Where wind casts a shimmer across the
golden fields, Cranborune Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a diverse
landscape that has a little of everything. Ancient woodlands, chalky streams
and rolling fields merge into one another, pockmarked by quaint rural
settlements and old farmsteads. One such abode is Home Farm, tending the land
here for years and steadily growing in fame for its award-winning shop and
tearooms. But after 60 years of homegrown success they too have become as diverse as the landscape and turned the farm’s grassy meadows into a welcoming campsite for those venturing to this quiet part of Dorset.
Though Home Farm is a certified Camping and
Caravanning Club site, the designated camping is relatively small, with space
for just five caravans and ten tent pitches. But it's the glamping credentials of
Home Farm that make it stand out from the plethora of other regional spots. In a large grassy field,
bordered by trees and hedges, stand six well-furnished bell tents, carpeted and
kitted out with beds, rugs and an army of pillows. These charming tents face in
toward picnic benches and a wooden awning that covers a pair of barbecues,
accompanied by cool boxes for keeping the beers chilled.
Beyond the bell tents, tucked against the trees, are Home Farm’s two yurts
“Copse” and “Glebe”. The former can accommodate up to five people while the
latter is more of a romantic hideaway for two, where couples can snuggle up
before the log-burning stove. The yurts are a traditional Mongolian design and
sit on raised wooden decks with garden furniture outside, both sharing a
kitchen area with all the utensils you require.
The sociable lay out of the bell tents
makes this a popular site for group camping, exclusively hiring them out for
parties and gatherings. In fact, Home Farm even offer
bespoke glamping packages to make sure all your whims are provided for. Hen
parties can request beauty treatments, clay pigeon shooting, craft activities
or visits to the Dorset Cider Farm, while a large ‘emperor's tent’ can also be
hired, perfect for communal activities. Those looking for a slightly quieter
time can wander along the Jubilee Trail, a footpath that runs straight
through the farm, or head down to the Home Farm Shop to relax in their award-winning tea rooms. Historic Salisbury, with its commanding
cathedral, lies half an hour away. The beach resorts of Bournemouth, Poole
and Sandbanks, Jurassic Coast and the New Forest are all within easy reach. Access to such attractions means there is
plenty to do for the independent traveler but with so many onsite options
revellers with a good party idea need only call up and ask to really make this
campsite their own.