Located in the rustic Purbeck Hills is a pastoral marvel of a campsite, once owned by Tom. Alas, you won’t find Tom here anymore, but he leaves the ruggedly beautiful stretches ofTom’s Field and its surroundings as his camping legacy, deep in the heart of Dorset. The site is idyllic both in size and appearance, comprising just over four acres of gently rolling soft grass bounded by old stone walling. It’s divided into a flat lower field and a slightly more undulating higher field, which is compensated for by the view. Look the right way and you’ll get long seaward panoramas across the sweeping Swanage Bay. Look even harder, on a cloudless day, and you might just catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight.

You won’t have a shortage of things to do here. Not only do you have the nearby pubs - which have become attractions in their own right — you’ve also got the Jurassic Coast and the coastal path on your doorstep. These massive stretches of lithic coasdine and rustic views juxtaposed with the cosy, grassy comfort that comes with field camping, really complete this beautifully Arcadian campsite.



COOL FACTOR A pastoral haven, complete with panoptic vistas and rugged landscapes.

WHO'S IN? Tents, motorhomes, dogs (on leads) - yes. Croups - by arrangement. Tents over 8 metres, caravans - no.

ON SITE Approx. 100 pitches; shower block with solar hot water system, token-operated showers, 2 family shower rooms, disabled facilities, laundry room, baby-changing area, washing-up areas, CDP, and hook-ups. Recycling. Onsite shop for daily essentials. No campfires. BBQs off the ground okay.

OFF SITE The National Trust's Corfe Castle (01929 481294; see www.nationaltrust.org.uk) shouldn't be missed.

FOOD AND DRINK Grab a great cream tea from the Corfe Castle National Trust tea room (01929 481332).
Order an unbelievably tasty BBQ hamper from the Purbeck Products (01929 439121). For pubs see opposite page.

GETTING THERE Take the A351 to Harman's Cross and turn right on to Haycrafts Lane; after a mile turn left on to the B3069 and then it's right, on to Tom's Field Road.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Wareham and one of the numerous local buses towards Swanage that stop at the site.

OPEN March-October.

THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 people and a car £ 10—£ 12 per night. Advance bookings only during school holidays.