Downshay is an immaculately maintained, family-oriented site set in pleasant grounds of Downshay Farm, which also has a newly-renovated on-site self-catering holiday cottage.
Tucked away in a quiet spot near Swanage, you’ll be treated to views of Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Ridgeway.
Facilities include two toilet blocks with flushing loos, free hot showers, wash-up areas and freezers for ice packs. There’s also electric points where you can charge your phone.
Watch the Swanage Railway heritage trains as they pass by through the valley in the distance. The train station in Harman’s Cross is a short stroll from the campsite if you want to include the railway on your visit. There’s also a children’s adventure playground here and a couple of shops for essentials, however a mobile shop run by Swanage Dairy does visits daily during the camping season at Downshay (note that this is cash-only).
You’re also not far from Corfe Castle village here, as well as the villages of Langton Matravers and Worth Matravers. You can pick up a bus on the main road at the top of the hill, which is a short walk away, that will take you into Swanage.
Campsite rules
Due to Downshay being an organic farm, it is vital that visitors use biodegradable/organic fluid/Elsan Organic at the waste disposal point.
The friendly owners request that there’s no noise after 11pm.
🔥 Campfires and BBQs and campfires are allowed but must be raised off the ground in bowls. If you don’t have your own, there’s a first-come, first-served ‘library’ of pre-owned fire pits and BBQs available to borrow.
🐾 Well-behaved, quiet dogs are welcome at Downshay but must be on a short lead at all times.
Opening season
It’s worth noting that there are slightly different opening times for camping and caravanning at Downshay:
Caravans
You can bring your caravan or small motorhome to Downshay from April through to October (inclusive), where there are 12 grass pitches with electric hook-up available.
There’s a minimum stay of three nights for caravans during low season (April, May and October) and a five-night minimum stay in high season, which runs from June through to the end of September.
Caravan information, prices and booking are on Downshay’s website: downshayfarm.co.uk/caravans-at-downshay-farm/
Camping
The camping season at Downshay starts in May.
Pitches for tents and small campervans are available in a field adjoining the main caravan field.
There’s no electric hook up, so you can enjoy a back-to-nature experience, and with little light pollution here you’ll be able to enjoy stargazing – there are also guided stargazing events held at nearby Durlston Country Park.
Full camping information including tariffs can be found online: downshayfarm.co.uk/camping-at-downshay-farm/
The Old Workshop holiday cottage
This exquisitely renovated 200-year old Purbeck stone farm building offers a fresh, cosy place to stay within the pretty setting of Downshay Farm.
You’ll have your own garden with patio and BBQ and you can also park right outside.
Facilities include WiFi, underfloor heating, a well-equipped kitchen and TV/DVD player.
A welcome basket will greet you on arrival, with essentials such as bread, milk and eggs, all locally-produced.
🛏️ Sleeps up to four people (one double and one room with children’s bunk beds)
🐾 Whilst the caravan and campsite is dog-friendly, the holiday cottage here is pet-free
Contact details
Book directly with Downshay for camping by visiting their website: www.downshayfarm.co.uk
Book The Old Workshop via Airbnb: www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/
You can also get in touch with Downshay’s lovely team via phone and email:
- 📥 downshayfarm@gmail.com
- 📞 01929 480316
- 📍 Downshay Farm, Haycrafts Lane, Swanage. Postcode: BH19 3EB