Northdown Farm is the type of campsite that many would regards as idyllic, but sadly one that is a rare find these days. Run efficiently by Peter and his team, Northdown operates for just 28 days each year (this year during the month of July) and for the remainder of the year reverts to farmland. The situation is stunning, right under the White Horse of Osmington in Paradise Valley and set well back from the road, providing both peaceful surroundings and a safe environment for children to run around freely.

Description: Without wishing to make this review a string of superlatives, it is difficult not to get excited about the features of Northdown Farm if you are a lover of “true” camping – by that we mean traditional camping not the holiday park type experience which many sites are tending towards these days. There are no swimming pools, no catering blocks, no bars or entertainment programmes. Besides the reception porta-cabin and shop, the temporary animal enclosures and the temporary wooden toilets and showers dotted around the site, there is very little other than big skies and open countryside. There are no marked pitches on the site, you basically pick your own spot and there are few rules too – despite that the site runs very smoothly with everyone respecting each others privacy and peace.

Northdown Farm Campsite

Pitches: ~100+

Tel: 01305 833690

Web: www.northdown.eu

The owners also provide a range of animals to keep the children entertained – this year there were several sheepdogs and puppies, kittens, a number of small goats, guinea pigs and even a rat!

The farm shop stocks good quality essentials and this year a wood-fired pizza oven provided tasty meals on-site, although there is a good food-serving pub within a 5 minute walk across a couple of fields. Campers are allowed to light their own campfires and wood is available at the site.

Prices at Northdown are very fair too with a family of 4 arriving by car working out at roughly £30 per night (depending on which nights you stay). What we found refreshing was the lack of silly add-on charges for extra tents or gazebos etc.

If you are planning a holiday during August rather than July you might look at Northdown’s sister site at Eweleaze Farm, just a mile or so away on the hills overlooking the Weymouth bay.