Bell tents in Tamar Valley

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On the Devon and Cornwall border, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draws hikers and wildlife enthusiasts to its unique drowned valley landscapes. Hike steep gorges, cycle through forested valleys, or camp at peaceful country campsites. With three rivers to choose from, getting on the water is a must—set sail on a barge cruise along the Lynher River, enjoy water sports on the lakes, or fish for salmon along the Tamar River. Summer is peak season for campers, while spring and fall are the best times for bird-watching around the estuaries.

98% (234)

Top-rated campgrounds

OutStanding In Our Field Devon

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.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£63
 / night

On the Devon and Cornwall border, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draws hikers and wildlife enthusiasts to its unique drowned valley landscapes. Hike steep gorges, cycle through forested valleys, or camp at peaceful country campsites. With three rivers to choose from, getting on the water is a must—set sail on a barge cruise along the Lynher River, enjoy water sports on the lakes, or fish for salmon along the Tamar River. Summer is peak season for campers, while spring and fall are the best times for bird-watching around the estuaries.

98% (234)

Top-rated campgrounds

OutStanding In Our Field Devon

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.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
from 
£63
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Tamar Valley

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Bell tents in Tamar Valley guide

Where to go

Along the River Tamar

The River Tamar runs through the heart of the AONB, marking the border of Cornwall and Devon. Take a ride on the scenic Tamar Valley Line railway from Plymouth to Gunnislake, and hop off to visit Calstock village, enjoy riverside walks, or have lunch at a country pub. May through October is fishing season, and the river is known for its salmon and trout fishing.

Dartmoor

The River Tavy winds its way north through the Tamar Valley, where you can enjoy woodland walks and pitch your tent at rural camping grounds. Go kayaking or windsurfing at Lopwell Dam, visit the market town of Tavistock, and tuck into a traditional Devonshire cream tea at a local café. Beyond Tavistock, the wild moorlands of the Dartmoor National Park are a natural playground for hikers and campers.

South Devon

Coastal Plymouth lies between two AONBs, with the Tamar Valley to the north and South Devon to the east. Set sail on a boat cruise around the Plymouth Sound, then head along the South Devon coast to enjoy beachside camping and seaside hikes. The blue flag beaches at Bantham and Bigbury on Sea are favorites for summer sunseekers, or visit in winter, when migrating seabirds flock to the coast. 

Cornish coast

Saltash and Torpoint lie on the southwest borders of the Tamar Valley, where the Lynher River meets the Plymouth Sound. Dive into Cornwall’s mining heritage as you explore 18th-century mines, hike along the South West Coast Path, or try wakeboarding and windsurfing along the Hamoaze estuary. To escape the crowds, head to the Rame Peninsula, where you’ll find secluded coves, sea-cliffs walks, and ocean-view campsites.