The View Camping

Naming this campsite was always going to be a no brainer. Set on two south-facing sides of a Dorset valley, campers pitch their tents to a backdrop of rolling hills that stretch all the way down to the Jurassic Coast, with the Isle of Purbeck and hilltop Corfe Castle visible in the distance. When the campfire’s going and quiet calm settles on the folds of the campsite, you can simply sit, relax and take it in.

That said, there must have been other options. They could have called it ‘The Atmosphere’, ‘The Wildlife’, ‘The Campfires’ or ‘The idyllic setting near Dorset’s main attractions’. All would have been equally worthy – if less catchy – names for a family-run campsite where you’ll find all the ingredients for a heady holiday recipe.

There's only a limited number of pitches spread across some 14 acres, so you’re guaranteed plenty of space. Guests can choose the spot they please, in the meadow at the top of the site for the best views of the Purbeck Hills and Poole Harbour or down in a valley glade where there are little wooded nooks and a reasonable chance of spotting roaming deer if you wake early. Campfires are allowed and there’s a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, with family campers and family tents ruling the roost, usually with swimming trunks drying on the guylines after a long day at the beach.

At times, The View can feel like a time warp. If you’ve left the rush of a town or city, you’ll find hours pass here simply doing nothing at all, other than enjoying the chatter of the birds and soaking in the open country space. Don’t worry. That’s natural. The character of the campsite, from the inquisitive farmyard animals to the impromptu musical gatherings with expert instrumentalists, can’t help but make you switch off.

If the vista draws you elsewhere, though, the campsite has a prime location. The best known beaches in the area – Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay, Swanage, Durdle Door, Bournemouth and Sandbanks – are all within a half hour drive, while Wareham and Poole are a little over 10 minutes. Take a picnic to the latter and catch a boat across the world-famous harbour to Brownsea Island. From there you can try and look back inland and spot the campsite somewhere up to the north. “What are you looking at?” a fellow ferry-goer might ask. “The View”, you can simply say, knowing your secret campsite discovery is safe for another day.