The Railway Campsite

View prices & book 9.4 295 reviews
Train going past the site
Train going past the site
The steam train running past
View of the site on a cloudy morning
View of the site
View of the field
Party in the woods
Pitches
View of the site
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The steam train running past
View of the site on a cloudy morning
View of the site

  • Eight-acre field with Swanage Railway steam trains passing by
  • A 10-minute drive to Swanage Beach; 35 minutes to Durdle Door
  • Off-ground barbecues and firepits allowed; dogs welcome
If you’ve got little train enthusiasts in your family (or large ones, for that matter…), this is a site that’s likely to please them very much indeed. As the name suggests, The Railway Campsite is located next to the railway – and none other than the famed Swanage Railway. Waving at the steam trains as they puff past is a popular pastime around this dog-friendly site – although there are also some great Dorset countryside views for when there’s no railway action, plus lots of space around the eight-acre open field for whatever you choose to focus your attention on. And presumably you’ll want to take a ride on one of those trains too? That’s easily done, since Harmans Cross station is just next door to the site. All you have to do is choose whether to journey up to Corfe Castle or over to Swanage for a day at the beach (both about 15 minutes by train). When you’re not riding the rails, you can get out to some great coastal corners, including Studland Beach, Kimmeridge Bay or Dancing Ledge – all are within a 20-minute drive. This is a back-to-basics site, but it does have wooden composting toilets, a shower hut and chemical disposal facilities. The on-site snack shack opens its doors on weekends for breakfast, drinks and light evening meals. It's also open on Thursday evenings for Jamaican food. Off-ground barbecues and firepits are allowed in the designated areas (the site has firepits for hire and wood for sale if you need it), so you’re welcome to have a go at making your own dinner. You can source provisions at the small supermarket in the village of Harman’s Cross (five minutes’ walk).

Site type

Tent pitches 30
Motorhome pitches 20
Open now
Opens 3 July
Please note

Admission

  • At least one of the party members must be aged 16 or over.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.

Occupancy

  • Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Single-sex bookings of 6 or more people (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.

General

  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
  • Raised fire pits are allowed in designated areas only.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 03 Jul to

No availability here for your search criteria

Reviews

9.4

Overall rating from 295 Pitchup.com customers

  • 68%
    10
  • 11%
    9
  • 15%
    8
  • 1%
    7
  • 1%
    6
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    5
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    3
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 6
Peaceful

98% would recommend this site to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

Chill vibes, big pitches, and lekker staff. Close to Swanage train, see steamies! Clean compost loos, hot showers, and a popular snack shack. Hilly terrain and more showers needed in busy times, but great value and views are tops.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 2026/08/18

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 30
Arrival date (latest first)

Brilliant site near Swanage. Will be back!

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
 Nick T. 1 review

Non-electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked The site was a large area on a hill right next to Swanage Steam railway line. Trains run during the day. There is no regimentation and you can select your own pitch. The Kitchen Shack served up a delicious Caribbean meal on Thursday.

Disliked Not a dislike but there aren't many level pitches.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Location and cafe…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 6
Anonymous

Non-electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Location and cafe

Disliked Couldn’t bear the smell of the composting toilets I’m afraid

Recommend to friends Visit again

Most favourite part of the world and now a new favourite campsite .

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Such a lovely vibe and no sooner had a got there a diesel engine went rolling past! 🤩 delicious snack bar on site and the stars were epic!!! Defo could see the Milky Way and spotted 5 shooting stars 👌We took the train into Swanage and back before heading for coastal walks! Amazing spot had to book a second night. Will be back for sure!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely site that's just a 10 minute drive to swanage and the beaches.

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Really enjoyed our stay at the railway campsite. Its really nice to have a place onsite that serves food and drinks. Iv read reviews regarding the showers but honestly I found them perfect for what you need,we stayed at qaurr farm (next door) a few weeks before and they have coin operated showers that have fixed extremely hot temp settings that cant be changed so the fact that these showers are free to use and you cant change the heat was lovely after a day at the beach. They may not be the best looking shower but they are cleaned regularly. The lady that runs the site was always looking after the washing up facilities and the showers and was really lovely to talk to.

Disliked The only thing id say was a dislike would be the run up to the exit of the field, its got some pretty big holes and its gravel and being pretty steep its a bit difficult to navigate specially when the car is loaded with camping gear and people.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Simply perfect, location, price, facilities and…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Simply perfect, location, price, facilities and staff.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Location…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 5
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 6
Wifi
 5
 Colin F. 1 review

Non-electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Location

Recommend to friends Visit again

Third year I've been back 😊…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
sophia c. 6 reviews

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Third year I've been back 😊

Disliked Na

Recommend to friends Visit again

Loved the food on site!…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Jojo G. 1 review

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Loved the food on site!

Disliked The toilets

Recommend to friends Visit again

Everything was amazing so we will…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 1
 titch 1 review

Non-electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Everything was amazing so we will say our 4 best things otherwise it will take to long!
•location Perfect for everyone!
•space
•trains ☆☆☆☆☆
•views

Recommend to friends Visit again

A great stay.

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked The location is beautiful. Welcoming hosts and our dog is welcome here.
Peaceful setting.
Hot showers.

Disliked Toilets ok but as a pop up sight a bit primitive.,

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires 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 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 Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise

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) Pop-up campground

Accessibility

Accessible parking at pitch Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mud

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

The Railway Campsite

Sunny Glade

Haycrafts Lane

Harmans Cross

Swanage

Dorset

England

BH19 3EB

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50,61958°N
2,0239°W

Nearest transport

Coach
3 km East Street
3 km East Street
4,6 km Bus Station
Rail
10,4 km Wareham Rail Station
10,9 km Holton Heath Rail Station
11,5 km Poole Rail Station
Ferry
8,5 km Shell Bay Ferry Terminal
8,9 km Sandbanks Ferry Terminal
9 km Brownsea Island Ferry Landing
Airport
22,2 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

Famed for its ever-changing shades of blue and green, the Blue Pool (15 minutes’ drive) is surrounded by acres of heath- and woodland laced with trails. Take the easy path skirting the lake (where kids can also hunt for magic fairy doors), or steel yourself for a more challenging uphill route leading to views of the Purbeck Hills. Overlooked by the Georgian Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge Bay (20 minutes) is part of the Jurassic Coast. Rockpooling here may well yield some fossils; if not, you can head to the Etches Collection Museum, which displays fossilised marine creatures dating back millennia. The bay has clear waters for swimming and a summer snorkelling trail. Stay on the Jurassic Coast and move westwards to Durdle Door (35 minutes from the site), an iconic limestone arch stretching out into the sea. You can admire this imposing natural landmark from the dog-friendly beach or from the lookout point up on the cliff (easily reached via the South West Coast Path).

Food and drink

  • Golden Bengal 3,5 km
  • Isle of Purbeck Golf Club 3,5 km
  • Coastal Crust Pizza 3,6 km
  • The Corner 4,7 km
  • Sea Breeze 4,8 km
  • The Narrows 4,8 km
  • The Parade Fish and Chips 5 km
  • La Trattoria 5 km
  • The Purbeck Plaza 5 km
  • Dragon Inn 5 km

Parks and play

  • West Burton Field Playground 2,9 km
  • King George's Play Area 4,2 km
  • The Chadwick Playground 4,8 km
  • Blue Pool Play Area 5,8 km
  • Natural Play Area 8,7 km

Public transport

  • Haycrafts Lane 1,1 km
  • Haycrafts Lane 1,1 km
  • Acton Lane 1,4 km
  • Acton Lane 1,4 km
  • Worth Lane 1,5 km
  • Langton Matravers, Capston Field 1,6 km
  • Worth Lane 1,6 km
  • Langton Matravers, Capston Field 1,6 km
  • Durnford Drove 1,8 km
  • Durnford Drove 1,8 km

Groceries

  • Co-op Food 4,6 km
  • Budgens 4,7 km
  • Sainsbury's 9,5 km
  • The Co-operative Food 9,7 km

Family days out

  • West Burton Field Playground 2,9 km
  • King George's Play Area 4,2 km
  • The Chadwick Playground 4,8 km
  • Blue Pool Play Area 5,8 km
  • Natural Play Area 8,7 km

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Must see

Corfe Castle 3,3 km

Swanage Railway 4,6 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 6,1 km

Brownsea Island 9 km

Lulworth Castle & Park 13,2 km

National Trust

Corfe Castle 3,1 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 5,8 km

Brownsea Island 8,9 km

Clouds Hill 19,4 km

White Mill 20,8 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Worth Matravers - Cliffs, Caves and Chapel 2,6 km

Worth Matravers - Winspit - Dancing Ledge 2,6 km

Corfe - Nine Barrows Down - Swanage 3,2 km

Herston - Worth Matravers - Corfe 3,2 km

The Purbecks - Castle and Coastal 3,5 km

Local events

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday, 5 September 2026 – Saturday, 5 September 2026)

    Dorchester, England 30,5 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 The Railway Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Railway Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near The Railway Campsite? Famed for its ever-changing shades of blue and green, the Blue Pool (15 minutes’ drive) is surrounded by acres of heath- and woodland laced with trails. Take the easy path skirting the … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Railway Campsite?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  Anytime –  Anytime
    Depart by:  4 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Railway Campsite? From R437,03 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.