Discover Burnbake, an enchanting woodland retreat set amidst dramatic coastlines, blue flag beaches, coves, ridges, and valleys on the doorstep of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coastline. A place where children can be children with an immense sense of freedom and good old-fashioned play, surrounded by diverse wildlife of all kinds, including deer, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, and all manner of birdlife. Hidden in the woods, you can savor starry nights from the privacy of your very own bubbling hot tub with a chilled drink in hand.
This is one of our cherished home-away-from-homes, reviewed in depth after countless visits, creating special memories every time.
Location
Burnbake’s location is ideal, nestled halfway between the historic Corfe Castle ruins and the pristine Studland beach. It serves as a perfect hub for exploring Dorset’s wonders and engaging in a range of local adventures like sailing, hiking, cycling, kayaking, coasteering, and so much more.
The Isle of Purbeck boasts charming villages, each with its unique charisma. Stroll along Studland’s white sandy shoreline, enjoy traditional Punch and Judy shows on Swanage Beach, or explore the Norman stronghold of Corfe Castle.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty teems with wildlife and flora and has been featured on the BBC’s Autumnwatch and Winterwatch with Chris Packham. For rare birds and animals, a visit to the RSPB nature reserve at Arne is a must.
A highlight for kids, aside from the sandy beaches, is the nostalgic Purbeck steam train just three miles away. The 12-mile Swanage Railway journey offers stunning Purbeck scenery and views of William the Conqueror’s Corfe Castle. Discover the area’s rich history, abundant wildlife, and its influence on famous authors like Enid Blyton and Thomas Hardy as the train carries you through Swanage and beyond.
Further nearby attractions include the Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, offering instructor-led rope courses, and the Dorset Water Park overlooking Corfe Castle, featuring two large lakes with various obstacles. A short drive away, you’ll also find Monkey World and the Tank Museum at Bovington.
Style & Character
Burnbake is part of the historic Rempstone Estate, situated on Dorset’s beautiful green Isle of Purbeck. The isle is not an actual island but a headland of nature reserves and verdant rolling hills. Here, you can enjoy a traditional rural getaway, beautifully blended with a bit of woodland chic courtesy of the architect-designed luxury wooden lodges that lie discreetly tucked away within its grounds.
Luxury Self-Catering Escapes Amidst Nature In Dorset
If I told you I had just spent the last week on a self-catering escape and ‘Glamping’ (Glamorous Camping’) in the pretty countryside and woodland of Dorset in England, you’d probably envision a damp canvas tent, Calor gas cooker, tinned food, and a shared shower block, but for anyone that knows me, they’d know I couldn’t survive a week like that!
Service & Facilities
Burnbake welcomes all, offering open fields for campers and luxurious lodges for those desiring a touch of indulgence. Facilities encompass an outdoor eatery, a convenient shop, a compact laundrette, a charming woodland play area for youngsters, and the option to rent fire pits and picnic benches. For an extra woodland delight, why not consider booking a spa treatment in the seclusion of your lodge? Beyond these amenities, the local area teems with captivating activities and experiences, ensuring you’re never short of things to do.
Lodges
In January 2023, Burnbake proudly earned the Gold Award in the Self-Catering Accommodation category at the Dorset Tourism Awards. The lodges themselves have also been nominated for design awards due to their bespoke architectural design, which showcases quite how special they are.
A £3.9 million GBP investment was made in the 22 bespoke luxury lodges, which offer a full range of luxury facilities, including private hot tubs, wood burners, cozy sofas, flatscreen TVs, and Wi-Fi. Beds are made ready to tumble into with robes and slippers in the master bedroom, and there are enough soft, fluffy towels for everyone.
The Forest Lodges are situated on the periphery of the established Burnbake tented campsite – a very traditional, relaxed family, orientated woodland campsite. The lodges are nestled away in a separate woodland nook, with their own outdoor areas, parking spaces, and views into the woodland beyond.
The two or three-bedroom lodges feature a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and one or two additional bedrooms plus a family bathroom, a spacious open-plan living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor deck, and a bubbling hot tub. Each lodge also has a fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, and fridge freezer, often with a tasty surprise awaiting guests on arrival.
The Executive Lodges are set aside from the others, offering further seclusion and picturesque views of the surrounding woodland and tranquil stream. Inside, these lodges boast a spacious ambiance, thanks to the generous open-plan living areas on the ground floor and a bright, airy staircase leading to the master suite above. They are lavishly appointed with premium furnishings, elevating your getaway to a new level of comfort. Additional luxuries include a Bang and Olufsen surround sound music player, a coffee machine, and an extra TV in the master suite. The patio doors open onto an expansive deck furnished with comfortable outdoor seating, perfect for alfresco dining and, of course, unwinding in your private hot tub.
Food & Drink
Whilst you can cook for yourself in your lodge, you can also dine under the twinkling fairy lights at Burnbake’s onsite eatery: ‘The Snack Shack’, serving traditional favorites and some seriously delicious pizzas. Burnbake also offers an excellent shop for essentials, including fresh bread, chilled wines, beers, souvenirs, toys, and more. Plus, the wonderful Burnbake team, headed up by Zoe, are always more than happy to arrange a private chef to cook you a seven-course dinner or organize an afternoon tea or for meals to be prepared and delivered right to your door, including all plates and cutlery – so no need to clean up after!
If you prefer to venture further afield, then you will find that the talented chefs, bakers, and farmers have well and truly put Dorset on the culinary map. Sumptuous picnics can be packed, and BBQs stacked with fresh local produce from urban farm shops, butchers, fishmongers, markets, and food festivals. Out and about, Dorset Apple Cake with cinnamon and a huge dollop of clotted cream is on the menu of almost every tearoom, right alongside the classic Dorset Cream Tea. Character pubs, beach bars, bistros, and fine restaurants serve tempting menus to suit all tastes. If you need some help deciding where to try first, drop into Reception, and the team will happily suggest a few favorites. Plus, all lodge guests receive 10% off at the local Greyhound Inn in Corfe Castle, serving delicious traditional dishes with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients.
Conclusion
If the idea of snuggling by a crackling wood-burning fire in a forest oasis appeals to you, this is the place for you. If the allure of countryside strolls, days on the beach, and exploring historic castles excites you, this is the place for you. And if reclining in your bubbling hot tub, sipping wine surrounded by nature after an alfresco BBQ feels like paradise, then Burnbake truly is the place for you!
Burnbake lodges are perfect for couples and families, offering luxurious accommodation in a secure, secluded, and idyllic rural setting.
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