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Charmouth, Dorset

The Old Radar Station

The exterior of The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The exterior of The Old Radar Station, Dorset | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The sitting room at The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The kitchen at The Old Radar Station, Dorset

The Old Radar Station

Stay on England’s spectacular natural World Heritage Site, The Golden Cap, in this restored radar station.

Grid of 6 images
The sitting room at The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The kitchen at The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The exterior of The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The double bedroom at The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The bunk room at The Old Radar Station, Dorset
The outdoor seating at The Old Radar Station, Dorset

© National Trust / Mike Henton

Stay on England’s spectacular natural World Heritage Site, The Golden Cap, in this restored radar station.

At a glance

Guests
6
Bedrooms
2
Number of dogs welcome
2
Reference
GSW005
Acorn rating
1What's this

About The Old Radar Station

Starting life in 1961 as an MOD radar station, The Old Radar Station offers a remote hideaway for a group of six. Walkers, activity groups or large families alike will delight over its location, high on Stonebarrow Hill overlooking Lyme Bay and the Golden Cap.

You’ll be in perfect walking territory, with 25 miles of footpaths through the countryside and headlands of the Golden Cap right from your doorstep. From here you’ll be able to loop onto the South West Coast Path and hike further along the Dorset coastline. Or stay local and relax on Charmouth’s beach, which is only a 30 minute walk downhill. 

Features and facilities

  • Cot & high chair, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, not available
  • Television, not available
  • WiFi, available
  • Garden, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Telephone, not available
  • DVD, not available
  • Open fire / wood burner, not available
  • BBQ, available

Location

Accessibility

Loading/unloading at entrance. Parking 10m from door. Unclosed garden, shared with public. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Entrance hall, cloak room with WC, dining room with one large table and benches, sitting room, well equipped kitchen, one bedroom with a 4'6" double and a bunk room with two sets of two bunk beds, communal shower room with two showers and WC.

More information

Acorn rating: Please note, that while a 1 Acorn rating is shown on this site, facilities at The Old Radar Station are more limited.  

Heating: Night storage heaters with supplementary fan heaters in the bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom.

Bed linen and towels: Bed linen, duvets, pillows and towels are provided.

Parking: Parking is available for two cars outside of the perimeter fence to the front of the bunkhouse, 10 metres from the door. It is possible to unload/load immediately outside the bunkhouse entrance.

Garden: The garden has picnic tables and barbecue. Please note that when the adjoining shop is open during the day the public have access to the garden.  Whilst we accept dogs at this cottage, please note the garden is not enclosed.

Wifi: We are pleased to provide free WiFi at this cottage which is supported by BT. Please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur so it should not be relied upon.

Our volunteers run a visitor information hub from April to October where visitors can book out trampers to visit the area. The volunteer's mess room is located on the left hand side of the cottage. There is a small barista coffee trailer on Stonebarrow Hill within the Old Radar Station Compound. This is open seven days week April to September and weekends in October. Operating hours generally are 10.30am to 4.30pm but staff will be present 10am until 5pm.