Beryl's Campsite

The only clue to this campsite’s existence is a hand-branded ‘camping’ sign nestled in a flowerbed. The site, which originally had no name and was known by locals simply as ‘the one run by Beryl’, has now been officially christened Beryl’s by the campers themselves. The friendly lady in question describes the secretive site, hidden at the end of a tunnel of trees in Beeson village, as her ‘unconventional camping haven’. Charming eccentricity is certainly apparent here, not only in the laissez-faire attitude to publicity, but also in the quirky names of the 29 pitches, such as ‘Panoramic’ and ‘Snug’.

The ‘haven’ part of Beryl’s description is equally apt for this lush little site, nestled as it is on a hill in the woods with a glorious view of Start Bay. Venture down the narrow access road and you’re rewarded with a real sanctuary from which to explore the surrounding delights of the Devon coast. You can spy on birds from the hide looking over the local nature reserve’s lake, watch sailing boats silently move across the bay, or take a walk around Slapton Ley lagoon just over the hill. The South West Coast Path is also easily reached, passing the award-winning beach at Beesands, just below the campsite.