The Practical Stuff
How many pitches do you have, and why do you keep numbers so low?
We deliberately cap it at eight and Blue Tit the caravan. We have plenty of room for more pitches, but that's not what we're about - space is part of the experience here. Eight pitches mean real distance between you and your neighbours, proper peace and quiet, and the sense that you've got the place almost to yourselves. Guests tell us this is the first thing they notice, and it's the thing they miss most at other sites.
What's included in the pitch price?
“Your pitch price includes use of the communal kitchen, hot showers, the rainy-day room, and free use of lotus BBQ, Ooni pizza oven - we just ask you purchase the charcoal and fire wood from us. It is locally sourced by Ben Short a local woodsman. Treatments in the Potting Shed are booked separately.
What's the best time of year to visit? Old Bidlake Campsite?
Honestly, we love every season here for different reasons. Summer (especially August) is our busiest and gives you long light evenings around the campfire. Late spring is glorious for the orchard blossom, wildflowers in the meadow and quieter pitches. And clear, cool nights outside peak season are some of the best stargazing you'll get all year - if dark skies are your thing, don't overlook autumn and early spring.
How far is Old Bidlake campsite from the beach?
West Bay, Hive, Eype and Charmouth are just a short drive from us. Close enough for a lazy beach afternoon and back in time for dinner on the rocket stove and enjoy the quiet of old Bidlake. Fossil hunting at Charmouth is a firm favourite with families staying with us.
Do you allow camper vans as well as tents?
We allow camper vans in the Meadow, please let us know when inquiring as not all pitches are suitable. Our renovated on-site caravan "Blue Tit" is in the orchard is also available to book if you fancy camping with a little more comfort.
Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal at the campsite?
The phone signal is not the strongest and we only have WiFi available in the campers lounge. This is by design to help you slow down and enjoy connections on a deeper level.
What should we bring vs what's already provided?
We keep the kitchen properly stocked. Induction hob, fridges, freezers, a kettle, toaster, crockery and cutlery - so you can pack lighter than you think. Bring your own tent, bedding, and personal camping gear, but leave the kitchen sink at home. Literally.
What's your cancellation or weather policy?
If you need to cancel your holiday please inform us in writing as soon as possible. If you cancel your holiday within 30 days of your arrival date you will not be entitled to a refund. We will try to re-let your booking and if successful will refund you 75% of the total holiday cost. If we are unsuccessful in re-letting your holiday we will be unable to make any refund. If you cancel your stay prior to 30 days of your arrival date you will be entitled to a 75% refund of the total holiday cost.
We strongly advise visitors to take out full holiday insurance to cover cancellations, public liability, personal belongings, loss etc.
In the event that we need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as, but not limited to, extreme weather conditions or ill health, we shall inform you as soon as possible and refund all money you have paid to us within 14 days. Old Bidlake Farm reserve the right to close the Campsite in the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances make, in our opinion, camping unviable. In these circumstance guests will be refunded proportionately for any period of their holiday untaken. Old Bidlake Farm cannot accept liability or responsibility for any loss, including consequential loss caused by cancellation on our part.
Nurture
Is Old Bidlake Farm suitable for young children?
Wholeheartedly, yes. Families are who we built this place for. With only eight pitches, children have space to roam safely, and parents tell us it’s the first camping trip where they’ve actually managed to relax. Between the chickens, the orchard, and the wide-open meadow, there’s plenty to keep little ones happily occupied and give them the freedom they love.
What treatments are available in the Potting Shed?
Emily offers massage, reiki, and Simon offers gong bath sessions right here on site, in our dedicated treatment room. It’s become one of the most-loved surprises for guests – a proper moment of stillness in the middle of a camping trip. Well worth booking ahead, especially if you’re staying more than a night or two.
Is there anywhere to shelter or relax if the weather turns?
Yes – we’ve got a rainy-day room with games, books, and comfortable spots to sit, plus covered eating areas. Dorset weather can be unpredictable, but it needn’t spoil your trip; several of our guests tell us the indoor spaces genuinely saved their stay.
What facilities are available for cooking and washing up?
Our communal kitchen is properly equipped – hobs, a microwave, fridges and freezers, a kettle and toaster, plus all the crockery and cutlery you’ll need. There’s also washing-up space so you’re not doing dishes in a bowl outside your tent.
Do you provide anything for babies or toddlers?
We have a baby bath available for the tiny ones.
How private are the showers and toilets?
Each shower comes with its own private loo and sink, so you can get properly ready without queuing or sharing with strangers – something a lot of guests say they haven’t had at other campsites. Hot water is reliable, even during a busy weekend.
Nature
What's the setting like - is it exposed or sheltered?
We’re tucked into rolling West Dorset countryside, with a mix of open meadow (glorious for sunset views and stargazing) and a more sheltered orchard setting if you’d rather be tucked among the fruit trees. Most guests choose based on whether they want big views or a cosier, shadier spot.
Can we see the stars properly? How dark are the skies here?
Yes – properly. There’s no light pollution to speak of, and on a clear night the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye. It’s one of the things guests mention again and again: sitting out after dark, kids and adults alike just looking up.
Are the chickens friendly? Can children help collect eggs?
Very friendly, and yes – egg collecting is one of the simple joys of staying with us just ask us and we will collect them with you, especially for children. Fair warning though: our hens are cheeky and have been known to make themselves at home in an open tent, so keep an eye on any food left lying around!
What fruit grows in the orchard, and can guests pick it?
We’ve got a real variety – apples, pears, plums and more, depending on the season. Guests are welcome to enjoy what’s ripe during their stay, however please just pick what you are about to eat to ensure there is plenty to go round and for us to be able to turn it into our award winning apple juice. There’s something lovely about waking up and picking your own breakfast. The figs are gorgeous.
Is the site pet-friendly, and are there farm animals to be aware of
Even though we have our own dog Rosie. We have a strict no dog policy. This is to protect our free roaming chickens and ground nesting birds, like the Skylark, that nest in the meadow. It also ensures the quietness of the campsite.
What wildlife might we see during our stay?
Birdsong is a constant here, and guests often comment on just how much life there is around the site – alongside our chickens and Rosie, you’ll find plenty of birds. Skylark, Yellowhammer and Barn Owl to name a few – oh and hedgehogs are plentiful at dusk. You will also hear the cows and sheep in the surrounding fields.
Connection
Can we hire the whole campsite privately for a birthday or event?
Yes – Exclusive Hire is one of our favourite things to host. Whether it’s a birthday, a gathering of friends, or a family celebration, having the whole site to yourselves means you can properly spread out, light a fire, and make the place your own for the weekend. We’ve hosted everything from 70th birthdays to friend reunions, and it’s always a joy to be part of. However, we still maintain our quiet policy. Old Bidlake has a very laid-back vibe so if you would like a loud party with amplified music it is not the place for you.
Do you host sound baths or group wellbeing sessions?
We do – sound and gong baths are one of our most talked-about experiences, often run in the orchard for large groups. They’re a beautiful way to start or end a stay, and especially popular with groups booking Exclusive Hire.
Can groups of friends or multiple families book pitches near each other?
Yes – just let us know when booking and we’ll do our best to place you together, whether that’s neighbouring pitches in the orchard or across the meadow. We do limit this to 3 pitches so as not to outnumber the other guests.
Do you allow campfires, and is there a communal fire area?
Absolutely – campfires are very much part of the experience here. We also run a Saturday night bonfire, which has become a lovely, easy way for guests to come together, share stories, and end the week on a high (having said that during prolonged heatwaves we will not allow fires for obvious reasons).
