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.

99% (327)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (327)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Charisworth Farm

97%

(99)

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

2. Pittaford Farm

99%

(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

3. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

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

4. Rosebud Ranch

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Umberleigh, England

A single bell tent in the Devon countryside – with alpacas for neighbours

5. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

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

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

6. Deer Barn Retreats

94%

(33)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border

7. Ruby Country Camping

100%

(30)

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

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

8. Haddon Copse Farm

99%

(49)

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

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

9. Forest Edge

100%

(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

10. 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.

11. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

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

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

12. 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

13. Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

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

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

14. 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

15. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%

(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

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

16. Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

17. 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.

18. OutStanding In Our Field Devon

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · England

You will be staying in a brand new, furnished, 5m bell tent, nestled in a private corner at the top of our nature-friendly field just outside Dartmouth. We have a 4 acre field where we currently live in a static caravan in the opposite corner to the tent, while we wait to build our own eco-bungalow. You may see us around at a distance but we'll give you as much privacy as possible. There is a king size bed with sprung mattress, plus two single futons as chairs which can become beds for extra guests/children. Bedding & towels provided. Our meadow is a work in progress. The field was intensively ploughed and grazed for many years, but over the last 2 years we have allowed nature to come back across most of it, planted many native and fruit trees, started a small flower farm and created both a veg and soft fruit patch. We are trying to provide as much nature habitat and biodiversity as possible and we have swallows, skylarks and many other birds, and if you're really lucky you may catch a glimpse of our resident hare or see our visiting barn owl. Parking is at our gate entrance, and it is a 200m walk up a gentle slope to the tent. You'll go through our newly-planted orchard and veg patch and may see our free-ranging bantam hens on your walk. We can provide a trolley for luggage and help you get it to your pitch if you'd like. An off-grid gas shower with eco-friendly toiletries, and compost toilet are available for your stay. These are a 100m flat walk from the tent. You'll also have shared access to a log cabin with power sockets for charging phones and a kettle with tea and coffee making facilities. You'll have a fire pit and gas camping stove to cook on, and a kit of all the pots/pans and utensils you'd need for a campfire meal. There's an open air washing-up station and we'll provide you with eco-friendly washing up liquid, brushes etc. We're less than 10 minutes drive to Dartmouth with its range of shops, cafes and restaurants and even closer to the stunning Blackpool Sands beach. The rest of the beautiful South Hams is on the doorstep. We're committed to making our site as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as we are able and want to share fresh air and nature connection with as many people as possible.

19. 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).

20. Knowle Meadow Camping

100%

(2)

4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

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 at set times, with a half-moon window showcasing the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. 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.

Camper favorites in and near Blackdown Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Flowerdew Farm

100%

(18)

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

Bell tents and camping with alpacas near 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

Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%

(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

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

Mangerton Lake

100%

(5)

4 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Lakeside glamping near Bridport and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

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.

OutStanding In Our Field Devon

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · England

You will be staying in a brand new, furnished, 5m bell tent, nestled in a private corner at the top of our nature-friendly field just outside Dartmouth. We have a 4 acre field where we currently live in a static caravan in the opposite corner to the tent, while we wait to build our own eco-bungalow. You may see us around at a distance but we'll give you as much privacy as possible. There is a king size bed with sprung mattress, plus two single futons as chairs which can become beds for extra guests/children. Bedding & towels provided. Our meadow is a work in progress. The field was intensively ploughed and grazed for many years, but over the last 2 years we have allowed nature to come back across most of it, planted many native and fruit trees, started a small flower farm and created both a veg and soft fruit patch. We are trying to provide as much nature habitat and biodiversity as possible and we have swallows, skylarks and many other birds, and if you're really lucky you may catch a glimpse of our resident hare or see our visiting barn owl. Parking is at our gate entrance, and it is a 200m walk up a gentle slope to the tent. You'll go through our newly-planted orchard and veg patch and may see our free-ranging bantam hens on your walk. We can provide a trolley for luggage and help you get it to your pitch if you'd like. An off-grid gas shower with eco-friendly toiletries, and compost toilet are available for your stay. These are a 100m flat walk from the tent. You'll also have shared access to a log cabin with power sockets for charging phones and a kettle with tea and coffee making facilities. You'll have a fire pit and gas camping stove to cook on, and a kit of all the pots/pans and utensils you'd need for a campfire meal. There's an open air washing-up station and we'll provide you with eco-friendly washing up liquid, brushes etc. We're less than 10 minutes drive to Dartmouth with its range of shops, cafes and restaurants and even closer to the stunning Blackpool Sands beach. The rest of the beautiful South Hams is on the doorstep. We're committed to making our site as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as we are able and want to share fresh air and nature connection with as many people as possible.

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).

Knowle Meadow Camping

100%

(2)

4 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

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 at set times, with a half-moon window showcasing the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. 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.

Stories from the community

M

Molly

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OutStanding In Our Field Devon

I absolutely cannot fault this place! A gorgeous tent, with everything you could ever need. The area is absolutely gorgeous, and so peaceful! We saw some amazing wildlife, and got an incredible view of the eclipse. The owners are amazing! Friendly, knowledgable about the area and so kind! They have thought of everything so the tent is fully stocked, we had such a relaxing stay, can’t wait to come back!!

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!

E

Emily

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to OutStanding In Our Field Devon

What an incredibly relaxing, beautiful weekend in Elliott and Emily’s Bell tent and cabin! Cannot thank them enough for their amazing hospitality and attention to detail. Comfy bed, hot shower and brilliant fire pit and equipment for outdoor catering. The location is so peaceful with the wild flower garden, wildlife ( Mrs hedgehog) and starry skies. Just the setting for a retreat from reality. We will definitely be back!!

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.

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.