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Back of Beyond

East Moors Lane, Dorset, England
1 acre hosted by Victoria B.
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An adults only campsite and glampsite that lives up to its name with a quiet rural feel despite having fantastic access to the rest of Dorset

At first there seems something amusingly incongruous about the name ‘Back of Beyond Touring Park’. For starters it’s just off a convenient A-road and a few miles from popular destinations like The New Forest and Bournemouth. Then, of course, there is the fact it is a ‘touring park’ – a fear instilling title for any canvas campers trying to avoid static caravans and hyperactive kids. Pull up to the barrier though (the fear continues; it even has a barrier) and you’ll be very pleasantly put in your place.

Back of Beyond is a truly exquisite little site. It’s as though the title of ‘touring park’ is a devilish charade simply put there to maximize your surprise. Yes, there is a large field that hosts a collection of caravans but pull around to the left and you discover their separate tenting areas of ‘The Warren’ and ‘Emma’s Glade’ – the latter a designated area of Special Scientific Interest with no electrical hook-ups. These spaces have a more informal vibe and are a short stroll from the three heated toilet blocks, while just beyond the hedge spreads a pair of quiet fishing lakes rippled to life in the mornings by a signet swan drifting along the surface.

Campervans wanting to cash in on the same secluded atmosphere can join the tenters in these meadows. Or take to the main park area with 80 spacious, electrified hook-ups. Wherever you go this adults-only site means peace and quiet is a happy guarantee. Of the 30 acres, 18 acres of this site is mature woodland, where mixed pine and native trees are specifically managed for conservation and, rather than hunting for twigs in the undergrowth, the campsite provides briquettes for the firepits you can hire – you don’t need kids to enjoy marshmallows and a little melted chocolate!

Offsite, the place is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast but if you’re trying to avoid the car it’s an accessible area by bike. Affable owners Martin and Victoria have bags of local knowledge and can arrange cycle hire if you need it. One of the best (and most gentle) routes is to pedal a mile beyond the site and join the Castleman’s Trailway, a 16 mile route that runs from just north of here down to Poole. It largely follows the old Dorchester to Southampton railway line where, conveniently, a handful of decent pubs lie – stop of in Wimborne Minster to see the magnificent cathedral.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Forest
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
East Moors Lane, Dorset, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Victoria B.Joined in May 2016
From the host
Spread over 30 acres of Dorset woodland, river, heathland and lakes, Back of Beyond is reached via a quiet country lane and meanders over countryside naturally inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife: look out for deer, squirrels, moles, rabbits and the soaring sights of birds including the resident woodpecker. Only 80 pitches are allowed among all this undisturbed space and, even better for the stampede of liberated parents we can almost hear as we type, the park is adults-only.
Nearby attractions
A mile from the A31, the campsite has easy access to both the south coast and The New Forest. It's a 10–20min drive to Bournemouth, Boscombe and their beaches, as well as Poole Harbour, Studland and Sandbanks, while a half hour drive opens up historic spots like Winchester and Salisbury. Don't underestimate Wimborne Minster, though, much closer to the campsite and equalling them both with its magnificent cathedral. With proximity in mind, there's plenty on the campsites doorstep: the Moors Valley Country Park (01425 470721) is fantastic and Hurn Forest is an easy walk from the site – particularly good if you've brought a dog along.
Food and drink
Big supporters of local business, the campsite shop has a great stock of produce from the high street butcher and baker. They have a wide selection of meats on offer, with the award winning sausages a particular highlight (especially if you're having a BBQ). Martin and Victoria also have bee-hives – so grab some of their honey in the shop – and at various points in the year there are mobile food vans that pop in to sell some goodies! Pubwise, there are 2 within walking distance, The Woodman (01202 874526) is the closest and the St Leonards Hotel (01425 471220) is a 20 minute walk away, while supermarkets and restaurants are easily found in Ringwood, a few minutes away by car.

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