Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Other Outdoor Activities, Days Out and Places to Visit
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: swanage
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
28/6/2021 at 11:19am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi I'm due to go to Haycraft caravan club site in Swanage in about 3 weeks, We've never actually been to Dorset so not familiar with the area.

Can anyone suggest good beaches, restaurants, places to visit ect.

2 adults with a dog and no kids

Bessie   


28/6/2021 at 12:04pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6280

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18

Quote: Originally posted by bessie500 on 28/6/2021
Hi I'm due to go to Haycraft caravan club site in Swanage in about 3 weeks, We've never actually been to Dorset so not familiar with the area.

Can anyone suggest good beaches, restaurants, places to visit ect.

2 adults with a dog and no kids

Bessie   



Dorset is a lovely area, and I have just got off the phone after booking a site in the area myself. We haven't been for many years except for a brief visit to the Swanage Heritage Railway, as I am a volunteer on one local to us. I'm sure you will enjoy the area.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


28/6/2021 at 1:03pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi Colin i normally head down to Cornwall, a customer of mine used to bang on all the time how nice the area was so i thought i'd give it a whirl, I've already been to Cornwall this year.

Bessie


28/6/2021 at 6:03pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6280

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18

Hi, yes Cornwall is lovely too. My sister-in-law lives in Hayle near St. Ives and it's beautiful down that way. One of my favourite places in Cornwall is Looe.

This will be our first outing with our caravan since September 2019 when we went to Snettisham in Norfolk. Got to get some new tyres on the caravan tomorrow in preparation, especially as it has been stood in one place for nearly two years apart from when I moved it forward a few feet earlier in the year to wash the back of it and trim a hedge.

We are booked into a smallish site between Ringwood and Bournemouth. It looks good!



-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


28/6/2021 at 6:11pm
 Location: Stockport
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 570 and Santa Fe.
View mnlatham's Profile View Profile   Reply to mnlatham Reply   Quote mnlatham Quote  
Joined: 01/12/2019

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   45

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 4
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 31
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Corfe Castle, we used the steam train discount from reception. Swanage itself is OK. Poole and Bournemouth are fine. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove.


Advertisement



28/6/2021 at 6:18pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Volvo V60 & Swift Challenger 565
View JuanHuNose's Profile View Profile   Reply to JuanHuNose Reply   Quote JuanHuNose Quote  
Joined: 09/4/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 3  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1

Quote: Originally posted by bessie500 on 28/6/2021
Hi I'm due to go to Haycraft caravan club site in Swanage in about 3 weeks, We've never actually been to Dorset so not familiar with the area.

Can anyone suggest good beaches, restaurants, places to visit ect.

2 adults with a dog and no kids

Bessie   



Lucky you!

Love the area, couldn`t get in this year though.

We prefer the "C.L" bit at Haycraft if you can get in, it`s just as you go through the gate, roomy and informal.

Head up to Worth Matravers (just up the road), the Square and Compass is a brilliant little traditional pub - real ales and pies (thats usually the limit of the cuisine). From there it`s an easy walk (good for dogs) down to Winspit Quarry - don`t be put off by the name, it`s a lovely, interesting spot where you can have a dip if you want. Also nearby and worth a visit is Chapmans Pool, nothing but a great walk and the sea and easy free car parking.

There is a super walk across the fields almost directly from the site to Corfe Castle where there is a good selection of pubs and eating houses (as well as the castle itself of course), and you can get the steam train back to the site.

A little further afield there is Old Harry Rocks, decent walk to cliffs and interesting rock formations.

If you want sandy beaches then there is Sandy Beach and Knoll Beach at Studland. There is also a nudist beach at Studland which has a burger van on the sand but beware the chipolatas......Head in the other direction and you have Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth Cove and of course Durdle Door.

We found parking for the beaches to be easy in the main, and not overly expensive if you do have to pay.

Lots to see, generally good for dogs, the roads aren`t really geared up for the tourist hordes (took us 2 hours to do the first 35 miles coming home 2 years ago), but if the weather is decent you should have a really enjoyable time.

Just don`t go back next year as it`s my turn!


28/6/2021 at 7:47pm
 Location: Brummagem
 Outfit: Small car small caravan
View MarcusValhalla's Profile View Profile   Reply to MarcusValhalla Reply   Quote MarcusValhalla Quote  
Joined: 11/10/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

If the roads are open (you need to cross a tank firing range!) Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay are well worth a visit - the drive over the downs is spectacular, the abandoned village very interesting, and Worbarrow Bay is beautiful, and on a sunny day a glorious beach for a paddle - and it's dog friendly (albeit there are absolutely no facilities.)

Swanage itself is a nice, friendly town, it's charm or it's limitation (depending on your point of view) that it feels a bit stuck in the past.


28/6/2021 at 8:09pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6280

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18

Watching this thread with interest as I'll be heading down that way soon.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


28/6/2021 at 8:51pm
 Location: Oldham
 Outfit: Ace Award Nightstar
View Roughyed52's Profile View Profile   Reply to Roughyed52 Reply   Quote Roughyed52 Quote  
Joined: 18/8/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   46

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The Blue Pool at Wareham is gorgeous and just sitting by the river in Wareham on a sunny day is a lovely way to pass the time. The Tank Museum at Bovington is about half an hour away and is worth a visit if that sort of thing floats your boat and Lawrence of Arabia's little house nearby is interesting.

-------------
A common mistake people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools


via mobile 28/6/2021 at 10:09pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for all the comments guys, I’m glad it’s getting rave reviews as I was a bit worried going to a unknown place

Bessie


Advertisement



28/6/2021 at 11:26pm
 Location: south yorkshire
 Outfit: coachman Amara 450
View G#Winger's Profile View Profile   Reply to G#Winger Reply   Quote G#Winger Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1497

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Studland has to be the best beach, where the chain ferry goes over to Sandbanks, where the millionaire houses are.
free parking on roadside, all along the road both sides going towards the chain ferry, free toilets, and a cafe

-------------
I predict a riot !!


29/6/2021 at 10:02am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Conqueror 580
View NinJaH-1982's Profile View Profile   Reply to NinJaH-1982 Reply   Quote NinJaH-1982 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   24

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Southborne, Boscombe for quiet beaches. Hegistbury Head / Mudeford for walks.

Arne and Brownsea Island are worth a visit too:)


29/6/2021 at 10:31am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser
View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4062

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We are in Dorset at the moment and have been for several days. Hope you have better weather than what we are currently experiencing. We are off down to Swanage on Friday.


29/6/2021 at 11:00am
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6280

Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18

Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 29/6/2021
We are in Dorset at the moment and have been for several days. Hope you have better weather than what we are currently experiencing. We are off down to Swanage on Friday.



Looks like the current forecast is better for that area next week as it is for this. It has been dull and miserable here for a while too, with quite a bit of rain. This is supposed to be the driest part of the UK too! I hope it is going to be good next week in Dorset as we will be down there then.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


29/6/2021 at 1:19pm
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
 Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
View dk168's Profile View Profile   Reply to dk168 Reply   Quote dk168 Quote  
Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601
Tent Reviews:   6

Site Reviews Total: 56
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 9  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 9  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 45
Site Nights 2023: 47
Site Nights 2022: 46
Site Nights 2021: 34
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Knoll Beach in Studland Bay, Sandbanks beach, Poole Quay, Wareham Forest, Tank Museum, Monkey World, Royal Signal Corps Museum, Corfe Castle, Studland Beach to name a few places to visit (please note that I have not visited them all myself, however, I have planned to do so).

Avoid the Sandbanks Beach Cafe as I found the food so and so for the price I paid.

The hut for take aways only next to it is nicer IMHO, as the fish goujons are normally cooked to order.

Kings Arms in Stoborough just outside Wareham is a nice pub with good food where I normally go for a meal when I stay at my favourite site which is Birchwood Tourist Park where I would stay at least once every year.

Enjoy your stay in Dorset - I love the area.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


01/7/2021 at 9:50am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Cheers thanks for all the advise guys, This post has been moved so i couldn't find it (on my phone).

Looks like plenty of great places to go too.

As long as the weather holds up we should have a great time if not we always have wet gear with us

Iank01 hope the weather has improved for you   

Bessie



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Other Outdoor Activities, Days Out and Places to Visit - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














4387 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder