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Crooked Willows Farm

86%

· Wimborne. Dorset, England

4 acres hosted by Richard P.

10 motorhome/tent pitches

Adults-only, back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm

Easy-going, back-to-basics camping with campfires is what’s on offer at Crooked Willows Farm. It’s a site for grown-ups only so kids are not allowed – but dogs on leads are welcome. It all makes for a laid-back place to stay that’s between the New Forest, Bournemouth and the Jurassic Coast. It’s near enough to all of them for day trips but far enough away that you feel you’re in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully that’s not quite the case – as there’s a pub within walking distance a short walk up the road.

This is a farm campsite that’s moved from field to field to protect the grass – so facilities are understandably basic; just a tap for drinking water and a compost loo or two. It makes for an unspoilt outlook which is just right for the setting. The fields here are surrounded by the Holt Heath Nature Reserve, an area of lowland heath that’s criss-crossed by footpaths, leading to nearby Holt Woods. Back on site, campfires are allowed as long as they are in off ground fire pits and your host, farmer Richard, provides a few fire pits and, when he has them, logs for sale.

The farm is also home to a fishing lake stocked with carp, roach and bream and campers are as welcome as anyone else to buy a day ticket for a relaxing day’s fishing here. Lots of campers use the site as a base for exploring Hampshire and Dorset as it sits close to the county border. There’s the New Forest 20 minutes to the east, Bournemouth and its beach 20 minutes south and Poole, half an hour’s drive away with the Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast just a little further.

Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.

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86%

7 Ratings · 4 reviews

Lyn F.recommends

August 14, 2024

Non electric pitches (Adults only)

I like the basic out doors nature of this camp site. Instruction good and visits from owner good. Everything I needed

Nicolas D.recommends

August 8, 2024

Non electric pitches (Adults only)

Good place to stay, price/value it’s excellent. Lots of space, several toilets as advertised

Out Of The Darkness I Saw A Light P.recommends

June 26, 2024

Non electric pitches (Adults only)

Just the Field

If your looking for peace and quiet except for the sound of nature then this setting is an ideal stopover.

Lindsay L.

May 30, 2024

Non electric pitches (Adults only)

Not private

It was not the campsite we are normally stand. It was (for us) a little bit crowded. It was hard to find, we found the location trough another camping app (pitch up)

Location

Wimborne. Dorset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Richard P.

Joined in September 2023

From the host

Crooked Willows Farm offers an ideal country break with a range of desirable features. Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.

Nearby attractions

The heathland of Holt Heath Nature Reserve surrounds Crooked Willows Farm and is your first port of call for a walk as there are footpaths leading across it in all directions. But the New Forest National Park is also a great place to walk or cycle and its western edge is only eight miles away. Closer than that is Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park (six miles). The pretty, riverside market town of Wimborne Minster is five miles away. The twin-towered church it’s named for is worth a look if you’re interested in history as it has one of only four chained libraries in England among its artifacts. There are also lovely walks along the two rivers that meet there – plus a high street of independent shops. Bournemouth and its beaches and seaside attractions are 14 miles from the campsite, Poole Harbour is about the same distance. Wareham (18 miles) is a half-hour drive from where you can head towards your choice of locations within the Isle of Purbeck and on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast: Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay, Studland. All are within an hour’s drive from the farm.

Food and drink

The closest pub to Crooked Willows Farm, The Cross Keys Inn, is a short walk away in the village of Holt Heath. It’s a traditional pub and does simple pub fayre but has limited opening hours – so do check it’s open if you’re hoping for lunch or dinner. The Old Inn at Holt (two miles) is another nearby option. It has a modern menu of good pub grub – including wood-fired pizza. For breakfast, brunch or lunch, or to pick up local supplies if you want to cater for yourselves, head for Gulliver’s Farm Shop and Kitchen (three miles). It’s a social enterprise and an organic farm shop and cafe with a tasty menu. It’s situated close to the village of West Moors (four miles) which also has the closest small supermarket and grocery stores but Wimborne Minster (five miles) is perhaps a prettier place to head for if you want to browse the local shops.

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