Holsome Park Camping

It seems strange to say that Holsome Park Camping is a place for night owls. With its prime location 10 miles from the coast, the endless footpaths directly from its boundary, and the family-friendly vibe of the whole place, you’d expect us to call it a site for sunny days. True as this may be, though, the wealth of attractions on the doorstep mean it’s easy to spend very little daytime here at all!

The reason, however, we so love this place at night, is the seclusion of it all. Perched on the perfectly flat top of a gentle hill, in the heart of the Devon countryside, Holsome Park Camping is a spectacular spot for that late evening light. As the August sun comes to the end of each day, it sits like an orange orb in the open space opposite the site ­– Dartmoor National Park, an endless stretch of green that rolls into the distance and bathes in a warming glow as the sun sets. The odd evening barbecue sends a white wisp of smoke across the sky, birds taking roost twitter the occasional sound into the night, but otherwise the campsite is quiet and serene. In short, it’s peaceful, rural bliss.

When morning comes there’s still plenty to sing and dance about. The campsite, with space for around 30 unmarked pitches, is a tents-only base with a wonderfully sociable feel and a simple, leave-you-to-it ethos. Owners Louise and Graham are friendly and on hand, but their house, on the opposite side of the tiny country lane, means they can to and fro helpfully from the site without being ever-present or overbearing. Facilities are simple but effective – a block with toilets, showers and wash basins – while a few electrical hook-ups are provided for those in need of this added ‘luxury’.

Off site, though the aforementioned footpaths make for excellent walking, most things around here are best reached by car. Head south and the coastline twists and curves around you, with the endless sands of Slapton on the eastern side and the craggy headlands of Hope and Thurleston to the west. The Kingsbridge Estuary sits in the middle like a watery centrepiece, clustered with picturesque villages along its banks. For something different, National Trust owned Saltram House is a Georgian era mansion edging Plymouth. It’s a fantastic spot en route to the city, which together make for the perfect rainy day cover if the weather decides to spoil your fun!