Sweet Hill Farm

93%

144 reviews

· Isle Of Portland, Dorset, England · 6 acres

Hosted by Charlotte B.

10 motorhome/tent pitches

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best all-round: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

In Roman times, beacons were lit across Portland Bill to warn passing ships of the dangers of its pointed coastline. Many years and many unhappy accidents later, King George I conceded that its treacherous shores were likely in need of a lighthouse or two. Now, the famous Portland Bill Lighthouse is a far more welcoming sight for travellers, with Sweet Hill Farm, just a mile from its base, offering the ideal location for those looking to explore the island.

Sweet Hill Farm provides a family-friendly hub for spirited adventurers to descend upon, in a site devoted to leaving as little impact upon its land as possible. 60 spacious camping pitches are available across several fields in an "almost-wild" setting, meaning that handcrafted compost toilets, hot showers and cold water taps provide basic amenities, while ensuring its surroundings remain unspoiled. Do expect to open your tent each morning to a perfect sea view.

Sweet Hill Farm is ideal for campers with an adventurous side. Its family-run Chesil Equestrian stables provide local trekking experiences, allowing visitors to meet and fall in love with the likes of Chip, Pepe, and Ffion before exploring Portland on horseback. Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre is just a 10-minute drive away and offers accessible sailing and watersports for all abilities, with classes and activities for ages five and over. Then for the particularly brave there’s abseiling courtesy of Portland Climbing, with its group climbing sessions offering a variety of grades to suit all skill levels.

If all that adventuring sounds a little overwhelming, then follow the South West Coast Path from the edge of the campsite and you’ll eventually join 18-mile Chesil Beach, which feels positively endless from this point on its eastern tip. The beach provides a variety of idyllic fishing spots, as anglers travel from all across the country to catch Portland’s plaice, sole, and other sea-dwelling fish. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk to The Lobster Pot Restaurant for one of their famous Dorset Cream Teas, situated right next to Portland Bill with unparalleled views of the coast.

When you wake up on Sweet Hill Farm to a glorious view of the sea, with a day of exploration ahead of you and all of Portland’s pleasures within walking distance, you’ll wonder why it took nearly 2,000 years for the first lighthouse to be built there. Who wouldn’t want to see this place?

By day you will see kestrels, owls and wildflowers, and with zero light pollution by night you can enjoy the most beautiful star gazing. We own a riding school so you can also book to ride and see the island on horseback. Here we offer nearly wild camping. With minimal facilities and as little impact on the land as possible, we have handcrafted compost toilets and cold water on tap in each field. Come prepared for some wild weather but enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and coastline.

Vehicle details

Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 85 feet allowed

Pull-in site

Surface type: Grass or field

Surface levelness: Flat

No Travel trailers and Fifth wheels

Doesn't accommodate slideouts

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

Motorhome/tent pitch

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

6 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Off the ground fire pits are allowed here. We kindly ask that no one has any fires on the ground and does not burn the grass, as we return the fields back to grazing for our horses in the winter.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Please bring your own toilet roll and hand sanitiser.

Pets allowed

On leash

Potable water available

Tap

Showers available

Hot water . £1 for a 3 minute token for the hot showers and cold showers are free.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin. Our bins can be located by the first gate in the carpark.

Picnic table present

we have a small cafe area.

Playground available

A very basic swing set is available by the cafe area.

Cooking equipment absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 12:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Super Strict (30 Days)

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Dogs or Petsgood

£3.00

If you'd like to bring your pet(s) then we have a small charge per pet per booking .

Extra Day Parkinggood

£5.00

Reviews

93% Recommend258 Ratings · 144 reviews

Ryan H.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

13 ft Class B

Beautiful views and great facilities, will definitely be coming back in summer. The owner was really welcoming and helpful!

Karen S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

16 ft car

A great site to explore Portland Bill and at this time of the year very quiet. Basic amenities but fine for me.

Jimmy D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

I recently stayed at this campsite and had an excellent experience, despite the windy conditions. The location is stunning, with beautiful views and plenty of space to set up camp. While the wind was noticeable, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment—it added a sense of adventure. The host was outstanding, going above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable. Their communication was top-notch, providing clear directions and helpful advice on our arrival. They were also quick to respond to any questions we had during our stay, making us feel well taken care of. The facilities were well-maintained, and it was clear the host takes pride in keeping the site clean and organized. Despite the wind, we found plenty of sheltered spots to relax in. Overall, I highly recommend this campsite. The weather might throw some challenges your way, but with such a fantastic host and great setup, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Ganu T.

9 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent · Group trip

The beautiful scenery around. Beautiful horses in the farm. Lovely beaches nearby within 30minutes. Peaceful camp area.

Simeon T.

7 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· August 2024

Bank hol bad weather

Tent

Great location. Lovely, friendly staff. Unfortunately we picked the wrong week in August and it was extremely windy. A few days earlier it would have been sunny and calm. Will def try it again when the weather is right.

Dorian L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

A coastal treat

23 ft Class B

Beautiful spot with views of the coast on 3 sides. Staff were very organised and very helpful. Some bands play on Saturday nights over August. Cafe also provides some lovely snacks and coffee. Some nice walks to the light houses and along the coast.

Location

Isle Of Portland, Dorset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Charlotte B.

Joined in March 2021

From the host

Our private land offers nearly wild camping in a glorious location with uninterrupted views over to Portland Bill. Come and enjoy the many activities Portland has to offer, from horse riding, walking, rock climbing, bird watching, fishing, sailing or enjoying ice creams at the famous Portland Bill lighthouse. Portland known as the jewel of Dorset, is a tied island, 4 miles long and just 5 miles south from Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county. The Jurassic Chesil Beach joins it to the mainland.

Nearby attractions

Portland Bill Lighthouse (01305 821050), the isle’s most famous landmark, is a 30-minute walk or five-minute drive away. Its accompanying Visitor Centre provides those brave enough to scale its 153 steps with the history of the 144-year old structure, while you’ll even be rewarded with a badge for making it to the top. Chesil Equestrian (01305 823719) is an on-site stable that provides horse trekking experiences around Portland’s coast, while Portland Climbing (07752454602) will get you set up with scaling the isle’s cliffs and Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre (01305 457400) will let you book sailing or watersports days out. The nearest beach, Church Ope Cove, is a five-minute drive or 25-minute walk away, while Chesil Beach is a 10-minute drive and Weymouth Beach is a 30-minute drive away.

Food and drink

The Lobster Pot (01305 820242) offers cream tea and crab sandwiches with a great view, though for a stiffer drink, The Eight Kings (01305 822110) serves real ale, a selection of home-cooked food, and the occasional live music. Quiddles Cafe (01305 820651) is a unique beach bar on Chesil Beach, a 10-minute drive away, providing delicious seafood straight from the source.

Things to do nearby