small and secluded Holyrood Farm Campsite is in Dorset countryside overlooking the Blackmore Vale, within easy walking distance of the pubs and shops of Shaftesbury. It's close to several good footpaths for walking too – or you could take things up a notch with a stagger up Shaftesbury's Gold Hill, the famously steep cobbled street used several times as a set for the big and small screen…?

Those spectacular vale views are from Holyrood's working farm, with sheep, rare-breed pigs and Dexter cattle (standard), alpacas (less so) and a badgers' watch (nocturnal trips ahoy). The vibe is wild camping, but there's a shower available all season.

Campfires – of course – are allowed, to sizzle up the breakfast bacon and other farm food sold by Jason and his team (order these bits when you arrive): other food (and beery?) bits can be sorted 10 minutes' walk away at the supermarkets and independent shops of Shaftesbury.

glamping_custom

Non-Electric Grass Pitch

Holyrood Farm Campsite

- Two pitches suitable for campervans (upon the Ridge). However, we rotate pitches to protect the ground so it's not possible to book a specific pitch in advance.
- Greener Camping Club membership required. Please add it on extra products if you're not a member.
- There is the option of having an electric hookup on this pitch. Select this when you book.
- Each pitch comes with a fire pit and a picnic table, with logs available to purchase in advance or onsite.
If you are a campervan, you can park on your pitch. For campers, please use the site car park which is less than 10m away. On arrival and departure day, you can drive to your pitch to unload and load.
- The 'Shower Shack' with two hot showers, compost toilet and hot washing up station is nearby up on the Ridge.
- It's really dark here at night so do bring a torch - essential if you need to get to the toilets at night.
- Access to the Water Meadow is gated, so you are safely tucked away up here away from the water.
- Car-free camping - dedicated car park for all vehicles, but closer access for arrival and departure day
- Children need to be supervised at all times by the water
- Dogs welcome (up to two well-behaved dogs per pitch) - please keep them on a lead at all times.
- No vehicular access after 11 pm
- No radios, stereos or other sound systems at all times and only quiet talking is permitted after 10.00 pm.
- Clean pitch before departure.
- Fires are allowed in designated fire pits only. Only wood purchased on the farm can be burnt here.

The Ridge 

Electric Hook Up

Greener Camping Club membership. Required to stay at a greener camping club site.

Greener Camping Club

a generous sized tub with kindling and lightings

Kindling

Cars to be kept in car park except for arrival and departure  

Car Parking on Site

Enclosed in the valley bottom, the Water Meadow is surrounded by mature trees. The one-acre lake sits close to the chalk stream, and there's another smaller wildlife lake too so you are never more than 10 metres away from water. 
​

Pitches are mown into the meadow and are generous in size, with plenty of space between you and other pitches.This year we are opening up more spots around the lake and at Meadows end. You won't be able to choose your exact spot in advance as we rotate pitches to protect the ground but you can guarantee your pitch will be next to some water, be it the lake or the stream. Whilst you can't swim in the lake, you can fish, and if you need to get your feet wet then the Sturkel chalk stream is great for dipping your toes in and splashing about. 
​

On arrival and departure day, you will be able to drive down to the start of the Water Meadow where you can borrow a wheelbarrow or trolley or if you are a bit further away we'll lend a motorised hand. 
​
There is a lot of un-fenced water so care must be taken day and night and children supervised at all times. 

For the Withy Hut, please ensure all washing up is done, and everything is tidy
When visiting the Water Meadow, as water is all around children do need to be closely supervised at all times. Water Meadow camping is for tents only. 

Greener Camping Club membership required. Please add it on extra products if you're not a member.

The Water Meadow

Welcome to the Withy Hut. It's an original Farris' Shepherd's hut which was built in Shaftesbury over a hundred years ago.  The hut has been on the farm for over 30 years but was lovingly restored in late 2021 so everyone can get a chance to enjoy the pleasure of somewhere comfy, simple and original to stay.

Complete with a double bed, a small log burner for cooler nights, and willow storage baskets for your belongings, the Withy Hut is the ultimate no-fuss charm for a cosy get-away.

The hut is up on the Ridge. Outside you'll find the field kitchen with its open window framing the view over the Water Meadow. Equipped with a gas burning stove, fridge with freezer drawer, and all the pans & crockery you'll need to cook up a storm, you can choose to take your dinners in the kitchen on the long table, or eat outdoors by the fire pit.

The pitch has its own private outdoor shower shack with compost toilet, sink and hot gas shower a few short steps from the hut. 

The Withy Hut sleeps two, but there is also room to put up a reasonable size tent or campervan on the pitch should you want to have up to three extra guests. Just add a note to your booking if you want to add extra guests and we will sort it out for you.

We do permit dogs but note the hut can only accommodate one large dog or two medium / small dogs. Please provide your dog bed, and please do not allow the dogs on the (human!) bed. The internal space is small within the hut so if you do bring your dogs you'll need to squeeze them in the hut with you or bring a pup tent. They will need to be kept on a lead as we are a working farm.  

The Withy Hut and private outdoor bathroom are off-grid, with battery-powered lighting. The field kitchen has an electric supply for the fridge and a place to charge your phone. 

We supply:

High-quality bed linen and duvet for the Shepherds Hut and towels for two people (if you add extra campers, they will need to provide their own)

Toilet paper, Faith in Nature shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, washing up liquid and hand soap.

Basic cooking essentials such as salt, pepper, sunflower oil, tea towels, bins and bin bag, as well as a compost caddy for all of your food waste. Bio-degradable dog poo bags.

Kitchen equipment - utensils, plates, bowls and mugs, cups, cutlery, kettle, pots and pans, stove-top espresso maker, under-counter fridge with small freezer drawer, 2 ring gas stove

Torches and lanterns to brighten up the dark.

Generous first load of logs for the woodburner and fire pit

You can add an additional 3 people to your booking, to pitch up next to the Shepherds hut in their own tent or campervan.

£100 refundable damage deposit required with booking.

Mobile phone signal available. No WiFi

Greener Camping Club membership required. Please add it on extra products if you're not a member.

Dogs must be kept on a lead as there can be straying chickens, cats and children.

hut_custom

The Withy Hut

Woodfrys Farm

**8 luxury Bell Tents with comfy beds, real mattresses and fluffy duvets. **
Each spacious Bell Tent can sleep 4 people and 2 dogs. 
As well as interior lighting, there is outside seating and fairy lights. 
Our newly refurbished shower & toilet facilities are close by, together with washing-up facilities.
The local village pub is an easy level walk across a small field. Freshly-prepared breakfasts and evening meals are available daily throughout your stay. 

****Places to see and things to do!****

- 	The North Dorset Trailway - 5 miles
- 	Sturminster Newton Mill - 5 miles 
-   Sherborne Old Castle - 5 miles
-   Fleet Air Arm Museum - 12 miles
-   Stourhead - 13 miles
- 	Ringstead Bay - 28 miles
- 	Weymouth Beach - 29 miles


Bell Tent

Bring up to 2 well behaved dogs for £20 each.

Starlight Glamping

**Max. 2 adults 1 Child**

A large hand crafted Shepherds Hut privately situated at the lower end of the site with a view of King Alfred's Tower and a doorway opening onto fields and hedge rows. This beautiful Shepherds Hut was made on a local farm, where wood was cut and seasoned for part of the frame, the curved beams and the handmade oak windows. It had been a long time ambition of the farmers to design and produce a Shepherds Hut to a high specification. 

The farmer's time was limited and his 20 year old son took on the completion of this project, paying attention to a strong construction and the finishing details. Once delivered it has been my pleasure to design and hand craft the interior, with the help of a good friend.

On those cold or wet evenings why not sit and enjoy an evening in with a book and a hot beverage. Gabriel now has a retro wood burning stove to use on request.

When only one or two adults use the Hut, seating consists of two very comfortable rocking chairs, which can be pulled around the small comforting wood burner for when the weather is less inviting outside.

There is a kitchen area with a small Belfast sink (water is brought in from the private stand pipe) A double gas hob and a preparation area. This same unit offers a double cupboard and draw for your choice of storage. Crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils along with a small welcome pack of Somerset food is provided. 

The lighting and a USB charging point are solar powered. Battery operated Tilly lamps are available for portable or additional lighting.

dome-house_custom

Gabriel - Shepherds Hut

Fire Pack

Kingsettle Camping Retreat

If you are looking for something spacious then our Touareg Tents are the perfect way to enjoy camping out and getting back to nature with ease and style.

Based on traditional nomadic desert tents, the Touareg is similar in design to a bell tent but with a distinct rectangular shape and two doors, providing lots of usable space and making this the ideal choice for bigger families. 

There is a full sized double bed and up to three singles in each tent. All units have bed linen; towels; fire pit and grill; firewood and charcoal; cool box with freezer blocks; LED lighting and crockery and cutlery are provided in the glamping kitchen for shared use, as are a range of pots and pans. Travel cots also fit in all spaces. 

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Touareg Tents

Our Tipis are beautiful structures manufactured in a traditional way in America. They are a spacious 18ft in diameter with a lining and rain catcher to ensure you stay dry inside, whatever the weather. Tipis were designed as structures for nomadic people, easy to take up and down when required, built with a conical design over round poles with a separate skin – traditionally buffalo hide but, in modern times, canvas. They make for an atmospheric and cosy home.

Tipi’s come fully furnished with a double and two single beds. Bedding and towels are provided along with fire pit, fire-making and BBQ kit, LED lighting, rugs, low table, cool box and more.

Travel cots fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Traditional Tipi (Family unit)

If you love camping then there is nothing better than pitching your tent, creating a home away from home, and sitting back to enjoy the countryside.

Our camping area is right next to our pre-pitched camping options and you get to enjoy all the site facilities.

Flushable toilets and hot showers as well as communal evening fires.

Camp cafe and shop so you can truly relax and unwind.

Dogs are welcome

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Camping pitch (Small)

These canvas structures are a cross between a Tipi and a Bell Tent. They have a central pole, loads of height and plenty of space for up to 4 people.

The Family Units have a Double and 2 Single Beds. Bedding and towels are provided along with fire pit, fire-making and BBQ kit, LED lighting, rugs, low table, cool box and more.

Tent has zipped in ground sheet for minimal bug access.

Travel cots fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Tipi Bell Tents (Family unit)

These gorgeous handcrafted Safari Bell Tents have been specially designed for a more luxurious camping experience. You get all the magic of camping under canvas with real beds and furnishings that are reminiscent of being on Safari in a bygone era.

All units have bed linen; towels; fire pit and grill; firewood and charcoal; cool box with freezer blocks; LED lighting and crockery and cutlery are provided in the glamping kitchen for shared use, as are a range of pots and pans. Travel cots also fit in all spaces.

They all have stunning views over the surrounding countryside and plenty of space outside for sitting round the campfire or cooking up a feast on the BBQ.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Safari Bell Tent (Family unit)

Camping pitch (Large)

Safari Bell Tent (Small family unit)

Our Tipis are beautiful structures manufactured in a traditional way in America. They are a spacious 18ft in diameter with a lining and rain catcher to ensure you stay dry inside, whatever the weather. Tipis were designed as structures for nomadic people, easy to take up and down when required, built with a conical design over round poles with a separate skin – traditionally buffalo hide but, in modern times, canvas. They make for an atmospheric and cosy home.

Tipi’s come fully furnished with four single beds. Bedding and towels are provided along with fire pit, fire-making and BBQ kit, LED lighting, rugs, low table, cool box and more.

Travel cots fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Traditional Tipi (Quad unit)

These canvas structures are a cross between a Tipi and a Bell Tent. They have a central pole, loads of height and plenty of space for up to 3 people.

The Triple Units have 3 Single Beds that can be moved together if preferred to make a double and two singles. Bedding and towels are provided along with fire pit, fire-making and BBQ kit, LED lighting, rugs, low table, cool box and more.

Tent has zipped in ground sheet for minimal bug access.

Travel cots also fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans


Tipi Bell Tents (Triple unit)

There is something rather magical about a yurt. These circular canvas structures have a lattice wall and conical roof. Originally used by nomadic peoples they provide wonderful accommodation and a little more luxury than your standard tent.

Our classic yurts are cosy and comfortable for couples, friends or small families and have plenty of space for an extra toddler providing you bring them somewhere to sleep. Each yurt has a double bed in it along with furnishings, bedding, towels, LED lighting, cool box and other equipment as below.

Travel cots also fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Kyrgyz Yurts

Safari Bell Tents (Twin unit)

These canvas structures are a cross between a Tipi and a Bell Tent. They have a central pole, loads of height and plenty of space for up to 4 people. 

Unfurnished Units are low cost and come with carpets, fire pits and firemaking kits, plus a battery LED light for the tent.

Tent has zipped in ground sheet for minimal bug access.

Dogs are welcome

Travel cots also fit in all spaces.

We don’t allow camper vans or caravans

Tipi Bell Tents (Unfurnished unit)

Field 725 Eco Camping and Glamping

Gold Hill Museum and Garden Local life and history are portrayed here through artifacts, costume, pictures, ceramics, tools, domestic things additionally the town's first fire engine. Marvel at the intricate Dorset buttons on display, and also the 'Byzant', a festival that is gold-coloured that played a central part within the city's water gathering ceremony.  Outside there is an wining that is honor with seating.

Aerosaurus Balloons

Old Wardour Castle

Climb Aboard Indoor Play Centre

Bush Farm Bison Centre

Ansty P Y O & Farmshop

the history of Shaftesbury and Dorset

Shaftesbury's local history museum at the top of Gold Hill with a cottage garden and wonderful views. Ancient and Roman archaeology, Saxon roots, agricultural and market heritage, local traditions, domestic life, cottage industries, politics etc

Gold Hill Museum and Garden

1 Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, North Dorset SP7 8JW, England

About This Activity

What can I do nearby?

Aerosaurus Balloons

Old Wardour Castle

Climb Aboard Indoor Play Centre

Bush Farm Bison Centre

Ansty P Y O & Farmshop

Accommodations nearby

Holyrood Farm Campsite

Woodfrys Farm

Starlight Glamping

Kingsettle Camping Retreat

Field 725 Eco Camping and Glamping

Location

Gold Hill Museum and Garden

Weather in Shaftesbury

08 April

09 April

10 April

11 April

12 April

13 April

HolidayFox

Partners

Legal