SIX new campsites have opened very close to Shaftesbury in the past two summers as the demand for safe breaks in the open air continues to be in demand.

At least three sites have opened in the past month, taking advantage of relaxed planning rules which say temporary structures could be placed on land without planning permission for 56 days – previously it was 28. Farmers have jumped at the chance to open up more land to camping.

The rules on social distancing mean that new campsites are also granting more space for pitches, some up to 20m apart, making healthy budget holidays even more attractive. Three of the new sites listed below are on the foothills of Shaftesbury, making them within walking distance of the town – Holyrood Farm (pictured, above) is just a 10-minute walk from town.

The appeal is the relative smallness of the sites, with limited facilities – this is wild camping, by and large, with a small bill: £20 for up to six people on some sites. With five of the sites open into September (Woodfrys is open until the end of October), there’s time to book a late break. Come and explore.

Read more:
24 glamping hotspots near Shaftesbury, Dorset
Camping – this summer’s hot holiday

Mayo Farm Camping

A mile from Shaftesbury, it’s a new site which opened in Melbury on Aug 6, with views up Melbury Hill from one of the two fields. Owners Barney and Ellie are keeping numbers low for the rest of this season as they trial the mix of campervans and tents. It’s an adult-only site, with no under-16s: dogs permitted, bar certain breeds/crossbreeds. Facilities are limited – two loos and cold water, but no showers or washing up facilities. “This is exactly what it says on the tin. A friendly wild camping field,” says one early review (which are all positive). Reycling and waste facilities, an outdoor shower and better footpath access around the farm are all on the to-do list. £20 a night for two, last booking Sep 21.

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