The Bingledon Bell Tent family getaway in Dorset

Follow the bumpy farm track under the lime trees humming with bees and get away from it all in rural Dorset. 27 acres of wildflower meadows surround a spacious six metre bell tent with kingsize bed and four metre bell tent next door with twin beds, ideal for children. With a piping hot woodland shower and kitchen beneath the trees, guests enjoy total privacy and the entire place to themselves, shared only with roe deer in the early morning and the barn owl swooping low at dusk. The space Set beneath the canopy of three huge beech trees, the secluded off-grid space offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and get away from it all. Immerse yourself in nature, light a fire and relax while watching the sun go down. Read a book in our hammock while listening to the wind rustling through the leaves and the meadow grasses swaying gently in the breeze. The Isle of Purbeck is just half an hour’s drive away; spend your days exploring the Jurassic Coast; swim in the crystal waters at Durdle Door; climb the steep hill at ruined Corfe Castle and hunt for ammonites at Kimmeridge Bay. In the morning, wake to green woodpeckers drumming in hollow trees and make your coffee on the gas stove in our rustic kitchen, hand built with tin and timber salvaged from the farm. SITUATION The Bingledon Bell Tent is set in 27 acres of wildflower, nestled amid beech, oak and sycamore trees. We have planted holm oaks, a giant redwood and a horse chestnut avenue just a little further down the hill. We are in the process of restoring the parkland so you’ll see fallen branches left on the ground to create a habitat for rare beetles and cover for ground-nesting birds such as English partridge. This rural spot has the convenience of being a five minute drive away from Blandford Forum, a pretty Georgian market town on the River Stour, with a bakery for breakfast pastries, a butcher’s shop for firepit ingredients and a M&S foodhall for the other goodies. If you fancy a night off cooking, it’s a twenty minute stroll along a farm track and through the village of Pimperne to the Anvil Inn, a thatched 17th century pub with locally brewed beers. THE BELL TENT The main bell tent is a spacious six metres and has a comfy kingsize bed, fully equipped with pillows, duvet, toasty blankets, cotton sheets and fluffy towels. There’s no electric lighting or sockets, just rechargeable battery lanterns and the glow from your woodburner which comes fully stocked with logs and kindling from trees grown on the farm. Next door - and included in the price of your stay - there is a four metre bell tent with twin beds, made up with bedding and linen including towels. The tent is cosy so perfect for children (although adults have happily slept in here too!). You’ll also find forgotten fun like dominoes, board games and cards to rekindle simple time spent together. EXTRA BEDS There is plenty of space for a travel cot in the main tent at no extra charge, but please bring your baby’s own bedding. At an additional cost of £25 per bed per night, you have the option to add one or two single mattresses on the floor in the six metre bell tent, allowing up to six guests in total. WOODLAND SHOWER Follow the wiggly path to the woodland shower and watch the beech leaves shimmering in the breeze while the birdsong echoes in the trees and the hot water rains down. Breathe in the peace and tranquillity and relax with Bramley shampoo and shower gel provided. FOOD We can supply breakfast or firepit ingredients from the Jurassic Coast Farm Shop and one of Georgie's homebaked cakes - be sure to order beforehand! Alternatively, head to Blandford Forum or one of our local farm shops and pick up some ingredients to cook on your fire pit or gas stove, or stroll to the village pub in Pimperne along a farm track. Other pubs are around a 15 minute drive by car or taxi and there are some good breakfast options in Blandford Forum and Wimborne. KITCHEN We have built a timber and tin woodland kitchen with materials salvaged from the farm. It’s well equipped with a gas stove, sink with running water, crockery and cooking utensils. There is even a small fridge powered by our solar panel. EXTRAS Well-behaved dogs are welcome at a charge of £20 per dog per night; please let us know if you would like to bring your pet.