Here is our pick of the Alan Rogers Assessors, expert-recommended campsites for the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers magnificent landscapes and superb outdoor activities, making it popular with cyclists, walkers and horse riders. Humans are known to have settled here since 8,000 BC, long before Cranborne Chase was created as a royal hunting forest in the time of William the Conqueror. Situated southeast of Stafford, it comprises heathland, deciduous woodland, conifer plantations and small lakes and is the smallest AONB with just 26 square miles. There are three local nature reserves, 21 wildlife sites and some 20% of the AONB is also designated as SSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest).
Highlights include the Heart of England Way and the Staffordshire Way, waymarked trails that lead through sublime unspoilt scenery. Look out for resident wildlife, including fallow deer and endangered birdlife like the nightjar. Places of historical interest include Shugborough Hall and the remnants of Castle Ring, an Iron Age hill fort on the highest point in the AONB.
Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Warminster is in one of the network's most unique locations - where else in the UK or Europe can you hear lions roaring at night from the comfort of your bed? The site is situated in ten acres of lightly wooded, level grassland within walking distance of the house and gardens, next to Longleat House, gardens and Safari Park. There are 164 generous pitches, some seasonal (151 with hardstanding and 6 on grass), all with 16 amp electricity connections. Water points and recycling bins are neatly walled with low night lighting. Two new buildings provide immaculate facilities, while an amenity block houses a family room and tourist information. Admission charges now apply to all of the Longleat attractions and grounds. Discounts are available to Caravan and Motorhome Club members. Please note that Longleat are not able to accept dogs within the grounds or attractions. There are however, other beautiful walks available from the site that members can enjoy freely and at their own leisure. Longleat is the perfect location to pitch up your tent to visit the Safari Park or House. You'll be camping on grass pitches with easy access to toilet, kitchen and shower facilities.
Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping Pods is a small, very attractive family run park tucked away in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, yet with easy access to the A303 and Stonehenge. There are 15 pitches (11 for touring) laid out in three separate areas. The 13 nearest reception, in a garden setting, are for caravans and motorhomes, all with 16A electricity and ten on hardstandings. The 20 pitches for tents and small motorhomes are around the edge of two large open meadows, 12 have 16A electricity. There is plenty of room in the meadows for children and adults to play games. Those with caravans and motorhomes should phone ahead for availability.
A touring park with outstanding views over the Chalke Valley, Coombe is adjacent to Salisbury racecourse. There are 100 spacious pitches all on level, well mown grass, 73 with 10A electricity. Tent pitches are generally around the outer perimeter and there are six caravan holiday homes to rent. Many pitches are individual and sheltered by mature hedging. Reception also has a small shop, there are supermarkets in Salisbury (4.5 miles) and pubs in Netherhampton and Coombe Bissett (2 miles), both serving meals.
This mature, well maintained site is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside on the Dorset and Hampshire border. There are 95 touring pitches 20 of which are occupied by seasonal units, 32 on hardstanding with 10/16A electricity hook-ups, water taps and drainage. They are screened by hedges and arranged around a circular gravel roadway. The remaining numbered pitches are on grass in a level, open area with some new planting. The site also offers 2 lodges and a shepherds hut to hire. There is also a rally field, space for ball games and a small playground. There are three small lakes for coarse fishing, and many woodland walks in the area. The site is near to many attractions in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, like Salisbury, Stonehenge, the Jurassic Coast and Christchurch’s Adventure Wonderland. Just off site, it’s a 20-minute walk to the local village of Alderholt to reach a shop, post office and a family- and dog-friendly pub. There are also shops, pubs and restaurants in Fordingbridge three miles further.
The Inside Park Touring Caravan & Camping Park is set in the grounds of an 18th-century country house that burned down in 1941. Family owned and carefully managed alongside an arable farm, this is a must for those interested in local history or arboriculture and it is a haven for wildlife and birds.
