Overview of Marwell Resort
Marwell Resort is a family holiday and activity park set within 65 acres of Hampshire countryside near Winchester. Established in 1982, this resort combines self-catering accommodation, camping and touring with a broad choice of indoor and outdoor activities.
The holiday accommodation includes one to four bedroom lodges sleeping between two and ten people. Every current lodge has a private hot tub, while the one bedroom accommodation also includes a private sauna. Three bedroom safari tents provide a glamping option for families of up to six. Explore more parks offering caravan and lodge holidays near Winchester here.
Touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents are welcomed on grass and hardstanding pitches. Lakeside camping pods provide a more secluded stay beside Bow Lake, with beds and a private firepit included.
Children can use the Adventure Barn soft play centre, outdoor playground, Treetop Adventure course and South Downs themed adventure golf. Bookable activities include quad biking, archery, axe throwing, air rifles and clay pigeon shooting.
Coopers Creek Bar & Grill serves meals overlooking the lake, while the seasonal Argentine Pizza Oven & Grill provides outdoor dining during the warmer months. Marwell Zoo is approximately one mile away, with Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the New Forest also within reach.
Marwell Resort at a Glance
| Resort Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Owslebury, near Winchester, Hampshire |
| Setting | 65 acres within the South Downs National Park |
| Established | 1982 |
| Accommodation | Hot tub lodges, safari tents and lakeside camping pods |
| Lodge capacity | Two to ten people |
| Safari tent capacity | Up to six people |
| Hot tubs | Private hot tub with every current holiday lodge |
| Dogs | Selected safari tents and suitable camping or touring pitches |
| Camping | More than 90 grass pitches |
| Touring | Electric grass and hardstanding pitches |
| Family facilities | Soft play, playgrounds and adventure golf |
| Activities | Quad biking, archery, shooting, axe throwing and fishing |
| Food and drink | Restaurant, seasonal pizza venue and café shop |
| Nearest attraction | Marwell Zoo, approximately one mile away |
| Operator | Marwell Activity Centre Limited |
Why is Marwell Resort a Great Holiday Park?
- Private hot tub with every current holiday lodge
- One to four bedroom lodges sleeping between two and ten people
- Family safari tents with beds, kitchens, decking and firepits
- Touring, motorhome and camping pitches across spacious grounds
- Indoor soft play and separate areas for infants and younger children
- Adventure golf, playgrounds and bookable outdoor activities
- Restaurant, seasonal pizza venue and holiday shop
- Marwell Zoo and Winchester within a short drive
Frequently Asked Questions About Marwell Resort
Where is Marwell Resort?
Marwell Resort is on Hurst Lane in Owslebury, near Winchester. It is set within the South Downs National Park and is close to the M3 and M27 for journeys across Hampshire.
Does every lodge at Marwell Resort have a hot tub?
Yes. Every lodge in the current Landal accommodation range has a private outdoor hot tub and furnished decking. The one bedroom lodge also has a private sauna.
Are dogs welcome at Marwell Resort?
Dogs are welcome in selected safari tents and on suitable camping and touring pitches. The current lodge accommodation is reserved for pet-free holidays.
What accommodation is available at Marwell Resort?
Guests can choose one to four bedroom lodges, three bedroom safari tents and lakeside camping pods. Grass camping pitches and electric hardstanding touring pitches are also available.
What activities can guests book?
Bookable activities include quad biking, archery, axe throwing, air-rifle shooting and clay pigeon shooting. Fishing and the Treetop Adventure course are also available subject to the current season and operating timetable.
How close is Marwell Zoo?
Marwell Zoo is approximately one mile from the resort. The journey takes around five minutes by car, and the zoo can also be reached on foot from the surrounding area.
Accommodation at Marwell Resort
Marwell Resort offers luxury lodges, family safari tents, lakeside pods and pitches for camping and touring. This range allows couples, families and larger groups to choose between furnished self-catering accommodation and a traditional outdoor holiday.
The one bedroom lodge sleeps two and includes a double bedroom, en suite bathroom, open-plan kitchen and living area, private sauna, decking, barbecue and hot tub.
Two bedroom lodges sleep four in the bedrooms, with additional lounge sleeping increasing the capacity to six. They have one double and one twin bedroom, two bathrooms, a fitted kitchen and private hot tub.
Three bedroom lodges sleep six in the bedrooms and up to eight when the lounge sleeping space is used. They include one double bedroom, two further family bedrooms, two bathrooms and extensive decking.
Four bedroom lodges have two double and two twin bedrooms, sleeping eight in the bedrooms and up to ten with additional lounge accommodation. Their larger living and dining areas work well for extended families and groups.
The lodge kitchens include an oven, hob, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. Beds are prepared before arrival, with towels, toiletries, central heating and Wi-Fi included.
Lodge Accommodation Comparison
| Accommodation Type | Bedrooms | Sleeps | Main Features |
| Couple’s lodge | 1 | Up to 2 | En suite bathroom, sauna, barbecue, decking and hot tub |
| Two bedroom lodge | 2 | Up to 6 | Double and twin bedrooms, two bathrooms and hot tub |
| Three bedroom lodge | 3 | Up to 8 | Family bedrooms, two bathrooms, decking and hot tub |
| Four bedroom lodge | 4 | Up to 10 | Two double and two twin bedrooms, large living area and hot tub |
Safari Tents and Lakeside Pods
The three bedroom safari tents sleep up to six people and operate during the main holiday season. Standard layouts include one double bedroom and two bunk rooms, while the upgraded layout combines king-size, double and bunk accommodation.
Each safari tent has a lounge and dining area, basic kitchen facilities, electricity and lighting. Outside, guests have a sheltered deck, picnic table, gas barbecue and firepit. Bed linen and towels are provided, with beds prepared before arrival.
Safari tent guests use nearby toilet, shower and washing-up facilities. Selected safari tents welcome one dog.
The lakeside camping pods sleep two in separate made-up beds beside Bow Lake. A firepit and firewood are included, while toilets and showers are located nearby.
Glamping Accommodation Comparison
| Accommodation Type | Bedrooms | Sleeps | Main Features |
| Standard safari tent | 3 | Up to 6 | Double and bunk bedrooms, kitchen area, decking, barbecue and firepit |
| Upgraded safari tent | 3 | Up to 6 | King-size, double and bunk accommodation with larger living space |
| Lakeside camping pod | Open plan | Up to 2 | Two made-up beds, Bow Lake position and private firepit |
Touring and Camping at Marwell Resort
Marwell Resort has more than 90 grass camping pitches, with electric and non-electric choices available during the main camping season. The pitches measure approximately 10 metres by 8 metres.
Electric gravel hardstanding pitches are suitable for touring caravans, campervans and motorhomes and are available throughout the year.
Touring and camping guests have access to hot showers, toilets, washing-up points, drinking water and waste disposal. Firepits and additional firewood can be hired or purchased from reception.
Touring and Camping Pitch Comparison
| Pitch Type | Suitable For | Main Features |
| Non-electric grass pitch | Tents | Large grass pitch with shared washing facilities |
| Electric grass pitch | Tents and suitable touring accommodation | Grass pitch with electric hook-up |
| Electric hardstanding pitch | Touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans | Gravel surface, electric hook-up and year-round availability |
Park Facilities at Marwell Resort
The Adventure Barn is a three-level indoor soft play centre for children aged up to ten. Features include slides, climbing obstacles, an aerial runway, football area and cargo nets, with separate spaces for infants and younger children.
Outside, families can use the adventure playground, woodland play areas and seasonal Treetop Adventure course. The 18-hole adventure golf course is themed around landmarks and landscapes found across the South Downs.
Instructor-led activities provide additional challenges for children, teenagers and adults. Sessions can include junior quad biking, archery, axe throwing, air rifles and clay pigeon shooting. Advance booking is recommended because places can be limited.
Bow Lake provides carp fishing for guests with the appropriate rod licence and fishing permission. Woodland paths around the resort offer further opportunities for walking and wildlife watching.
The Alpha Fitness Centre has cardiovascular and strength equipment alongside bookable exercise classes. Separate charges apply for gym access and classes.
Coopers Creek Bar & Grill serves breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, snacks and drinks. The seasonal Argentine Pizza Oven & Grill provides stone-baked pizzas and outdoor dining, while The Hub sells coffee, pastries, groceries and holiday essentials during selected summer dates.
Marwell Resort Facilities
| Facility | Details |
| Adventure Barn | Indoor soft play for children aged up to ten |
| Infant play area | Separate soft play space for children under 18 months |
| Outdoor playgrounds | Climbing, swings, slides and woodland play |
| Adventure golf | 18-hole South Downs themed course |
| Treetop Adventure | Seasonal aerial obstacle activity |
| Instructor-led activities | Quad biking, archery, axe throwing, air rifles and clay shooting |
| Fishing | Carp fishing on a private lake |
| Fitness centre | Gym equipment and bookable exercise classes |
| Restaurant | Meals, snacks and drinks at Coopers Creek |
| Seasonal pizza venue | Stone-baked pizzas and outdoor seating |
| Café and shop | Coffee, pastries, groceries and holiday essentials |
| Events | Live music and family events on selected dates |
| Camping facilities | Toilets, hot showers and washing-up points |
| Reception | Check-in, activity bookings and local information |
Places to Visit Near Marwell Resort
Marwell Zoo is the closest major visitor attraction and is home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes, leopards, penguins and meerkats. Its extensive grounds also include play areas, cafés and daily wildlife activities.
Winchester is a historic cathedral city with independent shops, restaurants and riverside walks. Visitors can explore Winchester Cathedral, the City Museum and the Great Hall, where the medieval Round Table is displayed.
Winchester Science Centre has two floors of interactive exhibits covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Its planetarium presents live and pre-recorded shows throughout the year.
Itchen Valley Country Park covers approximately 440 acres beside the River Itchen. Walking and cycling routes run through woodland and meadows, with play areas and outdoor activities available for families.
Southampton provides shopping, restaurants, museums and a waterfront shaped by its maritime history. The SeaCity Museum explores the city’s connections with the Titanic and ocean travel.
Paultons Park combines family rides, thrill attractions and Peppa Pig World. Its landscaped grounds also contain play areas, animals and themed sections for different age groups.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard provides access to major naval attractions, including HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior. The New Forest offers another full day out with woodland, heathland, traditional villages and free-roaming ponies.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Approximate Distance | Approximate Journey | Best For |
| Marwell Zoo | 1 mile | 5 minutes | Animals, conservation and adventure play |
| Itchen Valley Country Park | 6 miles | 15 minutes | Walking, cycling, play and woodland |
| Winchester | 7 miles | 15 minutes | Cathedral, history, shops and restaurants |
| Winchester Science Centre | 9 miles | 20 minutes | Interactive science and planetarium shows |
| Southampton | 12 miles | 25 minutes | Shopping, maritime history and museums |
| Royal Victoria Country Park | 12 miles | 25 minutes | Coastal walks, woodland and family play |
| Paultons Park | 16 miles | 30 minutes | Theme park rides and Peppa Pig World |
| New Forest National Park | 15 miles | 30 minutes | Walking, cycling, villages and wildlife |
| Portsmouth Historic Dockyard | 20 miles | 35 to 40 minutes | Naval ships, museums and maritime history |
Distances and journey times are approximate and can vary with traffic.
Private Caravans for Hire at Marwell Resort
Own a caravan at Marwell Resort?
List your private caravan on this park page from £48 per year and reach holidaymakers already interested in Marwell Resort.
Park Reviews for Marwell Resort
Have you stayed at Marwell Resort? Share your experience of the accommodation, family activities, food and location near Winchester.
