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Thorncombe Farm

UK England South West England Dorset Dorchester

Classic farm camping with campfires in Thomas Hardy country

If Thomas Hardy had a knack for conjuring up images of rural Dorset, then the Hughes family certainly have a way of creating a story-book farm campsite. In the heart of Hardy's countryside, and just a stone's throw from the great man's birthplace, Thorncombe Farm is a classic farm campsite through and through, with more sheep and goats than campers, beautiful views across to a rich green-brown wood and ample wildlife at every turn.

The camping area at Thorncombe Farm is a small, perfectly formed series of paddocks, with room for 10-or-so tents and campervans in one area and a clutch of pre-pitched bell tents in another (kitted out with beds, rugs, mini fridges and other essentials). Over the fence, the campsite is also home to pedigree Dorper sheep and Boer goats, not forgetting the wider residents of the farm – the family of horses, chickens and an abundance of Roe deer, buzzards and nesting ravens that ensure the local landscape buzzes with wildlife all year round. As for facilities, they are as modest as you might expect on a working farm but more than adequate and very well kept, with toilets and showers operated by a fancy pre-paid card system. Part of the draw here is the site's sheer simplicity – no playground, no shop, and no eight-foot purple dinosaur “entertaining” the kids; just good old fashioned space, peace and quiet. And campfires, which are, of course, allowed. What self respecting farm campsite wouldn't allow that?

If you wish to get reacquainted with Mother Nature, Thorncombe Farm is undeniably well placed. Adjacent to the campsite are the open woods of Puddletown and Thorncombe, with endless miles of traffic-free cycling, walking trails and horse riding paths. The Jurassic Coast, meanwhile is less than 10 miles away and it takes around 15 minutes by car to reach the beach. Weymouth, Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Castle and Chesil Beach are all eminently reachable, or you can take a hike up the chalky slopes to the Osmington White Horse – a figure etched into the hillside above the coast and a great spot from which to survey it all.

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Details

Facilities

Toilets, showers (on a prepaid card system) and washing-up facilities all onsite. BBQs and campfires permitted but must be raised well off the grass (there are firepits for hire on a first-come-first-served bases; £5 for the duration of your stay). Logs for sale. Bell tents feature a double and two single beds (top sheet only, bring bedding), carpets and rugs, storage cabinet, mirror, mini fridge and recharging point for mobile devices. Outside, each bell tent has a firepit and BBQ and a double-ring gas stove is provided, along with four sets of cutlery, crockery and a washing-up bowl.

Suitable For

Glampers, campers, tents, campervans, motorhomes, caravans and dogs (on leads) – yes. Groups – by prior arrangement only.

Nearby

In 1789 King George III took a spontaneous skinny dip in Weymouth (10 miles) prompting the start of a classic English seaside resort. Today, the town remains popular with visitors enticed by a golden beach and revitalised harbour. Also on the to-do list: the Sea Life Tower (0871 423 2110) and for all you adrenaline junkies, take a high-speed ride around the bay with Weymouth White Water (01789 989 2317). Thorncombe Farm is only a 10-minute drive from the market town of Dorchester. Home to an eclectic mix of museums including: The Teddy Bear Museum (01305 266040), The Dinosaur Museum (01305 269880) and the fascinating Tutankhamun Exhibition (01305 269571). The son of a stonemason, Thomas Hardy was born near Dorchester in 1840 and became a local architect. After the success of his fourth novel, Far From the Madding Crowd, Hardy was able give up the architect game and concentrate on his writing. Nearby towns are recognisable in his novels, although given different names: Dorchester became Casterbridge, Lulworth became Lulstead, Tolpuddle became Tolchurch and Sherborne became Sherton Abbas. A life-size statue of Hardy stands in The Grove.

Food & Drink

Thorncombe Farm has a supply of meat cuts, mince, burgers and free range eggs (duck and chicken) for sale. Dochester, Puddletown and Bockhampton offer many different pubs, cafés and restaurants that cater for all tastes. Yalbury Cottage (01305 262382) produce creative yet classical French dishes using only the finest seasonal British fish, meat, vegetables and dairy products. The Wise Man Public House (01305 261970) is a 400 year old thatched pub in a quiet village. The food, presentation and service are all excellent, and dogs are welcome too. The Blue Vinny Public House (01305 848228) has a warm, friendly country ambience with a cool, airy modern interior. The food is home cooked and, where possible, the ingredients are seasonal and sourced locally from friends or trusted specialist suppliers.

Open

Easter–October.

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The Owner Says

Bell Tents

For 2020, glampers and those that want to take the hassle out of pitching/buying a tent/less baggage in the vehicle or even those that want to try camping under canvas for the first time our site has 3 (5 metre) furnished bell tents each with a separate dining area complete with seating and table. The tents have been upgraded with deluxe double and 2 single beds, carpeting and rugs , storage cabinet and mirror. We have now supplied electricity to the tents so we can provide a small fridge, recharge points for devices, In addition each bell tent has a fire pit and barbeque and a double ring gas stove. Four settings of cutlery , plates and mugs are supplied with a wash bowl.

The beds are supplied with a top sheet only. So please bring what you need or a sleeping bag.

Each booking is for a minimum 2 night stay and is for up to 4 people. Priced from £70/night

We can supply 2 additional Disco beds bunks to take the total to six guests . The additional guests would be subject to a supplemental charge.Any queries please contact us before booking if necessary.

CAMPING

All are grass pitches only. and we retain the same facilities. There will be 10 pitches available. Please note at Bank Holiday Weekends it is a minimum 3 night booking. Fri-Sunday.We allow fires and Barbecues. All we ask is the barbecue or fire pit is off the ground and does not burn the grass of the campsite.There are fire pits for hire on a first come first serve basis at £5 for the duration of your stay. There is firewood available for sale

Showers are on a card system; please see staff to purchase cards.

Social Distancing Measures

We would ask that guests comply with government guidelines of hygiene and distancing. We will be providing hand sanitiser and we will be spraying shared facilities with disinfectant on regular basis. Showers and toilets will be open and we will keep the cleaning up to its usual standard. Try to use facilities in groups , family or other wise to reduce interaction. Please use common sense when using shared facilities and observe guidelines. Use a masks in communal areas as much as possible where practicable. We do not have areas for activities just the camp fields so would ask you keep your own groups especially children. When camping in family groups please do according to guidelines but do not spread out as we may ask you to move you tent, van or whatever to reduce your foot print and maximise space between groups.

Be NICE , Be SENSIBLE and ENJOY your stay with us.

Accommodation

Three bell tents and room for around 10 camping pitches in the flat, grassy meadow.

Bell Tent

Bell tent Sleeps 6 4 Available

Our comfortable Nomad bell tents are for those of you who don't want the hassle of buying and pitching a tent, everything is ready for your arrival - all we need is you! Each tent has a separate dining area complete with seating & table. they have a double bed and 2 single beds, carpeting, rugs, storage cabinet and mirror.

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Standard Grass Pitch

Grass pitch Sleeps 4 25 Available

Our standard grass pitch can fit a max of four people in one tent, plus 1 car. The pitch size is 4m x 4m area including ropes and pegs or awnings and car. Facilities include showers, toilets & a washing up area.

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Location

Contact Thorncombe Farm, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH

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Getting There

From the East: At the end of the A35 dual carriageway, before the bridge, turn left up the hill towards Higher Bockhampton. Go through the village towards Lower Bockhampton and Thorncombe Farm campsite is 500 yards on the left.

From the North: On the A37 from Yeovil, approach Dorchester, go around the town and bypass to the A35 (towards Poole.) At the roundabout, turn right in the direction of Kingston Maurward and Bockhampton. In around one mile (at the crossroads), turn left for Higher Bockhampton. Thorncombe Farm campsite is in 200 yards on the right-hand side.

Buses do run to Kingston Maurward but no further, so unfortunately there’s no bus route that passes the farm. That said, its only a short walk to the town, either by the road or the footpath through the water meadows (next to the River Frome). Rail links are to either Dorchester West or South (plenty of taxi service in Dorchester too).

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 30 reviews

★★★★★

Warm, friendly and accommodating

This is a perfect place to take children. Everyone here are kind and happy to answer the questions of a 4 and 8 year old ref the goats! Clean and tidy and quiet, nothing was too much trouble Thanks so much :)

Jun 6, 2021 by Stacey White Verified Review

★★★★★

Fantastic Family Get Away

If you are looking for a camping experience among farm animals, in a field where you can feel 'miles away' yet still be 5 minutes from the convenience of a city (Dorchester has much to offer for visitors, especially children), Thorcombe Farm is an excellent choice. The host is relaxed and friendly; the amenities are clean and modern and depending on where you decide the pitch up (the Glamping is right next to the toilets and showers), the furtherest you need to walk in 5 minutes (with little legs) and nothing, including the dish washing facilities which are all covid friendly 'pockets', ever felt 'busy'. We really enjoyed our stay - the children didn't want to leave. And when asked if our 8 year old preferred the last site with a playground, he answered, "I'd rather run around in circles here with a ball and see the goats". There is a chill, calm atmosphere and if you linger near the gates at twilight you might even see a bat or two! Highly recommend! If you ask, there are also burgers, sausages and eggs available on site - what else could you ask for? The only thing we will do differently next time is hire a fire pit to complete the experience.

Jun 4, 2021 by Andrea Abraham Verified Review

★★★★★

Chilled out and not crowded

Absolutely loved our stay. Owner super fr, as well as the goats😊 clean facilities and no unnecessary extras. Totally recommended. We stayed as a family of 4 plus doggy.

Jun 3, 2021 by Alexandrine Slusarczuk Verified Review

★★★★★

Wonderful campsite with great facilities

Turned up in the pouring rain to a friendly welcome lifting our spirits! Campsite is lovely, very clean facilities and great location next to Puddletown forest. We enjoyed watching the goats play in the morning - great fun! We stayed in our own tent but the bell tents and gazebos outside them looked well equipped and spacious. Will definitely stay again, come rain or shine!

May 11, 2021 by Nicholas Harrison Verified Review

★★★★☆

lovely location

Brilliant location with lots of beautiful walks on the doorstep. Spacious field with decent facilities. Would visit again.

May 5, 2021 by Gabriel Nuckhir

★★★★★

Very relaxed couple of days

A lovely quiet (apart from the goats which caused much hilarity!) site, plenty of space and privacy, and not too far from the coast. We all had a very enjoyable time.

Mar 18, 2021 by Anna Darby Verified Review

★★★★★

Relaxed, quiet, friendly

Would highly recommend this relaxed, quiet campsite. Ness was really friendly, and the goats were highly entertaining. Will definitely return if visiting Dorset again, as it's only a short drive from the Jurassic coast.

Sep 30, 2020 by Morgan Roberts Verified Review

★★★★★

Nice site open late in the year

It’s good that they open later in the year than many sites. Our pitch was spacious and sheltered from the wind. All the tents were in a fairly small field, but there weren’t many of us so it didn’t feel cramped. No views over rolling countryside, but the goats in the next field are friendly. The showers and toilets are in portacabins, and we found them to be very clean and more robust than in other campsites we visited this year. We were not charged for showers, which at this time of year could be a little bit hotter. The location is good, but the local pubs are a bit too far to walk to. We tended to have an early pub supper then come back to the wonderful fire pits and red wine. The owner was welcoming and helpful. Overall recommended for a peaceful, comfortable stay.

Sep 28, 2020 by Mark

★★★★★

Peace and relaxation

Stayed here for a fri and sat night - lovely, peaceful campsite with all the facilities you will need, friendly owner, attractive setting and with enough nearby to keep everyone happy. Would definitely return

Sep 14, 2020 by J Fisher

★★★★☆

Rustic comfort

A good base for doing lots of things in Dorset. We stayed in one of the bell tents which was brand new this year (2020) and it was immaculate. Comfy beds, decent size fridge, plug sockets and charging points, canvas storage shelves with plates and cutlery. Then outside a gazebo with picnic bench, cooking facilities and a fire pit/bbq. The field was very well kept and the toilets and showers were nearby. They weren't amazing, but they were perfectly adequate. A 5 minute drive to nearest supermarket meant eating in was easy, but only a 20 minute drive to Weymouth Harbour if you fancy fish and chips. The kids loved feeding the goats. A really great few days. Highly recommend.

Aug 29, 2020 by Clare Arndell Verified Review

★★★★☆

Great location and set up

We spent a couple of nights at Thorncombe. The goats were the main feature for our kids, watching them being fed and being able to pet them. Showers and toilets all good. We camped in the 1st field giving us space for the kids to play cricket and run around with the other kids. The location was great to access Weymouth Beach, Lyme Regis and Lulworth Cove. Such beautiful scenery. The best bit - the amazing lamb / goat burgers and sausages which you could buy onsite to cook on the open fire pits. Thoroughly recommened. Friendly and welcoming run farm.

Aug 25, 2020 by Alex Webb Verified Review

★★★★★

Brilliant stay- a very accomodating place

We booked a large group party here for the weekend just gone. The owners were very friendly and accomodating from the start. Nothing seemed a hassle at all. The toilets were kept clean and tidy, along with the washing up station and showers. The washing up station was equipped with sponges and cloths, along with washing up liquid etc. The campsite displayed Co-vid posters and had hand sanitiser outside every facility. The campsite also offer the opportunity to purchase some goat meat. The bell tents looked lovely and cozy inside. A lovely, quiet and relaxing place which was very clean and friendly, would definitely reccommend and hopefully stay again :)

Aug 24, 2020 by Nat

★★★★★

Fun was had by all

What a great campsite, with beautiful views and excellent owners. We wanted to get away for a few days and this was perfect. Campsite really well spread out and the kids made loads of friends and played sport until it was dark. Great meat from their farm shop too. Definitely revisiting this beautiful place again.

Aug 24, 2020 by Janis Kent Verified Review

★★★★★

Basic camping

spent 3 nights at Thornecombe Farm. We had mixed weather but was rather nice listening to the forest trees blowing in the wind. Lovely big fireplace for hire, basic toilet and showers, lots of space to pitch and park. Friendly hosts, lots of wildlife with the resident sheep, goats, chickens and ducks. Also many visiting pheasants and gold finches.

Aug 22, 2020 by Natasha Cheshire Verified Review

★★★★★

A lovely quiet campsite

The campsite has 2 fields - one with bell tents for hire and the other a large grass field. Owners very welcoming. Sheep and goats on site. Handy for Dorchester and West Bay/Bridport and near other Dorset attractions. Showers and toilets a bit cramped but clean and social distancing easy if you plan ahead. The meat and eggs for sale were delicious!

Aug 20, 2020 by Andrew Clemes Verified Review

★★★★☆

Relaxing with a great fire pit

Had a lovely if a little wet weekend at thornecombe. Site wasn’t too busy and had a friendly vibe. Liked the fire pits that were off the ground and had a grill. Had a great walk In the surrounding woods. Toilets were kept clean and had soap, sanitiser and tissues all the time. Toilets were tiny though and I never had hot water in the showers or to wash the dishes. There is only one sink for everyone to use To clean dishes so you need to keep an eye on fellow Campers to time this well and not get stuck in a queue.

Aug 17, 2020 by Kate

★★★★★

Great location and facilities and a wonderful host

We loved our short stay at the farm. Ness was very friendly and welcoming. We loved our pitch in the second field with our own fire pit. It's only a short drive from Dorchester and easy to access all the wonders Dorset has to offer. The facilities were always clean and well stocked, the showers (only 50p!) were warm with loads of time. Washing up area as well stocked as well. We'll definitely be back! Thanks Ness and family!

Aug 16, 2020 by Steph and Mike

★★★★★

Very peaceful camping trip with a lovely atmosphere.

Liked the location on the farm with the forest in the background. Cool goats as well.

Aug 15, 2020 by Jack Hodgson Verified Review

★★★★☆

Lovely campsite- facilities let it down

We went away as four adults and two children, the children absolutely loved it as there were plenty of children to play with and they loved watching the goats, it was very big and spacious pitches and the owners were very friendly and helpful, I would say the only thing that let the campsite down was the facilities, the showers and toilets are filled with bugs and the toilet cubicles are quite cramped but they are kept clean as we saw the owners cleaning them regularly throughout the day! Overall we all had a lovely holiday.

Aug 15, 2020 by Megan

★★★★★

Family friendly farm camping

Clean facilities with plenty of hand sanitizer. Very friendly and helpful owners. Great place for sightseeing Dorset, walking or just for relaxing.

Aug 8, 2020 by Vivienne Viney

★★★★☆

Relaxing Camping Experience

Our stay at Thorncombe Farm was really enjoyable. We were happy that people kept to social distancing and that there was lots of hand sanitizer provided. There are goats on the farm and you can rent fire pits. No views over the hills or sea, but you are in the nature and a short drive from lots of beautiful sites on the Dorset coast. We especially enjoyed visiting Abbotsbury.

Aug 7, 2020 by Flavia Cahn Verified Review

★★★★★

Lovely farm campsite

We stayed a couple nights and really enjoyed our stay. Very friendly owners and great entertainment watching the goats, sheep, deer, buzzards and kites. Showers on a card system with plenty of hot water and time. Good washing up and recycling facilities. Booked our fireplace in advance and enjoyed the farm produce. Walked to The Wise Man for dinner one night. Loved our camping experience at Thorncombe Farm and looking forward to going back soon.

Aug 6, 2020 by Gemma Parker Verified Review

★★★★★

Peaceful few days

Lovely farm site only a couple of miles from Dorchester. Received a warm welcome from the owner and advice on where to pitch. A bit of road noise but we had read about that on previous reviews. Showers are by a 50p token purchased on arrival, plenty of hot water and a generous amount of time to shower so not a problem. Facilities always nice and clean with sanitaser provided. Nice little washing up area and recycling space . Everyone adhered to social distancing and pitches were nice and big. We had a lovely peaceful couple of days and would certainly return.

Aug 1, 2020 by Annaliese McCarthy Verified Review

★★★★☆

Lovely location but basic facilities

We enjoyed our camping trip here, owners were helpful, and the location is pretty with lovely walks in the nearby woods. Lots of space between pitches and being allowed campfires was also really appreciated. However the toilets were in a non-permanent cabin and were rather smelly and cramped, and the showers were also very basic and had a lot of insects in them! Would recommend as long as you don't require any fancy or spacious facilities!

Jul 28, 2020 by Jasmin Moon Verified Review

★★★★★

Great Campsite near Dorchester

A great campsite near Dorchester. I spent the weekend here camping and mountain biking, there is a great selection of trials nearby in a forestry commission wood. The facilities are well maintained, and there is meat and eggs available from the farmer who runs the site. Would definitely go again, and would heartedly recommend.

Jul 27, 2020 by Oliver Davie Verified Review

★★★★★

Peaceful, Friendly and Clean

Two of us stayed for the weekend and it's a lovely place and very peaceful. Plenty of space between pitches so it feels very safe. Facilities were clean and in good shape, and well stocked with hand sanitiser. I would recommend booking the fire pit in advance (call or email) if you would like to have a fire as these seem to go very quickly. The site has nice areas around for walking, and isn't too far from popular seaside locations too. Would certainly recommend to anybody looking for a quiet break!

Jul 20, 2020 by Patrick Knights Verified Review

★★★★★

Great site

We came for two nights camping and had a great time. The facilities were very clean, there was always plenty of hand sanitizer and soap, and there was tons of space between each pitch. It felt totally covid safe and you could even forget about the pandemic. We went for a long walk through the nearby woods and it was beautiful. The site is very chilled and quiet, there were groups of friends, family, and couples and everyone was respectful of each other. We also had some sausages and eggs from the farm, which were delicious! The hosts were very friendly and welcoming. The only thing I'd add is that the website says you can't reserve fire pits in advance but you can, and all had been reserved before we arrived, so I'd email the farm to reserve one next time. I really can't recommend Thorncombe Farm enough.

Jul 20, 2020 by hcm

★★★★★

Lovely little campsite and wonderful hosts

My wife, dog and I stayed at Thornecombe Farm for six nights in July 2020. We had a lovely break away; the campsite was very clean and tidy, the hosts were very accommodating, the produce we bought from the farm was lovely on the BBQ and there was plenty of local activities to fill our days. We Would definitely recommend this campsite for anyone who wants to escape the rat race and have some relaxing stress free time away. We have already booked a return stay for August.

Jul 16, 2020 by Kerry

★★★★★

Thorncombe

We stayed there for night on our cycling trip through South England. It was so wonderfully peacefully. The goatees where lovely and made notice we never heard of them before. It was so great watching them playing like children do.

Thanks for the option to be there.

Aug 8, 2014 by Fboelling

★★★★★

Peaceful, perfect

Just had a wonderful couple of days at Throncombe, it was so peaceful there. Although only a few other camping so that helped. Loads of space, lovely flat field for the van. We just lounged around most of the time & spent time playing with goats & horses :) We even witnessed the birth of some newborn kidds. I would highly recommend Thorncombe for a peaceful get away. The owners were lovely. We'll definitely be back. We took bikes & cycled around the countryside, we didnt venture into the woods but that's for our next trip.

May 6, 2014 by cheekymonkey