Bridgewood

View prices & book 9.6 58 reviews
Open spacious pitches (added by manager 29 Sep 2022)
Woodland space
Woodland cosy cabin
Firepit set-up

  • Dog-friendly six-acre site in an ancient Dorset woodland
  • A 15-minute drive to Dorchester and Sherborne; 40 minutes to Weymouth
  • Firepits allowed; woodland tracks; local pub 15 minutes’ walk away
Searching for a remote-feeling site with a woodland and bushcraft opportunities around? You won’t be barking up the wrong tree at Bridgewood, a site in a six-acre corner of the 70-acre Bridge Wood in Dorset, an ancient area of woodland. Here, you’ll have your pick of the woodland trails around and lots of spots on site to get stuck into den-making or bushcraft. Dogs are also welcome for an additional fee. Things both look and feel majestic here, what with the tall trees overhead. Those of you who are after a remote spot can head deeper into the woods with help from the site’s mini tractor and trailer, as they'll help to transport any heavy goods you’ve got down the tracks. Firepits are a way to wind down in the evening here, as long as they’re well-contained (it is a woodland, after all); there's no electricity, as this is a back to basics site. Another option is to head to the local pub, which is either two minutes’ drive away or a leisurely 15-minutes’ country walk. There’s additional car parking in the site’s adjacent field to keep vehicles away from the woods, so it’s also easy to get out and pick up a few bits and pieces from the nearest food shop, 15 minutes’ drive away. As for facilities on the site, these include a composting toilet and solar shower – comfortable, convenient and eco-friendly.

Site type

Tent pitches 5
Motorhome pitches 1
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Open now
Opens 26 April
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) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • Single-sex bookings of 3 or more people (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No cars/motorbikes by the pitch/unit. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 25 or over.
  • 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.
  • Bookings must not consist of more than 2 different households.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • If reception is closed on arrival: please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 26 Apr to

Open from Fri, 25 Apr to

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

97%

would recommend this site to a friend

97%

would stay here again

  • 86%
    10
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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Fabulous woodland campsite, with incredible facilities

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 2
Chris M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: We were welcomed to the site by Paul who gave us the quick tour of facilities before showing us to our pitch. Everything has been thought of and is cheerfully presented. We came away for the weekend for a quiet break and had our own peaceful corner of the woodland with incredible scenery. We even met the pet piggies. We will be back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for reviewing us so kindly. It was lovely to meet you, and I'm glad our Piggies smiled for the photo! Hope to see you again.

The cabin

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

1 bedroom cabin

Liked: We stayed in the cabin for 2 nights in the woods it was amazing, for our family it was a perfect break to get away from the outside world with no electricity or signal or no wifi. They thought of everyone’s needs inside the cabin for kids,too adults. We absolutely loved it and didn’t want to go home. We sure will be returning as a regular break away. The customer service was outstanding on arrival. Thank you see you soon.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: It was a pleasure to welcome you to our little campsite and glad you enjoyed your stay in the Cabin. So wonderful to have a little one in residence! Thank you for your kind review :) We look forward to seeing you again sometime.

If you love camping in the woods and feel like your own your own.

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: Great Camp site, loads of natural surroundings that make other people camping disappear within the woods. Very peaceful, owners are great and welcoming. Facilities are basic but in keeping within the surroundings. Great location for places to go

Disliked: Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for the lovely review. We are pleased you understand how we set the campsite up - to avoid disturbing the natural woodland as much as possible but still provide a place to camp and enjoy.

Got to go. Beautiful place and very friendly.

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: Absolutely loved the campsite throughout. The choice of pitches, all amazing and beautifully spaced away from each other to give privacy. Very clean and organised. Everything you need on site The couple who run it live in the cottage by the entrance, are so friendly and helpful. Wildlife was incredible. 2 types of owl, buzzards, firecrests and gold crests, butterflies in the hundreds and a muntjac deer walked through the middle of the site in the early evening. Also great location to visit lots of incredible historical sites. Lovely food and great landlord at the pub a short walk through countryside.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for the amazing review! Wow! You have totally embraced our woodland and got the rewards - we feel very blessed to live with this wildlife on our door step but equally thrilled when guests get the same treatment. It was lovely to meet you and thank you for being perfect campers.

One of the best campsites I've been to in forever! The woods…

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: One of the best campsites I've been to in forever! The woods were absolutely lovely and I adored listening to the owls every night. The owner was really sweet and helpful! Camp had wood for sale amongst other things which was really nice and easy! Would 100% stay here again! Lovely places nearby, so highly recommend Sherbourne Castle as this was a gorgous place to visit and only 10 mins away. Was great saying hello to the pigs each morning as we got water for tea. 10/10 site, just be sure to take tweezers for ticks if you're taking dogs xxx

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for this wonderful review - it has lifted our hearts :) and makes all our year long work maintaining the woodland worth while. It was lovely to meet you and thank you for respecting your surroundings and leaving your pitch clear. So lovely that you explored the area as we are blessed with having unassuming history so close.

Proper camping

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: Brilliant location for those that are looking for proper camping experience. Very private sites with no open view of other tents. We loved the low key nature of the whole place and especially the warm welcome from Sarah and Paul. The local pub was also very welcoming and made for an easy night's supper! We will definitely be back.

Disliked: Nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for taking the time to review us and thank you for being perfect campers, it was lovely to meet you both and glad you enjoyed your stay. You'd be most welcome back at any time.

Excellent cabin!!

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

1 bedroom cabin

Liked: The location is beautiful and close to towns to visit and pick up supplies....beaches also an easy drive away. Hosts were excellent and the cabin is very well equipped, including the kitchen - we took far too much camp cooking things with us and used none as the cabin had it all.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for taking the time to review us, and say such lovely things. It was great to meet you and your little family and thank you for being perfect Cabin guests!

The owners were really friendly. The site was beautiful and…

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: The owners were really friendly. The site was beautiful and really well looked after. Plenty of space to explore and play. We loved it.

Disliked: Absolutely nothing to dislike!

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: It was lovely to meet you and your son, we are so glad you 'got' what our whole woodland campsite was created for ... to disconnect from the world and soak up what is around you! Love the photos and thank you for being splendid campers.

overall it was a very nice stay the owner was very welcoming

Overall 8/10
Location 6
Value for money 4
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 6
Customer service 8
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 2
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

1 bedroom cabin

Liked: Eco toilet / shower The bed was very comfy The bed sofa was a good idea Had lots of cooking stuff

Disliked: There was no bread knife It needs a better light it the bathroom It could do with a with a canopy or something for The decking area out the front to make it dryer

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks for the review. New bread knife ordered! Our whole ethos of the cabin and campsite is to reduce light pollution and keep our site as natural as possible, but saying that we do provide rechargeable battery lanterns for 'bathroom' trips. Whilst the cabin is mainly candle lit. A cover over the decking is a nice idea but we do not have permission to do that as our cabin was approved as a basic Foresters Cabin predominantly for shelter / washing / cooking and sleeping, so it is what is is! Thank you for leaving it in a clean and tidy condition.

Excellent site with clean facilities, friendly staff and level pitches

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

Non-electric grass and earth tent pitch

Liked: Camping in the woods. Seclusion, Peacefulness, simplicity

Disliked: Would be helpful to have some access to a place to wash some dishes, brush my teeth

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your review. Most campers utilise our mains water standpipe to do washing up and even brush teeth - much to the amusement of our piggies! Thanks for the feedback though.


Features

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 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 Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups 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

Forest Peaceful Walkers' paradise Wild camping

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available No hot water Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Accessibility

Disabled facilities

Location

Bridgewood

2 Manor Farm Cottages

Middlemarsh

Sherborne

Dorset

England

DT9 5QN

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.86852°N
-2.47902°W

Route directions

The site entrance is at the second house down the access lane into the woods.

Nearest transport

Coach
9.5 km Greenhill
9.6 km Coldharbour
10.9 km Queens Head
Rail
6.6 km Chetnole Rail Station
7.3 km Yetminster Rail Station
8.4 km Thornford Rail Station
Ferry
29 km Weymouth Ferry Terminal
38.6 km Poole Ferry Terminal
38.9 km Poole Quay Ferry Landing
Airport
46.7 km 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

You’ll have had a good taste of woodland life on site, so it might suit you to mix things up with a little salt, sea and sand. One of the closest coastal patches is Weymouth beach (40 minutes’ drive) and there’s a good sandy stretch here, plus paddleboards and kayaks for hire to get out on the water. A little further away, the Jurassic coast is truly your oyster, as the rocky coves of the Isle of Portland (50 minutes) and fossil-hunting down Lyme Regis (an hour) are a day trip away. What of some historic sites along the way? Well, the National Trust’s Cerne Giant (10 minutes) is an interesting one, as the chalk hillside gives way to an ancient club-wielding sculpture of a man. There are two castles in the market town of Sherborne (15 minutes) and elsewhere, Forde Abbey House and Gardens (45 minutes) has a house with tapestries and a plant nursery of old. To end, perhaps you’ll want to mix and match the town with a more remote wildlife haven? The high street, cinemas and eateries in Dorchester (15 minutes) are certainly a nice buzz after the peaceful nature reserve in Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve (15 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020 2019 2018 2017
Hive 25.7 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Bowleaze Cove 26.1 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
West Bay (West) 26.7 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 27.1 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Eypemouth 27.4 km Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Hardy's Birthplace 16.6 km

Mapperton House & Gardens 18 km

Montacute House 18.9 km

Fleet Air Arm Museum 19.8 km

Haynes International Motor Museum 20 km

National Trust

Hardy's Cottage 16.6 km

Max Gate 18.2 km

Montacute House 18.9 km

Tintinhull Garden 20.1 km

Lytes Cary Manor 23 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

MINTERNE 3.6 km

Beneath The Feet Of Cerne's Giant 6.6 km

SHERBORNE CASTLE 8.6 km

Sherborne Two Castles Walk 8.7 km

MELBURY PARK 8.8 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.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Bridgewood have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Bridgewood dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Bridgewood? You’ll have had a good taste of woodland life on site, so it might suit you to mix things up with a little salt, sea and sand. One of the closest coastal … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Bridgewood?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  10 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Bridgewood? From R693.82 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.