Eweleaze is the Glastonbury Festival of UK campsites. Advance tickets sell out shortly after going on sale; resident cows are herded into other, temporary grassy accommodation; the production is super slick; and food and drink is available in abundance. The capacity is the largest in the UK, too; over a thousand people a day share this cliff top location. And like Glastonbury, its faithful fans return every year, won over by a curving Jurassic coastline that's cherry-topped with its own private, shingle beach.
A steep, dusty track dives down to the camping village below. In daylight, the sight of all the fields looks quite, quite special. At night, it's downright magical, lit up with campfires and twinkling fairy lights. Collect car passes at reception, stopping perhaps at the courtyard – home to a well-stocked shop, a popular bakery, solar-powered showers, puppies and roaming goats, geese, peacocks and pigs – before searching for a spot.
The Beach field is closest to the steps that lead to the beach and small pontoon (a big hit among the kids). The Track field is further from the sea and facilities, but you can keep your vehicle by your pitch. And the Point field is quieter, but disruptively windy at night. It can take a few seasons to master your own personal preference. And you will keep returning…
A 'no music policy', except on Saturdays, is the main difference between Eweleaze and Glastonbury. In fact, groups wishing to gas all night should head for the back fields where there is more privacy. The main demographic is young, urban families, who need sleep to be alert when their cherubs wake up in the morning. Regulars can be quite territorial about their summer bolt hole. Respect the rules and everyone has a good time.
