Set in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and less than two miles from the sea, White Horse Campsite is a countryside gem in a prime location. Made up of three huge meadows, the site is largely unadulterated grassland with no plastic playgrounds or concrete-clad receptions in sight. Flushing toilets and hot showers onsite are conveniently located in two seperate areas, while a separate washing up area is also provided for your dishes. Other than that you’ll find only open space and free reign on where to pitch. Tuck against the hedge-line or beneath the giant trees for extra protection, or nestle near the footpaths to give you a head start when you wander to the pub.
Jan and Paul Critchell (the friendly site owners) will welcome you on arrival and offer up the chance to order some onsite goodies; home-baked croissants for the next morning or a fresh milk delivery for your cereal. Then an attentive but unobtrusive manner sees them return to their rounds on the campsite, a place they’re rightfully proud of. Despite its vast size, the couple have thoughtfully restricted the campsite to just 30 pitches in each field, meaning campers will never feel short of space. Even a family group with a cluster of mansion-sized tents still have acres in which kids can run wild.
Whether you need to wear the little ones out or not, there are few sites better located for activities on the south coast. Take one of the two footpaths that lead away from the meadows to Osmington and Sutton Poyntz (the later with an excellent pub) or carry on towards the coast where you eventually join the famous South West Coast Path. Those in the car can head east to the unique delights of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Kimmerage Bay, or turn west to the endless reach of pebbly Chesil Beach. If the weather has less seaside-friendly ideas then historic Dorchester is also close at hand, an inland market town with plenty to keep campers occupied.
Where to start? Southwest was the haunt of King George III himself, where the attractive town of Weymouth fronts a pleasant sandy beach, stretching at its end to the Isle of Portland. On the other side of the island, famous Chesil Beach reaches endlessly into the distance, trapping a pool of water behind it that hosts the Abbotsbury Swannery (01305 871858). Those who head in the opposite direction will discover arching Durdle Door and beautiful Lulworth Cove, unique coastal features that precede the crescent of Kimmeridge Bay (01929 481044). Inland, ruined Tyneham Village (01929 404819) makes for an interesting and erie visit, while the history of Corfe Castle (01929 481294) is accompanied by stunning views. The attractive market town of Wareham is also worth the trip.
Upon arrival you will be able to book in a delivery of groceries from the farm. This includes bread, milk, home baked croissants, farm fresh free range eggs, bacon, sausages, burgers, cold drinks and anything else you need for a BBQ. There are two pubs within 15 minutes walking distance. The Springhead (01305 832117) in Sutton Poyntz is closest, while The Sunray (01305 832148) in Osmington is also not far away. 13th-century, The Smugglers Inn (01305 833125) is further still, but worth the effort for the range of local ales and unpretentious pub grub available. A 5 minute drive towards Weymouth also brings you to both a Spar and a Co-op supermarket.
