Campsites in Devon

Two coastlines

Devon is a fantastic seaside camping destination with two coastlines, each offering a very different experience. On the north coast, dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and rugged landscapes await, while the south coast is home to sheltered estuaries, harbours, and the famous English Riviera.

North Coast

The north is all about wild beauty and expansive beaches. Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Croyde, and Westward Ho! are long, sandy stretches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and family days out. Surfers flock here for Atlantic waves, while walkers enjoy cliff-top paths with sea views. Further along, the fishing village of Clovelly is famous for its steep cobbled streets. Ilfracombe is another highlight, with a buzzing harbour, Victorian architecture, and the dramatic Tunnels Beaches, a unique network of hand-carved rock pools and pathways for swimming and exploring. The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are set in the Valley of the Rocks, where waterfalls meet rugged cliffs, and you can even ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world.

South Coast

The south coast is gentler, with calm waters, scenic harbours, and family-friendly beaches. Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham form the English Riviera, a hotspot for holidays, with promenades, Victorian piers, and golden sands. Babbacombe is a quiet coastal village near Torquay, famous for its cliffside gardens and coastal walks. Dawlish offers a traditional seaside feel with its scenic promenade and nearby Dawlish Warren beach. Teignmouth provides a lively seafront with a sandy beach and fun pier, while Budleigh Salterton and Branscombe offer quieter stretches of coastline with pebble beaches, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast. The fishing village of Beer is tucked beneath towering cliffs, with shingle beaches. Further west, the estuary towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth are ideal for sailing, boating, or riverside strolls, with cafés, boutique shops, and views over the water. Bigbury-on-Sea features a wide sandy beach with views of Burgh Island, perfect for family days or long walks along the sand. Slapton Sands is a 3-mile shingle beach backed by freshwater lagoons, perfect for quiet walks and birdwatching. Other beautiful beaches include Blackpool Sands, a sheltered cove with turquoise waters, and Exmouth and Sidmouth, offering charming coastal walks and fossil-hunting spots.

South Devon also forms part of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting from Orcombe Point near Exmouth, this 95-mile stretch of coastline reveals 185 million years of history. The cliffs at Exmouth, Sidmouth, and Seaton showcase ancient fossils and geological formations, perfect for spotting prehistoric treasures.

The South West Coast Path is a great way to explore the region, offering routes from rugged cliffs and fossil-filled beaches in the north to sunlit harbours and calm waters in the south, with plenty of breathtaking viewpoints along the way.

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Devon isn’t just about its beaches – the moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor offer dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and adventure away from the coast. Both are perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring the great outdoors.

Dartmoor is a rugged, granite landscape full of 160 named tors, river valleys, and ancient woodland. Haytor and Hound Tor are two well-known rocky hills, and it was the moor’s mysterious atmosphere that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. The highest point on Dartmoor, and in southern England, is High Willhays at 621 metres, offering wide views across the moor. Around 90% of Dartmoor is still used for farming, with sheep and cattle on the hills, and the famous Dartmoor ponies roam freely. The moor is also home to Dartmoor Prison, a historic site with a long and fascinating history. Another highlight is Lydford Gorge, the deepest gorge in the South West, where you can follow trails past waterfalls and steep woodland. Dartmoor is dotted with villages such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor, known as the “Cathedral of the Moors,” with its large church and traditional pubs.

Exmoor, in the north, combines moorland, woodland, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The Exmoor Coast features cliff-top walks with views of the Bristol Channel, which has the highest and lowest tides in Europe. The highest point here is Dunkery Beacon at 519 metres, with clear views across Devon, Somerset, and on a good day as far as Wales. Inland, valleys and streams are ideal for shorter walks and spotting wildlife, including red deer. The pink sandstone cliffs of Countisbury and Porlock Bay are also highlights, and quiet lanes and scenic routes make Exmoor popular for cycling and exploring small villages.

Cities, towns and villages

Exeter is the county’s main city, with its stunning cathedral right in the centre. The old quayside is great for a riverside walk, with cafés and little shops to explore. On the coast, Plymouth is full of history. The Barbican has cobbled streets and old pubs, while the Hoe with Smeaton's Tower lighthouse looking out over Plymouth Sound, a natural harbour rich in marine life. Also be sure not to miss the National Marine Aquarium, the largest in the UK, where you can see sharks, rays, and hundreds of other sea creatures up close.

Some of Devon’s market towns are just as special. Totnes has a fun, creative feel, with quirky shops, markets, and a castle to climb for great views. Dartmouth sits by the river with narrow streets, waterside cafés, and the striking Dartmouth Castle guarding the estuary. Kingsbridge, at the head of the Salcombe Estuary, is perfect for a gentle stroll along the water and makes a good base for exploring the nearby countryside. Other lovely market towns include Honiton, famous for its lace-making heritage, and Newton Abbot, a bustling town with a historic market and lively town centre. Tavistock, on the edge of Dartmoor, is full of history and charming streets lined with independent shops, while Okehampton offers a gateway to moorland walks and open countryside.

The villages are full of charm too. Clovelly (once owned by the Queen of England!) is famous for its steep cobbled street where no cars are allowed, and whitewashed cottages lead down to a small harbour. On the north coast, Appledore, Instow, and Barnstaple offer riverside walks and colourful houses. Ilfracombe is another north coast gem, with a busy harbour, Victorian pier, and nearby Tunnels Beaches for rockpooling and swimming. On the south, Beer is a traditional fishing village with boats on the beach and cliffs rising above it. Inland, Crediton is a quiet market town with a pretty cathedral and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, perfect for exploring the surrounding Devon countryside.

Flavours of Devon

Top of the list is a Devon cream tea - but remember, in Devon it’s cream first, then jam! Freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and local strawberry jam are a must in any tearoom or café.

For something more filling, look out for hog’s pudding, a traditional sausage that often appears in a proper Devon breakfast. Another favourite is the classic crab sandwich, best enjoyed by the sea with fresh local crab. The fishing town of Brixham is one of the busiest fish markets in England, landing some of the best seafood you’ll find in the UK!

Sweet treats are just as tempting. Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream is famous across the county for its rich flavour and locally sourced ingredients, the perfect scoop on a sunny day by the beach.

Devon is also cider country (often written as cyder). You’ll find plenty of local cider farms and orchards, many offering tours and tastings. There are also growing numbers of breweries and distilleries if you fancy trying a local ale or gin.

Farm shops and markets are dotted across the county, selling everything from homemade chutneys and cheeses to fresh fruit and veg straight from the fields. It’s the perfect way to pack up a picnic before heading out to explore the coast or moors.

Opportunities for adventures

Devon is the perfect county if you like to get outdoors and try something new. From coast to countryside, there are loads of ways to add a bit of adventure to your trip.

On the north coast, surfing is a big draw, with beaches like Croyde, Woolacombe, and Westward Ho! offering waves for beginners and pros alike. If you want to mix things up, try coasteering — scrambling, swimming, and jumping your way around the rugged shoreline. For water lovers, there’s also North Devon Wake Park, where you can test your balance on wakeboards, paddleboards, or even an inflatable aqua park.

If calmer waters are more your style, the rivers and estuaries are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Paddling along the River Dart or the Exe Estuary is a fun way to spot wildlife and take in the scenery at a slower pace. There are also plenty of boat trips to choose from, from mackerel fishing outings and wildlife cruises to scenic river tours and coastal trips where you might even spot dolphins.

Inland, Haldon Forest Park near Exeter has walking and cycling trails for all levels, as well as mountain biking routes and high ropes courses for thrill-seekers. Over on Dartmoor and Exmoor, hiking is a favourite, but so is rock climbing, with plenty of rugged tors and crags to challenge both beginners and experienced climbers. The Blackdown Hills also offer quieter countryside trails, perfect for walking, cycling, and spotting wildlife in a peaceful setting.

Cyclists can also enjoy routes like the Tarka Trail, which follows an old railway line through some of Devon’s prettiest countryside, perfect for families or longer rides.

Top things to see and do in Devon

• Visit Exeter Cathedral – Explore one of England’s finest Gothic cathedrals, with its historic treasures.
• Have a cream tea (the Devon way!) – Scones, clotted cream first, then jam. Best enjoyed in a tearoom or sunny garden.
• Tuck into a crab sandwich by the coast – Especially good in places like Salcombe or Dartmouth, where the crab is freshly landed.
• Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay – Step back in time in Britain’s oldest known home, with fascinating underground passages.
• Paignton Zoo Environmental Park – See over 2,500 animals in one of the UK’s leading conservation zoos.
• Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens – A quirky miniature world with tiny castles, towns, and railways.
• Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway – A heritage train journey with gorgeous views along the coast and River Dart.
• Explore Dartmoor National Park – Hike up granite tors, spot Dartmoor ponies, and uncover legends like the Hound of the Baskervilles.
• Discover Exmoor National Park – Enjoy wild moorland, red deer, and dramatic coastal walks.
• Take a boat trip on the River Dart or Exe Estuary – Relax on the water, spot wildlife, or hop on a ferry between pretty harbour towns.
• North Devon Wake Park – Try wakeboarding, paddleboarding, or an inflatable obstacle course.
• Wander around Clovelly – A car-free fishing village with cobbled streets that head you down to the harbour.
• Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach – Huge sandy beaches perfect for surfing, sandcastles, or a sunset walk.
• Explore the Jurassic Coast – Hunt for fossils at Sidmouth, Seaton, or Beer, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Go underground at Beer Quarry Caves – Discover vast man-made caverns where stone was quarried for centuries.
• Check out Ilfracombe’s harbour and Tunnels Beaches – Historic hand-carved tunnels lead to sheltered bathing pools.
• Walk or cycle the Tarka Trail – A traffic-free route through North Devon’s countryside and along the coast.
• Take in the views from Valley of the Rocks – A dramatic Exmoor spot with wild goats and amazing cliff scenery.
• Discover Blackpool Sands – Beautiful Blue Flag beach near Dartmouth with clear waters, perfect for swimming.
• Visit family attractions – Devon is packed with fun-filled days out for all ages. Crealy Theme Park offers rides and rollercoasters, Pennywell Farm has adorable animals and hands-on activities, while The Milky Way Adventure Park and The BIG Sheep in North Devon mix rides, shows, and play zones for guaranteed family fun.

Devon’s hidden gems

On the north coast, Heddon’s Mouth in Exmoor is a peaceful cove at the end of the Heddon Valley. A short walk along the river brings you to the pebble beach, surrounded by trees and wildlife—perfect for a quiet day by the water. Nearby, the village of Mortehoe is small and charming, with traditional cottages and calm streets. Further along the coast, Combe Martin offers secret waterfall walks and stunning cliffside views, while Hartland Quay is a dramatic stretch of coast with rocky cliffs and historic shipwrecks to explore.

On the south coast, East Prawle and Hope Cove are tucked-away gems with beautiful beaches and scenic walking trails. Bantham, near the estuary, is another quiet spot with wide sands and great views. A short stroll takes you to Soar Mill Cove, a tiny beach between cliffs that’s perfect for picnics or paddling, while Mattiscombe Sands and Mothecombe remain peaceful even in summer. Lundy Island, out at sea and only accessed by boat, is a real adventure for walkers and wildlife lovers, with puffins, seals, and dramatic coastal scenery.

Inland, Devon’s villages are full of charm. Buckfastleigh has a historic abbey and woodland paths, Lustleigh sits at the foot of Dartmoor with a quaint market square, and Tiverton in Mid Devon is perfect for exploring local history and riverside walks. Berry Pomeroy Castle near Totnes is a partly ruined castle surrounded by quiet woods, and the countryside around Chillington and Malborough offers peaceful riverside walks and old lanes to wander.

These hidden gems show a quieter, slower side of Devon. From coastal cliffs and secret coves to historic villages and woodland trails, there’s plenty to explore away from the crowds.