If Old MacDonald had this farm you could keep the rhyme going for hours. Home to pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, alpacas, donkeys, calves and lambs, Norden Farm offers camping in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, close to Dorset's imposing Jurassic coast.
In a peaceful, rural setting the campsite overlooks fields of grazing sheep and the rolling Dorset countryside beyond, and includes a small natural pond, good for fishing or spotting wildlife. Split over three fields (with an extra spill-over field in peak season) it offers all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay including clean, modern shower blocks, laundry and a covered washing-up area. There are some thoughtful details too like the bath in the family room for cleaning-off grubby toddlers and a 'pooch parlour' where dog owners can give their mucky pups a wash. The farm shop is reasonably priced and well stocked with camping accessories, general groceries, and fresh local produce.
The campsite lies at the gateway to the imposing and geologically significant Jurassic coast - Kimmeredge Bay, Lulworth Cove and Dundle Door (geography field-trip heaven!) are all close by and impressive sights to see. Studland Beach, a 20-minute drive away, is a 4-mile stretch of golden sand with views of the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks (three chalk stacks in the sea) and is a good spot for water sports as well as being home to Britain's most popular naturist beach. There are plenty of well marked paths for walkers, ramblers and cyclists to discover along the coastline, through woodland and across heathland. The picturesque Purbeck coast also offers some of the best rock climbing routes in Northern Europe with ascents for every ability.
Corfe Castle with its iconic medieval ruins is just over the Purbeck Ridge, though a footpath on the farm saves you climbing the hill and you can walk there directly from the campsite in a pleasant 20 minutes. Step back in time with a visit to the ghost village of Tyneham, evacuated shortly before the start of WWII and eerily empty ever since or hop on the Swanage Steam Railway, which also offers a reminder of a bygone era – you can take the train from the small station at nearby Norden and travel to the coastal town of Swanage which retains its traditional Victorian seaside charm, complete with bathing huts, promenade and paddle steamer pier.
Visit the iconic medieval ruins in the historic village of Corfe Castle (5 minutes by car, 20 minutes walk), where you'll also find the model village (01929 481234). Ape around at Monkey World (0800 456600) in nearby Wareham or step back in time at Tyneham ghost village. Travel by steam train on the Swanage Railway (01929 425800) – the small station of Norden is a 10 minute walk away and the train will take you almost to the beach in Swanage. A short drive gets you to Studland Bay (01929 450500), a 5 mile stretch of golden sand bordered by dunes. Get active at the beach with Studland Watersports (07980 559143) which offers kayaking, paddle boards, sailing and powerboats trips. Enjoy walks and wildlife at Arne Peninsula nature reserve (01929 553360).
Onsite shop stocking local produce including all ranges of meat from a local farm only 5 miles away, as well as honey, cheeses, ales, ciders, beers and ice cream. Small catering/burger van onsite. The Halfway Inn (01929 480402) in nearby Norden is a great family pub serving decent food, while The Castle Inn (01929 400311) is a popular, dog-friendly pub 20 minutes away. At The Quay Inn (01929 552735) in Wareham you can enjoy meat and fish cooked at your table on volcanic hot rock. Shell Bay Cafe (01929 450363) serves fresh seafood in a picturesque beachside setting.