Sweet Hill Farm

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?