The Gaggle of Geese

View prices & book 9.5 64 reviews
Hut and pitches
Grass pitches
Pitches
Plenty of space to relax

  • Pub site over five acres in the village of Buckland Newton
  • Half an hour's drive from beaches and the Jurassic Coast
  • Homemade meals and local beers, plus barbecue and pizza oven in summer
Walkers, riders, fishing folk, dog owners, family groups… all will want to take a gander at The Gaggle of Geese, a friendly country pub in the little village of Buckland Newton. This is a place that’s mighty well located for all sorts of Dorset days out – it’s in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for all your country pursuits, 20 minutes’ drive from the historic market town of Dorchester and half an hour from the county’s stunning coastline. On top of that, those on family hols may like to note that a drive of less that 45 minutes offers up all sorts of ways to entertain/wear out the small sorts – animal parks, fossil hunting, watersports… It’s not all about location though – the pub’s a rather fine destination in its own right. Five fab acres of peaceful fields, an orchard and a pleasingly sizeable beer garden with a soft play double decker bus, ping pong shack, miniature golf, pygmy goats and a space for football make up the outside space. The inside’s all comfy corners and a warm welcome for all (nippers and dogs included) too. Up for a bit more activity? Skip over to the skittle alley or check the events list to see if there are any quiz nights, wine tastings or live music afternoons scheduled. And you’ll be needing eats and drinks of course... homemade pub classics can be washed down with local beers and ciders; summer nights often see action out at the barbecue shack and wood-fired pizza oven too. Barbecues and campfires are welcome if you’d rather go the DIY route.

Campground type

Tent sites 15
RV sites 7
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Open all year
Opens
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Single-sex bookings of 10 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
  • No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • Please note that the pub is closed on Mondays.

Languages spoken

English

Campsite types & availability

Other campsite types

Reviews

94%

would recommend this campground to a friend

95%

would stay here again

  • 81%
    10
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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Everything. Such a lovely little site and a great pub. Fantastic food…

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

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Everything. Such a lovely little site and a great pub. Fantastic food in the pub too and the campsite facilities were immaculate (the onsite warden cleans them frequently throughout the day). Great for kids too with lots to do.

Disliked: Nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant campsite with a gorgeous pub (get some food!) Loads for kids

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

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: The pub is amazing and the best pub roast we have ever had (both veggie and meat eater). The campsite is fantastic, everything you need, well thought out and goats and a play bus to keep the kids happy. A fab find!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Hoping to visit again soon!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 6
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Gaggle bell tent (four person)

Liked: Beautiful camping grounds next to a well run pub with great menu for children and adults. Real food freshly made. Relaxed site with plenty for children including play bus and mini golf. Really friendly team running pub and camping. Greatful for extra touches such as hot water bottles in the bell tent and marshmallows for roasting!

Disliked: Not a negative for me as was good to switch off - but no signal on camp site. Can go to the pub and use their WiFi however.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site, friendly staff and a great atmosphere.

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

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: This campsite was Everything we were looking for and more! Beautiful scenery in every direction. The campsite itself was comfortable, well maintained and had a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The facilities on site were always clean.
All of the staff were very friendly and always happy to help, especially Simon and Sarah.
The pub had a great atmosphere and a traditional feel to it.
And as an added bonus, there is archery and axe throwing run by a very nice man named Glen.
Highly recommend, we will definitely be returning!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Small unique with all facilities and a lovely pub.

Overall 10/10
Location 8
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 8
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 8
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Small site on the beautiful grounds of a pub. Soft play on a double decker bus, crazy golf, table tennis, indoor skittles. Outdoor pizza oven. Off the ground Fires allowed.
Good facilities.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Staff were friendly and everything was very easy. Pitches are not marked out…

Overall 8/10
Location 6
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 8
Wifi 4
Stephen B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Staff were friendly and everything was very easy.
Pitches are not marked out or allocated which makes for some interesting arrangements 😂 but nothing was a problem. Showers and toilets are quirky but work well enough 👍

Disliked: The pub has some funny opening hours which makes for interesting planning around meal times, nothing disastrous . Also in the middle.of nowhere so no other choices around

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly, attentive staff Large campsite with plenty of space between the tents Great facilities…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 6
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 6
Malgorzata D. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Friendly, attentive staff
Large campsite with plenty of space between the tents
Great facilities - multiple showers and toilet cubical
Cleanliness - facilities have been kept clean, brushed and mopped regularly, toilet paper, bin liners and soap were always available, etc.
Additional facilities - sheltered ping pong table, soft play area for children (under 11), football pitch
Pub on site
Additional events like pizza Saturdays and scheduled live music event (although this got cancelled)

Disliked: Pub food was delicious but seemed overpriced when comparing to other campsite pubs we've been to in the past - a small discount for those camping would be welcome

Pizza's on Saturday we're tasty but very small (around 10 inch or less) and cost £15+

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thankyou for the lovely score and review. Be great to see you again soon

Just to clarify one point for future readers - our wood-fired pizzas are from £12. Our premium pizzas are £15.

We make our dough which is proved for 48 hours. Then hand stretched and cooked with our own sauce in a wood-fired oven...not your average pizza :)

Exceptional site with lovely facilities. Friendly hard working staff

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 8
Catherine B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: This is a brilliantly well run campsite. Lovely camping field with beautiful facilities (kept exceptionally clean) close to a perfect Dorset country pub. Staff were so friendly and helpful. Lovely walks close by.

Disliked: Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site, well equipped. Would recommend Will visit again.

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 8
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Fantastic site. Small, homely, clean, well equipped. Simon and Sarah the hosts were so friendly and went out of their way to ensure everything was the best they could be for a fab weekend break with friends. They work incredibly hard to make sure the site is run well with the help of a couple who are site managers. The showers are very clean all the time there was plenty of hot water. The use of the hut and horse box for shower/toilet block was pleasantly quirky and worked really well. Camping located at the back of the pub was not at all intrusive and was just an added benefit. Plenty of entertainment for children with the play bus, golf and goats to feed.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site, lovely surrounding

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 6
Customer service 8
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 8
Ward W. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Primitive grass tent or RV campsite

Liked: Spacious, nice pub, nice walks in the neighborhood.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Pub campground Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby

Location

The Gaggle of Geese

Buckland Newton

Dorchester

Dorset

England

DT2 7BS

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.8438°N
-2.44397°W

Nearest transport

Bus
8.1 mi Greenhill
8.1 mi Coldharbour
8.5 mi Queens Head
Rail
5.9 mi Chetnole Rail Station
6.7 mi Yetminster Rail Station
7 mi Maiden Newton Rail Station
Ferry
16.3 mi Weymouth Ferry Terminal
21.8 mi Poole Ferry Terminal
22.1 mi Poole Quay Ferry Landing
Airport
27.2 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

Country wanderings aplenty await around here – there are heaps of places for walks both short and lengthy in the surrounding Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A popular ramble from the pub is the four-mile route to the Cerne Abbas Giant (indeed a sizeable chap at 55 metres long – potential pub quiz answer...?) Horseback hacks can be had from several stables within half an hour, and there’s a fab coarse fishery with 10 lakes (10!) five minutes’ drive away. Want a bit more oomph in your outings? Head to Henley Hillbillies (five minutes’ drive) for days zooming about on quad bikes or in hovercrafts or souped-up Minis. Need nipper-pleasing days out? Take your (or more likely their) pick from The Dinosaur Museum (20 minutes), Monkey World (half an hour), the Tank Museum (half an hour), the Sea Life adventure park (40 minutes), Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park (40 minutes)… or head to the coast for beach days in Weymouth (40 minutes), watersports at Lulworth Cove (45 minutes) or fossil hunts in Kimmeridge (50 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Bowleaze Cove 14.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 15.1 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Ringstead Bay 15.2 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Central 15.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Hive 15.9 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Hardy's Birthplace 8.2 mi

Mapperton House & Gardens 12 mi

The Tank Museum 13.5 mi

Montacute House 13.9 mi

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre 14.2 mi

National Trust

Hardy's Cottage 8.2 mi

Max Gate 9.4 mi

Clouds Hill 12.1 mi

Montacute House 13.9 mi

Tintinhull Garden 14.8 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

MINTERNE 1.7 mi

Beneath The Feet Of Cerne's Giant 2.8 mi

Piddlehinton - Buck Hill - Piddletrenthide - Piddlehinton 4.9 mi

BINGHAM'S MELCOMBE 5.6 mi

CHANTMARLE 6.4 mi

Local events

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

    Dorchester, England 8.4 mi

  • Glastonbury Festival (Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025)

    Glastonbury, England 22.7 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.

Offers

Conditions apply - see campsite type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does The Gaggle of Geese have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Gaggle of Geese dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near The Gaggle of Geese? Country wanderings aplenty await around here – there are heaps of places for walks both short and lengthy in the surrounding Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A popular ramble from the … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Gaggle of Geese?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  noon –  11 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park accommodation
    Arrive:  5 p.m. –  11 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Gaggle of Geese? From $34.59 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.