Peace and quiet awaits at FM Glamping, an exclusive spot with a single furnished bell tent for couples in a spacious three-acre site. This perfectly peaceful retreat is tucked away in the corner of a smallholding, with a wood-fired hot tub looking out across the valley towards the charming market town of Holsworthy. Though this is a quiet, rural getaway you’re still never too far from a beach in Devon – it's around 20 minutes to the popular seaside town of Bude.
FM Glamping is set up to be ideally suited for couples, with an adults-only policy that ensures just you and your partner will be sharing the space here. The bell tent is pitched among unmown grass, kept long to help the local wildlife flourish – admire the butterflies that also call this place home in the summer – and the amenities are as eco-friendly as possible, too.
The site’s off-grid – though your hosts welcome you to bring your own generator if need be – and it’s lit up on the evenings with solar-powered lighting that create an enchanting scene. Inside, the bell tent features a proper freestanding bed, along with table and chairs, and you can rustle up a meal in the camp kitchen. There’s a composting loo on-site for your private use, though there’s no shower. However, the wood-fired hot tub – elevated on its wooden patio for even more expansive views of the rolling countryside – will let you take a refreshing dip.
You're out in the sticks here, but hop in the car and your holiday in the countryside can swiftly become a trip to the seaside. Bude has a range of beaches to explore – one for every day of the week, in fact – from the sandy Summerleaze adjacent to the town, to the remote and picturesque Duckpool. Or if you fancy a day of shopping and sightseeing, head on over to Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall impressively towered over by the fortified ruins of its castle, with a variety of unique shops lining its winding streets.
The town of Bude is a 20-minute drive away, with several beautiful beaches lining its coast. Summerleaze is the obvious first choice, a five-minute walk from the town centre and flanked by a river with fishing boats. Here you can also visit the Bude Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal swimming pool that provides safe swimming in the sea, that has received a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award. Also a 20-minute drive away is Roadford Lake, a scenic spot between Launceston and Okehampton with a bunch of on-site activities to enjoy. Take to the water for a spot of kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, and unleash your adventurous side with climbing and archery.
The Molesworth Arms in Pyworthy is a 10-minute drive away, an intimate bar and restaurant with a charming, rustic interior set in a peaceful village. Much of the homemade food here uses vegetables and herbs sourced from its own garden, and the owners are well-known for providing visitors with a warm welcome. If you're heading to Bude, visit Sea Fever, a top-end seafood restaurant where you can enjoy a set menu for a very reasonable price. Regarded as a hidden gem in the seaside town, here you'll get fine locally-sourced food in a laidback and unpretentious setting. Make sure you book in advance (01288 352451).