Choose between a shepherd’s hut overlooking a pond and one of two modern domes in a meadow. Those are the glamping options on offer at Nettle and Dock, a rather lovely site in the Devonshire countryside. Each is self contained, well designed, and stylish and located just a few miles from Dartmoor. But there are some big differences too. The shepherd’s hut, for example, is the glampiest of the three, with a solid roof, an electricity supply, a log burner and, even, an outdoor bath. Meanwhile, over in the hay meadow, the domes are closer to camping. Pitched in a field with huge windows to the stars they are further immersed in the outdoors and have access to a woodland hot tub. As tough decisions go, it’s rather a nice one to contemplate.
All three are set up for couples but one of the domes, Fern, can accommodate up to two children too – and both of the domes are dog friendly. These modern, lozenge-shaped tents are light, airy and large enough for an en-suite shower room, living space and separate bedroom. The shepherd’s hut has a more traditional feel and is cosier into the bargain. As you might expect, it is a single living space. It has a kitchenette, an ingenious bed that tucks away and an en-suite shower room too. Outside there’s a camp kitchen and a fire-warmed bath tub too, all looking over a pond.
There are little pathways around the site’s woodland, fields and ponds where you might spot grazing deer. But one of the real pleasures of this place is that it’s just a few miles from Dartmoor National Park where wilder space for walking is not in short supply. Head to Fingle Bridge to explore a wooded riverside gorge or to Belstone to walk on the open moor. Nettle and Dock is just a 10-minute drive from the A30 and, as such, it’s well positioned if you’re touring the west and want a few days in the national park – but it’s also good for adventures further afield. Its position in mid-Devon means both the north and south coasts are within reach – as well as everything in between.