About Us
A family-run glamping site in the heart of Cranborne Chase.
Our story
From farm to campsite
Chalke Valley Camping first opened its gates in the summer of 2015, born from a simple idea: to share a special corner of our farm with others who appreciate the beauty of the countryside.
The Coward family has farmed in the Cranborne Chase for four generations. When Hector returned from university, he and his mother Fiona saw an opportunity to put a quiet corner of the farm to good use. They started with just two bell tents, a fire pit, and a warm welcome.
Our first bell tent, 2015. We've been through about 60 since.
The early days
How we started
The initial concept was straightforward: a trial glamping setup for the summer season. From the beginning, we were never interested in pristine lawns or manicured hedgerows. It had to feel natural, part of the landscape rather than imposed on it. The wildflowers, the long grass, the uneven ground - that was the whole point.
Early guests responded with real warmth, and it quickly became clear that the site had something special. Weekend bookings filled up fast. Repeat visitors started returning year after year, and word-of-mouth referrals brought a steady stream of new guests. What started as an experiment became a much-loved part of the farm.
Today
The site today
Today the site has four bell tents, each sleeping up to four guests in real beds with proper furnishings, and two safari tents that offer additional space, private facilities, a veranda, and gas heating for cooler evenings.
The site is deliberately maintained as small-scale, off-grid, and low-impact. There are no floodlights or tarmac paths. The fields are managed for wildlife, and the dark skies above remain unpolluted by light. It is a place to slow down.
Pip
Nutmeg
Notable residents
Pip & Nutmeg
No visit to Chalke Valley Camping is complete without meeting Pip and Nutmeg, our two Jack Russell terriers and unofficial welcoming committee. They are usually the first to greet new arrivals and the last to say goodbye. They have been known to join guests around the campfire in the evening, always hoping for a spare marshmallow.
In the press
A few kind words
We have been fortunate to be included in The Sunday Times' top campsites in the UK , and featured in Timeout's guide to the best campsites near London .
Questions?
Get in touch and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.