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Camping sites near the New Forest named among best in the country

Camping sites near the New Forest named among best in the country

Yahoo4 days ago
TWO camping sites within touching distance of the New Forest have been crowned among the best in the country.
Hill Cottage Farm and Back of Beyond have been named in Campsite.co.uk's 150 Outstanding Sites for 2025.
One might be from Hampshire, the other Dorset, but what crosses county lines is the quality they share.
(Image: campsites.co.uk) According to Campsites.co.uk, "Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park offers the perfect base, just five minutes from the New Forest National Park.
"Pitch up and enjoy the 5-star experience with access to a play park for the little ones, spacious pitches and a shepherd's hut for those who want the fun of camping with a little more comfort.
"There is also an onsite Thai takeaway (Wednesday - Saturday) for a tasty treat."
On its website, Hill Cottage Farm said it is "family owned" and resides on 40 acres of Dorset countryside.
It said: "During the summer months, we are perfect for a family holiday with a play area to keep young children entertained.
"We look forward to welcoming you for your 2025 summer holiday or weekend break."
Visitors seem to agree with the owners, with the site attracting a near-five-star rating, and 98 per cent of them would recommend it.
One reviewer said: "Absolutely nothing negative to say about this site. All staff were lovely and [the] pitches and facilities [were] so clean.
"Will be returning as soon as we are able."
(Image: Campsites.co.uk) Campsites.co.uk said: "Back of Beyond is adult only, set on 30 acres of countryside, offering large, fully serviced pitches, glamping and more near the edge of the New Forest.
"You'll be just a stone's throw from the South Coast and at the gateway to spectacular Dorset. Rated 5 Pennant Platinum by the AA, the park is a haven for wildlife.
"There's extensive woodland onsite, where dogs can roam free, plus wildlife lakes and a river."
Writing on its website, Back of Beyond takes pride in offering its campers "simple pleasures."
It said: "Let the rustic, natural charm of Back of Beyond provide a tranquil base for your break or holiday.
It continued: "You can while away an evening watching the flames in your very own fire pit. There's also pitch-and-putt and boules onsite.
"Whatever you choose to do, we look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful park just for adults very soon."
Reviews for the campsite are near perfect, four-point-seven stars out of five, and 95 per cent of visitors said they would recommend it.
One reviewer said: "Beautiful location, the name suits the park. Fantastic facilities, lovely and friendly staff.
"Will definitely recommend this place to anyone who wishes peace and quiet, but also with friendly faces."
To find out more about the campsites in this list and other campsites listed by campsites.co.uk in its 150 Outstanding Sites for 2025, go to https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/outstanding-sites
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