Date visited: Summer 2019
Location: The Inside Park, Fairmile Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9AD
Website: The Inside Park
🚐 Our Stay at The Inside Park Campsite
Back in 2019, one of our first camping mountain bike adventures took us to The Inside Park, a peaceful campsite surrounded by 14 acres of ancient parkland, just a short drive from Blandford Forum in Dorset.
We chose this spot mainly because of the 5.5 mile mountain bike trail, which promised a fun and active weekend. The woodland setting immediately gave the place a calm and natural vibe, making it an excellent destination for a countryside break.
🏕️ Campsite Atmosphere and Pitch Layout
Although the setting impressed us, the pitch layout felt a little cramped. The site uses a marker post to centre each pitch, but unfortunately, this made the boundaries unclear. Our neighbours, who looked like they were staying longer, spread into our space slightly. Since we had booked last-minute for a quick weekend getaway, we probably ended up on one of the smaller pitches.
As a result, we didn’t feel we had enough privacy. The pitches sat quite close together, and that reduced the relaxed feeling we had hoped for.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Amenities
On the positive side, The Inside Park offers a solid range of facilities:
- Clean toilets and hot showers
- On-site shop for essentials
- Large children’s play area
- Pets welcome
- Wi-Fi zone near the main facilities
Because we visited at the start of August, the play area brought a bit of extra noise. However, we had expected a livelier atmosphere due to the school holidays, and families seemed to enjoy the space.
🚴♂️ Mountain Biking at The Inside Park
The 5.5 mile Mountain Bike loop turned out to be the highlight of the trip. It took us through a mix of woodland trails and open countryside. The route offered just enough challenge to keep things interesting, especially for intermediate riders.
In fact, The Inside Park also hosts a regular mountain bike event, organised by Off Camber Cycles, local bike shop based in Blandford Forum. This event draws riders from across the region and showcases just how well-suited the area is for off-road cycling.
If you’re planning a visit, check with Off Camber Cycles for dates and details—it’s a great way to make your weekend even more exciting.
Check out our route on Komoot, or the Strava segment. Directions are also available from reception.
📍 Getting There – Navigation Tips
One key thing to remember: don’t rely solely on the postcode (DT11 9AD) if you’re using a sat nav. Instead, search for “Fairmile Road” and follow the brown tourist signs from the Badger Roundabout, next to Tesco in Blandford Forum. This route made finding the site much easier.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a woodland campsite in Dorset that combines bike trails, family facilities, and a natural setting, The Inside Park ticks a lot of boxes. Families with children will appreciate the space and amenities. However, if you value extra privacy or plan to visit during peak season, try to book early and request a larger pitch.
Comments