Road Trip Cranborne Chase And West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 12 minutes
Cranborne Chase. Clifton Beard
Buckle up for a brand new campervan road trip adventure on our Dorset road trip. Today, we explore the attractions and activities in the Cranborne Chase, a protected landscape in southern England, spanning parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, and Somerset. The area was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1981 and covers approximately 379 square miles (983 square kilometres). Renowned for its unique and diverse landscapes, our itinerary for a campervan road trip to Cranborne Chase will take you through diverse landscapes, rich history, archaeology and natural beauty.
The Cranborne Chase is a National Landscape containing rare chalkland, scientifically significant ancient woodlands, and chalk escarpments. The remote downland area brims with hillside and secluded chalk river valleys, creating a beautiful natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Cranborne Chase with our convenient campervan hire Dorset services, allowing you to explore these ancient landscapes and hidden valleys at your own leisurely pace.
Hill Cottage Farm Touring Caravan Park is the place to be if your camping must-haves include oodles of verdant countryside for exploring, fishing on-site.
Fall in love with a rural area peppered with quiet villages and winding roads cutting through open greenery, stopping to restock and refuel at country markets like Salisbury, Blandford Forum, Wimborne Minister, Shaftesbury and Warminster. We'll explore the must-see attractions in England's 6th most extensive National Landscape as we rumble in our campervan through wild open spaces, beautiful chalk downland and charming country pubs.
- What is Cranborne Chase Famous for?
- What is The Highest Point in The Cranborne Chase?
- Best Camping at Cranborne Chase
- Best Campsites at Cranborne Chase
- Campervan Hire Towns in Cranborne Chase
- And on to The Isle of Purbeck
What is Cranborne Chase Famous for?
Cranborne Chase. Phil Beard
The Cranborne Chase National Landscape is a treasure trove of ancient sites and brims with ancient history and archaeology. Explore Neolithic earthworks, Iron Age Hill forts like Badbury Rings, and ancient ruins like Old Wardour Castle. These historical landmarks connect to the past and the area’s ancient settlers. Cranborne Chase is also home to diverse habitats that are home to rare and protected wildlife species and even boasts a designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of a handful in the UK. Charming yet historic villages like Tisbury are famed for picturesque streets, ancient churches, and a glimpse of traditional life. Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill is particularly famous for its steeped cobbled streets, which were featured in the iconic Hovis bread advert. Uncover a unique outdoor adventure blend on our road trip through the Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
Step into the pages of a romantic period piece at Old Wardour Castle, a 14th-century ruin that whispers tales of mediaeval grandeur and Civil War sieges. Marvel at the castle's striking architecture complemented by its tranquil lakeside setting, making it perfect for exploration and photography. The 14th-century castle was partially destroyed during the Civil War and holds a range of attractions for the entire family.
Honeysuckle Homestead Campsite is a Club member-exclusive camping space ideal for fun-filled holidays with the kids.
If you want to explore more historic locations, go to Knowlton Church and Earthworks, an eerie yet beautiful ruined Norman Church in the middle of a Neolithic henge. This is one of the few Parishes that still occupy a site used for prehistoric rituals and offers visitors a blend of ancient history and atmospheric beauty. There is a free car park for the camper a short stroll from the site.
The ancient landscape of Badbury Rings, one of Dorset’s finest Iron Age hills, is a great stop and is now home to a range of flora and fauna like orchids and nesting birds. Admire mystical woodlands and open fields. The site is steeped in history and offers lovely walking paths that are popular with visitors. Explore the ancient hillfort and walk with your canine companion through the woods and fields, all while soaking in far-reaching views of the Dorset countryside.
If sprawling gardens are more your vibe, pop over to enchanting gardens of Cranborne Manor, a stunning historic garden laid out by John Tradescant. There are several gardens surrounded by walls and yew hedges, with many interesting plants, fine trees, Open on select days, the gorgeous gardens feature formal hedges, vibrant flower beds, and hidden nooks. Enjoy a peaceful escape with a touch of aristocratic elegance. Parking is available at the entrance and the gardens.
If you enjoy Victorian-esque gardens, Larmer Tree Gardens will tick all the boxes. Explore ornamental lawns, exotic structures, and free-roaming peacocks, which create a magical atmosphere. The gardens often host events and festivals, making them a lively destination to explore. On-site parking is available for guests exploring this verdant haven.
What is The Highest Point in The Cranborne Chase?
Get more greenery and scenery at Win Green Hill, a prominent landmark and the highest point in Cranborne Chase, with panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills to the Blackmore Vale and Salisbury Plain. Win Green Hill is a haven for walkers and picnickers, and leafy beech trees crown the area and offer a quiet escape from the bustle of the towns and more popular tourist attractions. A small car park near the top of the hill is a great spot to park your campervan and start the walk.
Chalke Valley Camping is an exclusive, friendly campsite nuzzled amid the picturesque settings of Wiltshire Chalke Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Martin Down National Nature Reserve is 350 hectares of sprawling chalk downland renowned for its rare wildlife and unspoiled beauty. This reserve is perfect for a day of wildlife watching, with its rich tapestry of vibrant wildflowers, butterflies, and birds. There are two main car parks, at the Sillens Lane and Bokerley Ditch entrances, providing easy access to this beautiful landscape of open meadows, scrub, and ancient woodland.
Stop to peep at the Fovant Badges, another iconic landmark comprising a series of regimental military badges carved into the chalk hills during World War I. They are best viewed from the nearby A30 lay-by, where parking is available for visitors. Then, go to the historic town of Shaftesbury to stroll down Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street made famous by the Hovis bread advert. The town offers charming shops, cafes and sweeping views over Blackmore Vale. There is ample parking in town, with several car parks within walking distance of Gold Hill.
Ye Olde Wheelwrights is a lovely Camping and Caravan Club member set on the border dividing Dorset and Wiltshire.
Uncover secret ancient landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views, and connect with nature in all its glory. Whether you’re exploring historical ruins, hiking scenic trails, or simply soaking in the tranquillity on your road trip to the Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
Best Camping at Cranborne Chase
Cranborne Chase. Stevekeiretsu
Find campsites in Cranborne Chase, famed for prehistoric landmarks, scenic landscapes, and many stunning landscapes ideal for outdoor activities. You will find many campsites allowing you to explore the breathtaking sceneries and enjoy captivating views of a shimmering canopy of stars in an International Dark Sky Reserve. Among the finest campsites in Dorset, these three locations offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for exploring this remarkable dark sky destination. We recommend staying at Blandford Forum, Edmondsham, and St Leonards. Campsites in St Leonards are just over 30 minutes from Cranborne Chase. The village of Edmondsham is tucked in beautiful countryside and is a peaceful base for kicking back under a half hour from the National Landscape. Our campsites in Blandford Forum are also well-placed for accessing Cranborne Chase and the surrounding areas and are perfectly placed for relaxing amid lush settings. Take a read below to see if you’ll stay at our recommended locations. Visit our campsites page for more campsites in UK.
The lively market town of Blandford Forum is a quiet settlement sandwiched amid lush countryside with excellent access to outdoor attractions. Find a campsite in Blandford Forum and explore under big skies at locations like Blandford Forum Town Meadows, a peaceful green riverside park ideal for relaxing strolls and spotting wildlife on the tranquil River Stour. Pop over to Hod Hill, an impressive Iron Age fort with panoramic views over the Dorset countryside, and take a tour of Hambledon Hill, another significant Iron Age fort with sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale and Cranborne Chase. Head out for a unique experience by taking a tour of Blandford St. Mary Vineyard, sampling the wine, strolling through manicured vineyards and learning about the wine-making process. Our campsite locations in Blandford Forum include campsites in Sturminster Marshall, campsites in Sturminster Newton, campsites in Lytchett Matravers, campsites in Bere Regis, campsites in Wimborne, campsites in Corfe Mullen and campsites in Shaftesbury.
Tucked within the idyllic Dorset countryside, Edmondsham is a viewsome and serene retreat with charming outdoor attractions and a perfect base for exploring the Cranborne Chase AONB. Stop at the 16th-century Edmondsham House and Gardens, comprising ancient woodlands and landscaped gardens. Admire seasonal blooms on quiet walks through the historic grounds. Nearby, Moors Valley Country Park boasts expansive walking, cycling and even a treetop adventure course ideal for families. Campsites in Edmondsham are a gateway to the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, a short drive away, where rolling hills and ancient woodland beckon with the promise of adventure. You’re bound to find the perfect home away from home from our selection of 160 campsites within 30 miles of Edmondsham. Our campsite locations in Edmondsham include campsites in Alderholt, campsites in Three Legged Cross, campsites in Fordingbridge and campsites in Ferndown.
Cae Malwen Farm is a peaceful, friendly site positioned on the fringes of a picturesque traditional village. The owners aim to provide campers with a back to basics camping experience.
Tucked in the verdant heart of Dorset, St. Leonards is an excellent base for getting about while staying clear of the holiday crowds who flock to more commercial locations. A variety of outdoor attractions make a holiday at a campsite in St Leonards a wonderful idea, especially if you enjoy exploring a mix of walking and cycling trails, like those found at Moors Valley Country Park, which also happens to have excellent activities for the whole family. Drive over to the Cranborne Chase AONB, just 10 miles away, e and explore miles of hills, ancient woodlands, and historic sites like the Iron Age fort of Badbury Rings. Take gentle walks at Hightown Lake, a serene spot for nature lovers, or sit back and admire the views from your preferred campsite. Our campsite locations include campsites in Ringwood, campsites in Mannington, campsites in Verwood, campsites in Sopley and campsites in Burley.
Best Campsites at Cranborne Chase
Cranborne Chase has many great spots to find an incredible selection of campsites. We have selected three beautiful campsites near Cranborne Chase that are the best in the local area. Dorset Springs in Sturminster Marshall is a central park with quick access to the A350. For those seeking coastal adventures alongside their countryside escape, the vibrant campsites in Bournemouth are within easy reach, offering the perfect opportunity to combine chalk downlands with golden beaches during your Dorset getaway. Gundrys Farm in Wimborne is a peaceful site for families among lovely scenery, and the Dapplewood Caravan Site in Wimborne is top-notch for adults-only escapes. We’ll explore the facilities and features of these sites below.
Dorset Springs in Sturminster Marshall
Dorset Springs, Sturminster Marshall
Dorset Springs is a fab touring park with quick access to Poole, Sandbanks and Jurassic Coast, all located a half-hour drive away. Park your touring vehicle on spacious pitches and enjoy access to lakeside walks for wildlife spotting. Wake up to gorgeous views of the surrounding fields with grazing sheep and enjoy lakeside walks a short stroll from your pitch. There’s plenty of wildlife for the kids to observe and open green areas that encourage outdoor frolics. Make friends with the sheep in the fields around the camping area, or stretch out on your pitch and embrace the tranquillity of this 23-acre site. All pitches with optional electric metres are on grass, and standard facilities are available.
Gundrys Farm in Wimborne
Gundrys Farm, Wimborne
Gundrys Farm is quite tucked in a wildlife haven, just 10 minutes from the New Forest. Set on a former working farm, the campsite is hidden over 50 acres and enjoys a laidback countryside atmosphere with excellent amenities, including a shower block with four cubicles and two toilet blocks, washing-up areas, and chemical disposal. The surrounding attractions are ideal for families, too, with Go Ape, the Avon Heath Country Park and New Forest all nearby. What's better, campers can swap the countryside for the coastline and beaches of Bournemouth, Poole and Mudeford, all in under an hour's drive. All pitches are on grass with electric meters for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans.
Dapplewood Caravan Site in Wimborne
Dapplewood Caravan Site, Wimborne
Dapplewood Caravan Site is a fantastic base for campers who enjoy an adults-only camping space devoid of toddlers thundering past pitches at all hours. Located less than a mile from the village of Holt, the site is ideal for relaxing holidays, and the owner’s keep distractions to a minimum, ensuring all guests have unrivalled peace and quiet, complete with green vistas and manicured camping areas. Take your canine companion for an off-lead on the two acre ash and woodland forest, and kick back in the picnic area under the trees, listening to the calming sounds of nature. Highcliffe, Bournemouth and Sandbanks beaches are an hour away at most, and the site is barbecue-friendly. Standard amenities are available and pitches are electric hardstanding for all sizes of touring vehicles.
Campervan Hire Towns in Cranborne Chase
Stourhead. Roger Ward
Wondering where to hire a campervan in the Cranborne Chase National Landscape? Alternatively, many travelers find that campervan hire Bournemouth offers excellent value and variety, with the added bonus of starting your adventure from this vibrant coastal hub before heading inland to the tranquil Chase. We recommend finding your perfect van in Verwood, Three Legged Cross, and Mannington. Send a message to our campervan owners and remember that when renting a campervan in Verwood, Mannington, and Three Legged Cross, you’re only 30 minutes away from Cranborne Chase. Visit here for more campervans in UK.
Hire a campervan in Verwood and kick off your holiday in natural beauty and explore a mix of nature history and recreation. Just a short drive from Verwood, Moors Valley is a great spot for outdoor activities like walking and cycling. Tire the kids with various outdoor activities, including a treetop adventure course and a play trial. Ample parking is available on-site. Hop over to Ringwood Forest, another fab spot for walking, cycling and horse riding. The fastest route to the Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs AONB is to head northwest towards Edmondsham Road, following the B3078, passing through the village of Cranborne. Continue on the B3078 until you reach the A354, turning into Salisbury before reaching the Cranborne Chase AONB after a few miles. With over 51 campervans and motorhomes within 80 miles of Verwood, you will find the perfect campervan for your escape. Our campervan hire locations include campervans for hire in Alderholt, campervans for hire in Fordingbridge and campervans for hire in Ringwood.
Age: 21-70
Travel: Local Area Only
Gearbox: Manual
Morris J Camper Van for Self-Drive Hire. Enjoy a traditional British camping holiday in our iconic berth Morris J Camper Van. Our vanishingly rare Morris Camper Van is available for overnight hire for short breaks in the New Forest.
Three-Legged Cross is a quiet village in Dorset, perfect as a starting base for exploring Cranborne Chase. Hire a campervan in Three Legged Cross and start your holiday at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, home to a mix of forest trails, cycling routes, a tree-top adventure course, and a miniature steam railway. Stop at Avon Heath Country Park, a lovely park with heathland, woodlands and walking trails, or explore the vast expanse of moorland, home to rare plants and animals, at Holt Heath National Nature Reserve. Hop on the B3072 from Three Legged Cross, head towards Verwood, and take the B3081 north, driving through Cranborne till you enter Cranborne Chase. We list 51 campervans and motorhomes within 80 miles of Three Legged Cross, and we have more campervans in St leonards and campervans for hire in Ferndown.
The charming village of Mannington rests amid picturesque countryside, offering a variety of outdoor attractions perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Explore the lush settings at Mannington and Horton Heath, a peaceful site for walking and wildlife watching. A short drive away, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is perfect for working up a sweat via walks and cycling, plus a Go Ape adventure course and a play trail for the kids. Holt Heath National Nature Reserve and the historic market town of Wimborne Minster are also within easy reach.Take a peek at over 51 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Mannington, or find nearby Mannington campervans for hire in Wimborne campervans, Weymouth campervans, Whitmore campervans and Crichel campervans.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Alfred is a stunningly restored Westfailia Camper. He has an awning, two camp chairs, electric hook-up, mattress topper on the rock and roll bed and is fully equiped with cultrey plates and pans.
And on to The Isle of Purbeck
And off you go! Exploring, adventuring, and relaxing, enjoying the comforts of a campervan or motorhome, camping under the stars, enjoying alfredo meals and wandering as far or as little as you please with our itinerary for a campervan road trip in the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. We hope you found our campsite and campervan hire recommendations helpful, especially if you’d like to kick off your An Itinerary For A Campervan Road Trip Through Dorset in the Cranborne Chase area. Join us next week as we rumble along, excited for escapades and adventures in the Isle of Purbeck.
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