Hardyes Countryside Camping

View prices & book 9.5 101 reviews
Maintaining the campsite field
Maintaining the campsite field
Grass pitching area
Cloudy skies
Country views
Peacocks at the site
William the indian blue peacock
Amazing sky views
Night skies
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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
Open now
Opens 3 April
Please note

Admission

  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Occupancy

  • Group bookings of 3 or more units travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.

General

  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Reception

  • 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.

Dogs

  • 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).

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
0 dogs

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 101 Pitchup.com customers

  • 73%
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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 spot with great rural views and peace. Chris, the owner, is praised for being helpful and knowledgeable. Toilets/showers mostly clean. Some mention water issues and iffy WiFi on touring pitches. Dog-friendly, spacious pitches, good access to sights. Many want to come back.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 2026/08/25

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 11
Arrival date (latest first)

Location. Price. Showers. Owner.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Jacqueline S. 3 reviews

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Location. Price. Showers. Owner.

Disliked Chemical disposal would have been useful.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We absolutely loved our stay at…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
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Kirsten P. 1 review

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked We absolutely loved our stay at this campsite. It was very welcoming from the moment we arrived. The owner /manager of the site greeted us upon arrival and nothing was too much trouble. He even brought round sweet treats for everyone staying. The facilities were very clean and tidy and we enjoyed beautiful sunsets each night.

Disliked Nothing to dislike.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely would come here again.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Charlotte O. 2 reviews

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Lovely little campsite. All the basics. Chris was really lovely and helpful on recommending routes and things to do in the area. Easy to get to Weymouth, Chesil and West bay. Great base camp.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The toilets and showers were clean…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Aimee P. 1 review

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked The toilets and showers were clean and plenty of washing facilities. Great area to camp lovely views. Owner very friendly, very helpful and they sell lovely fresh breads and cakes, drinks too. Close to plenty of things to do and see.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really peaceful, great location for exploring…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
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Callie E. 2 reviews

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Really peaceful, great location for exploring Dorset. The owners were so friendly and knowledgeable about the local area.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really welcoming. Great place to stay…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Callum B. 1 review

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Really welcoming. Great place to stay and lovely baked goodies brought round in the morning. Will be back for sure

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant. Would recommend!

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Aimee E. 1 review

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Brilliant facilities, lovely site, little play area for the kids, friendly people on site.met some lovely people. Chris is brilliant at ensuring everything is OK and always available if help is needed. He is condtsntly cleaning the bathroom, so cleanliness was never a problem. Lovely location.

Disliked Would just recommend separate the kitchen area from the washing/ toilet area as awkward when wanting to go a toilet in peace 🤣

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would happily stay here again with family.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
 Alex M. 1 review

Electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Small farmland campsite, surrounding area for walks. Chris was brilliant and a good laugh.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly. Good price.…

Overall

6 out of 10
Location
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Wifi
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Alister H. 1 review

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked Friendly. Good price.

Recommend to friends Visit again

great spot.…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
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 No rating
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Wifi
 No rating
Joshua T. 3 reviews

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch

Liked great spot.

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 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 +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

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.

Food and drink

  • Rajpoot 8,1 km
  • Mega Pizza 8,1 km
  • Thai Nakorn 8,2 km
  • Room to... 8,2 km
  • Colonial Restaurant 8,3 km
  • Snappy Tomato Pizza 8,3 km
  • Basilico 8,3 km
  • PizzaExpress 8,4 km
  • Al Molo 8,4 km
  • Luciano's 8,4 km

Parks and play

  • Litton Cheney Playing Field 5,9 km
  • Play Park 6,9 km
  • Abbotsbury Swannery 8,1 km

Public transport

  • Coach and Horses 1,5 km
  • Coach and Horses 1,5 km
  • St Mary's Church 1,7 km
  • Winterbourne Valley School 1,8 km
  • Hamlands 2,3 km
  • Hamlands 2,3 km
  • Steepleton Manor 2,9 km
  • Steepleton Manor 2,9 km
  • Kingston Russell Turn 3 km
  • Kingston Russell Turn 3,1 km

Groceries

  • Central 7,8 km
  • Lidl 8,1 km
  • Tesco 8,3 km
  • The Co-operative Food 8,3 km
  • Waitrose 8,5 km

Family days out

  • Litton Cheney Playing Field 5,9 km
  • Play Park 6,9 km
  • Abbotsbury Swannery 8,1 km

© OpenStreetMap contributors

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, 5 September 2026 – Saturday, 5 September 2026)

    Dorchester, England 9,1 km

  • Glastonbury Festival (Wednesday, 23 June 2027 – Wednesday, 23 June 2027)

    Glastonbury, England 48,3 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 R543 (for 1 night, 5 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.