We've never been to Swanage, but we considered going this year, cos some of our friends are going, but we were already committed to Bromyard. Now I'm glad we are going to Bromyard, because the Hop Pole is open again and there are usually good sessions there.

So if you are weighing up where to go, I'd choose Bromyard. Of course it's further if you're coming from Somerset, but that's where we are coming from, so it's do-able. Not sure about accommodation, as we always stay at our favourite B&B, which we book the year before. I believe there is a campsite very close, and it's firm and dry they say too - not like some other years.