'The Living Van'

Enjoy a unique stay a stones throw from our tranquil National Nature Reserve at Kingcombe run by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Open April-Sept This renovated Living Van is set in it's own private garden, overlooking our apple orchard and Visitor Centre grounds. Inside is simple but cosy, with a double bed, small wood burner and additional electric heaters and lamps. You have access to your own private shower and use of the public loo just a short walk away. Not suitable for children under 5 years. The space This cosy Living Van is the perfect base for guests to explore the local area and National Nature Reserves of Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common, owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust. The renovated space is equipped with a double bed and small wood burner plus a small electric heater and rustic electric lamps. There is a small private outside space with a bench with log seating. The Van overlooks our apple orchard and gardens which are filled with wildlife all year round. You have access to your own private shower and use of the public loo just a short walk away from the Van. You are welcome to bring one dog with you. Dogs can be let off the lead within the private garden as long as the gates are securely closed. Dogs MUST be on the lead at all times whilst on the Nature Reserves and within the Visitor Centre grounds. Requests for pitching one tent (max 3x3m) can be made by contacting us and an additional charge of £10 per night will apply. Not suitable for children under 5 years. No BBQs permitted on site. There are no cooking facilities in the van itself but a kettle, kitchenware and cool boxes are provided. No camp fires are allowed at this time due to the very high risk of fire due to extremely dry grass and vegetation. Thank you for your understanding. The Kitchen @ Kingcombe (our independent café partner) is located next to the Kingcombe Visitor Centre and delivers quality home made food in a relaxed environment. The Kitchen supports local businesses and suppliers, sourcing many ingredients from Dorset and the surrounding area. Opening hours are currently Wednesday - Friday 10.30am - 3pm and weekends between 10am - 3.30pm, so we recommend that guests make their own arrangements in the local area outside these hours. Guest access The Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve is renowned for its beautiful wild flower meadows which have a fantastic display of flowers/Orchids and butterflies in Spring and Summer. You will be surrounded by 450 acres of reserve untouched by chemical and intensive farm management. We use traditional farming and conservation grazing methods to ensure that nature and wildlife thrive in this unspoiled sanctuary in West Dorset. All funds received by our guests directly contributes to our ongoing nature conservation and protection work across the county of Dorset. Guest will have access to the Living Van, located in a small private space within the Kingcombe Visitor Centre grounds. The space is enclosed by two small gates through which guests will have access to the KVC grounds, nearby facilities and nature reserves free of charge. Please note that we do permit dogs but that as we are a nature reserve they MUST be kept on a lead at all times. The Kingcombe Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week between 10am - 4pm, March - November. Other things to note The Living Van is located in the grounds of the Kingcombe Visitor Centre where we receive both day and residential visitors. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week between 10am - 4pm, March - November and as such may hold events and activities, especially during the summer months. The Kitchen @ Kingcombe is open 5 days a week, Wed - Fri 10.30am - 3pm and Sat/Sun 10am - 3.30pm . As the Kitchen Cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, guests will need to make alternative arrangements in the nearby area on these days. If you would like to use the wood burner please request logs at point of booking. We will provide firelighters and matches, as well as a small basket of logs/ kindling. Please buy additional wood from the local fuel station. using wood from the nature reserves is strictly forbidden.