Mangerton Lake

Fishing, fossil hunting and campfires are some of the highlights of stays at Mangerton Lake in the Dorset countryside. This small glamping site is set around the edge of a two-acre fishing lake that’s surrounded by rolling fields just outside the market town of Bridport and only a few miles from the Jurassic Coast. You stay in one of two simply furnished bell tents or in a camping pod that looks right across the water. Whichever you choose and whether you’re here for fishing, fossils, fires – or a combination of all three – it’d be hard not to fall for the charms of this lakeside glamping site.

The pod and the bell tents each offer a way to stay that combines the charm of camping and outdoor life with a few home comforts thrown in. Those are ramped up in the pod – which offers accommodation under a solid roof, a lakeside deck outside and even a Smart TV. It’s got a kettle, a fridge and a microwave too making it a great little hideaway. The bell tents, meanwhile, are for folk who prefer the fun of sleeping under canvas. They have a double bed and two singles inside, a fire pit and seating outside and access to a shared fridge, microwave and kettle a short walk away at the facilities cabin. This (featuring hot showers, flushing loos and washing-up sinks) is shared between all three. If you want your own facilities, there is another souped-up option on site; a contemporary tiny home that’s currently bookable elsewhere.

Fishing for the carp, roach and tench in the lake is included in your stay and walks from the site are easy. There’s a footpath that passes right by. You can use it to navigate to the nearest pub or into town. Alternatively hop in the car and the best of the Jurassic Coast is easily reached. West Bay is the closest place to hit the beach but Charmouth and Lyme Regis are not too much further, less than half an hour in the car.