There's a reason this part of West Dorset has been designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The number of stunning spots is difficult to count. And if you want a vantage point from which to take it all in, Shilvington Barn probably deserves the title of 'Campsite of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Set in the grounds of a family-run farm, the place is both lost within the folds of the landscape yet also high above it, with breathtaking views right from your tent door.
To reach the site you’ll first have to travel up a sloping farm track, gifting better and better views with every metre climbed. At the top is the flat, grassy field, where glampers enjoy views north to Hardy's Monument and, to the south, of shingle Chesil Beach, which seems to float above the shimmering waters of the fleet. In the foreground, meanwhile, cattle graze the neighbouring meadow, seemingly unaware of the glorious views they get to enjoy even when the glampers have gone home.
There's just a handful of tents available, pre-pitched and fully furnished. Each is individually decorated with full moon mats and rugs and a double and single bed. Firepits and cooking tripods are also provided for al fresco cooking and there's a complimentary basket of firewood, kindling and matches to get you started. Otherwise, things here are relatively paired back. The site is largely off-grid, so it's a great place to forget about WhatsApp and emails and absorb the view and the sound of the birds. There's still the use of good showers, loos and washing-up facilities though of course.
The view will no doubt draw you out. You can hop on the Jubilee Trail near the far end of the campsite, following the footpath to the Hardy Monument (around 40 minutes' walk) or east to the pub and tea rooms in Upwey (just under an hour). The real attraction, though, is undoubtedly the Jurassic Coast, with Weymouth, Abbostbury and Chesil Beach all within a 15-minute drive. The trapped brackish water behind the Chesil Beach – The Fleet – is an ideal bird-watching spot and there are great walks along the South West Coast Path, which follows the shoreline for several miles.