The best vintage caravan rentals in South West Coast Path

Winding its way along the coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s most epic hike. Measuring in at 630 miles, it’s the longest National Trail in the country, and takes a whopping 52 days to complete. Instead, most hikers opt for day- or multi-day hikes, perhaps along the sea cliffs of West Cornwall, through the windswept moorlands of the Exmoor National Park, or on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Spectacular views are a given, but you can also swim and surf at the many beaches, enjoy bird-watching around the estuaries, and camp at ocean view campsites.

96% (56)

Top-rated campgrounds

Winding its way along the coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s most epic hike. Measuring in at 630 miles, it’s the longest National Trail in the country, and takes a whopping 52 days to complete. Instead, most hikers opt for day- or multi-day hikes, perhaps along the sea cliffs of West Cornwall, through the windswept moorlands of the Exmoor National Park, or on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Spectacular views are a given, but you can also swim and surf at the many beaches, enjoy bird-watching around the estuaries, and camp at ocean view campsites.

96% (56)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hideaway Camping

98%

(43)

17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Okehampton, England

Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners

2. Aldridge Mill

95%

(22)

5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Devon, South West England

A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.

3. Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

4. Steam and Stars Luxury Glamping

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(1)

3 units · Glamping · England

Steam and Stars Luxury Glamping - a stylish and well equipped self contained shepherd's hut with a Scandinavian wood fired hot tub, and a chic vintage caravan with Laura Ashley décor which takes you back to the 1970’s for a fun and quirky stay. Lovely outdoor space with a firepit/BBQ. Set alongside the Quantock Hills with magnificently dark night skies. An ideal location for exploring the West Somerset Coast, Quantock Hills AONB and Exmoor. Overlooking the West Somerset Steam Railway with a viewing platform from which to watch the passing heritage trains and wildlife. Free WiFi & USB charging. Free on site parking. Free Electric Vehicle charging point (slow charge). Dogs welcome.

5. Wild About Campers

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(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).

6. Heydaze Camp

5 units · Glamping · England

Hobby Farm with converted barn and outbuildings. Alpacas, hens, geese, ducks, quail. Dogs. Small natural spring fed lake.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best vintage caravans in South West Coast Path guide

When to go

The most popular time to hike the South West Coast Path is from April through September, but the trail is accessible year-round. Come in spring to spot lambs and colourful wildflowers or in summer to swim at the beaches and admire the headlands blanketed in purple heather. Warm clothes and wet weather gear are essential for autumn and winter hikes, but this is also one of the best times for bird-watching. Book at least three months in advance if visiting in July-Aug.

Know before you go

The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Most towns along the trail are easily reached by public transport, and baggage transfer services are available for hikers on multi-day walks.
Although the trail has some remote sections, longer hikes typically pass through towns where you will be able to buy groceries and stock up on water supplies.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Cornwall.