If you're after a cosy break with a few home comforts thrown in, the Glamping Pods at Rockley Park near Poole in Dorset might just hit the spot. Tucked away in the Purbeck View area of the park, these pods feel like a cross between a snug caravan and a compact holiday home. They're designed to sleep up to six people, making them a handy option for both couples and families. The location is quiet, but still just a short walk from all the main facilities—ideal if you want a bit of peace but still want to be close to the action.
I stayed in a Rockley Park Glamping Pod during a four-night stay in May with a family of four. Here's how I got on...
How we found the Glamping Pod
Our first impression as we pulled into the Purbeck View area was that access is a little tight—especially if you’re driving a large car. The Glamping Pods are quite closely spaced, and only one vehicle can fit along the road at a time. Luckily, it was quiet when we arrived, so we didn’t have to navigate around other cars.
Each pod has its own designated parking space right next to it, which is really convenient. That said, the spaces are very snug. We had to be especially careful manoeuvring our large car into position.
Once inside, the pod felt bright, modern and welcoming. The living/kitchen area was surprisingly roomy, with a large corner sofa, TV, and an electric faux log burner adding a cosy touch.
The kitchen, while compact, was impressively well-equipped. It had a gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, microwave, and a sink, plus a good amount of cupboard space. A hidden pull-out chopping board disguised as a drawer was a clever and useful feature, especially given the limited worktop area.
There was plenty of cutlery, crockery, and utensils provided—no need to bring your own. However, you will need to pack the basics like oven gloves, tea towels, washing-up liquid, sponges and cloths.
The pods claim to sleep up to six people, using two mattresses on the mezzanine floor, a dining table that converts into a double bed, and space for two more on the sofas. We visited as a family of four (two adults and two young children), and honestly, any more people would have felt cramped. For couples or families with up to three children, it works well—but six adults would struggle with the lack of space.
The sleeping arrangements
The mezzanine level has two mattresses on wooden slats and is only really suitable for children—the ceiling is low, so adults can’t stand up, and the steep ladder wouldn’t be ideal for older guests or very young children. Our kids (aged 5 and 9) managed fine, but I’d have worried if they were any younger, especially about them climbing down during the night. A child safety guard at the top of the ladder would be a welcome addition for peace of mind.
The dining table converted into a double bed with minimal effort, and there were clear instructions and photos on the wall to help. We were surprised by how comfy it was. Our only gripe was that the fitted sheet provided was too short, leaving our feet on bare mattress.
As for the sofa bed—we couldn’t actually figure out how to convert it. There were no instructions, so we assumed someone would have to sleep on it as-is, using their own bedding. One of the sofas was fairly short, so realistically, this spot would only suit a small adult or child.
Cleanliness of the Glamping Pod
Overall, the pod appeared clean at first glance. However, on closer inspection, it could have done with a deeper clean. The TV remote was dusty, and there was visible dirt under the mezzanine mattresses. I also spotted a build-up of dust on top of the cupboards. A more thorough clean between guests would have made a difference.
The bathroom facilities
The bathroom was a pleasant surprise—well-sized, with a powerful shower that heated up quickly. It felt compact without being cramped, and there were several hooks, which were perfect for drying wet swimwear and towels.
There’s also a small balcony area with plastic chairs and a table, which is handy for drying clothes in good weather. However, there were only four seats provided—so if you’re travelling with six people, you might want to bring extra chairs to sit outside comfortably.
Rockley Park is a Haven holiday site packed with family-friendly facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fish and chip shop, restaurant, bar and live lounge, arcade, and a variety of sports and activity zones.
Haven activities
There’s a good selection of children’s activities on offer, though it’s worth noting that only a few are free—namely pool sessions, tennis court access, and the live entertainment. The pool and tennis bookings fill up fast, so I’d recommend reserving your slots as soon as you're able to avoid disappointment.
We booked our children onto several activities during our stay, with mixed results. They loved the pool—especially the flume and slide. However, the flume area could use some attention: the stairway up to it was absolutely freezing and looked a little run-down, with peeling paint. That said, the slide itself was a hit: gentle enough for younger children, but still lots of fun.
One of the standouts was the Spy Detectives paid activity, which both kids really enjoyed. It was an interactive show where they had to work together to crack a safe code using clues from their spy kits. Each child received mirrored sunglasses, a badge, a stick-on moustache, and plenty of fun activities to complete. I’d highly recommend this for children aged 4 to 10.
We also had a great time playing mini golf as a family. The nine-hole course was the perfect length for younger kids, and there were child-sized clubs available too.
Another favourite was the Teddy Bear Making session. After choosing and stuffing their bears, the girls placed a coloured heart inside and decorated a Haven T-shirt for their new cuddly friend. The teddies came everywhere with us for the rest of the holiday!
Pottery Painting was also a fun, hands-on activity, although we were a little disappointed with the final result. A couple of the paints were mislabelled, so the colours came out differently after firing than we’d expected. A bit of a shame, but still an enjoyable session.
The girls also tried Aqua Jets and Aqua Paddlers in the pool and absolutely loved both. My 9-year-old said the aqua jets made her feel like a mermaid—which says it all!
The only activities we felt were not great value for money were the Sand Bottle Making and Pebble Painting. These cost £6–£8 each, and the kids were more or less left to it without any real guidance or input from staff. The materials were fine, but it felt like something we could have easily done at home for far less. A little more engagement or creativity from the staff would have made a big difference.
Evening entertainment
Overall, we really enjoyed the evening entertainment at Rockley Park. The early shows aimed at preschoolers were a little young for our girls, but ideal for younger children. Later in the evening, there was a good variety of acts including comedians, singers, and magicians—just be aware that audience participation is definitely encouraged!
One of the highlights for our girls was the Dance to the Beat shows, where they got to follow along with the dance moves and compete to be crowned the best dancer. It was energetic, fun, and a great way to burn off some end-of-day excitement.
The beach at Rockley Park
At the far end of the caravan park, you’ll find access to a small beach. While it’s not really the kind of spot for sunbathing or swimming, it’s popular for water sports. There’s also a café and a small children’s play area nearby, so it’s worth a quick visit—but you’re unlikely to spend much time there with little ones.
Our overall thoughts
We had a really enjoyable week at Rockley Park. As mentioned, the glamping pod is compact, and I wouldn’t recommend it for more than four people. It’s definitely a step up from traditional camping—with proper beds, a bathroom, and a kitchen area—but space is tight, and it could have been a little cleaner.
The children’s activities at Haven are a real highlight, though it's worth being selective—some felt a bit basic for the price. Be sure to book the free activities (like swimming and tennis) as early as possible, as they get snapped up quickly.
While some areas of the park could do with a bit of a refresh, overall it’s a well-equipped, clean, and friendly site. I was pleasantly surprised by how peaceful it was in the evenings too.
As a base for exploring Dorset, Rockley Park is ideal—close to Sandbanks Beach, Poole Harbour, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. There’s so much to see nearby if you fancy venturing beyond the park.
All in all, our girls had an absolute blast—and even shed a few tears on the way home because they didn’t want to leave.
Claire Tapley is a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 16 years' experience writing for women over 50. In her previous role she was deputy editor on Yours magazine for nine years, before moving over to Yours.co.uk
She is also a keen crafter and lover of all things homemade. She also enjoys time outdoors in the great British countryside- having launched LandScape Magazine in 2012.