If you’re arriving to Purbeck via Poole, Bournemouth, Dorchester, or from the north of the county, you’ll likely drive through Sandford, which is home to a Parkdean holiday resort.
Whilst being just outside Purbeck, Sandford Holiday Park is still a great base to explore everything the Isle of Purbeck has to offer, as well as being within easy reach of some of Dorset’s other attractions, such as Monkey World, The Blue Pool (where you can also camp), an The Tank Museum.
Sandford Parkdean has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, but if you want a paddle on the shore, or fancy trying out a new water sport, Swanage Beach and Studland Bay are both around half an hour away. And if that’s not enough water-based fun, Dorset Adventure Park, adjacent to the pretty Corfe Castle village, is a must-visit, and the large waterpark, bowling and cinema complex Tower Park in Poole, which you can drive to in around 15 minutes. An alternative nearby cinema to the Park is the local Rex cinema in Wareham, which makes for a memorable experience with its 1920s decor and fully-licensed bar.
The Park has plenty of on-site facilities and activities: try the high ropes course, bungee trampolines or check what’s happening in the sports dome. For a less adrenaline-infused afternoon, you can always opt for a round of crazy golf, explore the VR area, or get creative in the craft hut.
For letting off steam for little ones you’ll find a great pirate-themed adventure playground, and for all budding explorers, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, with activities designed by Bear himself.
🐾 Sandford Holiday Park is pet-friendly
🐾 Let your pooch exercise his brain as well as his legs on the dog agility course – nothing like learning some new skills whilst on holiday
Camping & glamping at Sandford Holiday Park
Camping and touring pitches vary in price according to the size of pitch and whether or not you need electric hook-up and water supply.
Handy camping facilities include three loo & shower blocks, a motorhome service point for tours, on-site shop and charging points for your devices.
There’s also the Durdle Glamping Village, for camping with ease. Named after the nearby famous Jurassic Coast landmark, Durdle Door, these safari tents come equipped with a well-equipped kitchenette, bathroom and rustic furniture for an authentic experience. They even come with electric lighting and a TV, taking camping to a new level.
Caravan and lodge holidays
There’s a range of accommodation options at Sandford – choose a luxurious lodge for a romantic getaway, a fully-equipped family with a veranda for soaking up the evening sun, or choose one with a hot tub included for an extra special stay.
There’s also larger accommodation available, which is great for going on holiday with the extended family or a group of friends – for example, the seven-bedroom Amberwood House sleeps 16 and has a hot tub in its private garden.
Nearby points of interest and facilities
Just up the road from Sandford Holiday Park is children’s petting farm and fun park Farmer Palmer’s – a fun and furry-filled family day out. It’s also a popular venue for kids’ birthday parties and school visits. Find out more on the Farmer Palmers’ website: farmerpalmers.co.uk
You’ll find a great bar & restaurant on-site, as well as evening entertainment, but if you want to venture further afield for a meal out there’s a pub in Sandford itself, as well as well-regarded Indian and Nepalese Restaurant, The 29029 (named after the height in feet of Mount Everest).
You’ll also find a range of cafés, restaurants, pubs and farmer’s shops & markets in nearby Wareham. You’re also not too far from The Barn café in Lytchett Minster, which is popular with locals for its delicious lunches and exceptional array of cakes and sweet treats.
Within walking distance, you’ll find excellent woodland paths to explore and walk the dog in, and a short drive away are various entry points into the walking and cycling trails of Wareham Forest.
Getting around Purbeck from the Park
You can hop on the No 40 bus right outside Sandford Holiday Park, which will take you straight into Swanage – the bus also stops at a range of must-visit destinations along the way, such as Wareham, Corfe Castle, Kingston and Langton Matravers – all excellent places to spend a day exploring.
The 40 also takes you into the heart of Poole town centre in the opposite direction. Poole’s shopping centre has all the usual high street shops and amenities, as well as Arts and Theatre complex, Poole Lighthouse and the charming Poole Park.
A popular way to visit Swanage Beach is via the historic Swanage Railway, a journey which makes for a fun day out in itself – simply drive to Norden Train Station and let the kids play on the train-themed playground while you wait for your vintage diesel or steam train. You can also hire bikes from Norden to explore this special part of the Isle of Purbeck.
Contact details
To find out more, check availability and tariffs, visit Sandford Holiday Park’s website:
- ℹ️ www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/location/dorset/sandford/
- 📍 Willow Crescent, Holton Heath, Poole BH16 6JZ
- 📞 0333 207 6862