Bell tents in Haldon Forest

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More than 3,500 acres of woodland await adventurers at Haldon Forest, and nature lovers will be in their element. Explore miles of forest trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback; climb up to hilltop lookout points for views over the Exeter countryside; or find a shady picnic spot beneath the trees. Up for a challenge? Test out your map-reading skills on an orienteering course, zip through the woods on a Segway, or take to the treetops to tackle the GoApe high ropes and zipline course. There are no campsites in the park itself, but you’ll find holiday parks within a 10-minute drive.

98% (326) 257 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Haldon Forest

16. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£45
 / night

More than 3,500 acres of woodland await adventurers at Haldon Forest, and nature lovers will be in their element. Explore miles of forest trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback; climb up to hilltop lookout points for views over the Exeter countryside; or find a shady picnic spot beneath the trees. Up for a challenge? Test out your map-reading skills on an orienteering course, zip through the woods on a Segway, or take to the treetops to tackle the GoApe high ropes and zipline course. There are no campsites in the park itself, but you’ll find holiday parks within a 10-minute drive.

98% (326) 257 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Haldon Forest

16. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£45
 / night

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Bell tents in Haldon Forest guide

When to go

Forest walks are available year-round in Haldon Forest. Escape the heat along the shaded trails in summer or come in autumn to admire the colourful fall foliage. July and August is peak season, when advance booking is essential for park activities. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday visit outside of the school holidays. The treetop adventure park is open all year, but opening hours are limited through winter, so check ahead.

Know before you go

  • Haldon Forest is a 15-minute drive from Exeter along the A38.
  • Paid parking is available at the park, and buses run from Exeter centre to Exeter Racecourse, a 1-mile walk from the park.
  • There are restrooms and a café in the park.
  • Many of the park’s trails are accessible, and Tramper and mobility scooters are available to hire.