Best for: Staying on Bowleaze Cove where the beach and park facilities run into each other.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges and safari lodges.
Highlights: Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, funfair, beachfront setting, multiple eateries.

Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park sits directly on the seafront between Weymouth and Preston, with the park opening straight onto the beach. The outdoor pool, food outlets and fairground rides sit right above the cove, while the indoor pool, spa and gym are set further into the park alongside the main complex.

Bowleaze Cove is a mix of shingle and sand, with the River Jordan running into the sea beside the beach. Weymouth seafront is around 5 minutes by car, while the coast path runs east from the park towards Redcliff Point and Osmington Mills. Jordan Hill, just above the cove, has the remains of a Roman temple that most people miss unless they walk up from the beach.

Why it’s a top pick: The beach, fairground and main facilities all sit together at the front of the park, creating a layout that is very different from most coastal parks in Dorset.

Best for: Staying in woodland near Corfe Castle with direct access onto Purbeck walking routes.
Accommodation Types: Lodges and safari tents.
Highlights: Forest setting, on site café and shop, walking access into Purbeck Hills, quiet site layout.

Burnbake Forest Lodges sits within woodland between Corfe Castle and Swanage, with lodges and safari tents spaced among trees along unpaved tracks. The site is low density, with a small café, shop and reception area near the entrance and parking kept close to each unit.

Corfe Castle village is just over 1 mile away, around 3 minutes by car or a longer walk through woodland paths, while Swanage is about 10 minutes for the beach and seafront. The path network from the park links directly into the Purbeck Hills, with routes towards Nine Barrow Down and views back across Corfe Castle.

Why it’s a top pick: A woodland site with direct access into the Purbeck Hills, where walking routes start from the park and Corfe Castle is just down the road.

Best for: Caravan stays above Chesil Beach with open views across the lagoon towards Portland.
Accommodation Types: Caravans.
Highlights: Indoor pool, bar and restaurant, coastal views, terraced layout.

Chesil Beach Holiday Park sits on higher ground above Fleet Lagoon, with rows of caravans stepping down the slope so many look straight out towards Chesil Beach and Portland. The gradient is noticeable across the park, with road access running between the terraces and parking kept beside each unit.

Ferry Bridge is about 5 minutes by car where Chesil Beach begins, known for its steep shingle and strong surf, very different to Weymouth’s sandy beach which is around 10 minutes away. Abbotsbury is roughly 15 minutes along the coast for the Swannery and Subtropical Gardens, and the path along the top of Chesil gives uninterrupted views across the lagoon that you do not get at sea level.

Why it’s a top pick: The elevated position above Chesil Beach gives wide open coastal views, with a setting that feels separate from the busier parts of Weymouth.

Best for: Touring stays on the edge of the Fleet Lagoon with uninterrupted views towards Chesil Beach.
Accommodation Types: Touring pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Highlights: Lagoon front setting, bar and restaurant, large pitches, direct access to coastal path.

East Fleet Farm runs along the shoreline of the Fleet Lagoon near Chickerell, with pitches spread across open fields that slope gently towards the water. The site forms part of a working organic farm, and facilities include three amenity blocks, a shop and the Lady of Loretto bar and restaurant positioned to look out across the lagoon. 

Weymouth beach is 3 miles away, around 10 minutes by car, while Chesil Beach sits across the lagoon with access at Ferry Bridge. A footpath runs along the edge of the site and links into the South West Coast Path, and the lagoon itself is a protected nature reserve where swimming and boating are not allowed.

Why it’s a top pick: A rare position directly on the Fleet Lagoon, with open views across to Chesil Beach and walking routes starting from the edge of the campsite.

Best for: Quiet caravan stays overlooking Chesil Beach away from busy resort parks.
Accommodation Types: Static caravans and a small number of apartments.
Highlights: Valley setting, sea views towards Chesil Beach, on site shop and laundry, direct walking routes.

Gorselands Caravan Park sits in a shallow coastal valley at West Bexington, with caravans positioned across six acres of grassland facing out towards Chesil Beach and Lyme Bay. Most units are privately owned, which shapes the feel of the site, with fewer facilities and less movement than larger commercial parks, alongside a small shop and launderette on site. 

A footpath known as Fisherman’s Walk runs from the park down to the beach through open meadows, avoiding the need to drive to the main car park. West Bay is about 10 minutes by car for the harbour and eateries, while Abbotsbury is around 10 to 15 minutes for the Swannery and coastal paths. 

Why it’s a top pick: A small park in a coastal valley with direct footpath access to Chesil Beach, where the setting and views are the main draw rather than on site entertainment.

Best for: Caravan and apartment stays looking out across Chesil Beach and Portland.
Accommodation Types: Caravans and apartments.
Highlights: Indoor pool, gym and sauna, restaurant with terrace, elevated coastal views.

Chesil Beach Holiday Park sits above the Fleet Lagoon on the Portland road, with accommodation arranged on rising ground facing towards Chesil Beach and Portland Harbour. The main leisure complex is positioned centrally with an indoor pool, sauna, gym and the Breeze Bar and Grill, where the terrace looks directly across the lagoon. 

Ferry Bridge is around 5 minutes by car where the lagoon meets Chesil Beach, known for its steep shingle and strong currents. Weymouth town centre is 2 miles away, about 10 minutes, while Portland Marina is just over the causeway for watersports and boat trips. A flat path from near the park follows the old railway line into Weymouth, taking around 40 minutes on foot and avoiding the main road. 

Why it’s a top pick: The elevated position above the lagoon gives wide views across Chesil Beach and Portland, with a setting that feels separate from Weymouth seafront.

Best for: Touring and caravan stays near Wimborne with access to both coast and countryside.
Accommodation Types: Touring pitches, caravans and lodges.
Highlights: Indoor pool, gym, bar and restaurant, large pitches, landscaped grounds.

Merley Court Holiday Park is laid out across landscaped parkland near Wimborne, with touring pitches and accommodation arranged along tree lined roads around the central facilities. The leisure complex includes an indoor pool, gym, bar and restaurant, with wide pitches and hardstanding areas designed for longer stays.

Wimborne Minster is around 5 minutes by car for shops and cafés, while Kingston Lacy is about 10 minutes for house and gardens managed by the National Trust. Sandbanks is roughly 20 minutes for beaches and Poole Harbour, and the Castleman Trailway runs nearby along a former railway line used for walking and cycling.

Why it’s a top pick: A well organised park with larger pitches and strong facilities, positioned between Wimborne and the Dorset coast.

Best for: Families wanting a park with outdoor space and direct access into Weymouth’s quieter northern side.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges and touring pitches.
Highlights: Outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, sports areas and open parkland setting.

Newlands Holiday Park occupies open ground on the northern side of Weymouth near Radipole, with accommodation spread across wide grassy areas and touring pitches positioned around the edges of the site. The main building includes a bar and restaurant with takeaway, with an outdoor pool, football pitch and play areas forming the centre of the park.

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve is around 5 minutes away for level walks and birdwatching along the reedbeds, while Weymouth beach and seafront sit about 10 minutes by car. Upwey Wishing Well is under 10 minutes for gardens and tea rooms, and the park sits just off the A354 which gives a direct route into the town without passing through the harbour.

Why it’s a top pick: A park on the edge of Weymouth with more open space on site, while keeping the beach, nature reserve and town centre all within a short drive

Best for: Caravan and lodge stays within woodland near Ringwood with direct access into forest trails.
Accommodation Types: Caravans and lodges.
Highlights: Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, restaurant, forest setting.

Oakdene Forest Park sits within woodland on the edge of the New Forest, with accommodation arranged along curved roads that follow the natural shape of the site. The central complex includes an indoor pool, outdoor pool, spa, gym, restaurant and bar, with facilities grouped together near the main entrance.

Hurn Forest is right alongside the park with walking and cycling tracks leading straight into the trees, while Ringwood is about 10 minutes by car for shops and places to eat. Moors Valley Country Park is around 5 minutes away with bike trails and a narrow gauge railway, and Bournemouth’s beaches are roughly 20 minutes for sand and sea.

Why it’s a top pick: A forest based park where you can step straight into woodland trails, combined with a full leisure complex on site.

Best for: Lodge stays above Osmington Mills with uninterrupted views across open countryside towards the coast.
Accommodation Types: Lodges.
Highlights: Hot tubs, elevated setting, countryside views, quiet layout.

Osmington Mills Lodge Park sits on high ground above the village, with lodges arranged along a single access road across open fields. Each lodge has its own parking space and outdoor area, with many positioned to look out over the surrounding farmland and towards the coast.

Osmington Mills is around 5 minutes by car for the Smugglers Inn and access to the coastal path, while Weymouth is about 10 minutes for the seafront and harbour. Ringstead Bay is roughly 10 minutes away, reached by a narrow lane and short walk down to the beach, with the White Horse hill figure visible on the hillside above the park.

Why it’s a top pick: An elevated lodge site above Osmington Mills where the views and quieter setting define the stay.

Best for: Large holiday park stays near Poole Harbour with water views across Holes Bay.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges and touring pitches.
Highlights: Indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant and bars, harbour views, water activities.

Rockley Park sits on the edge of Poole Harbour with parts of the site stepping down towards the shoreline, where slipways and water access points are built into the park. The main complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, bars and activity areas, with sailing and kayaking based directly on the harbour.

Hamworthy Park and Beach is around 5 minutes by car for a quieter stretch of shoreline, while Poole Quay is about 10 minutes for boats, pubs and waterfront restaurants. Brownsea Island sits just across the water, reached by boat from Poole, and the chain ferry from Sandbanks to Studland runs about 15 minutes from the park.

Why it’s a top pick: A waterfront park where the harbour is part of the site itself, with direct access for watersports and views across Poole Harbour. 

Best for: Large family park stays between Poole and Wareham with woodland and heathland nearby.
Accommodation Types: Caravans and lodges.
Highlights: Indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant and bars, entertainment, nature reserve setting.

Sandford Holiday Park sits inland between Poole and Wareham, with accommodation spread across a wide site edged by woodland and heathland. The main complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces grouped centrally.

Holton Heath Nature Reserve borders the park with walking routes through heathland and around former clay pits. Wareham is around 5 minutes by car for the quay and riverside pubs, with Poole Harbour about 15 minutes in the opposite direction.

Why it’s a top pick: A large park surrounded by heathland with direct access to nature reserves, positioned between Poole Harbour and the Purbeck landscape.

Best for: Caravan stays beside Avon Beach with direct access onto the sand.
Accommodation Types: Caravans and lodges.
Highlights: Beachfront position, indoor and outdoor pools, bar and restaurant, coastal setting.

Sandhills Holiday Park sits directly behind Avon Beach at Mudeford, with a path from the park leading straight onto the seafront. The site is arranged across level ground with accommodation positioned around the central complex, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, a bar, restaurant and takeaway.

Avon Beach is on the doorstep with views across to Hengistbury Head, while Mudeford Quay is around 5 minutes by car for ferries and harbour walks. Christchurch town centre is about 10 minutes for the Priory and quay, and the land train runs along the seafront linking the beach to the quay during the summer.

Why it’s a top pick: Direct access onto Avon Beach with a seafront setting that places the coastline at the centre of the stay.

Best for: Caravan stays right above Charmouth Beach with views across Lyme Bay.
Accommodation Types: Caravans and lodges.
Highlights: Outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, clifftop setting, sea views.

Seadown Holiday Park is positioned on higher ground just inland from Charmouth, with accommodation arranged along gently rising roads facing out towards the sea. The main complex includes an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant and takeaway, with parking kept alongside each unit across the sloping site.

Charmouth Beach is around 5 minutes by car or about 15 to 20 minutes on foot, known for fossil hunting along the shoreline. Lyme Regis is roughly 10 minutes for the Cobb harbour and seafront, while Golden Cap is about 15 minutes for coastal walks and the highest point on the south coast.

Why it’s a top pick: Elevated position above Charmouth with sea views, combined with quick access to one of the best fossil hunting beaches on the Jurassic Coast.

Best for: Families wanting a large park with lots of facilities near Weymouth with plenty happening on site.
Accommodation Types: Caravans.
Highlights: Indoor and outdoor pools, bars and restaurants, entertainment, large site layout.

Seaview Holiday Park sits near Preston on the eastern side of Weymouth, with accommodation spread across a wide site arranged around several facility areas. Indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are grouped across the park, with parking kept close to each unit.

Bowleaze Cove is around 5 minutes by car for the beach, while Weymouth seafront is about 10 minutes for the sandy bay and harbour. Overcombe sits just along the coast, and the path towards Redcliff Point follows the shoreline east from the area.

Why it’s a top pick: A large park with multiple facility areas, giving a different feel to smaller sites while keeping Weymouth and the coast nearby.

Best for: Lodge stays above Swanage with wide views across the bay and Purbeck Hills.
Accommodation Types: Lodges.
Highlights: Indoor pool, bar and restaurant, elevated setting, coastal views.

Swanage Bay View sits on higher ground above the town, with lodges arranged along winding roads that follow the hillside and open out to views across Swanage Bay. The main building includes an indoor pool, bar and restaurant, with parking positioned alongside each lodge across the sloping site.

Swanage town and beach are around 5 minutes by car, while Durlston Country Park is about 10 minutes for coastal paths and cliff walks. Corfe Castle is roughly 15 minutes inland, with the Purbeck Hills rising behind the park and footpaths linking into the surrounding countryside.

Why it’s a top pick: Elevated position above Swanage with uninterrupted views across the bay, combined with quick access down into the town and coast.

Best for: Caravan and lodge stays on the hillside above Swanage with clear views across the bay.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges and seasonal tent pitches.
Highlights: Elevated setting, hot tub lodges, play area, open views.

Swanage Coastal Park follows the line of Priests Way above the town, with accommodation arranged along roads that climb the hillside and open out towards Swanage Bay. Each unit has its own parking space, and the higher parts of the park look across the rooftops and down to the shoreline.

Swanage beach is about 1 mile away, around 5 minutes by car or a longer walk downhill into the town. Paths from Priests Way lead towards Nine Barrow Down and on to Ballard Down, with Corfe Castle roughly 15 minutes inland.

Why it’s a top pick: A hillside park above Swanage where the elevation creates wide views across the bay and direct access onto Purbeck walking routes.

Best for: Lodge stays in woodland near Wareham with space and privacy around each unit.
Accommodation Types: Lodges, including hot tub lodges.
Highlights: Forest setting, private decking areas, hot tubs, quiet layout.

Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is positioned within woodland at Holton Heath, with lodges arranged along curving roads that follow the edge of Wareham Forest. Each lodge sits within its own plot with parking alongside, and many include private decking and hot tubs looking out into the trees. 

Wareham is around 10 minutes by car for the quay and riverside pubs, while Poole Harbour is about 15 minutes in the opposite direction. The Blue Pool is roughly 15 minutes for woodland walks and changing water colours, and forest trails start directly from the area with routes used for cycling and longer walks. 

Why it’s a top pick: A woodland lodge retreat where each unit sits within its own space, with the forest setting shaping the whole stay.

Best for: Lodge stays in woodland with activities built around the park itself.
Accommodation Types: Lodges, including hot tub lodges.
Highlights: Indoor pool with wave machine, ski slope, fishing lakes, activity led setting.

Warmwell Holiday Park is spread through woodland near the village of Warmwell, with lodges arranged along roads that wind through trees and around lakes. The centre of the park is focused around the main complex, which includes an indoor pool with wave machine, a ski slope, high ropes and a range of indoor and outdoor activities. 

Dorchester is about 10 minutes by car for shops and museums, while Weymouth is around 15 minutes for the beach and seafront. Monkey World is roughly 10 minutes away near Wool and the park itself includes several fishing lakes and woodland trails where deer are regularly seen. 

Why it’s a top pick: A woodland lodge park packed with standout activities, including a ski slope and lakes, giving it a very different feel to coastal parks around Weymouth.

Best for: Families wanting a park with standout activities and direct access down to the coast.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges and chalets.
Highlights: Indoor pool and lazy river, outdoor pool, Adventure Village, multiple food outlets.

Weymouth Bay Holiday Park follows an undulating layout near Preston, with accommodation spread across rising ground and footpaths linking different areas back to the main complex. The centre of the park includes an indoor pool connected to an outdoor lazy river, alongside activity zones and places to eat grouped together. 

A footpath from the park leads down to Bowleaze Cove in under a mile, while Weymouth seafront is around 10 minutes by car for the sandy beach and harbour. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are about 25 minutes along the coast, and a woodland trail on site runs towards the cove, something many visitors miss when driving instead. 

Why it’s a top pick: A large activity focused park with direct walking access to Bowleaze Cove, combining on site facilities with a coastal setting just outside Weymouth.

Best for: Mixed stays near Wimborne with space for touring, glamping and larger group accommodation.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, shepherd huts, touring pitches and a holiday house.
Highlights: Outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, BMX track, Tudor Rose House setting.

Wilksworth Caravan Park is centred around Tudor Rose House, a 16th century building that forms the focal point of the site. Accommodation is spread across open grounds along Cranborne Road, with level and gently sloping areas and parking on pitch.

Wimborne Minster is just over 1 mile away, around 5 minutes by car or a longer walk into the town. Cranborne Chase surrounds the park with dark sky status for stargazing, and the New Forest is about 30 minutes away, with Bournemouth and Poole reached in around 25 minutes for the coast.

Why it’s a top pick: A varied park centred around a historic house with open space, activity areas and access into one of the UK’s recognised dark sky landscapes.

Best for: Mixed stays in the Char Valley with fishing lakes and space across the park.
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges, glamping pods and touring pitches.
Highlights: Indoor pool and sauna, fishing lakes, tennis court, bar and café.

Wood Farm Holiday Park runs through the Char Valley near Charmouth, with accommodation arranged across open fields and tree lined sections linked by internal roads. Fishing lakes sit within the grounds, with the indoor pool, bar, café and other facilities positioned around the centre of the park.

Charmouth Beach is about 1 mile away, around 5 minutes by car, known for fossil hunting along the shoreline. Lyme Regis is roughly 10 minutes for the Cobb and seafront, while Golden Cap is about 10 to 15 minutes for coastal walks and views across Lyme Bay.

Why it’s a top pick: A valley based park with fishing lakes and varied accommodation, positioned just inland from Charmouth with quick access to the Jurassic Coast.