Hardyes Countryside Camping

View prices & book 9.5 75 reviews
Maintaining the campsite field
Maintaining the 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
1/58
Grass pitching area
Cloudy skies
Country views

  • Rural Dorset site by an old Roman road with open countryside views
  • A 15-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast, Dorchester or Maiden Castle
  • Barbecues and dogs welcome; wheelchair-accessible facilities
Whether it’s the history or the lovely scenery that’s drawn you to Dorset for a break, you’ll be in an excellent spot to take it all in at Hardyes Countryside Camping. This pop-up site has fabulous views over open countryside all the way to the Hardy Monument and it’s in a handy location just off the old Roman road that runs between Maiden Castle and Eggardon Hill. Getting out to explore should be nice and straightforward from here – there’s great access to cross-country walking trails through the Dorset National Landscape, and the road network makes it easy to get to places like the ancient hillfort at Maiden Castle or the craggy cliffs and beaches of the Jurassic Coast (both about 15 minutes’ drive). Dorchester is also about 15 minutes away, with a good collection of interesting museums as well as practical facilities like supermarkets, restaurants and a railway station. Beyond all that, you’ll also be able to hit the sands of Weymouth, tour the subtropical gardens in Abbotsbury, go fishing from Lyme Regis, play golf, visit outdoor sculptures and huge historic carvings… safe to say there should be plenty of options for all tastes. After your outings, you’ll be staying at a small-scale site with a decent list of facilities including purpose-built toilets and showers, a washing-up area, a gas barbecue and microwave for cooking; all facilities are accessible for less mobile guests as well. There’s plenty of space to pitch up in comfort and you’re welcome to bring a barbecue as long as you use it safely and sensibly.

Site type

Tent pitches 27
Touring caravan pitches 3
Motorhome pitches 27
Opens 3 April 2026
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 3 or more units (e.g. tent, touring 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 (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Reception is unmanned after 6 p.m.. Please inform the site while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time, so that the team can provide information about your unit/pitch.
  • 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, 03 Apr to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 75 Pitchup.com customers

  • 77%
    10
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    9
  • 12%
    8
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
Peaceful

97% would recommend this site to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

Friendly, chilled campsite with great facilities & views. Chris, the owner, is super helpful with local tips. Those homemade pastries are a winner! Basic, but warm vibe, good Dorset base. Hand dryers in loos would be nice.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 8
Arrival date (latest first)

Had a great few day in our caravan. We’ll be back soon.

Overall

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

Electric grass and gravel touring caravan pitch

Liked Good access. Friendly host. Excellent facilities.

Disliked Weather (nobody’s fault)

Recommend to friends Visit again

Super back to basic campsite, attentive and friendly staff

Overall

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

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Well I’m not sure 4000 letters is enough for us to list all the things we liked!
We were looking for a quiet, family friendly back-to-basics campsite to enjoy a quiet family holiday and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us. From the moment we arrived we were given a fantastically warm welcome, Chris and Michelle couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful and welcoming. We were allowed to choose our pitch - all were really well sized and spaced out, although we were coming towards the end of the season with not great weather so we may have just been lucky with not many other campers about! Chris was so knowledgable about the local area and was able to give us brilliant recommendations, combined with the suggestions pinned up on the notice board in the communal area.
The following morning we followed other campers recommendations and ordered some of the homemade pastries from Chris’ wife - they were incredible and well worth ordering when you visit!
Throughout our stay Chris the owner was attentive without ever feeling intrusive, friendly and always had a helpful suggestion about local areas to visit, best places to park etc.
The facilities were always clean and well looked after, if we were to suggest one tiny improvement it would be hand drying facilities, either a hand towel or hand dryer - but this is such a small thing it didn’t affect our enjoyment of the campsite or appreciate the hard work the owner goes into keeping it so special.
Thank you for a very special holiday - we will definitely be back!

Disliked Having to come home again!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The camp site was good size.…

Overall

10 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
Martina M.

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked The camp site was good size. Pitch was perfect size for our 8 man tent and a gazebo plus a car. Chris the owner was there to help from the moment we arrived. Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Facilities very good and clean.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Super place for short and longer stays

Overall

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

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Hardyes Countryside Camping place run by Chris and his wife is beautiful and very well organized. The toilets and showers were always clean and well-maintained. The location is perfect, with many attractions and scenic viewpoints just 15–30 minutes away by car. The bakery items offered by the owners was delicious and always fresh—I even took some extra home!

Disliked H/A

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly small site

Overall

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

Electric grass and gravel touring caravan pitch

Liked Very friendly, welcoming & relaxed site. Given options on where to pitch.
Great views overlooking Hardy's monument.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely quiet peaceful site, very clean…

Overall

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

Electric grass and gravel touring caravan pitch

Liked Lovely quiet peaceful site, very clean showers/toilets - fresh pastries daily and a wonderful man Chris greets you and couldn't be more helpful

Disliked nothing we had a fabulous weekend

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site in a perfect location with super friendly staff

Overall

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

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Great location, the camp site is in a very nice and calming country side location and very close to the best Dorset beaches and villages.
It is a basic camp site but what it makes it special is the excellent friendly staff and the little things like Chris handing chocolate marshmallows and sweets to the guests in the evening and their personal approach.
Another lovely extra is the home made bread, scones, croissants, etc that they bake every day and you can buy at a very reasonable price.
Thank you Chris for being so helpful and attentive!

Disliked Only that there are not hand dryers in the bathroom

Recommend to friends Visit again

An all round lovely, small site in the Dorset countryside.

Overall

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

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked The friendliness of the owners. They genuinely care. Always on hand to assist with any questions or problems. Fresh homemade pastries and bread available to purchase every morning. Free treats were brought round every evening and Chris ensured he reached every single camper. Nothing was too much trouble.

Disliked During busy periods another shower and washing up station would be helpful.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wonderful site for a REAL get away from the busy day to day.

Overall

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

Electric grass and gravel touring caravan pitch

Liked Wonderful countryside all around you. The whole atmosphere of the site was relaxed and no one or thing felt like too much bother. The showers and toilets were very well maintained and there was always someone around to help you with anything you need. Enjoyed every bit.

Disliked Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Family friendly small piece of heaven!

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
 7
maxine T.

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Peaceful site, in a quiet central location. So much to see and do around this site but also retreat here of an evening and be secluded! Lovely clean facilities, roomy toilets and showers as well as a microwave. There is also the option to order fresh bread and delicious homemade breakfast options for very reasonable prices! Lots of ideas in the shed of local attractions and food went was very knowledgable and the feared some very handy hints and tips as well as being friendly and welcoming.

Disliked Nothing!!!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

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 Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette 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 Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

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

Accessibility

Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Bathrooms: Step-free access Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible toilet Bathrooms: Wide doorways (over 30 inches/75cm)

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 GMT (GMT+00:00)

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

You’ll probably stop off in Dorchester (15 minutes’ drive) at some point for some shopping, but while you're there it’s worth looking out places like The Keep Military Museum, The Tutankhamun Exhibition and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. On the outer edges of the town are the ancient hillfort Maiden Castle and National Trust - Hardy's House Max Gate, the author’s former home. For a bit of ancient art, visit the National Trust - Cerne Giant (20 minutes) and Osmington White Horse (half an hour); more contemporary art is on display at Sculpture by the Lakes (25 minutes). Heading down to the coast, you may like to see the subtropical gardens and swannery at Abbotsbury (15 minutes), play on the long sandy beach in Weymouth (25 minutes) or go mackerel fishing from Lyme Regis (40 minutes). Lulworth Cove (35 minutes) in the east and the Seaton Tramway (45 minutes) to the west are also both good places to check out.

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

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?

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? You’ll probably stop off in Dorchester (15 minutes’ drive) at some point for some shopping, but while you're there it’s worth looking out places like The Keep Military Museum, The Tutankhamun Exhibition … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Hardyes Countryside Camping?
    Camping and touring
    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 R566,45 (for 1 night, 5 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.