling great views…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Linda V. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: The Shepherd Hut is situated in a raised position enabling great views over the countryside. Very well equipped, tastefully decorated in keeping with the vintage theme of the hut. Cosy and warm, owner Jane had thoughtfully put a small heater on to welcome us on a rainy November day. Tea, coffee and milk were provided and a bottle of wine (John had emailed us to ask red or white). John & Jane were exceptionally good hosts who ensured we had everything we wanted. My husband and I took advantage of the wood burning stove which gave a lovely warm ambience to the hut. If the weather had been dry, we would have taken advantage of the seating outside and the fire pit. I would highly recommend this wonderful hut and a visit to Shaftesbury to see Gold Hill made famous by the Hovis television advertisement.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Stunning location. Friendly hosts who provide all information you could want/need about…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Ellen B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Shepherd's hut

Liked: Stunning location. Friendly hosts who provide all information you could want/need about the local area. The hut itself is beautiful, very clean and fresh, again host was kind enough to supply milk, tea and coffee. Place looks brand new and has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Highly recommend and will be back!

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

TV room

Take away

Tennis

Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available

Car parking by pitch/unit

Composting toilet

Disabled facilities

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

Single-sex groups welcome

Student groups welcome

Rules

Adults only

Barbecue provided

Barbecues allowed

Campfires allowed

Commercial vehicles allowed

Dogs allowed

No dogs allowed

Themes

Peaceful

Spectacular scenery

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Chemical disposal

Electric car charging point(s)

Gas cylinders available

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Dog walk nearby

Nearby farmers' market

Shop nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby

Cycling nearby

Indoor pool nearby

Mountain biking nearby

Outdoor pool nearby

Restaurant nearby

Tennis nearby

Location

Barkhill Shepherd's Huts

Barkhill Farmhouse

Okeford Fitzpaine

Blandford Forum

Dorset

England

DT11 0RT

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.89931°N
-2.30553°W

Nearest transport

Coach
6.9 mi Virginia Ash
6.9 mi Virginia Ash
8.2 mi Queens Head
Rail
8.6 mi Templecombe Rail Station
9.4 mi Gillingham (Dorset) Rail Station
9.6 mi Sherborne Rail Station
Ferry
19 mi Poole Ferry Terminal
19.1 mi Poole Quay Ferry Landing
21.1 mi Weymouth Ferry Terminal
Airport
22.4 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

Attractions and activities nearby include: - Okeford Hill (stunning views, walks and a mountain biking park): 10 minutes' drive - Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill (National Trust site with an Iron Age hillfort): 15 minutes - Blandford Forum (historic Georgian market town with brewery tours available): 20 minutes - Compton Abbas Airfield (experience flights): 25 minutes - Shaftesbury (market town with famed Gold Hill): 25 minutes - Sherborne (medieval town): 25 minutes - King Alfred's Tower (historic folly): 40 minutes.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020 2019 2018 2017
Poole Harbour Rockley Sands 17 mi Estuary N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Poole Harbour Lake 17.7 mi Estuary N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Ringstead Bay 18.6 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Bowleaze Cove 18.9 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Durdle Door West 19.2 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Hardy's Birthplace 12.3 mi

Kingston Lacy House and Gardens 13.2 mi

The Tank Museum 14.4 mi

Stourhead House and Garden 14.4 mi

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre 14.5 mi

National Trust

Hardy's Cottage 12.3 mi

White Mill 12.5 mi

Clouds Hill 12.8 mi

Kingston Lacy 13.4 mi

Max Gate 14.1 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

Fiddleford Manor - Hammoon - Child Okeford - Fiddleford 1.8 mi

Fiddleford Mill - Sturminster Newton - Fiddleford 1.8 mi

Sturminster Newton - Cutt Mill - Stour Valley Way 2.3 mi

Ibberton Hill – Coombe Bottom – Ibberton Hill 2.6 mi

Child Okeford - Wessex Ridgeway - Shillingstone 3.2 mi

Local events

  • Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival and Rally (Friday 19 July 2024 – Friday 19 July 2024)

    Dorchester, Dorset 10.3 mi

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday 7 September 2024 – Saturday 7 September 2024)

    Dorchester, Dorset 13.3 mi

  • Tankfest (Friday 28 June 2024 – Friday 28 June 2024)

    Wareham, Dorset 14.4 mi

  • Camp Bestival Dorset (Thursday 25 July 2024 – Thursday 25 July 2024)

    Wareham, Dorset 18.6 mi

  • Glastonbury Festival (Wednesday 26 June 2024 – Wednesday 26 June 2024)

    Glastonbury, Somerset 21.7 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 Dorset?

  • Does Barkhill Shepherd's Huts have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Barkhill Shepherd's Huts dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Barkhill Shepherd's Huts? Attractions and activities nearby include: - Okeford Hill (stunning views, walks and a mountain biking park): 10 minutes' drive - Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill (National Trust site with an Iron Age … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Barkhill Shepherd's Huts?
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Barkhill Shepherd's Huts? From £95 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.