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The High Nature Centre

97%

· Salcombe, Devon, England

5 acres hosted by High N.

5 glamping pitches · 3 motorhome/tent pitches · 2 tent pitches

High is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can

From its peerless vantage point atop a coastal plateau overlooking a particularly awe-inspiring stretch of the South Devon coast, a stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can. Formerly Wayfield Nurseries, this spectacularly-located five acre smallholding now plays host to one of the south-west's coolest eco-friendly glamping sites.

Run by ever-resourceful, ever-helpful hosts Cat and Tobdan, the centre's accommodation consists of five UK made coppiced yurts, extravagantly adorned with all manner of handmade textiles and furnishings. The camping field itself is within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Positively abuzz with bees and butterflies, entranced by the various colourful wild flowers, the field is divided into different circular pitches, each with a large standing stone in the middle. Lucky glampers will truly feel enclosed within their own private wildflower glade.

Rewilding and conservation is the order of the day at THNC, with visitors getting an education in the sustainable methods and permaculture philosophy. The centre's focal point is the collection of six poly-tunnels each housing a cornucopia of organically grown salads, herbs, fruits and vegetables. In keeping with the philosophy of green-inclusivity the centre's owners are keen to promote, the tunnels are kitted out with comfy sofas, solar showers and even a piano so you can tinkle the ivories while you sprinkle the ivy leaves.

Cat, Tobdan and their daughter Tanzen have big plans for The High Nature Centre having recently launched their field kitchen and alfresco dining events. In a nod to the area's ancient heritage, plans are in place for a Celtic roundhouse complete with green, living roof, naturally. An exhaustive programme of practical workshops is also currently being devised, with activities such as felt making, green wood-working and natural medicine classes (to name just a few) in the pipeline. Be sure to let Cat know if you have any area of particular interest when booking and she can do her utmost to accommodate.

So to sum up, an eco-friendly luxury campsite in a cliff-top wildflower meadow, with countless woodcraft courses, stunning views of the sea and all within striking distance of all that South Hams has to offer. A top notch option, however eco-aware you happen to be.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Coastal

Field

97%

16 Ratings · 9 reviews

Vanessa M.

August 10, 2024

11. Sunrise Grass Pitch

Rustic Charm

Pros: the location is incredible if you like coves and sea, plus estuaries and boats. There are at least four great beaches within a 30-40 minute walking distance along either single track roads or cliffside pathways. Our tent pitch was large and surrounded by natural hedges. These were high which gave protection from the wind, but there was no view. High Nature are doing everything they can to live sustainably and offer recycling stations and encourage you to be as green as possible. Everything is very relaxed. Cons: The facilities for the yurts are better than those for campers and it was not possible/offered to pay extra to upgrade (use of a kitchen and phone charging). The compost toilets are not great (I am a seasoned camper and I struggled with them). The showers and washing up station are basic. One shower would not turn off. The shower building was cute and hot water was plentiful. Access to the site is via single track Devon roads so not for the feint hearted and sea mists are a regular occurrence I believe . We had only two clear days in August out of seven. The pitch was very overgrown making it hard to play ball games in the evening. There were facilities for young kids to play (table tennis I think) but nothing for 14 and 18 YO . There were no charging facilities (with lack of sun for solar) was an issue, and the signal was 3g at best, which could be a bonus, depends on how contactable you need to be. Overall we had a good time.

Airlie S.recommends

August 18, 2023

9 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Great location for beaches etc

Lovely vibe in the campsite, great hot showers, great location for beaches and walks. The staff were helpful and the other campers were friendly and there was a natural sense of community due to the setup.

Lara G.recommends

August 6, 2023

10 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Beautiful campsite Lovely owners Amazing facilities Will be back !

Lee W.recommends

July 25, 2023

7 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

A little piece of heaven

I feel so blessed to have found this campsite. If you are looking for peace, quiet, connecting with nature, disconnecting from technology and going off grid this is the place to be. The hosts, Cat and Tobgan, were so welcoming and helpful, the shower and toilet facilities were regularly cleaned, the campsite is lovely and the ethos of High Nature Centre very appealing. There is no traffic noise and you can see the stars properly on a clear night. I stayed in a tent for 7 nights. The beaches are amazing and only a short walk away. I will definitely be back next year!!

Andrew G.recommends

June 25, 2023

Sunset Grass Pitch Front (tents only)

Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing campsite in a great location. Super friendly hosts.

Andy W.recommends

May 22, 2023

Sunset Grass Pitch Front (tents only)

Kids desperate to return

Spacious, calm, chilled, wildlife. Just how camping should be... not grass mown within an inch of its life.

Location

Salcombe, Devon, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by High N.

Joined in February 2013

From the host

Welcome to High Nature UK The High Nature Centre is an ‘Experimental Biotope’ for eco-tourism, ecological learning & regenerative culture. Located between the villages of East Prawle and East Portlemouth on the South Devon Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Centre welcomes around 300 people each year including families, couples, cyclists, walkers and international volunteers. High Nature was founded in 2009 by Permaculture Designer Catherine Middleditch. The Centre continues to be an ever-evolving ecologically and socially inclusive project focusing on eco-tourism, permaculture, organic food growing, well-being, nature connection, rewilding, and social outreach. We aim to attract people looking to experience a more harmonious way of living with Nature by providing and exploring positive solutions to the many problems we face in an increasingly fragile world. Our yurts are warm and cosy, beautifully hand-made, furnished and decorated to a high standard with unique textiles and furnishings. Our solid oak frame beds were built by local carpenter Don Rigby, and our wood burners are built by local blacksmith Martin Champion. We are located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 337 square kilometres of protected landscape, just a few minutes walk from some of the most spectacular sandy beaches and coastal walks in England. So whether you want to walk, cycle, surf or simply relax on the beach, we are perfectly situated to meet all these needs. Camping with us will also provide you with the opportunity to explore The High Nature Centre and discover and learn about organic food growing, permaculture, participate in a well-being activity or experience one of our alfresco dining events . We have plenty of undercover space for you to enjoy yourself, whatever the weather!

Nearby attractions

On your holiday you will have the opportunity to explore and discover a wide range of landscapes, activities, workshops, pubs and restaurants, both within the Centre and the local area. The site is ideally situated to explore South Hams and beyond via the South West Coast Path. A stone's throw from the centre lie the ancient remains of Celtic huts on Deckler's Cliff, dating from 300 BC. Nearby Prawle Point is Devon's southernmost extremity and well worth a visit for any twitchers hoping to spot the local sea-birds. The sub-tropical gardens and eccentric Edwardian charm of the National Trust run Overbecks is well worth a visit – not least for the spectacular panoramic views overlooking Salcombe Other great days out can be found at the South Devon Chilli Farm, The Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum, Sharpham House, Woodlands Family Themepark and Pennywell Farm.

Food and drink

The centre has recently launched it's field kitchen providing take away snacks, beach packs and lunch boxes, as well as Alfresco Dininig Event during the peak season. Some camp supplies are available at reception. The legendary Pigs Nose Inn (01548 511209) is just a mile away. This traditional smugglers pub hosts raucous live music nights and the adjacent Piglet Store & Cafe does an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. If you really want to push the boat out, the Gara Rock Hotel (0845 6029311) is just a 10 minute walk away and its restaurant has unparalleled views of the South Hams coastline. Other options include:

The Brai Guys - Food truck in East Portlemouth

Venus Cafe - at East Portlemouth Ferry Point

The Mill Brook in South Pool

The Cricket Inn in Beeson

The Tower Inn in Slapton

And then all the facilities in Salcombe a ferry ride away (good for lunch)

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