Why we love glamping in Devon

Beaches are one of the things that make glamping in Devon so special. They run the full spectrum from sweeps of shining sand to narrow rocky coves reached by scrambles down vertigo-inducing trails. If you just want easy access to a big bit of sand for ball games and lounging, head for Woolacombe where there’s plenty of parking, good facilities and all sorts of watersport and gear hire options. At the north end of Woolacombe is Barricane Beach, a tiny cove that’s worth the walk for one thing – the Sri Lankan food from the beach café most evenings.

If you want a little more peace and quiet, then head for Wild Pear Beach just to the east of Combe Martin. It’s a tricky 2km or so over rough terrain before you hit the sand, but totally worth it. In the south, there’s a classic big beach at Budleigh, but also some great smaller finds, like Beer Beach and Soar Mill Cove. The former is the harbour for a lovely little fishing village where mackerel boats can take you out to catch dinner, while the latter is only accessible by foot or boat and is a great place for rockpooling and seal spotting.

You can’t really go wrong with picking hikes when you’re glamping in Devon. With the incredible coast path, Dartmoor and four AONBs (counting the eastern side of the Tamar valley), it’s a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from scenic strolls to thigh-busting multi-day routes. A particular team favourite for a little Devon hiking is the Hartland peninsula. A little more sparsely populated than some parts of the county, it offers great walks to iconic spots like Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall and the jutting lattice of Blackchurch Rock. We also love passing through Salcombe, crossing on the ferry and heading along the coast path to Prawle Point at Devon’s southernmost tip, then via the secluded Lannacombe Bay to Start Point for a wander round the impressive lighthouse.

Finally of course, there’s the majesty of Dartmoor. Not only is this wilderness of wild horses, meadows and streams one of the best places to hike in Devon, it’s also the only place in England where wild camping is legal. If you fancy roughing it for a night or two while you’re out glamping in Devon, there’s simply nothing like stomping through Dartmoor till you find a spot you like, then dropping down and slipping into a bivvy bag for the evening.

There’s never a bad time to go glamping in Devon, because something is always happening, whether you’re after laid-back entertainment, a hearty day sampling fine food and beer, or an incredible physical challenge. For the music lovers, there’s everything from folk nights in local pubs to the major events of family-friendly Chagstock in late July or the Dart Music Festival which takes place over a few lively May days in the town’s harbour. If you’re in the same area in late October you’ll find the Dartmouth Food Festival waiting to fatten you up, but if it’s beer you’re into, then head for Newton Abbot in September and work your way through over 100 local ales at Abbfest.

Beer barrels also feature in a curious local event, when they’re hoisted up and carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary on fire in November. If you like things that intense while you’re glamping in Devon, then why not test yourself on the Devon hills? Marathons, half marathons and ultra runs take place across the country and for the cyclists there’s the Moor 2 Sea Sportive, which has a choice of three routes of increasing difficulty, plus the newly-created Dartmoor Legend a 200-mile course with 18,000ft of climb that takes 20 hours to complete, if you finish at all.

Finding a great pub and sampling some of Devon’s phenomenal output of local produce (not just brewed but grown, reared, baked and churned) is one of the real joys of glamping in Devon. You’ll find everything from bright beach bars to old stone coaching inns, all well-stocked with superb local beer, fabulous food and warm hospitality. Here a few of our favourites to start you off. In Crediton, just west of Exeter, The Lamb Inn is a classic village pub that functions as town hall and central square, but welcomes visitors with fine food and beer, including a special dog menu.

Right over to the west in Appledore, near Westward Ho!, you find the other end of the Devon pub spectrum embodied in the sea views from the glass conservatory of the gorgeous but casual Royal George. If you’ve come glamping in Devon, the chances are you’re conscious of your environmental impact. If you want to eat responsibly, head for The Bull Inn in artsy Totnes. While many Devon pubs have impeccable sourcing, The Bull is the creation of Geetie Singh-Watson, who opened the world’s first ever organic pub and has transformed this old inn into a beautiful shrine to local, sustainable and delicious food.

What is glamping in Devon?

Glamping in Devon is staying in really special places that give you access to some of the best parts of the county and combine the adventure of camping with a good helping of style and luxury. You’ll find gorgeous treehouses with stunning views from the deck, secluded cabins with hot tubs under the stars and all manner of shepherd’s huts, wagons and other bizarre creations.

What is it like?

Glamping in Devon is a chance to reconnect with nature and take some time away from hectic modern life. Some places are totally off-grid, but most have all the creature comforts you need to completely unwind in the perfect balance of natural surroundings and easy living.

Why book with Canopy & Stars

We’ve been personally inspecting great places to go glamping in Devon for over ten years now. We visit so that we can get the full sense of the experience you’ll have and know exactly what we’re recommending. We look for places made with love and care, that’ll give you a truly meaningful experience, a holiday for the soul.

About Canopy & Stars

We're a Bristol-based team of people passionate about the outdoors, cool places to staying and of course, glamping in Devon. We’re employee-owned and part of a charitable trust, which demonstrates our deeply held commitment to working sustainably and ethically. We take huge pride in how we work, in our collection and in the incredible people who create the spaces we feature.