How We Continue Escaping the Rat Race in a Motorhome
26th April 2024
Menu
I would describe the East Fleet Farm Touring Park as a picturesque site, nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast. Spanning over 50 acres of lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the Fleet Lagoon and the Chesil Beach, although the latter can only be viewed from the side not facing the sea. This is a family-friendly park that will provide a tranquil retreat for everyone seeking both relaxation and sightseeing.
With over 200 pitches available, visitors have ample choice for their preferred style of stay, whether it’s immersing themselves in nature under the stars in tents or enjoying the comforts of a motorhome of caravan.
Nature enthusiasts will find East Fleet Farm Touring Park to be a paradise, with its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. The area is renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs and diverse marine life, making it a haven for fossil hunting.
Ann and I searched for a couple of minutes on the lagoon shore and did not find any fossils. Next time perhaps we will spend more time on the search. There’s lots of wildlife to spot and birdwatchers can delight in the numerous species that inhabit the nearby lagoon and wetlands.
It’s also conveniently located near the charming town of Weymouth, where you can easily explore its sandy beaches, historic harbour, and vibrant seafront promenade. The town offers lots of eateries ranging from traditional fish and chips, pubs, or fab restaurants, to cut a long story short, there’s something to suit everyone. It’s a twenty minute brisk walk up the long hill to the main road where the bus stop is located, takes about twenty minutes into the town.
We visited a pub called The Black Dog, what an oasis of peace and quiet, no children under 18 allowed, no loud music, just a lovely atmosphere, lovely food and Timothy Taylors Landlord Special on draught, what more can you want?
The site itself is well laid out, with several areas of hardstanding for campervans, motorhomes and caravan rigs. The choice is for hardstanding and grass pitches. You can choose from fully serviced to just a pitch and prices reflect this choice.
I must admit that booking in high season is, well let’s just say astronomical, but off-season (we were there in September) was doable. Just head over to their website at:
https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/parks/dorset/east-fleet-farm/
Check out the prices and leave a comment on what you think. Like I said we had a great deal. I believe we paid £74 for three nights on a fully serviced pitch. Yes, this does seem a little extravagant but it was a great offer. The pitch was opposite the shower block, which initially seemed great however, much foot traffic to and fro to the block was a little much.
The approach is pretty straight forward for any length of vehicle from any direction. Watch video below of the approach.
The Fleet Lagoon is a picturesque and historically rich coastal lagoon located on the southern coast of England, nestled within the county of Dorset. This unique and ecologically significant area has a history dating back thousands of years, with a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human interaction that has shaped its character over the centuries.
Geologically, the Fleet Lagoon owes its existence to the last ice age, when glaciers carved out depressions in the landscape. As the ice melted and sea levels rose, the depressions became inundated with seawater, forming coastal lagoons like the Fleet. The lagoon stretches over 13 kilometers along the coast, making it the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom.
The Fleet Lagoon is a haven for wildlife, boasting a rich and diverse ecosystem. The shallow, brackish waters are teeming with marine life, including a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The mudflats provide an essential feeding ground for numerous wading birds, such as avocets, redshanks, and oystercatchers, during their migrations. The reed beds and salt marshes that fringe the lagoon are vital habitats for many species of plants and animals, making the area a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Throughout history, the Fleet Lagoon has played a significant role in the lives of the people who have settled in its vicinity. The lagoon has been used for fishing and as a source of salt for centuries. The extraction of salt was a particularly important industry, with evidence of salt production dating back to the Roman period. Salt was a precious commodity used for preserving food and was essential for trade and commerce.
In addition to its role in resource extraction, the Fleet Lagoon has also been the setting for several historic events. During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Parliamentarian forces used the lagoon as a shelter for their fleet, and it played a crucial role in protecting their naval assets. The lagoon’s natural geography made it a strategic location for such military operations.
In the 19th century, the development of the nearby town of Weymouth as a popular seaside resort brought a new wave of interest to the Fleet Lagoon. Tourists and holidaymakers were drawn to the area’s natural beauty, and the lagoon became a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating and birdwatching. The picturesque landscape inspired artists and writers, further contributing to the lagoon’s cultural significance.
The Fleet Lagoon’s history is not without its challenges. Human activity has, at times, put stress on its delicate ecosystem. Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction have all posed threats to the lagoon’s wildlife and natural balance. However, increased awareness of the importance of conservation and the implementation of protective measures have helped to mitigate these issues and ensure the continued preservation of this unique coastal environment.
Today, the Fleet Lagoon remains a place of both natural beauty and historical importance. It is a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and their environment, where the lagoon’s ecological richness and cultural significance continue to coexist. Visitors can explore its shores, observe its diverse wildlife, and appreciate the centuries of history that have shaped this remarkable coastal lagoon. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to protect and conserve this invaluable natural and historical treasure for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
