Few destinations could be better suited than this bucolic corner of the South
West. Hugged by the dramatic Jurassic Coastline; dotted with a multitude of
quaint seaside hubs and Hardyean thatched-roofed cottages, it is
little wonder why this stretch of the south west coast between Lyme Regis and
Weymouth has long been a popular pitchup point for campers. Nestled on the undulating slopes of Osmington Hill, Northdown
Farm stretches through a lush landscape the locals Paradise
Valley. It doesn't take much stretch of the
imagination to see how it earned this celestial soubriquet – with expansive
views taking in the South Dorest Downs, the
sparkling Celtic Sea and the famous Osmington White Horse.
Taking their cue from the sister site at Eweleaze, the folks
behind Northdown Farm have created a wonderful family-friendly tents-only campsite. Facilities are ample
here with
toilets, free hot
showers and recycling stations. In a setting this sumptuous, content
campers aren't likely to be hankering for the bells and whistles. But
Northdown go above and beyond, delivering a first rate farm shop stocking produce from the
organic farm's own reared livestock (Aberdeen Angus Beef Cattle and
Soay cross Dorset Sheep) and an organic bakery boasting all manner of pies pasties
and stone-baked pizzas. Your accommodating hosts even run a courtesy bus down
to one of the surrounding area's many wonderful beaches.
With a wealth of things to do in the local area Northdown's relaxed atmosphere and old-fashioned
earthiness makes it one of the best camping spots in a region already
brimming with some splendid sites. What a shame it's only open for 4
weeks of the summer. But then, you
wouldn't want too much of a good thing now would
you?