2 Dorset campsites named among the best in South West England

Chalk Meadow near Dorchester and Tin Barn near East Chelborough, which lies north east of Beaminster, came third and fourth respectively in the list from Pitchup.com.

Two million holidaymakers booked to stay at one of the 2,369 live UK sites listed on the website across the UK in the past year. To be considered in the ‘review awards’, sites must have a minimum of 20 reviews, and are scored out of ten.

Based on more than 159,000 customer reviews in 2022, each site was evaluated on aspects including location, value for money, quality of accommodation, activities and cleanliness.

Guests awarded 70% of all UK sites listed on the platform in 2022 an overall score of 8/10 and above, with 398 sites in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset scoring an eight or above.

Chalk Meadow campsite (Image: Pitchup.com) 

As well as being in the top five for the South West, Chalk Meadow was also the fifth best rated site in the whole of England.

What were the top 10 South West campsites?

1. Trewall Farm Campsite, Cornwall - 10 (scored out of 10)

2. Combas Farm, Devon - 10

3. Chalk Meadow, Dorset - 10

4. Tin Barn, Dorset - 10

5. Sunny Pooh Corner, Devon - 10

6. Didwell Farm Campsite, Devon - 10

7. Barley Meadow Touring Park, Devon - 9.9

8. Anchor Barrow Campsite, Cornwall - 9.9

9. Porthtowan Tourist Park, Cornwall - 9.9

10. Stoke Barton Farm Campsite, Devon - 9.9

Pitchup’s founder Dan Yates said “The South West is always the most popular choice for outdoor holidays in England and it’s clear to see why when the two most highly-rated sites in the UK are both in this region.

"While Cornwall tops the chart, Devon is home to half of the ultimate top-rated sites of 2022 for the region, and it’s good to see that other counties are also well-represented in the top ten."

Tin Barn campsite (Image: Pitchup.com)

What did Pitchup.com say about the campsites?

Commenting on Chalk Meadow Pitchup.com wrote: "This beautiful and secluded grass meadow on the outskirts of Broadmayne village in rural Dorset takes campers back to nature, with lots of safe space for kids to play and minimal facilities (toilets and hot showers). There’s no electricity, but that’s part of the site’s rural charm.

"Happy guests have commented on the peaceful location, well-kept facilities, and friendly owners, earning Chalk Meadow a perfect 10 rating.

"Winning the high score across all categories, this camping spot may be humble but consistently satisfies guests, with the words ‘lovely’, ‘relaxed’ and ‘wonderful’ coming up time and time again in reviews."

Meanwhile for Tin Barn they said: "What might tempt you to take yourself to Tin Barn? Perhaps the pleasingly spacious pitches (around 10 x 18 metres), Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty views and having two friendly horses, George and Sol, as neighbours?

"Set at the end of a quiet country lane, this part of the Dorset countryside has some very lovely vistas across to Halstock (just over a mile away), where there's a handy community-run shop. As the guest numbers are low here, you'll never have anyone pitched in the way of your view either…"