Forest Edge

Pitch where you like, park alongside, let the kids run free and enjoy the campfire. Forest Edge is an easy going, down-to-earth campsite where the simplest of pleasures make for a delightful place to camp. We’re talking plenty of space, clean facilities and super-friendly, approachable owners. There’s no razzle-dazzle here, just back-to-basics camping and glamping with campfires allowed in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Forest Edge occupies 26 acres of grassland that’s surrounded by trees. It’s a peaceful place but, considering the quiet, remarkably well connected. There’s a pub within walking distance, the riverside town of Ottery St Mary is just over two miles away and the site sits between Honiton and Sidmouth, which are four and six miles from here. In short, it’s a great base from which to explore East Devon as well as a pleasant place to hang out.

On arrival, you’ll meet Andy and Sarah, the couple who own and run the place. They’ve camped all their lives and know that it doesn’t take much to keep most of us campers happy. They hand you a list of sensible campsite rules (like quiet time from 10.30pm) and a handy black sack for your rubbish, then let you roam free to find your pitch. Glampers, who have a choice of a furnished or unfurnished bell tents, are sent towards the five-acre glamping meadow, while motorhomes and caravans are directed one way and tents in the other. But there are no designated pitches and no lining up of canvas and cars. You are free to choose your own pitch and take as much space as you want. Facilities are of a temporary nature but kept immaculately clean. Fires are allowed in off-ground fire pits which have to be hired on site.

You can walk into the woods or to the Hare and Hounds pub, less than a mile down the road and it’s an easy drive to pretty Ottery St Mary where the over-sized church is well worth a look. If you’re in the area around midsummer don’t miss Pixie Day, a charming local festival that centres around it. Days at the seaside are easy with Sidmouth just six miles away and nearby attractions include the Donkey Sanctuary and Crealy Theme Park.