Hardyes Countryside Camping

View prices & book 9.6 80 reviews
Maintaining campsite field
Maintaining campsite field
Grass pitching area
Cloudy skies
Country views
Flowers by the washing-up area
Entrance to shower and toilets
Step-free shower
Wheelchair accessible toilets
1/62
Grass pitching area
Cloudy skies
Country views

  • Rural site in Dorset overlooking open countryside by an old Roman road
  • A quarter of an hour's drive from Maiden Castle and Abbotsbury
  • Barbecues and dogs welcome; wheelchair-accessible facilities
Hardyes Countryside Camping is a pop-up site overlooking open Dorset countryside. Set in a convenient location just off the old Roman road that runs between Maiden Castle and Eggardon hillforts, this laidback spot has far-reaching views due south over the Hardy Monument and great access to several adjoining cross-country walking trails. This small site has purpose-built toilets and showers, a washing-up area, a gas barbecue and microwave for cooking, and plenty of space available for pitching up; all facilities are wheelchair-accessible too. Hardyes Countryside Camping also welcomes well-behaved dogs throughout the camping season, and permits barbecues as long as you're sensible with them. Hardyes Countryside Camping is about five miles to the west of Dorchester, where you'll come across a historic town centre, a railway station, supermarkets and a variety of interesting museums. The ancient hillfort at Maiden Castle (15 minutes' drive) is also within easy reach and is an excellent place to see sweeping views over the local countryside. Hardyes Countryside Camping is also around a quarter of an hour's drive from the Jurassic Coast. Abbotsbury, an attractive village at the end of shingly Chesil Beach, is 20 minutes away, while it'll take you roughly 25 minutes to get to the golden sands and seafront amusements of Weymouth.

Site type

Motorhome sites 3
Tent sites 27
Caravan sites 3
Open now
Opens 18 July
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dog Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 3 or more units (e.g. tent, caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Reception is unmanned after 6 p.m.. Please inform the campground while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

French

Open from Fri, 18 Jul to

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCaravan sitesMotorhome sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children

Reviews

9.6

Overall rating from 80 Pitchup.com customers

  • 81%
    10
  • 5%
    9
  • 11%
    8
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    7
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    6
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
Peaceful

98% would recommend this site to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

This well-kept, tranquil spot offers awesome country views, with owner Chris getting rave reviews for being friendly and super helpful. Facilities are always clean and nice. It’s a top base for Dorset, and Chris’s local tips are a big hit. Despite a bit of iffy water or basic Wi-Fi, most reckon it’s brilliant and can't wait to come back.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 8
Arrival date (latest first)

Most amazing campsite, best family friendly campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
shania l.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked Best campsite i’ve been to. The owners couldn't be nicer and more accommodating. Great location, lots of hidden extras such as a microwave free to use, notice boards with local events taking place. Toilets and washing room really close and really well maintained. We have had the best time and will definitely be coming again! Would happily recommend this campsite to anyone.

Recommend to friends Visit again

It was lovely the staff were very friendly and helpful. Me and…

Overall

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

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked It was lovely the staff were very friendly and helpful. Me and family were very accommodated in every way! Really helpful info all available and delicious home bakes sold which is a lovely touch. Good parking options.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A lovely stay - thank you

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
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Facilities / Activities
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Samantha Elaine M.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked The ambience, location, simplicity.
The host's hosting skills, fresh pastries and good chat!

Disliked Pushing the shower button - but this is a minor gripe

Recommend to friends Visit again

The owner could not have done anymore for us to help. He…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Dan S.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked The owner could not have done anymore for us to help. He lent some pegs as ground was harder than I was prepared for and had many conversations around things to see and do in the area.
Lovely site - quiet and picturesque

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great views, chilled atmosphere…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 7
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Sophie K.

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked Great views, chilled atmosphere

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely site with friendly staff and clean facilities

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 8
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 6
Lisa B.

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked Everything. Lovely quiet site with friendly owners, facilities are nice and clean

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

We had a fantastic stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Damien E.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked We had a fantastic stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping.

From the moment we arrived, the owner made us feel incredibly welcome and went out of his way to make our visit comfortable. He kindly placed us at the top of the camping field, away from other people and noise, something we really appreciated with our 4-year-old twin boys, who are tucked up in bed by 8pm.

The information he provided about local family activities was excellent, and the short trip to Weymouth was a real highlight, the twins absolutely loved it.

Another lovely touch was being able to order freshly baked sourdough bread, croissants, and other treats right to the site, such a thoughtful detail that made our mornings extra special.

We would definitely recommend Hardyes Countryside Camping to other families and will certainly be coming back.

Disliked The shower block and toilets were busy in the mornings and evenings when in use by people. To be expected with the amount of people staying there so no problem for us. Very clean 👌🏻

Recommend to friends Visit again

Cleanliness, friendly owner, friendly Co-campers…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Ramdas P.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked Cleanliness, friendly owner, friendly Co-campers

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site, clean facilities, friendly staff and big pitches.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Manuela C.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent site

Liked The location Is lovely, close to some of the most beautiful and interesting spots and beaches in Dorset. The owners of the campsite are very kind and helpful and you can taste delicious homemade bread and croissants. The atmosphere Is friendly and you can spend relaxing days "far from the madding crowd".
The toilets are very clean even in peak season and busy days. The campsite Is in the countryside and there are plenty of footpaths and quiet roads for amazing walks.

Disliked Nothing I can think of

Recommend to friends Visit again

We had a lovely plot with views in two directions of beautiful…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 5
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 6
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked We had a lovely plot with views in two directions of beautiful countryside. The facilities were very clean and the other guests on the site were quiet. The owner was helpful and friendly. We were only here one night as we were attending a wedding locally. We didn't try the wifi so can't comment on if there is any.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

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 site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table 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 Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

Nearby leisure

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

Location

Hardyes Countryside Camping

Higher Hogleaze Farm

Town Hill

Dorchester

Dorset

England

DT2 9ET

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.72596°N
2.5547°W

Nearest transport

Coach
8.5 km South Station
14.7 km Marks and Spencer
14.7 km Coach Station
Rail
6.1 km Maiden Newton Rail Station
8.1 km Dorchester West Rail Station
8.5 km Dorchester South Rail Station
Ferry
15.1 km Weymouth Ferry Terminal
39.7 km Poole Ferry Terminal
40.2 km Poole Quay Ferry Landing

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

Local attractions and activities include: - Dorchester: 10 minutes' drive - Maiden Castle: 15 minutes - Abbotsbury: 20 minutes - Cerne Abbas Giant: 20 minutes - Weymouth: 25 minutes - Lyme Regis: 30 minutes - Lulworth Castle: 40 minutes - Seaton Tramway: 50 minutes.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Hive 12.3 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 13.7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Bowleaze Cove 13.7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Central 14.3 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
West Bay (West) 15 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Abbotsbury Swannery 8.1 km

Hardy's Birthplace 11.6 km

Mapperton House & Gardens 13.1 km

Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary 13.5 km

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve 14 km

National Trust

Max Gate 9.4 km

Hardy's Cottage 11.5 km

Clouds Hill 21.3 km

Montacute House 27.4 km

Tintinhull Garden 29.8 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

BRIDEHEAD 3.1 km

South from Little Bredy 3.6 km

Hardy Monument Circular 4.4 km

A Chess Piece Visit 4.8 km

Eggardon Hill and Powerstock 6.8 km

Local events

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday, 6 September 2025 – Saturday, 6 September 2025)

    Dorchester, England 9.1 km

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.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Hardyes Countryside Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Hardyes Countryside Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Hardyes Countryside Camping? Local attractions and activities include: - Dorchester: 10 minutes' drive - Maiden Castle: 15 minutes - Abbotsbury: 20 minutes - Cerne Abbas Giant: 20 minutes - Weymouth: 25 minutes - Lyme Regis: … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Hardyes Countryside Camping?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  8:30 a.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping? From $56.78 (for 1 night, 5 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.