
Portland, Dorset, England
Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch
Liked Very friendly welcome with clear instructions on finding and choosing a pitch. The location has to be one of the best places to camp in England, just three minutes walk from Portland's stunning cliffs and 15 to Portland Bill. Each day I woke up with a smile when I stepped out of my tent with an almost panoramic view of the lighthouse and English Channel. Bus links are very good to Weymouth and beyond, but there are plenty of good pubs on Portland, a couple within a short walk. The shower block was very good - £1 for 3 minutes, the portaloos are what they are, but there were plenty of them, and they were cleaned out regularly. I didn't try the farm cafe, but it was nice to know it was there.
Disliked The wind was quite strong (20mph+) for my final day and night which rattled my tent quite severely, but nothing broke or blew away. Next time I stay, I'll try to find a spot with a bit more shelter.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England
Non-electric grass tent pitch
Liked Nice little farm shop, and decent beer in the farm-run pub. Compost toilets were plentiful, clean and well stocked with loo roll and sawdust. Lots of space to pitch my tent. Friendly welcome and I was given a little handbook. The farm has very good signage throughout.
Disliked The noise from the planes landing at Luton airport was near constant, as they fly over the farm to line up on their final approach. There's also lots of general noise from families and children as the sound travels very easily around the different camping fields. There is an option of a 'quiet' field at the bottom of the farm. I didn't go there so I don't know how much quieter it would have been. The ground was rock hard, which cost me a few of my pegs and left all but one only an inch or so deep - fortunately it wasn't windy. Despite the no open fire policy, there's clear evidence that lots of fires have been laid on the ground, including during my stay. A bit concerning given the length of the current dry spell. Didn't like having to wear a wrist band. I took it off as soon as I realised there was no point to it.
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're really pleased you enjoyed the farm shop, our pub, the cleanliness of our compost toilets, the spacious pitches, and that you found the team welcoming. Just to clarify a few points for future visitors: while we're near Luton Airport, we're not always under the flight path, so aircraft noise varies depending on wind direction and operating conditions. As a family-friendly campsite, there will naturally be some noise during busier periods, but we also offer a quieter camping field for those looking for a more peaceful stay. We do allow campfires and operate a safe fire policy, which is explained on arrival and includes a few simple precautions, especially during dry weather. When the ground is particularly hard, we also recommend bringing heavy-duty tent pegs. Our wristbands simply help us identify guests staying on site, allowing us to keep the campsite safe and secure for everyone. Thank you again for your feedback. We really appreciate it and hope these clarifications help give future guests a better idea of what to expect.
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England
Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch
Liked Very friendly welcome. The campsite is accessed through a working farm with goats and some sheep. Facilities are basic but good with flushing toilets and a cold water washing up area. Good 4G signal. There's a nice pub 2 miles up the road.
Disliked The river was a bit stagnant and had a smell due to lack of recent rainfall, but I'm sure it's normally fine. It was only a problem in the immediate area.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Swanage, Dorset, England
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked My first time camping and I wasn't disappointed. The campsite was easy to find just beyond the railway bridge. I got there quite early so it was easier to find a level pitch. It was easy enough to pay the balance at the Snack Hut. Compost toilets were clean with a little light in each one. The campsite got quite busy later in the day but everything was quiet by 10pm and I slept well through the night. Good transport links by bus to Corfe Castle and Swanage. There's a petrol station with a Spar nearby but it shuts quite early. Good 4G signal in the area.
Disliked Having to go home
Recommend to friends Visit again