Frome Meadow Campsite

Few outdoors experiences satisfy our appetite for adventure like a spot of wild swimming. On a balmy summer’s day, there’s nothing quite like a cooling dip in a tranquil lake or sun-dappled swimming hole. Waterside campsites – amongst the most magical of settings for a night under canvas – are rarer than you might expect in the UK. So on hearing about a brand new East Dorset campsite in 2018, right beside a river, we knew we had to dive straight in. A few years on it’s become a go-to destination for a summer camp and ‘dip-nic’.

Set on a dairy farm just outside the historic village of Moreton, Frome Meadow Campsite is five spectacular acres bordered by wildlife-rich woodland. Like all things beautifully ephemeral, it only pops-up for the month of August, so be sure to book well in advance. Campers lucky enough to secure one of the privileged pitches in this sprawling space enjoy unparalleled access to the River Frome. Exclusively accessed by patrons of the campsite, this private stretch of river is perfect for paddling and swimming for the more able (and more cold-hardy). The current can be quite strong in places and campers are reminded to take the usual common-sense precautions (particularly in the deeper areas), with children needing to be supervised at all times. But with a bit of food packed and jelly shoes on feet, the little ones will be content for hours splashing about and spotting minnows and frogs beneath the surface.

The camping experience, itself, is what you may expect of a rural site that only opens for one month each year. It’s simple, off-grid and off-the-beaten-track but highly suited to the sort of character that likes swimming in rivers rather than swimming pools. Facilities-wise, you’ll find eco-friendly compost loos, hot showers and a washing-up area but little else besides. For those who like to travel light, though, there’s a couple of family-sized bell tents, too, kitted out with comfy mattresses, lanterns and deckchairs.

Owner Catherine’s encouraging attitude to wild swimming extends to her general outlook on camping. Campfires are more than allowed, so you can spend evenings toasting marshmallows over the flames while regaling your friends with tales from the riverbank, and there’s a relaxed ‘pitch-where-you-like’ policy. She does, however, draw the line at around 25 tents, avoiding any danger of overcrowding. There’s more than ample room for a game of rounders and novice naturalists can spot all manner of flora and fauna, including, occasionally, sika deer, which were first brought to the UK from Japan in 1896 and settled on nearby Brownsea Island, only to swim across Poole Harbour and begin populating the rest of Dorset.

Follow one of the many bridleways emanating from the campsite and you’ll soon end up at Moreton. This charming village is steeped in history, with its most famous son T.E. Lawrence (more commonly known as Lawrence of Arabia) commemorated in the heritage trail that takes in his rural retreat and grave at St Nicholas’ church. And if you haven’t sated your watery desires back at camp, the Jurassic Coast – including Lulworth Cove and iconic Durdle Door – is just 20 minutes’ away by car.