For your dream holiday call 01308 426947 or book online
At West Dorset Leisure Holidays, we have accommodation and pitches available all year round, including Christmas and New Year! Winter is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing break, with Dorset at its most peaceful and tranquil. Enjoy the world-class coastline and beaches (practically to yourselves!), with walks along the coast path, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, delicious meals at award-winning restaurants & pubs and starry night skies.
There are plenty of things to see and do during the winter in Dorset – take a look at our 20 things to do in Dorset this winter blog.
Winter Breaks at Highlands End Holiday Park
Highlands End Holiday Park is in a spectacular location for winter breaks, with exhilarating clifftop walks, a leisure club with sauna and steam room (charges apply) and bar & restaurant with log burner.*
Winter breaks are available in 1, 2 or 3 bedroom lodges, 2 or 4 bedroom apartments and in 1 bedroom bungalows, as well as on hard-base or gravel pitches for motorhomes, touring caravans and campervans.
*Facility opening dates may vary, may not be available at all times in the winter and may be subject to Covid-19 closures. See more information about park facilities below.
Self Catering
We offer self-catering holidays throughout the winter, with arrival days of Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. Over Christmas and New Year, we have set arrival dates:
Wednesday 22nd December 2021 for 7 nights
Wednesday 29th December 2021 for 5 or 7 nights
Self-catering holidays over Christmas and New Year, can only be booked by calling 01308 426947. Other dates can be booked online.
Pitches
The hard-base and gravel pitches are available throughout the winter and can be booked online. Over Christmas and New Year, please note that the toilet & shower block will be closed on 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December 2021 and on 1st January 2022, so please only book to stay during this period if you have on-board facilities that you can use. There is a miniumum of 4 nights for stays during the Christmas & New Year period.
The motorhome service point, chemical disposal point, disabled toilet, dishwasher, washing up sinks, laundry room and iron & ironing board will be available throughout the entire winter, including Christmas and New Year.
Hard-Base Pitches – These have a concrete base, gravel area for awnings and a grass parking space and are suitable for touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans up to 7.5 metres (24.6 feet) in length. Each pitch has a water connection point, a 16 amp electric hook-up and a waste water drain and there will be 37 pitches available, some with partial countryside and coastal views towards West Bay and beyond.
Gravel Pitches – The gravel pitches have a gravel base, with a gravel area for awnings and a grass parking space and are suitable for touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans up to 10 metres (32.8 feet) in length.
These pitches have a 16 amp electric hook-up, tap points are available nearby and there are 28 gravel pitches available, some with partial sea views – please note the pitches on the very front facing south west towards the sea are not available during the winter.
Park Facilities
Toilet & Shower Facilities – Over Christmas and New Year, please note that the toilet & shower block will be closed on 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December 2021 and on 1st January 2022, so please only book to stay during this period if you have on-board facilities that you can use.
Highlands End Leisure Club – The swimming pool, sauna and steam room are open throughout most of the winter, excluding select dates over Christmas and New Year. Charges apply. Complimentary use is included with lodge and apartment bookings.
Park Reception & Spar – The Reception opening times will be limited between Christmas and New Year and Spar will be closed between these dates. A park warden will always be available on the emergency out-of-hours phone number. Gas bottle exchange will be available when the Park Reception is open (subject to availability).
Martin’s Bar & Restaurant & The Little Fire Station Soft Play – Martin’s Bar will be open and offering a Christmas Menu throughout December, though we will close for a few says over Christmas and New Year. There is a wide choice of pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways within a few miles of the Park that are open during the winter. We have compiled a list of these here. Please note these are subject to change and it is worth calling before visiting to check.
Pitch ‘n’ Putt – The Pitch ‘n’ Putt Course is closed from November 1st until February 28th.
Local Walks – our Park Nature Trail and WDLH ‘Three Peak’s Walk are open and available to enjoy.
*Facility opening dates may vary, may not be available at all times in the winter and may be subject to Covid-19 closures.
Winter Breaks at Golden Cap Holiday Park
Self-catering
Fancy a winter break in Seatown, surrounded by great walks, empty beaches and award-winning pubs? At Golden Cap Holiday Park we have 3 bedroom lodges available for winter breaks. These are located right at the entrance to the park, just 150 metres from Seatown Beach and the South West Coast Path. The sea view lodges have views straight out to Seatown Beach and Lyme Bay, while the Horseshoe Lodges enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and hills.
We offer self-catering holidays throughout the winter, with arrival days of Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. Over Christmas and New Year, we have set arrival dates:
Wednesday 22nd December 2021 for 7 nights
Wednesday 29th December 2021 for 3, 5 or 7 nights
Self-catering holidays over Christmas and New Year, can only be booked by calling 01308 426947. Other dates can be booked online.
Park Facilities
Park Reception & Spar – The Reception and Spar opening times will be limited between Christmas and New Year and Spar will be closed between these dates. A park warden will always be available on the emergency out-of-hours phone number. Gas bottle exchange will be available when the Park Shop is open (subject to availability).
Lake Frances – The fishing lake on the park will be available to use all year round, but payments must be made at the Park Reception.
Local Walks – our Park Nature Trail and WDLH ‘Three Peak’s Challenge are open and available to enjoy.
*Facility opening dates may vary, may not be available at all times in the winter and may be subject to Covid-19 closures.
Booking Information
- Prices are based upon 2 persons, 1 car and 1 unit / tent – extra adults, children and cars are chargeable
- Maximum of 1 unit per pitch
- Limit of 6 people per pitch
- Check in from 2pm
- Check out by 11am
- Touring bookings are for a minimum of 2 nights (please call 01308 426947 to enquire about 1 night bookings) and over the Christmas & New Year period, the minimum number of nights is 4.
- If it is less than 70 days until arrival, or the value of the booking is less than £100, the full amount is required upfront at the time of booking. Our Book Direct with Confidence Guarantee, covers you in a number of circumstances relating to Covid-19.
- Wifi is available and payable online, once on the Park.
- All advertised facilities and services, both on and off the Park, are subject to the Government regulations at the time of your visit.
- Routine maintenance will be taking place across the Park over the winter period, but no major projects or disruptions are planned.
- Please note that bonfires and fire pits are not permitted anywhere on the park. BBQs must be raised off of the grass using bricks provided
- Gazebos are permitted or not permitted at the park’s discretion and in relation to forecasted weather conditions.
Please note we do not allocate pitches – pitches are chosen upon arrival
Book Online
Read on to find out our 10 top reasons to enjoy a winter break in Dorset…
Exhilarating coastal walks
The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast is dramatic and impressive on a warm summer’s day, so just imagine it during winter storms! Wrap up warm and enjoy winter walks along the spectacular South West Coast Path and watch the power of the waves as they crash on the shoreline.
Starry night skies
The night skies in Dorset are some of the best in the country. In the winter, the air is colder and drier with longer nights, which means more uninterrupted viewing hours.
Grab a blanket, a coat and a hot drink and view the night sky from the comfort of your holiday home decking or a nearby beach. A meteor shower can be an incredible spectacle. Find out more about stargazing.
The golden hour
Sunrises and sunsets are even more spectacular in the winter, plus the sunrises are later in the morning and the sunsets are earlier in the evening. Head to river valleys or the nearby Marshwood Vale to see magical displays of frost and fog on cold winter mornings.
For striking sunsets, clifftops such as Golden Cap, West Bay and Portland Bill are some of our favourite locations.
Fossil Hunting
Winter is the perfect opportunity for fossil hunting and where better to try it than on the beaches in Dorset, which are some of the best anywhere in the world! The Jurassic Coast boats incredible fossil-rich cliffs.
Visit the beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis, where winter storms wash fossils right onto the beach! Make yourself aware of the tide times and follow the fossil hunting code to be safe on the coastline.
Crisp winter days
There’s nothing better than a cold, clear winter day to explore the coast and countryside, recharge the batteries and blow away the cobwebs.
This is the perfect time to get your camera out and keep an eye out for the wildlife, such as robins, deer, herons and owls.
Avoid the crowds
With some of the best unspoiled countryside and iconic coastal landmarks in the UK, Dorset is becoming an increasingly popular destination for holidaymakers and day trippers.
The main advantage of winter of course, is that you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the space and solitude of these beautiful places at your own pace.
Attractions and events
Dorset has some great places to visit including stately homes and gardens, museums, National Trust locations, family-friendly attractions and award-winning places to eat. Many of these places are open year-round and there are many events during the winter months.
Visit the illuminations at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, Halloween events at Corfe Castle, fireworks at bonfire night celebrations and christmas markets. Take advantage of great money-saving discounts and offers.
It's a dog's playground
Winter is the perfect time for a break with your dog. Many of the beaches in Dorset are dog friendly, with most restrictions lifted from October to March – see which beaches are dog friendly. Nothing could be better than an energising walk along the beach with your pooch excitedly chasing the waves and there is a great choice of dog friendly eateries to enjoy a meal or a warm drink afterwards.
We have dog friendly accommodation available all year round!
Christmas and New Year
Dorset is an enchanting place to be in the run up to Christmas. See Santa at the Swanage Railway, watch a Christmas pantomime, try your hand at ice skating, visit the numerous craft and gift fairs and get into the festive spirit with light switch ons and late night shopping events.
New Year is also a great time to be in Dorset and make memories with friendly and family. Where could be better for a bracing New Year’s Day walk than on the Dorset coastline!
Find out more about winter touring here – information about self-catering holidays can be found at the bottom of that page
Snow place like Dorset!
If you’re very lucky, you may get to see the Dorset coastline covered in a blanket of snow! While this is a rare experience, further inland on hilltops and in the north of the county, this is a more likely event.
Visit some of the highest hills in Dorset, all close to our parks, such as Eggardon, Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon for your best chance of snow and some great places for sledging!
Download our Holiday Brochure
Download our latest Holiday Brochure, with everything you need to know about our parks, accommodation, facilities and holidays in Dorset!
Why choose us?
Stunning locations
Each of our Parks have unique features and different locations, so you are bound to find your perfect holiday
Quality accommodation
We have a great range of accommodation from luxury lodges and pitches for motorhomes to safari tents and caravans
Great facilities
Each Park has a range of facilities, whether you want to be at the heart of the action or somewhere peaceful and quiet
Family Run, Family Friendly
Owned by the Cox Family, West Dorset Leisure Holidays have been providing memorable family holidays for 50 years!
Best Rated
Each of the parks are highly rated by our guests and have achieved various awards including Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence
Jurassic Coast
Explore the incredible and unique UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, ranking it alongside the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef