For a magical holiday in the heart of Devon
Lydford Gorge
The deepest gorge in the South West, with a spectacular 30m waterfall, this is an amazing place to visit at any time of the year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees provide a stunning show each and every day.
Dippers and wagtails can be seen flying low over the river, while woodland birds can be spotted darting about in the trees. Bluebells and wild garlic provide a heady scent and patchwork quilt of green, white and blue in May. Throughout the spring and summer, other wildflowers add to the array of colours from pink purslane to the yellows of primroses and buttercups. The trees provide a spectrum of colour from the bright greens of the spring to the rich reds, oranges and yellows of autumn.
Meldon Reservoir
Meldon sits well in the distinctive and dramatic Dartmoor countryside and provides an ideal starting point for moorland walks. Near Okehampton, it lies at nearly 900 ft above sea level. The banks are steep sided, but access is possible around part of the lake perimeter. However, there are plenty of walks on the moor overlooking the water.
By crossing the dam (which was completed in 1972), you can enjoy views of the water spanning the West Okement Valley. Meldon Viaduct can be seen on the north western edge of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is a landscape of stunning views, awe-inspiring granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, and rugged, wide open spaces.
Covering an area of 368 square miles and containing the highest land in Southern England (High Willhays at 2037 ft), this breathtaking area has drawn people to it for millennia.
Bude
Bude is our nearest beach, about half an hour away. It is situated in the top right corner of Cornwall, right next to the Devon border. It is quite a remote spot and sits on its own stretch of wild and rugged coast backed by miles and miles of countryside. For this reason it is largely self-contained, yet has not become too big, or too commercial.
There are miles of fantastic beaches here stretching from Widemouth Bay in the south to Duckpool and the Devon border in the north. All are a mix of rugged rocky cliffs, Atlantic waves and expanses of golden sand,
This is a great family beach, although the waves can be a little frisky and currents unpredictable. But fear not for Summerleaze is home to the Bude Sea Pool which offers safe swimming whatever the conditions.
Dingles Fair Ground
Dingles is perfect for a family day out, especially on those rainy days.It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays. The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view our Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location.
Milford, Lifton PL16 0AT
The Museum of Dartmoor Life
The museum tells the story of people on Dartmoor from prehistoric settlement to 20th-century mining and hill farming.
Extending over three floors, the fascinating collection and interactive displays bring to life 'the people's story' for visitors of all ages. Highlights include a reconstructed Bronze Age hut, Victorian kitchen, blacksmith's shop and farming exhibits.
3 West St, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1HQ tel: 01837 52295
Roadford Lake
With over 730 acres of water, Roadford Lake is a spectacular lake set on the edge of Dartmoor between Okehampton and Launceston. There is a cafe open daily 10am-5pm.
You can enjoy miles of footpaths and a cycleway which winds its way through a maturing planted forest overlooking the Lake. Or you can take a rowing boat to explore the scenery from a different perspective. Many activities are on offer including trout angling, sailing, windsurfing, rowing and kayaking.
Okehampton Castle
The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin.
There is a riverside picnic area and beautiful woodland walks nearby. It's also a great place for bird lovers with regular visiting species, and in spring and early summer you can enjoy a variety of seasonal wild flowers, which adorn the meadow, woodland and motte.
Castle Drogo
Castle drogo is situated high above the Teign Gorge. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for self-made millionaire Julius Drewe. It looks ancient, but this remarkable building was only constructed 100 years ago, the last castle ever built in England.
Outside the castle, stroll around the formal gardens or explore the Teign Valley with its ancient gorge, teeming with wildlife.
Or recharge at the café with a traditional Devon cream tea or tuck into a slice of cake.
Drewsteignton EX6 6PB
Tel 01647433306
Wild Swimming
There are lots of stunning places for wild swimmimg on Dartmoor. This place is just 20 minutes away from the campsite. We have a book on wild swimming in Devon and Cornwall in our shower block with some amazing secret locations!