Swanage Bijou Camping

Liked: Location, site cleanliness, facilities for washing.

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Liked: Location was brilliant.

Disliked: Where do I start, upon arrival we decided to check out the pitches before we paid as it looked extremely busy. Looking through the fields the tents were so close together and cramped up that it could be a safety hazard (if one tent had a fire, they would have all caught!) so politely went to Andy the owner and explained that we wouldn’t be staying on the site due to how crowded it was. Now he did try and resolve it I will give him that, but when we continued to explain that it just wasn’t what we was looking for. We was also quite shocked that this was the only site that asked for £25 per head “noise deposit” and when questioned why it was a problem, we just explained that it would mean having less money to enjoy (until we received that deposit back), I was then extremely rudely asked by Andy “well are you that poor?” I was visibly shocked and explained how extremely disrespectful that comment was and that I would never dream of speaking to someone like that. Baring in mind the ‘noise deposit’ worked out £20 more than the weekends stay. he then decided to say “well I didn’t know you were all down to your last £25 each” because which was completely not the case and besides the point. Baring in mind that I had seen another family book in and the ‘noise deposit’ wasnt even mentioned to them at all! I and completely disgusted with the experience I have just received. I’d have given minus stars if I could!

Happy ending though, found a site not even 2 miles away for a fraction of the price and it’s almost empty! Happy Days!

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From the manager: I absolutely dispute this review. Even before arriving I had problems with this booking with numerous alterations. On arrival they had ignored all of the mails I sent, they were difficult, claiming 'we hate being near people' - what do you do about that? Give them a huge space of their own? No not good enough - someone might walk by - then they disputed our standard policy of a bond for noise held for all tents with more than two adults in - this was not a family - stating that £25 was all they had to spend for the weekend - what utter tosh! Then they decided to go - thank God! They never stayed, have no clue about the site and now have used the review process as a weapon - as they threatened when going. You have to wonder what makes them so angry - very disappointing but so happy they didn't stay to further drain the lovely energy we have on our site.

Liked: Showers and toilets are clean
Hot water and friendly hosts
Very close (15 min walk) to the town with shops and the beach

Disliked: A bit crowded on weekends. to find a spot we had to wait for someone to leave

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Liked: Lovely site, feels rural, but only 10 mins from centre of Swanage and the beach. Decent clean facilities. Really clear noise policy.

Nearby adventure playground and skatepark for the kids.

Lovely touches like fairy lights in the trees make it feel special. Would recommend.

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Liked: Great campsite, clean, friendly staff, accommodating, small and not overcrowded, great little breakfast van, toilets and showers good for an occasional open campsite.

Disliked: Nothing

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Liked: Such a Beautiful campsite. Clean toilets and showers. Nice walk to the town and beach. Loved the noise of the steam engines going past twice a day.

Disliked: None

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Liked: We loved the location, really close to the centre of Swanage and with really flat pitches. It had all the basic facilities you need and seemed friendly.

Disliked: Not a dislike, but I hadn’t realised how inaccessible the site would be for a wheelchair user (my fault for not checking). Luckily we pitched near to where you can drop the car off so I could manage without my chair.

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Liked: I felt safe and welcome, the site is mainly families with young children and the noise rules are kept to. Great facilities, kept clean and nice throughout the stay. Very close to the town and beach, only a short walk. Wheelbarrows to help you get stuff from the car. Nice pitches. Golf games if you fancy it. Could charge my power bank, very slowly, but this was very useful. Fridges for everyone's use, too.

Disliked: Cash only, which seems to be a conspiracy theorist and political stance than solely tax avoidance (which I've no problem with but felt a bit odd and I'd left my purse at home and it made me feel like I'd done something abhorrent..) Some passive aggressiveness in signage, which is seemingly an extension of the owner, again fine but again, a little odd.. or 'quirky'. Generally, not enough to negatively impact my stay but I'd ask why it's necessary.

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From the manager: Thanks for your positive review Jessica - I appreciate you taking the time! In answer to the signeage I woud say it was simply informational. People are not being warned of the dangers of a cashless society. When your spending is controled by government it shall one day soon become conditional - you can buy bread, you cannot buy chocolate - and there shall be no alternative. It is the duty of everyone who understands this trap we appear to be blindly walking in to to do their best to enlighten others who haven't seen the danger, and that is why the signs and the effort of keeping cash transactions alive. It's not a conspiracy threory but, once it is brought to your attention, an obvious fact. 'Card declined' shall one day rule your life if you aren't very careful!

Liked: Fantastic location within walking distance of the town and beach.
Lovely vibe and great touches such as pump for beds, fridges etc!

Disliked: Nothing!

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Liked: Plenty of space for pitches. Owner was extremely friendly and helpful. Well thought out site with everything you need for a comfortable camping trip.

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