Rowlands Wait Touring Park

Rowlands Wait Touring Park is a family run touring and camping park set in eight and a half acres of Dorset countryside at Rye Hill, just outside Bere Regis. The park looks out over the Purbeck Hills and the village below, and sits roughly midway between Dorchester and Poole, which makes it a sensible base for Thomas Hardy country and the coast alike. Gates open directly onto woods and heathland, so walkers and cyclists can start a route without touching a road. Dorset Council licenses Rowlands Wait for 71 touring units and tents, and the pitching is properly varied: grass and hard standing, level to gently sloping, some open, some shaded, some secluded. There are 48 electric hook-up points, all at a minimum of 10 amps, and hook-ups only reach the top part of the park, so tent campers heading for the lower camping and rally fields should plan for no power. Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents and tents are all catered for. The amenity block covers hot showers included in the price, a laundry, a large covered washing up area and a covered games room with table tennis and a pool table. Reception doubles as a shop selling papers, milk, bread and gas exchange. Barbecues are fine if kept off the grass, open fires are not permitted. Seasonal touring and storage pitches run from 15 March to 31 October; ring the office on 01929 472727 for prices and availability.