Marwell Resort: A Campervan Family’s Adventure Base

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Owslebury, near Winchester in Hampshire, Marwell Resort sits within some 65 acres of South Downs countryside and right next to the ecologically rich Marwell Zoo.

It’s a destination that offers exciting on‑site activities, family friendly accommodation choices and superb local exploration options, exactly what made your camper‑van escape with two kids and your dog such a memorable trip.

Staying with Your Camper & Dog

Spacious, Grass‑Level Pitches & Good Camper Access

The resort’s touring pitches are well laid out: grassy, level, and sized for up to 8 × 10 m vehicles, with electrical hook‑ups included. You noted your camper fitted in comfortably amongst the large well‑maintained pitches. Dogs are welcomed, there’s a small nightly supplement (around £2.50), and up to five dogs per pitch.

“Accommodating despite us travelling with our new puppy … surrounding woodlands nice for doggy walks. Very dog‑friendly here.”

That matches our experience, easy walks just off‑site through shady woodland trails and open grass perfect for fetch sessions and family dog adventures.

Activities & Children’s Entertainment

Marwell Resort isn’t just a campsite, it’s an activity centre. On‑site there’s mini‑golf, soft play, a bistro bar, crazy golf, children’s play‑barn and evening entertainment, much of it free, though some parts (like soft play or golf) can be reserved for lodge guests at no extra charge, while campers pay a small fee. Our kids adored the play barn and evening shows and the mini‑golf provided plenty of laughs and bonding time.

Fishing, Archery & More

For a dash of adventure away from the screens, the resort offers archery, quad‑biking, clay pigeon shooting, fishing (including big carp up to 45 lb), boating and canoeing, age restrictions may apply, but there’s plenty to keep everyone busy. The lake setting is serene, particularly at dusk when local wildlife often emerges, wildlife spotting right by your camper!

Local Explorations: Marwell Zoo & Beyond

Marwell Zoological Park

Just a short walk from your pitch lies Marwell Zoo, occupying about 140 acres, home to 500+ animals in over 150 species, from big cats to penguins to lemurs. You’ll find themed areas like Into Africa, Roof of the World and Fur‑Feathers‑Scales. Kids are fascinated by lemurs, snow leopards, rhinos and penguin feeding times. Since the miniature zoo railway closed in 2022, tours and walking paths guide families without train transport, but you still get lots of close‑up encounters with the animals.

Surrounding Countryside & Winchester

Beyond the resort and zoo, we explored the surrounding South Downs, a walker’s paradise. A short drive brings you into historic Winchester to explore its cathedral, city walls and riverside walks. Day trips are easy to popular spots like Paulton’s Park, New Forest, Butser Ancient Farm, even the coast perfect for adding variety to our holiday routine.

On‑Site Dining & Facilities

Bistro & Bar Food Highlights

The resort’s Coopers Creek bistro bar serves meals daily, offering British‑style, seasonal dishes, with veggie and gluten‑free options. Reviews praise bar‑food quality, especially pizzas and cooked breakfasts. Some guests found children’s menus limited and prices high, but ingredients are fresh and made from scratch the adult dishes often get especially high marks for quality. The food nourishing after long days and your kids enjoyed simple pasta and garlic bread.

Amenities Overview

Facilities include clean toilets and showers (though some reviewers reported occasional lower water pressure or splashing taps), general free parking, a small shop, evening entertainment at the bar, free Wi‑Fi near reception (limited signal on grass pitches).

During the stay, the restroom blocks stayed tidy and well‑stocked. The on‑site shop provided basic camping provisions so you can grill and barbecue at your pitch.

Overall: We’d Go Back and So Should Others

Our stay at Marwell Resort did exactly what it should: it offered a brilliant blend of peace, adventure, and family‑friendly energy. You set off from Barking in the camper with two excited kids and your dog in tow and spent your days exploring woodland walks, sunny lakesides, kids’ entertainment zones and nearby zoo trails.

Meals were generally delicious and evenings gathered around campfires or resort entertainment reminded us of why camping with kids is both chaotic and wonderful.

If you’re looking for a getaway offering flexibility, fresh air, creature comfort and lots of activity (for both kids and adults—four‑legged included!) then Marwell Resort is an excellent base. A few minor hiccups like inconsistent water pressure or limited Wi‑Fi won’t detract from the overall experience: you came away with tired but happy children, a well‑exercised pup and memories of lakeside sunsets against the backdrop of zoo wildlife.