Meet the owners: South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park

Nestled in the heart of Dorset, this award-winning site features beautifully landscaped grounds and five-star amenity blocks. South Lytchett Manor has a variety of pitch types plus luxurious glamping options including unique stargazing yurts. From the site, there’s easy access to stunning beaches, picturesque countryside and local attractions.

We spoke to owners Jo and Dave Bridgen to find out more... 

How long have you been running your site? 
We took ownership of the park on 24 December 2006. This year we celebrate our nineteenth birthday under our ownership!  

Tell us a little about your site and how it first began
South Lytchett Manor was a camping site way back in the 1960s. Lady Lees, the owner of the manor, decided to set up the campsite on the impressive driveway to the manor to aid her Christian charities. She even sold teas at the front gates served in her own china tea sets and silver teapots!  

What did you do before becoming the owners of this site?
We retired from a family haulage business in 2004 and spent two years looking for a site, as we wanted to relocate from the Midlands.

What made you want to own and run a campsite?
Our love for camping and caravanning began as a family tradition, taking two small pop-up tents to France via the Poole to Cherbourg ferry. As the kids got older, we switched to a caravan, and now enjoy travelling across the UK in our motorhome when we get time off. Our passion for the outdoors and the joy of sharing those experiences with others motivated us to own and run a campsite.  

What do you like about being a campsite owner?
The best part of the job is the chance to connect with our guests and see them create wonderful memories together. We get to meet people from all different backgrounds, and nothing makes us happier than seeing their smiling faces enjoying our campsite and the beauty of Dorset.

What are the challenges?
Owning a campsite comes with its challenges, particularly due to the weather. We have diversified our offerings to attract guests throughout the year. We’ve invested in the glamping market, offering our new stargazing yurts, plus Romany caravans, shepherds’ huts, and pods, which provide an alternative to traditional camping.

What do you feel makes your site special?
We have guests who are still returning after 15-plus years, and it is lovely to remember these children in 2007 who are now grown up and are visiting us with their families. Returning guests love the fact we do not sit on our laurels; every year we reinvest.  

What do you love about the region your site is based in?
There are so many to choose from! Some of our favourites include Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, Bournemouth, the New Forest, the Purbeck Hills, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle, Swanage, Kingston Lacy house, and Wimborne.  

What do you like to do on a rare day off?
On a day off, we enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, cycling, or taking our dog, Molly, for a walk. We especially love visiting some of our favourite places like Wareham, RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks, and Hengistbury Head.