California Meadows

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California Meadows

California meadows includes 2 original shepherds huts and a campsite. also campsite in meadows on Jurassic coast. field hire for sole use also offered.

it caters for all sorts of visitors from romantic gettaways, walkers/ climbers to wedding venue for Family Groups, parties and larger Events, in Swanage, Dorset 2 original 100 year old shepherds huts next to cottage garden, seaviews and direct access to coast path. ideal for small romantic gettaways to large family events, parties, weddings and general goodtimes.

28/04/2026

It's that time of year...
After an excessively wet winter we were delayed getting essential works done to open the campsite and the shepherds huts.
The huts still need further work but the campsite will be opening on Friday 1st May for the early May Bank holiday.
I look forward to seeing some old faces this summer and hopefully some new ones.
The grass and daisies and buttercups are looking lovely as is the mass of wild garlic and the odd bluebell in the copse.
The small caravans are being got ready for later this month, as are the Shepherds huts ..poor old Billy Wix hut needs a new front door if we cannot repair the old one, mind you it is over 100 years old so can understand if repair isn't feasible. And Laughing Betsy had to have a new window made, waiting to be fitted now frames have dried out.
This year I am planning to have an archeological and geological themed weekend during 10-13th July, with hands on activities, speakers/guides, archaeologists, fossil identification, re enactors, metal dectorists, and entertainment.
Fees for a weekend camping or day tickets including activities and entertainment will be advertised shortly. Pitches will be limited but do contact me if you are interested in attending or participating.

I am happy to consider group bookings requiring a field for sole use. Just contact me, setting out your requirements, hopefully I can satisfy them.

16/10/2025

It's always a difficult decision as to when to close for the season.
Watching the weather forecast and trying to accommodate those still keen to camp and get out into nature, means I am never sure when that will be.
We have been lucky with the weather recently and today was beautiful in Swanage but we could see clouds and grey skies inland. However apparently it is due to change this weekend, so the decision has been made for me.
The other day whilst up on the field alone checking things out, there were some 50 swallows overhead, twisting and whizzing around grabbing a final meal before heading off. Today they have all gone. It's usually about the 16-19 Oct they go and always feel sad when they leave, as it is a clear sign Summer is over.
It was lovely and warm in the sun today but mornings and evenings are chilly and in a weeks time the clocks go back and it will be dark by 5.30pm
I thank for all my guests for visiting this year and I know many (if not most) will be back next year.
I look forward to it...but need a rest first!

08/10/2025

Because weather seems to be holding off and ground conditions are Ok, the campsite is open until next week (mon.13/tues.14th Oct).
The Grass has grown and although nights are chillier it's been pleasant and fire bowls are in each field for shared use so bring logs.
An amazing harvest moon last night, shone overhead, bright enough to read by, so bright a guest took pictures of his moon shadows.
So just text me on 07730680579 if you wish to stay over the next few days.

28/09/2025

A Lovely day up on the campsite and farm showing guests around and talking about the history and archaeology of the farm and the green energy, sustainability and conservation of wildlife and habitats of the fields. A total of 5 hours was spent walking, talking, plant and insect identification on what turned out to be beautiful sunny and warm weather.
Thanks to those that made the effort to visit.
Out of the day came offers of plant and insect surveys and help to start clearing the area we hope will be a new wildlife pond.
Hopefully starting next week weather permitting.
Free camping for anybody that wants to help.

27/09/2025

Sunday 28th 11am and 2pm I will be showing people the solar panels and renewable energy equipment up at the farm as part of the countywide Greener Homes event.
This will be the third year I have done these guided walks, to include the history and archaeology of the area, quarrying, and wildlife on the site.
Come along if interested. drive through Swanage Coastal Caravan Park (BH19 2RS) and follow road to the end. Camp entrance will be on the left.
Park in the campsite.
If weather permits, the tour will last about 1 hour. Visitors may leave cars parked and go for walks to the cliffs afterwards.

14/09/2025

I had intended to have an event next weekend at California campsite.
A weekend of activities and a programme of speakers and specialists involved in local archaeology and geology were hoping to be on site.
However threatened bad weather suggested we would have to cancel it.
The bad weather has arrived and as a consequence the marquee we had hoped to use (originally planned to remain up after a large group event this weekend) had to be dismantled this morning prior to the strong winds arriving this evening and currently rattling the cottage windows.
After months of dry weather and scorched ground, heavy rain overnight has compromised the site.
So I and those involved have decided to hold the event next year.
Some speakers and professionals were unable to attend next weekend, so hopefully will be able to attend at a later date.
It appears Autumn has arrived early.
Sorry to those that had hoped to stay or take part. I will sort a date, probably in July, to hold the event.

29/07/2025

Sometimes I wonder...
the campsite has always had a green ethos and I the owner belongs to a couple of local organisations (sustainable Swanage and Planet Purbeck,) and ask and direct guests to respect requests to reduce landfill by recycling as much as possible in the bins provided and not to buy more food than required, to reduce waste/expense to them and not attract our active wildlife (badgers, foxes, seagulls, crows and very clever ravens.

This is the rubbish just from one weekend from 2 groups having birthday parties.
Both parties left the fields spotless...thank you.
However
regarding the bins and recycling.
I wondered how they deal with rubbish and their bins at home. I doubt it is in a similar manner.

Underneath the piles of unsorted rubbish in the foreground are 4 lidded dustbins for non recyclable rubbish, half empty. And the black dustbins are for recycled rubbish. With additional empty bins and crates just out of view unused/empty.
I spent an hour sorting through rubbish and food waste ready for the collection today.

This issue is unfortunate and now a regular occurrence.

I have heard that some sites are now making guests take their rubbish home with them after their visit.
It may be something I will have to consider or raise fees to cover costs of removal and labour /time.
However what saddens me is knowing that this rubbish and waste has consequences far beyond the impacts on my campsite and workload.
Having recently attended an open meeting about what happens to our waste (in Purbeck ,,) and where it goes, it is something we should all be considering, even on holiday.

Please don't leave your green credentials at home when you go on holiday.
Someone/somewhere still has to deal with it.

Both groups were great and had a lovely time.
Here endeth today's rant

25/07/2025

Today's office..how lucky am I . Sitting in the shade doing admin with Amy my dog at my feet. Sun is hot but slight breeze thru the car is lovely.

All quiet outside.
The calm before the storm as it's the start of carnival week tomorrow with red arrows in the morning, music and fireworks in the evening and main procession (which usually takes about an hour and a half to pass watched by 1000's).
Campsite will be full tomorrow (,Saturday 26th) but still have pitches tonight (Friday 25th) and Sunday onwards.
Text me on mobile 08730680579 if pitch required.

20/07/2025

Seventh Wave cafe at Durlston Castle, a 25 minute walk along the coast from California Meadows has started their evening opening on Friday and Saturday evenings.
With a wonderful terrace with views to the Needles on the Isle of Wight it is a lovely place to have a evening dinner and glass of wine or draught or bottled ale/lager or Cider.
Alternatively a new communal fire bowl raised has been installed in the long field at the campsite.
Camper cyclist Paul was making the most of using it to grill his dinner this evening.

02/07/2025

So pleased to have hosted this sponsored walk by employees of Wates Ltd to raise money for the charity Papyrus, a national charity for the prevention of su***de in young people. a very worthy cause.

The walk on June 6th was a circular route of Purbeck and raised £830 which has been matched by Wates.

This was the second sponsored walk for Papyrus and assume a similar event will be held next year.

Address

California Cottage, Priests Way
Swanage
BH192RS

Telephone

+441929425049

Website

http://www.californiameadows.co.uk/

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