Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do we need the vehicle registration numbers?

To ensure access to the park through the Security Barrier, for the duration of your stay.

 

• Can we have a BBQ?

Yes, charcoal only and gas barbecues are permitted, provided they are raised off the ground. We have bricks available for you to borrow so please ask at the Shop.

 

• Can we have a camp fire?

No, due to our proximity to the Forest we do not allow camp fires with any type of fuel, as an obvious fire safety precaution.

 

• Can we freeze our ice packs?

We have a freezer of Birchwood ice packs which we hire out (£1 deposit per pack, refunded when you return the ice pack) and a charge for freezing (per pack). Just ask at the Shop.

 

• What is the internet / phone signal like?

Due to the rural location, being surrounded by the Forest and having no access to fibre-optic cable, the phone & internet signal is limited around the park, and in some places is non-existent. Ideal if you want a holiday where you can get away from it all.

We offer a free 3 hour trial code and then if you have success, you may purchase WiFi login code from the Shop (for a daily charge), although we cannot guarantee the speed of the internet signal. It is not suitable for streaming.

There is a pay phone near the shop in case of an emergency.

 

• What is television reception like on the Park?

There are certain areas of the Park that have better reception, and fork-style aerials seem to have better signals. The Fully-serviced and Semi-serviced pitches have TV aerial sockets so generally get a better signal.

 

• Can we get into the forest?

Yes, we have direct access into Wareham Forest and are close to the Sika Trail run by the Forestry Commission. Ideal for cycling a 7 mile route to Wareham or walking an easy grade trail of 2 miles. We have maps at reception, or you can print your own from this link to the Sika Trail. We also have a bridle way running directly down the edge of the Park from the Bere Road into Wareham Forest, a section of the Wareham Forest Way.

​

• What shall I do if we arrive after reception has closed?

Please let us know if you think you will arrive after 5pm and we can let the on-call warden know when to expect you.

When possible the warden will meet you and let you through the barrier and show you to pitch. It is at the on-call wardens discretion as to if it is safe to access the pitch if you are arriving late. 
If arriving after 8pm please pitch yourself quietly in the late arrival area, and report to Reception the next morning.

The barrier will close at 10pm to all vehicles.

​

• Can I choose a pitch number?

We try to reserve a pitch in your preferred area or pitch number. Unfortunately, we cannot always guarantee specific pitch numbers. If we have a cancellation for a pitch in your preferred area, we will try to accommodate you. In the unfortunate event of a requested pitch or area not being available on arrival, we will consult you to relocate your booking to an alternative pitch or area.

​

• How do I know which pitch size to choose?

When booking, please disclose the size of your unit to help ensure the pitch size is adequate. Pitch sizes vary, general width is 4.6m (15ft). Pitch lengths are 7m (23ft) or 8m (26ft) or 11m (36ft). Some pitches can accommodate larger units, please enquire at reception. If you intend to change your unit before your booking starts please let us know, so we can check the reserved pitch is the correct size.

 

​

• Can we book a pitch next to our friends or family?

Group bookings will be considered, but by arrangement only. We generally allow a maximum of 3 to 4 pitches, and we will try our best to get pitches together if we can. Please be aware, each unit must remain within the four corner pitch blocks for fire regulations.

If you wish to book a pitch next to your friends or family, please give us a ring to check availability so we can make the booking over the phone. We cannot guarantee pitches together if you book online and whilst we will endeavour to site you in a preferred area, unfortunately we cannot always guarantee specific pitch numbers or areas.

 

If we are able to accommodate your group, each pitch must be booked separately with details of each pitch occupier (names, address, unit details and vehicle registration number). We can sometimes accommodate electric hook up pitches close to non-electric pitches.

We ask that all our customers make themselves familiar with our Park Rules and especially remember to be considerate to each other and our staff, and to keep the noise down during our night quiet times (between the hours of 10.30pm and 7.30am).

 

• Can we extend our booking if we decide we want to stay longer?

We will be pleased to do so wherever possible, please just enquire at reception.

 

• We’d like to leave later than 11am on our day of departure, is this possible?

We offer a 'Late Stay' addition to your booking for a charge to allow you to stay on your pitch until 4pm on your day of departure, subject to pitch availability and by arrangement only.

If you wish to depart later than 4pm then another night would need to be booked and paid for, departure would then be before 10pm when the barrier closes.

 

If your pitch is reserved and a late stay on the pitch is not possible we can find a space for you to pull off the pitch for a later departure or you can leave the caravan or trailer or motorhome with us if you want to go off for the day and collect it later. Just pop in to reception and have a chat with us.

 

• Can we have a gazebo or awning on our pitch?

Provided one or the other will comfortably fit on your pitch then yes. We will assess each additional structure on a case by case basis. Due to fire safety regulations we cannot allow an awning and a gazebo on a pitch, it is one structure per pitch and the fire break between pitches must not be breached. Should an additional structure cause any inconvenience to surrounding pitches, we will request it is taken down. This also applies to windbreaks, which must remain in the pitch area, and must not be left up if the pitch is unoccupied.

 

• We are swapping half way through the holiday with our parents/ children/ grandchildren, can we adapt the booking to suit the number of occupiers for each night?

Yes, let us know the details of occupants for each night and we will calculate the correct bill for you. Don’t forget to let us know if cars are changing through the stay so we can enter the correct vehicle registrations for the barrier system.

 

• Our friends are coming to visit us, is that ok?

Yes that’s fine, but please let us know at Reception when they arrive, their vehicle registration and which pitch you are on.

A charge is payable per visitor, as per the tariff. A ticket should be placed in the car windscreen and parked in the visitor car parking area near the Shop and walk down to your pitch. There are limits to how many people will be allowed to each pitch per day. If more than one vehicle is expected per day, please check with reception beforehand.

​We ask that visitors arrive after 9.30am and leave the Park before 8pm. Obviously, if they decide to stay the night you would need to register them at reception the following morning and pay the nightly tariff.

Visitors to the park must also follow the Park rules.

At any time, park management may restrict visitor access should the park be at full capacity.

 

• Do you have Seasonal Pitches?

Please see seasonal pitch information here.

​

• Do you have caravan Storage?

Please see storage information here.

 

• Is there a bus or any public transport from the Park?

Trialled in 2021, a summer bus service ran from the park to Wareham and onwards.

MoreBus have kindly agreed to run a similar summer service for 2022, starting on 28th May 2022. The Breezer 35 will call at campsites to Swanage via Purbeck Park and Corfe Castle. To get to Lulworth Cove change at Wareham to route 30.

Unfortunately, there are not currently any buses that pass the Park on the Bere Road outside the summer months.

A bus service runs from Wareham train station to either Swanage or Poole on the Breezer Route 40 bus all year.

More details can be found on our Local transport page, which also lists local taxi companies.

The nearest train station is Wareham, a 3 mile drive or walk through the forest.

 

Can’t find the answer? Please contact us or check the Park Rules