Bell tents in Blackdown Hills AONB

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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% (351) 259 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Blackdown Hills AONB

Forest Edge

1. Forest Edge

100%
(25)
Sidbury, England · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Pittaford Farm

2. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
Kingsbridge, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Gurt Yurts

3. Gurt Yurts

100%
(24)
Churchill, England · 9 units · Tents, Glamping
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. The Yurt is big and sleeps up to four very comfortably. It has its own stove and outside is a washroom just for you with hot shower , toilet and sinks. Your own meadow allows you to just relax and be. Up on the campfield you can bring your own tent or hire a Belle tent from us with all the fittings to camp contentedly. Our new Wash House has hot showers, flushing toilets and basins. You can light a fire and cook up a BBQ or maybe just watch the world go by. 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 11 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Jurassic Airstreams Spa Glamping

4. Jurassic Airstreams Spa Glamping

England · 4 units
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.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

5. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%
(20)
Sidmouth, England · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Flowerdew Farm

6. Flowerdew Farm

100%
(18)
Bridport, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Charisworth Farm

7. Charisworth Farm

98%
(100)
Blandford, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Coppet Hill

8. Coppet Hill

100%
(88)
Bridport, England · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

9. Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%
(17)
Littlehempston, England · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Adult-only camping and glamping within striking distance of Totnes and the South Devon coast.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Ruby Country Camping

10. Ruby Country Camping

100%
(30)
Highampton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A natural, spacious meadow campsite perfect for exploring North Devon and Cornwall
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Knowle Meadow Camping

11. Knowle Meadow Camping

100%
(2)
England · 4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Knowle Meadow Camping is a multi-award winning lavish camping and glamping site in a tree-enclosed meadow located in the heart of south Somerset, eight minutes from Ilminster. The site offers a small, intimate number of camping pitches as well as fantastic glamping options, including a Shepherd's Hut and Lotus Stargazer Belle tents. The site has a Scandinavian wood-fired barrel sauna available for all guests on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays typically from 5pm until 6pm. It has a half-moon window showcasing the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and an accompanying cold water bucket shower. There are hotel-style washrooms, with powerful rainfall showers. With ten generously sized pitches available for tents or small campervans, the site offers a memorable and intimate camping experience. The camping pitches are all individual, surrounded by wildflowers and long grass, creating a picturesque setting for all campers. There is also an all-weather barn with seating, and campers have access to a fridge freezer. The Yarrow Shepherd's Hut is a two person hut made locally in Merriott. It boasts a superbly comfortable double bed, warming log burner, mini kitchen, and private Scandinavian woodfired hot tub. Yarrow's private hedge-enclosed garden has a firepit with a grill and outside seating, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The site also offers two Lotus Stargazer Belle Tents (each sleeps up to two adults and two children), Bluebell and Foxglove, each with its own unique style. Both tents are six metres in diameter with skylight windows, providing uninterrupted views of the night sky. Each tent has a king-size bed and two single "camp" beds suitable for children. There are log burners, fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Electricity is available too. There are a wealth of walks direct from the campsite to a number of local pubs and other attractions. Further down our lane is a cycle path which links to Ilminster, Chard and beyond. The Jurassic Coast (and Lyme Regis) can be reached within 25 minutes. Knowle Meadow Camping won gold for the New Tourism Business of the Year and silver for Campsite of the Year at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2024/25 and silver for Campsite of the Year in 2025/26.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Buckland Farm Camping

12. Buckland Farm Camping

95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

13. Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

100%
(21)
Dorchester, England · 8 units
Shepherd's huts and bell tents on the farm with a prime location between historic Dorchester and seaside Weymouth
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Strive Glamping

14. Strive Glamping

100%
(1)
Dorchester, England · 5 units
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.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Lickham Bottom Camp

15. Lickham Bottom Camp

100%
(9)
Taunton, England · 3 units
Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

16. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%
(10)
Honiton, England · 2 units
A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Oakhill Ponds

17. Oakhill Ponds

96%
(13)
Somerset, England · 6 units
A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Acorn Farm

18. Acorn Farm

100%
(4)
Okehampton, England · 3 units
A rustic dog-friendly glamping site on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Haddon Copse Farm

19. Haddon Copse Farm

99%
(49)
Woodrow, England · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Deer Barn Retreats

20. Deer Barn Retreats

94%
(33)
Taunton, England · 3 units
Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border
Pets
Showers
Campfires

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Blackdown Hills AONB camping 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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Blackdown Hills AONB holidays

Popular Blackdown Hills AONB glamping styles