Here is our review of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park. As with all our reviews here, and what we want to achieve on this site, we only review the campsites we have stayed at, so you know you are getting an honest opinion from honest campers. This is a review based on our experiences, totally independent and not sponsored or influenced by the campsite in any way.
If you are reading this during the 2020 COVID lockdown, and waiting for campsites to open, then this post may help you when understanding what to expect.
We have also stayed at other Dorset campsites. Pebble Bank, for example, if you are looking for something closer to Weymouth. Or Durdle Door Campsite may be for you.
Video Review of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park
Address
Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park,
Ulwell Road,
Swanage
BH19 3DG
Open Dates & Costs
Open from March to January
Touring Prices start from £15 for off season
Highlights
Indoor Heated Pool, Outdoor Play Area, Shop (seasonal), Restaurant & Bar, Showers & Toilets, Launderette
Snapshot Review of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park
This is now one of our favourite holiday parks, especially offseason. It has everything you could want when camping.
More than adequate size pitches. Bar, Restaurant, swimming pool. Decent showers. And set in the stunning Swanage countryside.
There are a couple of gripes, so carry on to read our review of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park to find out more!
Location – 8 / 10
Customer Service – 9 / 10
Showers / Toilets – 8 / 10
Cleanliness – 9 / 10
Facilities – 10 / 10
Location of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park
Situated about 1.5 miles from Swanage Beach, Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park sits at the foot of the Purbeck Hills.
Secluded and peaceful, make the most of being surrounded by the inspiring Jurassic Coast.
There is also the option of the city of Bournemouth which is less than an hour by car.
Very easy to drive to Swanage and the beach, but can also be walked in half an hour or so.
Customer Service and Staff
No complaints here.
The staff we spoke to across the whole park were helpful, accommodating and cheerful.
Particularly in the bar / restaurant, the Village Inn.
The young guy collecting our empties and clearing our plates was jovial beyond necessary. Made us smile and gave us hope for the future!
Showers and Toilets
Our Review of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park continues with the Showers and Toilets.
Clean and warm. It had the nice spacious cubicle with an area for hanging clothes that don’t get splashed from the shower.
They had the rain showerheads, which are not my favourite, but more than adequate. The button you press to get the water…oh my. Why oh why does everywhere (most campsites anyway) give you only 10 seconds of water before you have to press it again.
I get it, the water conservation etc. but at least give us 30 seconds, hell even 20 seconds would make it 2 or 3 times more enjoyable.
Anyway, a minor gripe. Can’t complain.
General Cleanliness
Good. Zero complaints. The place was clean and tidy. The washing up area was clean. Early on the Sunday morning, there was a cleaner doing his cleaning thing in the shower block.
The pool was clean, as were the other areas of the park. We were out of season, but hopefully, the standards are the same when the park is busy
Facilities
A huge plus. The pitches were a good size. There were some that were fenced off if you wanted that feeling of enclosure.
The Swimming Pool – A little dated, but more than good enough for an hour of splashing fun. Max loved the slide, obviously.
Bar – Warm. Inviting. Good food. Friendly staff and modern. Cold deserts on display. Couldn’t ask for more.
Laundry – Washers and dryers, along with iron and ironing board. £1 for 40 minutes got our towels and swim stuff dry
Washing Up – Not being inside was the only complaint. Particularly for a virtually all year round site. Water came through quickly and hot, and it had a plug which isn’t always the case!
Play Area – This is pretty impressive for any Caravan or Campsite. An area the size of a couple of football pitches. Slides, climbing frame, mini zip wire, goal posts, plenty of room for everyone to spread out and have fun. With a pretty impressive backdrop too!
Conclusion
We wouldn’t hesitate in coming back here. But…..here comes the big hairy butt….it is over £50 to stay in the peak summer months.
£50!!
£50 to park your camper van / motorhome / caravan. It may seem steeper than the Purbeck Hills that overlook you, but it has loads to offer and if you are comfortable in your camper van / motorhome / caravan then you couldn’t ask for more!
All in all, a great site, in a great location, with great facilities. We will be back for sure!! But perhaps not in July or August!
Other posts you may like
Great views from our pitch 
Neat and Tidy Reception 
Set in an enviable location
