by Holly Tribe
The Whitsun bank holiday and half term breaks are just around the corner, and caravan parks up and down the country are getting ready for one of the busiest camping weekends of the year. If you’re still thinking about a last minute holiday – the spectacular Jurassic coastline in Dorset is home to some great options for caravanners.
Within striking distance of the UK’s most populous south eastern region – Dorset provides a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle. The stunning Chesil beach features an 18 mile stretch of sandy coastline separated from the mainland by a strip of salt water known as Fleet Lagoon. And Weymouth’s blue flag beach status makes it a draw for many families during British summertime.
What to do?
As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are several walks designed to take in some of the most spectacular views in the country. The Weymouth to Portland Railway Walk is a 6 mile hike beginning in Weymouth and ending along a disused section of railway line, and featured on BBC TV’s ‘Railway Walks’ with Julia Bradbury. You can download a leaflet with details of the route and historical features here.
Bookers beware! The month of August is notoriously busy as families head to the coast their summer vacation. But if you do manage to book a pitch, the Weymouth Carnival & Airshow is held on the 17th August which is a fun-packed day of aerial displays, live music and street parades.
Where to stay?
Bagwell Farm
Bagwell Farm is located 4.5 miles outside of Weymouth, but there’s an on-site shop and off-licence to pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten on the way in. This four star park is open year round, and frequently receives good reviews particularly for the well kept toilet and shower blocks. The park installed brand new super pitches last year, for caravanners but there are basic pitches available as we’ll. Prices range from £12 to £29.
Pebble Bank Caravan Park
Sited two miles from Weymouth town centre – guests at Pebble Bank have access to the Dorset Heritage Coastal Footpath in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A small, friendly bar provides stunning views out across Chesil beach and the Isle of Portland. Dogs are welcome for a small fee and there’s an outdoor kid’s play area on site. Prices range from £15 to £27.50
East Fleet Farm Touring Park
East Fleet Farm Touring Park is a peaceful countryside park three miles west of Weymouth. Situated in the grounds of a two hundred acre organic farm, the park has an on-site bar and restaurant, play area, designated dog walking section and a large ball and kite games area. It recently received a 4 star grading for the fourth consecutive year, and many pitches have views out across Chesil beach. Prices range from £13 to £26.50.
Haven Littlesea Holiday Park
Haven Holidays has a strong presence in the region with two holiday parks within striking distance of Weymouth town centre, but Littlesea Holiday Park is the only site which accepts touring caravans, with 120 touring available. The park is geared towards families and features a large outdoor swimming pool with poolside sun terrace, not forgetting the nearby Chesil beach and Fleet Lagoon. There’s a jam-packed entertainment programme for the kids and an on-site bar and restaurant for the adults. Located 2.5 miles outside of Weymouth, pitches come with views looking out over Chesil beach.
Sited on a small working farm in the heart of the Dorset countryside – this is the furthest caravan park from Weymouth on our list, located 7.5 miles north west of the town centre. For those who like quiet sites with few caravans, this is a Camping and Caravanning Certificated Site which is only permitted to host a maximum of five tourers on site at any given time. The grounds are partially terraced, and there’s no shower block or restaurant, but the Kings Arms pub is located just a couple of hundred metres away in Portesham village.
