- Holsworthy
Brackenwood Glamping
A single off-grid shepherd’s hut stands overlooking the lake at Brackenwood Glamping where much of the seven acres are being returned to nature. Deer and otters are sometimes seen, hedgehogs snuffle in the undergrowth and tawny owls twit-twoo from the trees. But it's the presence of a much smaller creature, the white-legged damselfly, that recently excited a visiting naturalist most. This delicate little creature is indicative of the place's health under the care of thoughtful owners, Angela and Sue. Having spent years travelling the world in search of wildlife they are now encouraging it to come to them – and inviting you to do the same.
Their shepherd’s hut has been designed, like everything here, to have a light impact on the land. It’s off-grid, has no running water and is named the Hedgehog Hideaway, in honour of the resident wildlife. Stay in it and, not only are you helping fund the re-wilding of this land, but a donation is made to the Devon Wildlife Trust too. For Sue and Angela, this plot of land is all about giving back to the environment but, fear not, they are generous to their guests too.
You arrive past their house and the pygmy goats, ducks and chickens they keep and, after a friendly welcome, are shown the way, along mown pathways, to the hut. It sits in blissful seclusion among the re-wilding acres: a combination of wildflower meadows, scrub, woodland and water. It has its own compost loo and a hot-water shower a few steps away that’s fed by water tanks filled for your arrival. Your hosts will also have made the bed, stocked the logs and provided your drinking water. They’ll even drop a locally-sourced breakfast to your doorstep in the morning, if ordered in advance.
It’s a fantastic place to watch the wild go by and to do not much at all. Bring a book and a pair of binoculars and you’ll have a restful, rewarding time but what’s on site is only half the story. Did we mention this place is in North Devon, close to the Cornish border? The coast at Bude is a mere eight miles from here for surfing, swimming, sandcastles and all manner of seaside fun. Then there’s Bideford, Tintagel, Boscastle and Port Isaac, none more than an hour away.
Location
Hosted by Angela D.
Joined in April 2022There are shops, eateries and a small museum in the town of Holsworthy, a five-minute drive away (just over two miles away). Further afield, Tamar Lakes (seven miles away) is a great place for walking, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Dragon's Archery (07500 112834) is about the same distance. Seaside Bude is just eight miles away with opportunities to swim, surf and build sandcastles. There are plenty of surf schools as well as Bude seapool, Bude Castle Heritage Centre (01288 357300) and Bude Bike Hire (01288 362324). Families might like The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park (01237 472366) and The Milky Way Adventure Park (01237 431255), both about 18 miles away on the outskirts of the Devon town of Bideford.
Eggs are available from the smallholding and hot breakfasts, delivered to your shepherd’s hut, are a bookable extra – just order from Angela or Sue the night before. There’s local meat and produce available from Hoof to Block butchers at neighbouring Thorne Farm (07488 340258). The closest pub is The Rydon Inn (01409 259444), about a mile away, is recommended for food. And there are more options in Holsworthy, two miles from site, and yet more in Bude. For a beachside bite to eat, Angela and Sue recommend Crooklets Cafe (01288 350009), or the Sandymouth Cafe (01288 354 286), and for tapas, try The Bank (01288 352070). More local information is available on site.