Information
Get in touch
07359538929
info@sweethillfarm.co.uk
Sweet Hill Farm
Nearly Wild Camping
Sweet Hill Road, Southwell,
Portland DT5 2DS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Grey water / waste
Currently, we don’t have a grey water or waste disposal point on site, so this isn’t possible. We are still awaiting planning permission for an emptying point.
Touring caravans
No, we don’t accept touring caravans. All other camping vehicles and tents are welcome.
Dogs & pets
Yes, we welcome dogs and other pets. They are £3 per night, per pet. Please keep them on a lead at all times and clean up after them.
Electric hook-ups
Yes. We have two fields with electric hook-ups. Electric is an optional extra charged at £6 per night.
Pitch numbers
Only our electric hook-ups are on marked pitches. Otherwise, there are no pitch numbers – you’re free to choose a spot that suits you best.
Camping with friends
Yes. As we don’t have pitch numbers, you can choose an area that suits your group. However, we have strict rules about noise and quiet times on-site.
Charging phones & devices
Yes. You can charge devices by the shower block or on the outside socket in front of the canteen, both free of charge.
Horse riding
Horse riding is provided by Sue at Chesil Equestrian here on site. Please contact Sue directly on 07976 661838 to book. www.chesilequestrian.co.uk
Nearest pub
The nearest pub is The Eight Kings. From the campsite, walk down the track, turn right at the bottom of the hill and it’s about a 5-minute walk.
Getting here from the train station
From the station, take the number 1 bus to Portland and get off at Sweet Hill Lane. From there, it’s a walk up the hill to the campsite. Buses run roughly every 15 minutes. Weymouth is about 7 miles from our site.
Getting into Weymouth
Walk down the track to the bottom of the hill. On the right you’ll see a bus stop. The number 1 bus goes straight to Weymouth and runs around every 15 minutes. Weymouth is roughly 7 miles away.
Prices
Our current price list is available on our website.
Walking to Portland Bill
For the coastal walk, go to the top of The Far Away Field and through the gate onto the cliff path. Turn left and you’ll see the lighthouse ahead – it’s around a 15-minute walk.
If you’re driving, head down the track, turn right, then right again, and follow signs at the roundabout by The Eight Kings towards Portland Bill.
Nearest beaches
- Church Ope Cove: A small pebble cove on the east side of the island, about a 30-minute coastal walk or a 5-minute drive.
- Chesil Beach: At the bottom of the island, roughly a 10-minute drive from the campsite.
Coastal paths
Portland is full of coastal paths. From the far end of The Far Away Field there’s a gate leading to the cliff edge. From there you can walk to Portland Bill and right around the island.
Checking in
Please check in at the canteen on arrival. Our team will give you a car hanger, direct you to the correct field, and run through the site rules and facilities. If you arrive outside canteen hours, please call us on 07359 538929, drive quietly to your field, and then pop up to the canteen in the morning to check in and collect your car hanger.
Checking out
Check-out time is 10:30am. There’s no need to formally check out at the canteen – just make sure you’ve left your pitch by 10:30am.
Late arrivals
If you expect to arrive after the canteen closes, please contact us in advance so we can give you directions to your field and explain where to find your field.
Firepits & BBQs
Yes, as long as they are raised off the ground to protect the grass. We have fire-pits for hire at £5, but we don’t supply grills for cooking on them.
Firewood & kindling
Yes. On site we hire fire-pits, and sell logs and kindling, each at £5, subject to availability.
Refunds & cancellations
We don’t offer refunds, as stated in our Terms & Conditions. However, we’re happy to move your booking to different dates or offer credit for a future stay at our discretion. If your new dates fall in a higher-priced season, there will be a small difference to pay.
Food & drink on site
Yes, subject to weather and time of the year. At our canteen we serve breakfast and lunch, and on event weekends we offer hot evening meals. We also sell cold drinks, freshly ground coffee, other hot drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, homemade cakes and bakes.
Canteen opening times
Canteen opening times vary depending on the season and events. Current opening times will be displayed at the canteen or found on our socials.
Wi-Fi
No, we don’t currently have Wi-Fi on site – it’s a good excuse for a digital detox! However we do have it available at the canteen if you need to work, just let us know.
Campsite rules
Our rules are set out in our Terms & Conditions, which you’ll receive when you book. They are also printed on the back of the site maps.
Minimum or maximum stay
Generally, there is no minimum or maximum stay. Occasionally, over bank holiday weekends, we may apply a two-night minimum stay – if so, this will be clearly shown at the time of booking.
Campsite facilities
Facilities include compost toilets, hot water showers, washing-up sinks, drinking water points, a café/canteen serving food and drinks, bar on event weekends, horse riding (via Chesil Equestrian), live music on selected dates, firepits allowed, pets welcome, and we’re close to both beach and pub.
Washing-up
Yes. There are four washing-up sinks in Sweet Hill Pasture, and all taps provide drinking water.
Climbing
Turn left at the end of the track and you’ll reach an industrial estate about a 5-minute walk away with indoor climbing at The Hangout. Outdoor climbing is available at various spots all around Portland.
Showers
Shower costs £1 for 3 minutes of hot water. We also have outdoor cold showers, which are free to use.
Nearest toilet to the canteen
To the left of the canteen, through the riding school gate, you’ll find a compost toilet. Please make sure you shut the gate so the horses stay safely in.
Parking by your tent
Yes, you can park near to your tent. Please park responsibly in front of your pitch, leaving enough space for your neighbours.
Camping gear shops
The nearest places for camping gear are Mountain Warehouse, Trespass and Halfords in Weymouth, around 6 miles from the campsite.
Drinking water
Yes, all our water stations provide drinking water.
How to book
You can book directly via our website.
Group bookings
For groups of more than 4 people, please make separate bookings. As we don’t have pitch numbers, you’ll still be able to camp together by choosing a suitable area on arrival.
Nearest supermarkets
There is a Co-op about a 5-minute drive (or 25-minute walk) away. A larger Tesco is around a 7-minute drive (or 35-minute walk).
Which field should I choose for my tent?
- Sunrise Patch & Sammy’s Paddock: Our most sheltered fields, great for tents.
- Sweet Hill Pasture: Closest to toilets and sinks.
- The Far Away Field: More exposed and a bit uneven, but with the best views.
- Mollie’s Meadow: Electric hook-up only.
- Sammy’s Paddock: Also has some electric hook-up pitches.