Are you planning a camping trip in Dorset and not sure where to stay? This review will tell you everything you need to know about the Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park in Dorset.
Find out about its location, the facilities and what makes it so family-friendly.
This guide will also give you the top attractions near Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park and ideas on the best places to visit in Dorset during your stay.
Getting to Wilksworth Farm
Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park is in Wimborne Minster, a market town in East Dorset in South West England. It is easily accessible from London via M3 and M27.
From Surrey, it is a scenic route through the New Forest and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. We usually play a good game of being the first to spot a New Forest pony.
The postcode for the park is BH21 4HW.
Until a couple of years ago, Wilksworth was a family run campsite. It is now owned and managed by Shorefield Holidays.
Although it is a caravan park, there are both facilities for touring and camping, as well as lots of static caravans. There is one large field just for tents, which is where we always stay.
The campsite is in beautiful Dorset countryside and is a great base for exploring the many local attractions in Dorset and the New Forest.
About Wilksworth Farm
Facilities at Wilksworth Farm
Most importantly, the campsite has a spacious wash block with hot showers and plenty of sinks and toilets. The shower block is in a converted barn. It has underfloor heating and provides hairdryers. It is cleaned regularly and to a high standard. The campsite also has a baby changing area.
Outside there are areas for washing up, though these can get a bit busy at peak times! The site also has a laundry room and freezer facility for ice packs.
The pitches are surrounded by trees, giving it a very natural feel and all pitches have access to electric hook-up. The campsite is car free, so once unloaded you can move your car to the car park.
Wilksworth Farm has a small shop next to reception, which sells essential food items, though these are a bit pricey. In the case of the kids, these essential items are sweets!
Families at Wilksworth Farm
It is an ideal campsite for families, as it has generous-sized, grass pitches , so there is plenty of lawn space for kids to play. Cars are not allowed by the tents (apart for loading), so it means children can play safely in the centre and it is great for making friends.
Wilksworth has an adventure playground with swings, slides and wooden climbing apparatus. It also has a football pitch, ping-pong tables and tennis courts.
Our kids always take their bikes and go to the BMX track. For toddlers, there is also a miniature village with play houses to go in.
We enjoy quiet evenings with friends by out tent at Wilksworth Farm. However, since the takeover by Shorefield, we’ve had the option to use the facilities at the sister park, Oakdene. This is a more lively resort, which offers evening entertainment.
The swimming pool at Wilksworth Farm
One of the main attractions for us is the swimming pool. It has a junior pool with splash zone and slide for little kids and a bigger family pool. There are loungers around the edge and lifeguards on duty. It is a heated open-air pool, but we have always been lucky with the weather and been able to go for a dip.
Dogs at Wilksworth Farm
Dogs are welcome at Wilksworth Farm but must be kept on a lead. There is a dog exercise zone.
Shopping at Wilksworth Farm
The on site shop has basics, but Wimborne Minster is only a 5-minute car journey away. Wimborne Minster has a number of outdoor clothing and craft shops. It has a Waitrose, which is easy for stocking up on BBQ supplies, or else we stop at Morrisons on the way back from the coast.
The Stocks Inn is within walking distance from the campsite and there are several restaurants and take-aways in town, if you have had enough of campsite BBQ food.
Things to do with kids in Dorset
Beaches in Dorset
One of the best days out from Wilksworth Farm is to visit one of the many lovely beaches in Dorset.
Our favourite beach is Branksome Chine, but you could head to Alum Chine, Sandbanks or Bournemouth, all of which are great sandy beaches within 10 miles of the campsite.
If you want to head further afield you can go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast. We always go to Charmouth, which takes about an hour in the car. It’s quite a way for a day out, but the kids absolutely love it.
Family Attractions in Dorset
Other family attractions which are in driving distance of Wilksworth Farm Caravan Site are Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World in Wool.
Alternatively, you could visit the National Trust’s stately home, Kingston Lacy, which is only 3 miles away.
Another great day out from Wilksworth Farm is to go crabbing at Mudeford Quay and then take the ferry across to Hengistbury Head nature reserve.
A favourite stop off on our way home is Moors Valley Country Park. This is a great day out for all the family. Moors Valley has play trails, adventure play grounds, and a steam railway.
Review
We have been back to Wilksworth Farm Caravan Site for 3 consecutive years, as it ticks all the boxes for us. It is a friendly site and there are lots of regulars, so we get to meet with visitors from previous years.
The facilities are great for children and there is plenty to do to keep them entertained at the campsite. The children feel more independent, as the absence of cars at the site allows them to cycle to the park or go to the shop on their own.
Furthermore, the location is perfect for days out to the beautiful Dorset coast and the many attractions Dorset has to offer.
Pin for Later: Wilksworth Farm Caravan Park, Dorset
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