Old Bidlake Farm is a small, back-to-basics campsite set on an 8.5 acre smallholding in the Marshwood Vale, near Bridport in West Dorset. The site sits within a designated National Landscape (AONB), roughly a 10 minute drive from Bridport and about 15 minutes from the Jurassic Coast and the beaches at West Bay. There are just eight large pitches for tents, with small campervans placed in the Orchard. There are no electric hook-ups, no touring caravans and no glamping, so it suits campers happy to keep things simple. A two-night minimum applies and arrival days are flexible. This is a deliberately quiet spot with no amplified music and noise kept low after 10pm, and dogs are not accepted, so it does not suit people travelling with a pet. What stands out is the care taken over comfort: every pitch has a rocket stove and picnic bench for cooking over fire, and the barn holds two kitchens, showers, flush toilets and a snug with sofas, books and games. Dark skies and minimal light pollution make Old Bidlake Farm a strong choice for stargazing, and the Potting Shed offers massage, reiki, sound baths and spoon carving. Prices and availability are quoted through the operator's booking system.
No, dogs are not accepted at Old Bidlake Farm, with the single exception of the owners' own cocker spaniel. If you are travelling with a pet you will need to choose a different site near Bridport. The operator states the policy applies to every pitch without exception.
Does Old Bidlake Farm have electric hook-ups?
No, there are no electric hook-ups on site. The owners keep things low impact, using only a scattering of solar lights at night to protect the dark skies. You should arrive fully self-sufficient for power. Small campervans are accepted and are placed in the Orchard.
Can you have a campfire or cook over an open fire?
Yes, each of the eight pitches has its own rocket stove for cooking over an open fire, plus a picnic bench. A charcoal barbecue and a wood pellet pizza oven are available to use, and locally made charcoal and wood pellets are stocked on site.
What can I bring, a tent or a campervan?
Yes to tents and small campervans, with campervans pitched in the Orchard. The site does not accept touring caravans and does not offer glamping. There are eight large pitches in total, and a two-night minimum stay applies across the season, with flexible arrival days.
How far is Old Bidlake Farm from the beach?
The Jurassic Coast is about a 15 minute drive from the site, with West Bay and its beach around the same distance. Bridport town is roughly 10 minutes by car, so you can reach shops, food and the coast easily during a stay in West Dorset.
Is the site good for families?
Yes, the quiet setting, large pitches and open space suit families, and reviewers mention friendly farm animals and plenty of room for children to roam. There is a campers' snug with games and books for wet weather. Note there are no electric hook-ups and dogs are not permitted.
Things to do nearby
Beach nearby
Bike hire
Boat launch or mooring
Fishing
Golf
Horse riding
Watersports
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