The David Donald Field Studies Base, Worth Matravers, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
(off Renscombe Road, Worth Matravers, near Swanage, Dorset BH19 3LL)
The David Donald Field Studies Base, run by Poole and Dorset Adventure Centre, is actually a converted RAF radar station, first erected in May 1940. It has been extensively renovated with full central heating and double glazing.
As you enter the base from Renscombe Road, a long unmade driveway leads you through the surrounding fields into the main compound. The base comprises the main building, a paved games area and car park, space for camping, a picnic point and a designated barbeque/campfire area.
The internal sleeping accommodation is divided into two main dormitories, one accommodating 9 people, the other 11. Each have their own showers and toilets. A further bedroom, with it's own wash basin, accommodates 2 more in a bunk bed, while the final room, often used as a leader's room, sleeps 2 more, and comprises of a 2 single beds, desk, chair and en suite shower, wash basin and toilet.
The bedrooms are linked by wide spacious corridors, leading to a drying room, a large well equipped kitchen and a spacious community room.
The kitchen is extensively equipped and includes a range cooker, microwave, fridge, deep freeze, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.
You do have to bring your own food though!
The community room has tables and chairs, enough to easily seat 24 people for dining or studies. There is additional, comfortable seating, in the lounge area which is warmed in the colder months by a log burning heater.
The community room is complimented with a music system and payphone.
You are welcome to make an appointment to view the accommodation prior to booking. Email us to schedule an appointment.
There is space available for up to 10 tents in the camping area, which has it's own toilet, shower, wash basin, water supply, drying area and night/security light.
Camping may be booked in addition to the Dormitory Accommodation, with a maximum number of people using the site (dormitories and camping) of 30 people.
Motorhomes, caravans and trailer tents are not permitted on site.
In addition to providing a place to eat and sleep the Base can also offer a separate learning/events room, fully equipped with internet connection, projection screen, tables and chairs. Being located separate from the main building (linked by a very short pathway) this provides the ideal location to carry out field studies and educational activities.
The Base can also offer various sports equipment for use by users, including table tennis, football, basketball, badminton and volleyball (but we would ask that these are not removed from the Base).
A ramp provides wheelchair access to the main building.
Inside the main building, one of the toilets has had handrails and supports added for the use of disabled patrons.
We would point out that the driveway leading from the road to the base is unmade and may prove difficult for wheelchair users without the use of a car.
as from 1 January 2009
Centre Per Night £300.00 (£12.50 pppn based on parties of 24)
Camping Per Person Per Night £5.00
Bed Linen Per Set Per Stay £5.00
Arrival Time (not before) Departure Time (not later than)
Mon to Fri 4.30pm Friday 12.30pm Friday
Weekend 4.30pm Friday 4.00pm Sunday
Before sending your booking form and deposit, please telephone us on 01202 710701 or Email us to establish availability. We also recommend that you take the time to read our Booking Terms & Conditions. Please note that our office is staffed on a part time basis. We may not get back to you immediately, but we WILL get back to you.
Once we have accepted your provisional booking, simply download the booking form by clicking on one of the links on this page, and post it to us with your deposit of £200. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to "Poole & Dorset Adventure Centre".
You may download the Booking Form and the Booking Terms & Conditions using the links below. You will need Adobe Reader to read and print both documents. You may well already have this installed on your system. If not it can be downloaded for free from the Adobe website.
In order to maintain a high standard of provision for all users, certain conditions must be accepted by all user organisations. Booking of the Base implies acceptance of these Conditions.
In addition, to protect the users of the Base there are additional guidelines available, a copy of which can be downloaded by clicking here (and which is available at the Base), that we would ask all users to be aware of.
Should any trip organisers require a copy of our health and safety guidelines these are available from our office.
off Renscombe Road, Worth Matravers, near Swanage, Dorset BH19 3LL
Take the A350 (Holes Bay Road) out of Poole to join the the A35 (Old Wareham Road - dual carriageway), travelling West towards the Bakers Arms Roundabout. At the end of the dual carriageway, turn left onto the A350, signposted for Sandford and Wareham. Stay on this road until you reach Wareham.
From Wareham, take the A351 (Wareham bypass) signposted for Corfe Castle and Swanage. Stay on the A531 travelling through Stoborough, Norden and Corfe Castle. As you leave Corfe Castle turn right onto the B3069 signposted for Kingston. Stay on the B3069 through Kingston, bearing left, signposted for Worth Matravers. Shortly after leaving Kingston turn right onto a road signposted for Worth Matravers.
Drive through the village, bearing right around the duck pond onto Pikes Lane. Drive up the hill and leave Worth Matravers on Weston Road, passing a large farm (Renscombe Farm) on your left. At this point the road bends sharply to the right and then to the left onto Renscombe Road. Follow Renscombe Road for approximately 200 metres and the driveway for The David Donald Field Studies Base is on your right.
View Larger Map or click and drag to adjust the view of this one.
Get on the A338 spur road (Wessex Way) travelling West, signposted for Westbourne and Poole. Stay on the A338 until you get to the end, landmarked by Liverpool Victoria Insurance in the middle of a large roundabout (locally known as Frizzell Roundabout/County Gates). From this roundabout, take the second exit onto The Avenue.
After approximately 1.25 miles, you will reach the coastline and the road will bear sharply right onto Pinecliff Road. Drive up the hill, and continue to follow the road as it turns into Western Road through Canford Cliffs Village. At the end of Western Road is a small roundabout. Turn left onto Haven Road, drive down the hill and continue along Haven Road until it ends with a T-junction with Shore Road. Turn left onto Shore Road.
Follow Shore Road as it turns into Banks Road around the bay. You will join a one-way system. Follow this and you will shortly be able to turn left onto Ferry Way, which will lead you down to the toll ferry. Take the ferry across the bay and disembark onto the B3369 (Ferry Road). Follow the B3369 into Studland, where it will turn into the B3351 (Swanage Road and later New Road). Continue to follow the B3351 for approximatley 5 miles, when you will reach a T-junction with the A351 (East Street), just North of Corfe Castle.
Turn left onto the A351 and drive through Corfe Castle. As you leave Corfe Castle turn right onto the B3069 signposted for Kingston. Stay on the B3069 through Kingston, bearing left, signposted for Worth Matravers. Shortly after leaving Kingston turn right onto a road signposted for Worth Matravers.
Drive through the village, bearing right around the duck pond onto Pikes Lane. Drive up the hill and leave Worth Matravers on Weston Road, passing a large farm (Renscombe Farm) on your left. At this point the road bends sharply to the right and then to the left onto Renscombe Road. Follow Renscombe Road for approximately 200 metres and the driveway for The David Donald Field Studies Base is on your right.
View Larger Map or click and drag to adjust the view of this one.
Please note that all accommodation is booked on a self catering basis. As such, you will need to bring your own provisions for food, drink and sundries. Details of nearby shops and suppliers can be found in our Local Area pages.
Bed linen can be hired from the Centre, with sets consisting of a freshly laundered pillow, duvet and sheet. You will need to bring towels with you.
