Portesham Pods
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- Spacious and well-equipped Dorset pods by a nature lake
- Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury 10 minutes' drive; Weymouth 15 minutes
- Self-contained glamping for couples; lakeside deck and rowing boat
How might you fancy waking up to views of a lake right outside the window, with ducks swimming about and insects buzzing among the reeds? That’s the lovely morning experience that awaits for guests at Portesham Pods, a quiet little site in the Dorset National Landscape.
Of course, it’s not just in the mornings that you’ll be able to appreciate the lake – you might also like to sit out on your large waterside deck in the evening with some snacks and drinks, or maybe take the rowing boat out for a spin to take a closer look at the wildlife that lives in and around the water.
In such a vibrant natural setting, it’s probably no surprise that the site owners have chosen to make their pods as eco-friendly as possible. That means they're off grid, with solar panels for electricity and LPG for gas, and created from sustainable materials including a living roof.
Each of the pods is self contained and kitted out with all the essentials for a comfortable couple’s escape. The sleeping area (with kingsize bed) is screened off from the rest of the spacious pod, which has a sofa and a kitchen area with cooker, fridge, kettle and toaster. Each pod also has an ensuite shower room.
In a rural spot about 15 minutes’ drive from Weymouth, this is an excellent location for getting out to explore Dorset. When you’re not watching the ducks on the lake, you could be taking in the landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, visiting historic estates or strolling along sandy beaches. The local village of Portesham has a pub for meals out and a farm shop for your meal supplies.
Campground type
2 Open now
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Thu, May 22 2025 to
Reviews
No reviews yet.
Features
No dogs allowed
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 WatersportsAmenities on park
Bath available Car parking by site/unit 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 WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed No pets allowedUtilities
Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearbyType
Tiny (1-10 sites)Accessibility
Accessible parking at site Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Dedicated quiet space Level campground, no steep slopes Smooth, hard roads e.g. tarmac Step-free or level access Well-lit pathNearby leisure
Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearbyLocation
Portesham Pods
Shilvinghampton Farm
Portesham
Weymouth
Dorset
England
DT3 4HL
Directions Timezone
Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)
GPS
50.65125°N
-2.53352°W
Route directions
From Brandon Lane, turn into Grove Lane and take the first right turn towards the lake.
What3words location: cured.bluffs.plates
Nearest transport
Bus4.5 mi Marks and Spencer
5.8 mi South Station
11.6 mi Coach Station
Rail3 mi Upwey Rail Station
4.3 mi Weymouth Rail Station
5.7 mi Dorchester West Rail Station
Ferry4.8 mi Weymouth Ferry Terminal
24 mi Poole Ferry Terminal
24.4 mi Poole Quay Ferry Landing
AirportPlease 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
The Jurassic Coast has lots of gorgeous scenery to take in – you may like to start with a trip to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (35 minutes’ drive), the soaring cliffs of West Bay (20 minutes) or the popular town of Lyme Regis (40 minutes). Chesil Beach (10 minutes) and Portland Bill (25 minutes) are a couple of other top locations to visit.
For more seaside days, you could head to the sands of Weymouth (15 minutes) or see how many coves you can tick off on a walk along part of the South West Coast Path. There’s also the option of visiting Abbotsbury Swannery and neighbouring subtropical gardens (both 10 minutes).
Heading inland, you may like to wander around the Iron Age hillfort at Maiden Castle (20 minutes), learn about one of the area’s most famous authors at National Trust - Hardy's Cottage (25 minutes) or plan a walk passing the Osmington White Horse (20 minutes).
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weymouth Lodmoor | 4.4 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weymouth Central | 4.4 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bowleaze Cove | 5 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Portland Harbour Sandsfoot Castle | 5 mi | Sea | N/A | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Portland Harbour Castle Cove | 5 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | N/A | N/A |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Must see
Abbotsbury Swannery 3 mi
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve 4.1 mi
Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary 4.2 mi
Hardy's Birthplace 8.3 mi
Mapperton House & Gardens 12.4 mi
National Trust
Max Gate 6.2 mi
Hardy's Cottage 8.3 mi
Clouds Hill 13.1 mi
Corfe Castle 20.9 mi
Montacute House 22.2 mi
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
Nottington - Chickerell 2.4 mi
Nottington - Upwey - Broadwey 2.4 mi
Nottington - Southill - Chickerell 2.5 mi
Nottington - Lorton - Radipole 2.5 mi
Hardy Monument Circular 2.5 mi
Local events
- Dorset County Show (Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Saturday, September 6, 2025)
Dorchester, England 6.8 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.
Policies
Booking terms and conditions
Payment terms
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 Portesham Pods have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Portesham Pods dog friendly? No View all features
- What attractions are near Portesham Pods? The Jurassic Coast has lots of gorgeous scenery to take in – you may like to start with a trip to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (35 minutes’ drive), the soaring cliffs … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Portesham Pods?
Read moreOn-park accommodation Arrive: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Depart by: 10 a.m. - How much does it cost to stay at Portesham Pods? From $203.32 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.