Gorsehill 44

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Dorset over the years, but Gorsehill 44 at Rockley Park actually caught me off guard – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. When I first pulled up to Lytchett Minster (which, let’s be real, most people drive straight through without a second glance), I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like just another holiday park accommodation. But this place? It’s completely different from the usual static caravan setup you’d expect at Rockley Park.

The moment you step inside, you realize someone actually put thought into this space – I mean real thought, not just the standard “throw some nautical decorations around and call it coastal chic” approach. The design feels genuinely boutique without being pretentious about it, which is refreshing. What really got me was the attention to details that actually matter when you’re traveling: proper lighting for reading (thank god), decent water pressure in the shower, and – this might sound small but trust me – drawer space that makes sense. The bed was honestly one of the most comfortable I’ve had in any accommodation, star rating or not. You’re close enough to Poole Harbour that you can smell the salt air on clear days, but tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with the summer crowds that descend on the main waterfront areas.

Location-wise, it’s pretty brilliant actually. You’ve got easy access to the Sandbanks chain ferry if you want to hit the beaches (and avoid the nightmare parking situation in Bournemouth), plus you’re what, maybe fifteen minutes from Wareham if you fancy exploring the proper Dorset countryside. I loved that I could walk down to the water at Rockley Point without fighting for space – most visitors stick to the main Rockley Sands area, so you get these lovely quiet stretches, especially in the early morning. The whole Rockley Park setup means you’ve got facilities if you need them, but Gorsehill 44 feels like its own little world. Parking’s straightforward (no circling blocks looking for a spot like you get in Poole town center), and check-in was refreshingly simple – none of that corporate hotel rigmarole. I will say, if you’re expecting 24-hour room service or a concierge, this isn’t that kind of place. But if you want somewhere that feels special without the fuss, somewhere you can actually relax and feel like you’ve discovered something a bit different along this stretch of coast, then honestly, I can’t think of anywhere better. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to keep it secret, you know?