GROUP ACCOMMODATION IN THE ISLE OF PURBECK, DORSET
- Quick Links
- The Base
- Dormitory Accommodation
- Camping Accommodation
- Disabled Access
- Prices
- Arrival and Departure Times
- Booking Procedure
- Booking Terms and Conditions
- Directions From: Poole | Bournemouth | Wareham | See Map
- Self Catering - You Will Need...
- Testimonials
The Base
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.
Dormitory Accommodation
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 double bunk, 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. to schedule an appointment.
Camping Accommodation
There is space for up to 24 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 independently of, or in addition to the Dormitory Accommodation. Other than the dedicated toilets, shower and wash area, campers do not have access to the main building.
Motorhomes, caravans and trailer tents are not permitted on site.
You are welcome to make an appointment to view the camping facilities prior to booking. to schedule an appointment.
Disabled Access
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.
| 5 days | Mon to Fri | £970.00 |
| Weekend | Fri to Sun | £425.00 |
| Camping | Per Night Per Person | £2.50 |
| Arrival Time (not before) | Departure Time (not later than) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mon to Fri | 8.00am Monday | 2.00pm Friday |
| Weekend | 6.00pm Friday | 4.30pm Sunday |
Booking Procedure
Before sending your booking form and deposit, please telephone us on 01202 710701 or 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 £100. 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 web site.
Download Booking Terms & Conditions (.pdf)
Booking Terms & Conditions
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.- A Booking Fee of £100 (one hundred pounds) is payable and non-returnable.
- We expect all users of the Base to leave it clean and tidy with particular regard to the kitchen and showers. All equipment must be used with care and all cooking utensils including the cooker must be thoroughly cleaned before departure.
- Any breakages or damage must be reported.
- The Poole and Dorset Adventure Centre accepts no responsibility for loss or damage caused to or suffered by persons using the Base or to third parties. Groups must ensure that their own insurance arrangements are adequate.
- The only access to the Base is by the track road and students must not stray on to farm land at any time. All gates must be kept closed.
- We would ask that no students are allowed to go to the village (Worth Matravers) unsupervised.
- Dry-stone walls are a feature of the site and all users are requested not to climb over them.
- No camping on the lawns in front of the dry-stone walls is permitted.
- All parties will be responsible for providing and cooking their own food.
- No smoking inside the building.
- All external doors must be unlocked when the building is occupied.
- The Poole and Dorset Adventure Centre reserves the right to cancel any booking at any time, refunding any deposit paid, but that the Centre shall have no further or other liability to the user whatsoever in respect of such booking.
- Nothing in the above is outside what one is entitled to expect from reasonable users. A great many people have helped to make this Base a pleasant and comfortable place for your use and it is to the advantage of all that the facilities and equipment provided are used with care.
How To Find The David Donald Field Studies Base
From Poole, 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.
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From Bournemouth, 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.
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Self Catering - You Will Need...
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.You should also bring with you your own linen e.g. sheets, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and towels.
Testimonials
The following is a selection of comments from our recent visitors.
"We found the house to be really comfortable and would definitely like to stay again. We were especially impressed with the very well equipped kitchen. Looking forward to returning very soon." - Lindley Group; The Johnnie Walker Walkers (January 2008)
"Had a wonderful time - lovely big space for fun and games. Great wood burner." - Lindley Group (December 2007)
"Had an enjoyable time. Will be looking to book again." - Holyrood School (November 2007)
"Great weekend had by all once again." - Brensombe/Waitrose (October 2007)
"We had a really great stay there with some excellent local walks and good weather! The centre was ideal for the needs of our group." - Chess Valley Mini Rugby Club (October 2007)
"We had a lovely week. The centre is great and wll equipped." - Memorial Community Church (August 2007)
"Had a lovely time. Bonus, the carnival was on. On the whole the centre was great. Would certainly use it again. Ideal for age group 13 to 19." - Basingstoke Youth Service (July 2007)
"'David Donald was the perfect location for our trip and we intend to do a week in 2008 as a result." - Lubenham Youth Club (July 2007)
"This is a brilliant venue which we have booked again. We had a fabulous time with 14 teenagers and 13 adults. THANK YOU" - Glebe House (July 2007)
"We had a fantastic week. The centre is ideal and works really well. Thanks for the redecoration! We will be booking it for next year!" - Horris Hill School (June 2007)
"An exceptionally good location which served our purposes well." - Releasing Potential (May 2007)
"Loved the place. Great area. Very comfortable, warm and good facilities. Loved the resident owl!" - Arnica Group (May 2007)
"Thank you for a superb venue. We will DEFINITELY be back!" - Emmanuel Baptist Church (May 2007)
"Great place. It really worked for us. We hope to be back." - Oak Dragon Camp (May 2007)
"We have been happy with the Centre and have already booked twice more for this year and would recommend it. Staff very helpful." - Arnica Group (2006 and 2007)
Located at:
- The David Donald Field Studies Base
- Off Renscombe Road, Worth Matravers
- Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, BH19 3LL
- O/S Grid Reference SY967777 GB Grid
- Download our free brochure.
