North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Woolcombe, North Devon
The good news is that this impressive and popular site for both caravaners and campers (caravans and tents are in separate fields) is very near to the lovely Rockham beach.
For a more expansive beach, the beautiful sandy Woolacombe is a 30-min walk away along the coast. Or you may prefer to simply amble through the lush green hills of the countryside. Either way, this is an ideal site for walkers of all degrees of enthusiasm and puff. This is real chocolate-box village territory so be prepared to blow your annual cream tea budget while you’re here.
Open: March 27 – October 3
Pitches per night: From £16low; £20mid; £28 high
Visit northmortefarm.co.uk; 01271 870381
Little Meadow Camp Site, Ilfracombe, North Devon
Set on a tiered site, with fabulous sea views over the Bristol Channel, this is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet away-from-it-all site.
Dog friendly (with a field for dogs to run off the leash), there’s a footpath taking you direct to Watermouth Castle, that very British blend of historic building, curios and kids’ attractions. From there you can go through the gardens on to explore Watermouth Bay.
Open: March 20 – September 4
Pitches per night: From £20 low; £29.50high
Visit littlemeadow.co.uk; 01271 866862
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Appledore Park, near Okehampton
On the fringes of Dartmoor, you could pretty much stick a pin through the eight-acre site and spin Devon around, it’s so centrally located. The local countryside and Okehampton itself are worth exploring but the joy of its location is that most attractions are not more than 45 minutes drive away in any direction.
There’s a carp fishing lake for anglers who don’t want to stray too far and, of course, the moors should prove irresistible to walkers – though do check the weather forecast and set out suitably equipped.
Be warned, get precise instructions from the site owners on how to get to the site. Apparently, sat-nav has a wrong mind of its own.
Open: All year round
Pitches per night: From £117 ultra-low; £21 low; £26 high
Visit appledorepark.co.uk; 01837 65976
Moor View, Modbury, South Devon
Good news for dogs – they’re welcome (so long as they aren't a nuisance to other guests). Bad news for children – they’re not (regardless of how much nuisance they may or may not be). This well-appointed adults-only site is perfect for those seeking sanctuary away from the family – and not just your own.
It’s ideal for visiting somewhat exotic attractions, as within a 20-minute-or-so minute drive you can explore (and buy the wines) Sharptons vineyard, enjoy the banana garden of the Overbeck National Trust property and meet the lions, tigers and bears at Dartmoor Zoological Park, which inspired the Matt Damon film We Bought a Zoo.
Beaches are 6-7 miles away and if the site isn’t quiet enough for you, then walkers will love Andrew’s Wood Nature Reserve, owned by the Devon Wildlife Trust, just half a mile away.
Wi-Fi is free.
Open: Year-round
Pitches per night: Prices vary from £26-£52 a night
Visit moorviewtouringpark.co.uk; 01548 821485
Dornafield, Newton Abbot, South Devon
This family run park set in 30 acres probably needs the room to accommodate its awards and accolades. It caters for both families and older-aged caravanners and campers looking both for comfort and convenience rather than ‘roughing it’ - the owner is in his eighties himself!
The 24-hour site has terrific facilities, is dog friendly, and is an excellent base from which to explore the joys of south Devon and the ‘English Riveria’.
Open: March 11 – November 7
Pitches per night: From £8 low; £12 mid; £15 high
Visit dornafield.com; 01803 812732
Please note that all prices and opening times are correct at time of writing. Always check beforehand.
Over 50? Saga Caravan Insurance can offer excellent benefits
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