South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park

This completely refurbished caravan and camping park is easily located just off the A35 Poole-Dorchester road and has an impressive entrance, with the reception at this point. This doubles as a small licensed general store and also sells basic caravan accessories. It's worth noting that there's a regular bus service from the gates of the campsite to Poole, Bournemouth, Wareham and Swanage - ideal for those looking to save fuel and take advantage of their bus passes! There is an excellent pub with restaurant in the village just 10 minutes' walk, serving good food, guests from the campsite receive a voucher for a free bottle of wine with two main courses.

AA voted South Lytchett Manor as the best park in the whole of the UK for 2016. The campsite is rated five star with the AA and Visit Britain and is a member of the prestigious Best of British Parks. It was awarded gold with the Green Business Tourism Scheme 2016. Together with awards for mobility and hearing.

This dog friendly campsite looks across fields and is surrounded by mature trees, leading to a big wooded area with a pond and an excellent 2.5 acres of mowed off lead dog walking area. This area is ideal for evening strolls on spring and summer evenings. The campsite has an abundance of wildlife including roe dear. It has been created with the comforts of the caravanner and motorhomer in mind.

There are three immaculate and modern amenity blocks, family rooms, a mother and baby room and two large disabled facilities. All the toilet blocks are exceptionally clean, heated and bright with fresh flowers and music. There’s one in the centre of the campsite, one near reception, and one at the bottom of the campsite.

The campsite has excellent rally facilities, too, with electric hook-ups available. There is a large children’s play area and a field for ball games. A games room is located near reception and offers a pool table and a TV – ideal for those wet evenings. In the information room you will find plenty of tourist information. The staff have excellent local knowledge with free printouts for walks, cycle routes, accessibility and dog friendly days out! Also bike hire is available on site.

Those who like to stay in touch will find good mobile phone reception, while the built-in TV points mean that you’ll not miss your favourite shows, either. Free WiFi across the park. The sandy beaches of Bournemouth and Poole are only a short distance away – or take the ferry to Sandbanks – miles of golden sands with secluded dunes and very safe bathing.

Sea fishing abounds here at Swanage, Poole and Weymouth, where you can fish or join one of the many boat trips. Nearby are the famous NT houses of Kingston Lacy at Wimborne and Athelhampton House at Dorchester, one of the finest 15th century houses in England. Also at Dorchester is the Tutankhamen Museum, the Terracotta Warriors and Dinosaur Museum – all great entertainment.

The beautiful 10-acre gardens at Compton Acres offer stunning Japanese and Italian Gardens, with many terrapins and Koi carp to be found in the various ponds and gardens. Brownsea Island is well worth a visit to see the red squirrels, sika deer and the home of the Scout movement.