Sweet Hill Farm

View prices & book 9.2 167 reviews
Sea views from the pitches
Sea views from the pitches
Lovely visitors
Camping field
Views to portland bill lighthouse
Sunrise patch field
Amazing view from the back of a visitors camper
A view from one of the fields
Faraway field, with the views out to sea
1/178
Lovely visitors
Camping field
Views to portland bill lighthouse

  • Back to basics farm-style stays on a Dorset site with sea views
  • On the edge of Southwell village; 10 minutes' drive from Chesil Beach
  • Equestrian activities available; half a mile to the pub or coast path
The long-gone folk who decided to call this patch Sweet Hill Farm were right on the money – with spectacular 180-degree seaside vistas, views over three lighthouses and next to no light pollution, this fine little farm site is a very appealing place to stay indeed. This family-friendly spot is on the tip of the Isle of Portland, a scenic outcrop off Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Rollick around the island on foot, by bike or on horseback – the team who run Sweet Hill Farm also own an ace equestrian outfit next door, so get set for saddle-based trekking under their expert guidance. The pitches here have plenty of space between them and are set over various fab fields. The key phrase here is 'nearly wild', the 'nearly' part being a nod to the composting loos and cold water taps that make family hols here that little bit easier. Wild, though, it certainly is – birds of prey can often be spotted soaring overhead during the day, and it gets decidedly darker over here at night than it does on most of the mainland. Please note that there's no car parking by the pitches during busy periods and peak season. Cars will be parked in the field directly behind the camping areas and customers will have the use of a giant wheelbarrow to help move their gear from car to pitch. Hikers who want to tackle Portland’s stretch of the South West Coast Path in one fell swoop will come across the trail's distinctive yellow arrows about half a mile away. All that walking (or horse riding, fishing or swimming…) can be thirsty work, so you may be chuffed to find a pub in the local village, Southwell (10 minutes' walk).

Site type

Motorhome pitches 63
Tent pitches 63
Open now
Opens 14 February
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).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • A charge of £1.00 (R23.07) applies for the use of the shower.
  • Minimum spacing of 2 metres between pitches.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 14 Feb to

Reviews

9.2

Overall rating from 167 Pitchup.com customers

  • 71%
    10
  • 0%
    9
  • 21%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 3%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 1%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 6
Spectacular sceneryPeacefulWild camping

95% would recommend this site to a friend

92% would stay here again

What customers say

A popular, 'almost wild' campsite with lekker sea views and a chilled vibe. Friendly staff, decent pitches, close to coastal walks. Basic but clean facilities (showers need tokens), eco-toilets. Some found it windy or the loos a bit iffy. Great for a no-frills escape.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 17
Arrival date (latest first)

Great location and views. Overall good facilities... showers, cafe, summer live…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Great location and views. Overall good facilities... showers, cafe, summer live music, lots of space. Friendly helpful staff and really easy check-in at a great value

Disliked Portacabin toilets...lots of them, but still a portacabin!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Schöne Lage…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Schöne Lage

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean facilities and well kept fields for tents.

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
 10
ella b.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked The sunsets were absolutely breath taking and everyone on the campsite was very friendly. 10/10 stay!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really lovely campsite, looks kept clean, wonderful staff and pitch

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
 10
Lottie L.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Absolutely stunning views with just a shot walk down to the lighthouses. Would highly recommend.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would return to the campsite.

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
 1
Florentina D.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked I have been coming to this campsite since the first year when it opened. It is always a pleasure to come back to it.
I like all the new things that are being introduced to the campsite but please still maintain the feeling of as close to wild camping as possible.
Having showers on site is a nice touch.
The massage with Mikaela is great. Porta loos are a great addition.
Water taps in each filed are great.
Love the location and the views. Close to shops ,pubs and public footpaths to go exploring the peninsula.
I liked seeing all the animals on the farm.
Teddy is the bestest good boy. I will miss him until next time. He's such a good dog.
I liked the variety of drinks sold in reception.
Taylor was really helpful and friendly.
Met a bunch of lovely people during my stay and made a few friends. This campsite always has such a nice vibe.
Lots of things to do around and lots of walks with beautiful views.
Easy connection to buses and trains.

Disliked No rubbish bins anywhere, except for a tiny one in reception.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A great back to basics campsite

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
 1
Hazel D.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Freedom to choose where to pitch
Back to basics
Location

Disliked Nothing - we loved it

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great, will go again.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 1
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Location. Great views for sunrise/set.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely views of the sea…

Overall

1 out of 10
Location
 7
Value for money
 1
Accommodation
 1
Facilities / Activities
 4
Customer service
 1
Child friendliness
 1
Cleanliness
 1
Wifi
 1
Katie m.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Lovely views of the sea

Disliked Field was severely over booked so we had no room, not even for table & chairs. We’ve had more room at festivals!
People arriving and pitching tents until midnight.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Plenty of room and great views…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Plenty of room and great views

Recommend to friends Visit again

Enjoyed my stay

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Caron M.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch (basic, wild)

Liked Was not to busy.friendly lovely walks peaceful.

Disliked Toilets still work in progress

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Caron,

Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that you appreciated our peaceful atmosphere, scenic walks, and friendly staff. It's wonderful to know that you found the site not too busy, allowing for a relaxing experience.

We understand your concerns regarding the toilet facilities. Currently, our compost toilets are out of service due to a broken tractor, and we've provided temporary portaloos in the meantime. We are committed to enhancing our amenities and plan to install a matching toilet block that will complement our shower facilities, ensuring a more comfortable experience for our guests.

We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back in the future with improved facilities.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts.
The team at Sweet Hill Farm.

Features

Portable toilet

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Beach access Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site cafe On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit 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

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker 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 Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Large (51-200 pitches)

Accessibility

Accessible parking at pitch Level site, no steep slopes

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby

Location

Sweet Hill Farm

Sweet Hill Road

Portland

Dorset

England

DT5 2DS

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.52772°N
2.44865°W

Nearest transport

Coach
9.2 km Marks and Spencer
20.2 km South Station
29.7 km Red Lion
Rail
9.7 km Weymouth Rail Station
13.5 km Upwey Rail Station
20.2 km Dorchester South Rail Station
Ferry
9 km Weymouth Ferry Terminal
38 km Poole Ferry Terminal
38.6 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

OK folks, it's time to come clean – there's a road bridge between the Isle of Portland and the mainland, meaning that any boat trips you make while here will be purely optional. That said, you can't go far wrong with a sailing jaunt around Weymouth Bay – head to Portland harbour (10 minutes' drive) to set sail on an organised yacht cruise, or, if you’ve got some experience, to charter a vessel of your own. While hanging around the northern part of the island, swing by historic sites like Portland Castle and Castletown D-Day Centre (both 10 minutes), or make your way to Chesil Beach (10 minutes), a rather rugged stretch of shingle that runs for miles alongside the gorgeous Fleet lagoon. Beaches more suitable for bathing include Church Ope Cove (five minutes' drive or half an hour on foot), a secluded cove overlooked by the ruins of Rufus Castle. Weymouth (25 minutes' drive) has bigger and sandier beaches that are well-suited to those bucket and spade days.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Church Ope Cove 1.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Portland Harbour Sandsfoot Castle 7.5 km Sea N/AGoodExcellentGood
Portland Harbour Castle Cove 7.7 km Sea N/AExcellentN/AN/A
Weymouth Central 9.7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 10.9 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve 9.8 km

Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary 10.9 km

Lulworth Heritage Centre 17.2 km

Abbotsbury Swannery 18.1 km

Lulworth Castle & Park 21 km

National Trust

Max Gate 20.2 km

Hardy's Cottage 22.8 km

Clouds Hill 25.2 km

Corfe Castle 30.2 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 37.4 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Around the Island of Portland 1.7 km

RADIPOLE LAKE (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 15/10/1990) 10.5 km

Lodmoor Nature Reserve - Littlemoor - Preston 11.1 km

LODMOOR (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 25/11/2004) 11.6 km

Nottington - Upwey - Broadwey 12.9 km

Local events

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

    Dorchester, England 21.7 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 Sweet Hill Farm have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Sweet Hill Farm dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Sweet Hill Farm? OK folks, it's time to come clean – there's a road bridge between the Isle of Portland and the mainland, meaning that any boat trips you make while here will be purely … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Sweet Hill Farm?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  noon –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  10:30 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Sweet Hill Farm? From R571,86 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.