Tom's Field (Dorset)
In an area of rural Dorset called the Isle of Purbeck, which isn’t actually an island, it seems appropriate that Tom’s Field isn’t in fact Tom’s. It was at one stage, but Tom has now pitched his tent in that great campsite in the sky, leaving his field to be loved and camped on by younger generations.
If it isn’t Tom’s, it is at least a field, so that part of the description is accurate. It’s rather a nice field, comprising just over four acres of gently rolling soft grass with old stone walling around much of its perimeter. It’s divided into a flat lower field, and a slightly more undulating higher field, which is compensated for by the outlook. If you’re looking the right way, you can see a long view seaward across Swanage Bay, and on a clear day you might see the Isle of Wight.
With so many attractions around here, it’s difficult to know where to start. The pub is probably as good a place as any, and what a pub the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers is. This gem has become an attraction in its own right, with visitors making a special trip to Worth Matravers to taste the ales and pasties, sit by the fire and bang their heads on the low beams.
This stretch of coast – aka the Jurassic Coast – is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the geologically significant rocks that date back more than 100 million years. With that accolade, it has joined the likes of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the wonders of the natural world. Now, Tom would be proud.
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Details
Facilities
2 Basic family shower rooms, toilets and freezer pack storage. A mobile shop sells breakfast staples. Washing-up sinks. Otherwise, Tina concurs, ‘regulars seem to like things staying exactly as they are’.Nearby
Treat yourself to a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast from Swanage. Contact Marsh’s Boats (01929 427659).
Food & Drink
Stock up on local, organic and fair-trade produce, including bread and eggs, at the on-site shop; bring your own bag. Or check out the regular local produce Farmer’s Markets.As well as the quaint Square & Compass (01929 439229) in Worth Matravers (a 5-minute drive or a half-hour walk away), the excellent Scott Arms (01929 480270) in Kingston has a garden and views of Corfe Castle.
Opening Times
Mid March – end of October.The Owner Says
Tom's Field now has a breakfast facility that operates at weekends during the season and weekdays in the school holidays.
The Walkers' Barn is useful for short stays if walking or climbing and also The Stone Room which has shower and toilet facilities, small private terrace. Details and pricing can be found at www.tomsfieldcamping.co.uk
Up to date price list can also be found on the website.
Pitches
No availability showing at Tom's Field (Dorset).
Location
Contact Tom's Field (Dorset), Tom’s Field Road, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3HN
Getting There
Take the train to Wareham and then the no. 40 bus, which stops at the end of Tom's Field Road in Langton Matravers
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 14 reviews
The views and how friendly the staff were
Beautiful site close to nature
A Super Little Site
A nice weekend.
A nice little site. Reasonably sheltered and surrounded by nature. Good base to explore Purbeck from. I camped at the far end with lots of hedgerow/bushes about so could hear the dawn chorus of birds really well. Deafeningly well in fact, and at 5 am! Can't complain about nature though. Stunning views of the ridgeway in the distance.
The walk south to the coast and Dancing Ledge was more of a work out than a gentle stroll. Swanage is the ideal old fashioned seaside town. Studland Bay has miles of beach and dunes to explore. Brownsea Island is a nice day out that feels a bit adventurous. Poole isn't so great but has a really nice park and boating lake.
Great!
We stayed at Tom's Field in June 2014. Staff were lovely & quite helpful. We found a nice spot to pitch. Great facilities, handy shop & a good breakfast. No playground or anything such for the kids (2&3), but they loved running around playing & were perfectly happy.
The location is great for a day on the beach at Studland & a wander around Swanage. I recommend & will definitely be going back.
Good Site, shame about the attitude of staff
A great location, fantastic green recycling ethic, solar heating of water, its obvious they care for the land. However the non friendly welcome from staff cast a shadow over the start of our break. It was if everything was too much hassle; and when asked any questions it was as if we were really putting staff out.
However the location is quaint, well maintained, with a lovley coastal walk into Swanage, with an option of a short 1hr walk, or to follow the coastal path it will take about 3hrs, passing a lighthouse and a castle.
This site is worth a visit, its just a shame the staff aint so enthu
Un-commercialised basic camping
Great vibes here, it was early June so not busy season. Some parts of the field are slightly sloping but luckily not too bad for sleeping. Amenities are good and shower token system actually made me realise one can take a shower within 3 minutes!
Busy but not over stacked
Great site within walking distance of coast. (Lovely walk too down to Dancing Ledge - even the kids asked to do it more than once). Well stocked shop with essentials incl fresh bread. Lovely showers - very clean and idea washing area. Would love to return if only we could get a booking!!!
Tom's field (dorset) - Fab!
Lovely spot, with views and surrounding countryside. The kids had a great time exploring dens and surrounding fields. Staff helpful and facilities were well thought through. (We had lots of rain and there was a warm drying room which we couldn't have lived without.) Lots of nice people camping, who've been going for years, which says it all.
Tom's Field (Dorset)
We visited Tom's Field this week and we really enjoyed our stay there. Friendly welcome and a helpful lady greeted us. The campsite has wonderful views across cracking countryside. Awoken by birdsong which is about all you can hear, makes you feel alive and relaxed. A four mile walk along the coastal path was rewarded with a few beers and a lovely pasty in the Square & Compass, well worth a visit, less so the Kings Arms in Worth itself, nice pub, food wasn't great.
All in all a very enjoyable visit to Tom's field, i can imagine it getting busy at peak times, but well worth going when a bit quieter
Tom’s Field (Dorset)
The area is lovely around Tom's Field and it is really easy to walk out over beautiful countryside. We visited over a half term weekend and the site was at capacity which meant we did feel crammed in, there wasnt space for the children to play but it is a very safe environment for families. The shower and toilet facilities were clean and the staff very friendly.
Tom’s Field
Very friendly staff, good and clean toilets and showers and well equipped campshop, but campsite itself was a bit disappointing. Views and location are great, but during the weekend it feels more like camping on a carpark with slamming cardoors and big campers blocking your view of the further stunning surrounding. Not so magical as promised....But we visited in a weekend in july that probably makes the difference.
Tom’s Field
Tom’s Field
this review is about tom’s field in purbeck (there are two tom’s field/s) don’t want you to get confused. anyway.... tom’s field is fab. different fields each with a different character. it’s always a bit of worry as to whether you’re going to be able to get in - arrive early to be sure. the shop is lovely - plenty of veggie bits n pieces which suits me. lots of camping gear which you suddenly realise you just have to have :-) wouldn’t sell it on its views - the best bits have the worst views (sounds counter-intuitive but right) but the walk down the the wonderful dancing ledges during the morning and the square and compass at night, is just magical.
