1 / 31

Longthorns Farm

Dorset Bh20 6 Hh, Dorset, England
1 acre hosted by Sally M.
Life here is wonderfully simple; there’s a relaxed, ‘pitch where you like’ approach on the sites large camping field, surrounded by lush woodlands

As you awake to the to the morning call of a chimpanzee or the screeching of golden-cheeked gibbons, you’d be forgiven for believing that you’ve woken up in some tropical South American rainforest. And as you unzip your tent, locking eyes upon your friendly neighbours – a pack of woolly alpacas – you’re now convinced you’re a million miles from home. Peru? Bolivia? Ecuador? In fact, you’re at Longthorns Farm, a relaxed 'back to nature' type of campsite close to Dorset’s glorious Jurassic coastline. And with so many sights and activities right on your doorstep, Longthorns is a great choice for those seeking a change of scenery. That’s assuming you don’t live next door to a family of golden-cheeked gibbons.

Life at Longthorns is wonderfully simple; there’s a relaxed, ‘pitch where you like’ approach on the site's large, well-maintained camping field, which is surrounded by fencing and lush woodland. For those seeking a touch of luxury, there’s four tipis, furnished in a luxurious way with futon beds, candles, cushions and other decorative items. Or, take yourself back to the days when shepherds lived in their huts amongst basic furnishings, and had a potbelly stove to cook and keep warm. Longthorn's four uncluttered shepherd's huts (which are open all year round) allows guests to experience cooking in the great outdoors, with a Dutch oven which hangs over your very own fire pit – perfect for sizzling those locally-sourced sausages you bought from the farm's honesty shop.

Not only can you stroll directly into Monkey World from Longthorns Farm to meet your noisy neighbours, you’re also perfectly positioned to access the famous Jurassic Coast. This remarkable stretch of crumbling coastline along the county’s southern tip is home to many of England’s most important fossil discoveries. Lyme Regis is a must for fledgling ammonite hunters, but to sample the classic British seaside, head to the coastal resorts of Weymouth (15 miles west) and Bournemouth (20 miles east), where vacationists have been strolling along the promenades for more than a century.

And after a busy day exploring Dorset’s many hidden treasures, guests can relax and toast marshmallows over the embers of a fire pit, whilst taking in that relaxed, “back to nature” atmosphere. Welcoming owners, Sally and Mark, arrived at Longthorns Farm fully aware of what a magical spot this is in ecological terms and were desperate to keep it that way, whilst still offering the functional facilities that makes camping comfortable. And we, for one, think they’ve succeeded.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Forest
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Dorset Bh20 6 Hh, 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
Hosted by Sally M.Joined in June 2016
From the host
Welcome to Longthorns Farm – a small working alpaca and cattle farm that’s the perfect camping base for exploring the stunning Dorset countryside. Longthorns offers a relaxed atmosphere, with no regimented pitches, night time campfires, and excellent stargazing. Dogs are also welcome. For those looking to travel light, we also offer glamping in the form of our unique TipeeCo's as well as lovely traditional shepherds huts. We are well situated to access the famous Jurassic Coast, with many attractions close by, including the famous Corfe Castle, Swanage Railway, and our neighbours Monkey World. There’s a whole host of activities to enjoy in the nearby, including walking, cycling, riverboat trips, not to mention of course the miles of pristine beaches Dorset has to offer.
Nearby attractions
One of Dorset's most iconic landmarks, Corfe Castle (01929 481294) was besieged by Cromwellian forces during the Civil War. For six long weeks the gutsy castle took the battering, and only fell after being betrayed from within. Today, you can meander over most of the site, taking a peek through windows and strolling its fractured defences. The historic market town of Wareham is nearby, and has a handful of enjoyable attractions. Clouds Hill (01929 405616) is a tiny cottage that was home to the writer military strategist, T.E. Lawrence. Made legendary for his role in helping unite Arab tribes against Turkish forces during WWI, the cottages four rooms provide an interesting insight into the complex man. The rooms are very much as Lawrence left them; he died at the age of 46 after a motorbike accident on a nearby road. Wareham Town Museum (01929 553448) houses the history of Lawrence's life, plus press cuttings on the speculation surrounding his death. If the sun’s shining what could be better than enjoying a relaxing river cruise (01929 550688). Or, if you have the arms for it, you can take to the river by rowing boat, kayak or canoe. Right next door, Monkey World (01929 462537) works with governments from across the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. It’s a great cause and well worth the (very short) trip.
Food and drink
Onsite honesty shop (open from April to late September) stocking: bread, eggs, milk, sugar, tea, coffee, bacon, sausages, cheese and butter – this is unmanned and based on trust. Wool has some great pubs & restaurants (5 to 10 minute drive), including: the Black Bear Inn (01929 405541), who offer a delicious lunchtime and evening menu, full of traditional homemade pub grub. There is also a selection of excellent wines and ales. The recently refurbished Seven Stars Inn (01929 462292) has two large restaurants providing a wonderful range of meals to suit all tastes and pockets. Ranging from snacks, starters, steaks, fresh fish, vegetarian meals and specials of the day. They also offer a choice of 9 beers, lagers and ciders including 4 real ales (alternating regularly) – over the years they have had over 450 guest ales! Over in Bere Regis, The Drax Arms (01929 471386) serves Great British classics with a modern twist. From home made pate which is complimented alongside chef’s pear and red onion chutney, to slow cooked steak and kidney pudding; which has been a pub favourite for many years. Wherever possible, all dishes are created using locally sourced Dorset ingredients.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.