Downshay Farm is a camping and caravan site on a working family farm at Harman's Cross, near Swanage in Dorset, looking out over Corfe Castle and the Purbeck steam railway. The farm sits in the middle of the Isle of Purbeck, with Swanage about 4 miles away, the sandy beaches of Studland Bay close by and Harman's Cross station a short walk for the Swanage Railway. The camping field is spacious and gently sloping, open to tents and small campervans, with no electric hook-up and no room for large motorhomes, commercial vans or motorbikes. A separate 12-pitch caravan site has electric hook-up and takes caravans, campervans, motorhomes up to 8 metres and trailer tents. For a comfier stay, the Keepers Hut and the Daffodil bell tent add a glamping choice. This is a family site that welcomes children, and it operates a right of admission policy for teenage and single-sex groups. Campers can borrow fire bowls and barbecues, and the Corfe Castle views and starlit skies are the real draw at Downshay Farm. The tent field is open until 1 September 2026 and the caravan site until 1 November, with camping from £12 per adult a night and caravan pitches from £27 a night.
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome on both the campsite and the caravan site. They must be kept on a lead at all times, and owners need to clear up after them. Dogs that bark excessively are asked not to come, as this is a quiet family site.
Can I have a campfire or barbecue?
Yes, campfires and barbecues are allowed as long as they sit in fire bowls or raised barbecues, not directly on the ground. The farm keeps a few fire bowls and barbecues that campers can borrow, first come first served. Disposable barbecues are discouraged across Dorset due to fire risk.
Is there electric hook-up?
Yes, but only on the caravan site. Each of the 12 caravan pitches has electric hook-up, and you should bring a 25 metre lead. The tent camping field has no electric hook-up. An extra charge applies if you want to charge an electric vehicle from your pitch.
Is Downshay Farm suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family site that welcomes children, with spacious fields to run around and views of Corfe Castle and the steam railway. It operates a right of admission policy for groups of teenagers and single-sex groups to keep the atmosphere calm for families.
Does Downshay Farm offer glamping?
Yes, alongside camping and caravan pitches there are two glamping options. The Keepers Hut sleeps two from £65 a night, and the Daffodil bell tent sleeps up to four from £85 a night. Both share the campsite's toilet and shower facilities rather than having their own.
When is it open and how much is camping?
The tent camping field is open until 1 September 2026 and the caravan site until 1 November. Camping is from £12 per adult a night with a £15 nightly minimum, and caravan pitches start from £27 a night for two adults including electric hook-up.
Things to do nearby
Beach nearby
Fishing
Golf
Horse riding
Indoor pool
Tennis
Watersports
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