Bell tents in Blackdown Hills AONB

Marking the meeting point of Devon and Somerset, this modestly sized Area of Natural Beauty encapsulates quintessential English countryside—the perfect setting for a camping holiday. The tranquil region’s working farmland, winding waterways, and ancient woodlands are ideal for rambling, cycling, or horse riding, and can be explored year-round. A range of camping options include back-to-basics sites, traditional farm camps, and modern glamping sites, often relatively isolated and near a mosaic of ridges, high plateaus, wild valleys, and freshwater springs.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Blackdown Hills AONB

Marking the meeting point of Devon and Somerset, this modestly sized Area of Natural Beauty encapsulates quintessential English countryside—the perfect setting for a camping holiday. The tranquil region’s working farmland, winding waterways, and ancient woodlands are ideal for rambling, cycling, or horse riding, and can be explored year-round. A range of camping options include back-to-basics sites, traditional farm camps, and modern glamping sites, often relatively isolated and near a mosaic of ridges, high plateaus, wild valleys, and freshwater springs.

99% (345)

Top-rated campgrounds near Blackdown Hills AONB

1. Deer Barn Retreats

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(33)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border

2. Buckland Farm Camping

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(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

3. Pittaford Farm

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(67)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kingsbridge, England

A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away

4. Manor Farm Cottage Bell Tent

1 unit · Glamping · England

The Birch Bell at Manor Farm Cottage Escape to our charming smallholding and micro-flower farm in the heart of Somerset for a truly wonderful camping experience. Nestled near the stunning Mendip Hills and the serene Somerset Levels, this idyllic little campsite invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the restorative peace of this place. Along the way you'll meet our sheep, and be welcomed by the camp Guardians (Frodo, our friendly little Jack Russell and Nemo, our very agile mouse-hunting cat). With easy access to both the Somerset levels and surrounding Mendip Hills, and with the wonderful city of Wells just a short distance away, this spot makes a great base from which to explore the outstanding and unique countryside and nearby places of interest and attractions. From Manor Farm Cottage you can take in some gorgeous walks along the lanes and public footpaths. A short walk from us you'll find our local vineyard at Fenny Castle where you can book a vineyard tour and wine tasting to sample their award winning English wines, or pop over to Wookey Farm where you can meet the very friendly rare-breed goats and buy their incredible goats cheese. There are 3 local pubs within walking distance, and if you head out onto the Levels, you can enjoy a cider by the river at The Sheppey, a great riverside pub in the nearby village of Godney. If you want to venture a little further, discover the breathtaking beauty of local RSPB nature reserves, ideal for peaceful walks and bird watching. Wander through the historic city of Wells, marvelling at its stunning cathedral and charming streets. Just a short drive away, experience the mystical allure of Glastonbury and its famous Tor, and then of course there is the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge to explore. For a dose of culture and history, visit the elegant city of Bath with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making your stay in Somerset truly magical. And if you want to indulge in a day of learning about flowers, how to grow them, and floristry tricks and techniques, get in touch to find out about the workshops that are on offer at Manor Farm Cottage Flowers on the smallholding.

5. Charisworth Farm

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37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet

6. Gurt Yurts

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(23)

9 units · Tents, Glamping · Churchill, England

Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.

7. Forest Edge

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(24)

44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon

8. Coppet Hill

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18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

9. Ruby Country Camping

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(30)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Highampton, England

A natural, spacious meadow campsite perfect for exploring North Devon and Cornwall

10. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

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12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

11. Haddon Copse Farm

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(49)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs

12. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

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(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.

13. Flowerdew Farm

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23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

14. Acorn Farm

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(4)

3 units · Glamping · Okehampton, England

A rustic dog-friendly glamping site on the edge of Dartmoor

15. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

16. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

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(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

17. Liberty Farm Camping

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(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

18. Mangerton Lake

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(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

19. Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

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(20)

27 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ilfracombe, Devon, South West England

Unspoiled countryside camping on the outskirts of a working Devon farm, offering far-reaching views and a relaxed atmosphere

20. Wild About Campers

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5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Camper favorites in and near Blackdown Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Flowerdew Farm

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(18)

23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Acorn Farm

100%

(4)

3 units · Glamping · Okehampton, England

A rustic dog-friendly glamping site on the edge of Dartmoor

Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Liberty Farm Camping

100%

(3)

22 units · Tents, Glamping · England

This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.

Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

100%

(20)

27 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ilfracombe, Devon, South West England

Unspoiled countryside camping on the outskirts of a working Devon farm, offering far-reaching views and a relaxed atmosphere

Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Anup

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

We loved staying at tams land. The views are absolutely beautiful as is the sound of nature and wildlife. We stayed in the otter tent which was well equipped for a family of 3 and a dog! Tam is an excellent host, unfortunately due to traffic we arrived late than planned on Friday night however tam was understanding and accommodating anf helped us settle in quickly. On the Saturday night it was a complete wash out and tam offered to let us stay in another one of their lodges as it had a log burner - this was excellent, appreciated and well timed (we'd been on the beach all day and were completely soaked)! We would definitely recommend staying here! Thanks again Tam!

H

Hubert

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Charisworth Farm

I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay. The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨ Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!

K

Kimberley

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pittaford Farm

Absolutely loved our time, both sally and Paul were lovely and super friendly. The spot was so peaceful and had a homely atmosphere, everyone we meet was very friendly. 100% going back!

J

Jade

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Charisworth Farm

Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly. We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese. It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.

R

Rebecca

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

The campsite is gorgeous, along the river in a little secluded valley surrounded by trees with countryside views. The kitchen is perfectly equipped and the hot shower is a great amenity. The beds are comfy and the tents are nicely furnished.

A

Astrid

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Deer Barn Retreats

Beautiful field, really idyllic and peaceful. Huge tent with a comfy bed, and handy having power points in the kitchen hut. The provisions for cooking are quite basic (could have done with an extra saucepan and a colander), but the outside stove worked well and our 3 year old loved the whole experience.

The best campsites available this weekend near Blackdown Hills AONB

Strive Glamping

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(1)

5 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Strive Glamping offers a unique holiday experience in a beautiful meadow surrounded by woods and wildlife. Keeping life simple and looking after the environment are central to the ethos of the woods. The woodlands extend to over 60 acres, nestled in Dorset countryside. Only 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, and connected by numerous bridleways and footpaths to both local and national walks, it is perfectly positioned for a wonderful break. Our pretty paddock surrounded by fields contain 5 beautiful classic 5 meter Bell tents. Glamping is 20 minutes’ drive from Dorchester in Dorset Half an hour’s drive to the Jurassic Coast and Weymouth harbour Woodland walks accessed from the pitches, trout fishing next door Whether you’re looking for a couples’ getaway or a weekend meet-up with a large bunch of pals, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Strive Glamping at Southover Woods, With more than 60 acres of private woodland and meadow, and the perfect view of a stunning sunset. No matter whether there are two of you or 6 of you, you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. Each comes with two camping beds with mattresses, two bedside tables and lamps, carpeting and rugs, outdoor seating and a travel cot if requested on booking. If you’re quiet at night, the chances are you’ll get to hear owls a-hooting and may even see elusive deer flitting through the trees. Direct from the pitches, you can walk for miles on an extensive network of footpaths in Southover Woods, connecting up with the long-distance Hardy Way and Dorset Jubilee Trail. Keen angers can head right next door to the well-stocked trout pools at Wessex Fly Fishing. The Southover Woods owners also organise bushcraft sessions, yoga, forest bathing and woodland games please see activities listed. Just so you’re aware, the Bell Tent pitches are down a long and bumpy track that can get muddy, and there will be some fetching and carrying of gear required from your vehicles. Situated in the heart of Southover Woods is the amazing Chloe at Birchbark Events. Chloe offers a full range of activities including bushcraft and survival, Foraging, Wellness, Yoga, Team Building, events catering for children, families, large groups and survival specialists. Birchbark Events tailor events around you. Bushcraft is the practice of outdoor skills, studying and developing the understanding, in order to not only survive but thrive in nature. Fire lighting and management, Tools of the trade, Shelter building and camp craft, Axe and knife skills, Water purification, Natural navigation, Tree identification, Whittling, knots and ropes and Access to Wooodland play area.

Swell Camping at The Orchard

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(2)

4 units · Glamping · Croyde, Devon, South West England

Bell tent glamping with views of Saunton Sands in Devon

Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

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(21)

12 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Shepherd's huts and bell tents on the farm with a prime location between historic Dorchester and seaside Weymouth

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

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(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Jurassic Airstreams Spa Glamping

4 units · Glamping · England

Hartridge Springs – Jurassic Glamping with Rare Vintage Trailers Tucked into wildflower meadows and ancient woodland, Hartridge Springs is a soulful glamping retreat near the World Heritage Jurassic Coast — home to one of the UK’s rarest collections of original American trailers from the 1940s and ’50s. These aren’t just vintage caravans — they’re icons of travel history. Stay in a 1946 Spartan Manor, once owned by Roger Daltrey of The Who, with a twinkle-effect starlight ceiling, plain wing seats, wood fractal-burn tables, air conditioning, and hand-finished birch details. Or step inside the 1949 Silver Streak “Minnie” Clipper, believed to be one of only seven ever built, personally crafted by Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream. We also have two larger Silver Streak Clippers from 1950 — aerodynamic beauties nicknamed the “Twin Alien” for their space-age curves. With fewer than 200 left in the world, these trailers are considered some of the coolest-looking caravans ever made. Each has been lovingly restored by hand. Elegant domes and luxury canvas tents complete the site — each with its own fire pit / barbecue, perfect for slow evenings under the stars. Facilities include a luxury eco toilet block with hydrotherapy showers, incinerator toilets, and a large wood-fired sauna adds to the off-grid indulgence. All water comes from our own borehole, providing pure Jurassic spring water filtered through 180-million-year-old rocks — crisp, mineral-rich, and flowing throughout the site. Just 20 minutes from the coast, we offer exclusive night fossil hunts to what many call the best beach in the world for finding golden pyritized ammonites, revealed under torchlight and tide and due to it being at night you get the whole beach to yourself. Nearby, explore a peaceful monks’ monastery, enjoy the region’s amazing local food — fresh, seasonal, and lovingly prepared by local restaurants and pubs. Hartridge Springs is where vintage Americana meets ancient Earth — a place to unplug, reconnect, and experience something truly rare.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents in Blackdown Hills AONB guide

Where to go

Chard

On the eastern border of the Blackdown Hills, this countryside parish is a convenient launch point for exploration of South Somerset and Devon, with the seaside town of Lyme Regis just 30 minutes’ drive away. The surrounding area is home to touring parks, working farms, and exclusive glampsites, offering plenty of overnight accommodation under the stars.

Cullompton and the Culm Valley

West of the Blackdown Hills AONB, this rural region offers something for every Hipcamper. Campsites are easy to find, many offering caravan spots, secluded glampsites, and tent pitches. Walking and riding trails along the Culm Valley toward Hemyock reveal historic landmarks, riverside villages, and an array of native wildlife.

Honiton

Just 30 minutes’ train ride from Exeter St Davids and connected directly to London Waterloo, Honiton is an ideal destination for car-free adventurers. Wild-style pitches, working farms, and glamping lodges are popular, with many campers drawn to the picturesque banks of the River Otter.

East Devon AONB

Adjoining the Blackdown Hills to the south, this diverse landscape is also worth exploring, especially for anglers, birdwatchers, and watersports fans. A vast network of footpaths, riding routes, and nature trails guide adventurers through heathland, forests, and along World Heritage-listed coastline, while an array of holiday parks, farm pitches, and glamping accommodations provide plenty of camping options.