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The High Nature Centre

97%

9 reviews

· Salcombe, Devon, England

5 acres hosted by High N.

5 glamping pitches · 3 motorhome/tent pitches · 2 tent pitches

High is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can

From its peerless vantage point atop a coastal plateau overlooking a particularly awe-inspiring stretch of the South Devon coast, a stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can. Formerly Wayfield Nurseries, this spectacularly-located five acre smallholding now plays host to one of the south-west's coolest eco-friendly glamping sites.

Run by ever-resourceful, ever-helpful hosts Cat and Tobdan, the centre's accommodation consists of five UK made coppiced yurts, extravagantly adorned with all manner of handmade textiles and furnishings. The camping field itself is within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Positively abuzz with bees and butterflies, entranced by the various colourful wild flowers, the field is divided into different circular pitches, each with a large standing stone in the middle. Lucky glampers will truly feel enclosed within their own private wildflower glade.

Rewilding and conservation is the order of the day at THNC, with visitors getting an education in the sustainable methods and permaculture philosophy. The centre's focal point is the collection of six poly-tunnels each housing a cornucopia of organically grown salads, herbs, fruits and vegetables. In keeping with the philosophy of green-inclusivity the centre's owners are keen to promote, the tunnels are kitted out with comfy sofas, solar showers and even a piano so you can tinkle the ivories while you sprinkle the ivy leaves.

Cat, Tobdan and their daughter Tanzen have big plans for The High Nature Centre having recently launched their field kitchen and alfresco dining events. In a nod to the area's ancient heritage, plans are in place for a Celtic roundhouse complete with green, living roof, naturally. An exhaustive programme of practical workshops is also currently being devised, with activities such as felt making, green wood-working and natural medicine classes (to name just a few) in the pipeline. Be sure to let Cat know if you have any area of particular interest when booking and she can do her utmost to accommodate.

So to sum up, an eco-friendly luxury campsite in a cliff-top wildflower meadow, with countless woodcraft courses, stunning views of the sea and all within striking distance of all that South Hams has to offer. A top notch option, however eco-aware you happen to be.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Natural features

Beach

Forest

Coastal

Field

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Tent pitches

2 units

Instant book

7 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

100% (6)

Tent pitch · Sleeps 6

Our beautiful small scale coastal camping site consists of 5 yurts, 3 bell tents and 3 camping pitches aimed to attract people wishing to explore the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the undulating hills of the South Hams. The main camping field consists of a spacious field, with the sea located on the southern boundary. The field is divided into spacious camping sections so that visitors can enjoy space and privacy. Meadow grass and wildflowers provide valuable wildlife habitat, fabulous for observing bees and butterflies. A large standing stone provides a focus in the middle of the field. On a clear evening, the sunsets and star gazing up here on the plateau are truly spectacular. The shared facilities here at High Nature have been built to a high standard. We provide carefully designed compost toilets and 24hr hot showers. You will need to bring your own camping kitchen but are welcome to use our washing up area. Fire pits must be raised from the ground to avoid damage.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

from

£10

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

6 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

Booked 10 times

Tent pitch · Sleeps 6

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

from

£10

/ night

for NaN guests

Motorhome/tent pitches

3 units

Instant book

10 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

100% (2)

Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 4 m

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

£10

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

9 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

100% (2)

Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 4 m

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

£10

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

8 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

100% (1)

Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 4 m

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

from

£10

/ night

for NaN guests

Glamping

5 units

Instant book

1 - Bluebell

Booked 2 times

Yurt · Sleeps 5

Our yurts are warm and cosy, beautifully hand-made, furnished and decorated to a high standard with unique locally made and quality recycled furniture. Our solid oak frame beds were built by local carpenter Don Rigby and our wood burners were forged by local blacksmith Martin Champion. Our yurt frames were beautifully hand made by craftspeople from South Devon and East Sussex. Two of our yurt frames were made here on site by the founders of the enterprise. The frames are made from ash 'in the round', meaning each pole is beautifully unique. Our covers are made by two companies based here in South Devon.We provide outdoor mobile kitchen units for all our yurt campers (free of charge). They include a sturdy work bench, cast iron gas hobs (gas included), a cool box, all crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment, a little sink and a water dispenser (which you can refill this using the watering cans at the back of the yurt camp kitchen). Freezer/cool packs can be rotated in a separate fridge/freezer also located outside at the back of the yurt camp kitchen. A pic nic bench is provided, along with a hot water washing up area at the back of the yurt camp shower cabin. Please note: these units are un-covered so we advise people to check the weather forecast and consider bringing a gazebo for shade/rain protection. However, your gazebo will need to be taken down during severe wind / a storm. The shared facilities here at High Nature have been built to a high standard. Our yurt camp kitchen cabin is fully equipped with everything you need to self cater (cooking facilities (hobs, ovens, grill), hot water and refrigeration (and freezer), crockery, cutlery, pots and pans), so all you need to bring is your groceries! We also provide you with carefully designed compost toilets and 24hr hot showers. The main camping area consists of a spacious field, with the sea located on the southern boundary. The field is divided into 4 main circular spaces so that visitors can feel enclosed within their own private glade. Wildflowers provide valuable wildlife habitat, fabulous for observing bees and butterflies. A large standing stone provides a focus in the middle of the field. On a clear evening, the sunsets and star gazing up here on the plateau are truly spectacular. Our hand-block printed bed linen packs have been hand-picked by us from Rajasthan, India. Over the last 10 years we have developed strong connections with our producers and have taken the time to visit the workshops to meet the craftsmen. We are proud to support the fading ancient art of Jaipur block printing. These need to be booked separately and are £15 pp (doubles/kings are £30).

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

£100

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

10 - Bell Tent 5m

Bell tent · Sleeps 5

A 5m SoulPad Bell Tent with a large porch area - Located in a separate camping area from our yurts but also on the sunset side of our 5 acre small-holding. Our 3 bell tents are a short walk from the shared showers and toilet facilities. Our tents are carpeted and provided with simple beds and solar fairy lights. Please note, you will need to bring your own camping kitchen but are welcome to use our washing up area, located at the showers and toilets. Please note, the weather has been extremely challenging of late so we have made the decision that if a storm is predicted for the dates that you are staying with us, that we would need to cancel the booking and offer you a refund of 50%... you are then welcome to bring your own tent (at your own risk) if you fancy braving the storm... which many people do and survive! We have plenty of under-cover polytunnel space for 'drying out'.We are located in a micro-climate meaning we get both the best and worst of the weather year round. We hope you understand that we are not responsible for the weather here on the beautiful dramatic coast.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

No picnic table

from

£85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

2 - Campion

Yurt · Sleeps 5

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

£100

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

3 - Celandine

Booked 1 time

Yurt · Sleeps 6

Our yurts are warm and cosy, beautifully hand-made, furnished and decorated to a high standard with unique locally made and quality recycled furniture. Our solid oak frame beds were built by local carpenter Don Rigby and our wood burners were forged by local blacksmith Martin Champion. Our yurt frames were beautifully hand made by craftspeople from South Devon and East Sussex. Two of our yurt frames were made here on site by the founders of the enterprise. The frames are made from ash 'in the round', meaning each pole is beautifully unique. Our covers are made by two companies based here in South Devon. We provide outdoor mobile kitchen units for all our yurt campers (free of charge). They include a sturdy work bench, cast iron gas hobs (gas included), a cool box, all crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment, a little sink and a water dispenser (which you can refill this using the watering cans at the back of the yurt camp kitchen). Freezer/cool packs can be rotated in a separate fridge/freezer also located outside at the back of the yurt camp kitchen. A pic nic bench is provided, along with a hot water washing up area at the back of the yurt camp shower cabin. Please note: these units are un-covered so we advise people to check the weather forecast and consider bringing a gazebo for shade/rain protection. However, your gazebo will need to be taken down during severe wind / a storm. The shared facilities here at High Nature have been built to a high standard. Our yurt camp kitchen cabin is fully equipped with everything you need to self cater (cooking facilities (hobs, ovens, grill), hot water and refrigeration (and freezer), crockery, cutlery, pots and pans), so all you need to bring is your groceries! We also provide you with carefully designed compost toilets and 24hr hot showers. The main camping area consists of a spacious field, with the sea located on the southern boundary. The field is divided into 4 main circular spaces so that visitors can feel enclosed within their own private glade. Wildflowers provide valuable wildlife habitat, fabulous for observing bees and butterflies. A large standing stone provides a focus in the middle of the field. On a clear evening, the sunsets and star gazing up here on the plateau are truly spectacular. Our hand-block printed bed linen packs have been hand-picked by us from Rajasthan, India. Over the last 10 years we have developed strong connections with our producers and have taken the time to visit the workshops to meet the craftsmen. We are proud to support the fading ancient art of Jaipur block printing. These need to be booked separately and are £15 pp (doubles/kings are £30).

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

£105

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

4 - Primrose

Booked 3 times

Yurt · Sleeps 6

Our yurts are warm and cosy, beautifully hand-made, furnished and decorated to a high standard with unique locally made and quality recycled furniture. Our solid oak frame beds were built by local carpenter Don Rigby and our wood burners were forged by local blacksmith Martin Champion. Our yurt frames were beautifully hand made by craftspeople from South Devon and East Sussex. Two of our yurt frames were made here on site by the founders of the enterprise. The frames are made from ash 'in the round', meaning each pole is beautifully unique. Our covers are made by two companies based here in South Devon. We provide outdoor mobile kitchen units for all our yurt campers (free of charge). They include a sturdy work bench, cast iron gas hobs (gas included), a cool box, all crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment, a little sink and a water dispenser (which you can refill this using the watering cans at the back of the yurt camp kitchen). Freezer/cool packs can be rotated in a separate fridge/freezer also located outside at the back of the yurt camp kitchen. A pic nic bench is provided, along with a hot water washing up area at the back of the yurt camp shower cabin. Please note: these units are un-covered so we advise people to check the weather forecast and consider bringing a gazebo for shade/rain protection. However, your gazebo will need to be taken down during severe wind / a storm. The shared facilities here at High Nature have been built to a high standard. Our yurt camp kitchen cabin is fully equipped with everything you need to self cater (cooking facilities (hobs, ovens, grill), hot water and refrigeration (and freezer), crockery, cutlery, pots and pans), so all you need to bring is your groceries! We also provide you with carefully designed compost toilets and 24hr hot showers. The main camping area consists of a spacious field, with the sea located on the southern boundary. The field is divided into 4 main circular spaces so that visitors can feel enclosed within their own private glade. Wildflowers provide valuable wildlife habitat, fabulous for observing bees and butterflies. A large standing stone provides a focus in the middle of the field. On a clear evening, the sunsets and star gazing up here on the plateau are truly spectacular. Our hand-block printed bed linen packs have been hand-picked by us from Rajasthan, India. Over the last 10 years we have developed strong connections with our producers and have taken the time to visit the workshops to meet the craftsmen. We are proud to support the fading ancient art of Jaipur block printing. These need to be booked separately and are £15 pp (doubles/kings are £30).

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

£105

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

97% Recommend16 Ratings · 9 reviews

Mixed feelings

· August 2024

Rustic Charm

Tent · With kids ·

11. Sunrise Grass Pitch

Pros: the location is incredible if you like coves and sea, plus estuaries and boats. There are at least four great beaches within a 30-40 minute walking distance along either single track roads or cliffside pathways. Our tent pitch was large and surrounded by natural hedges. These were high which gave protection from the wind, but there was no view. High Nature are doing everything they can to live sustainably and offer recycling stations and encourage you to be as green as possible. Everything is very relaxed. Cons: The facilities for the yurts are better than those for campers and it was not possible/offered to pay extra to upgrade (use of a kitchen and phone charging). The compost toilets are not great (I am a seasoned camper and I struggled with them). The showers and washing up station are basic. One shower would not turn off. The shower building was cute and hot water was plentiful. Access to the site is via single track Devon roads so not for the feint hearted and sea mists are a regular occurrence I believe . We had only two clear days in August out of seven. The pitch was very overgrown making it hard to play ball games in the evening. There were facilities for young kids to play (table tennis I think) but nothing for 14 and 18 YO . There were no charging facilities (with lack of sun for solar) was an issue, and the signal was 3g at best, which could be a bonus, depends on how contactable you need to be. Overall we had a good time.

Vanessa M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Great location for beaches etc

Tent ·

9 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Lovely vibe in the campsite, great hot showers, great location for beaches and walks. The staff were helpful and the other campers were friendly and there was a natural sense of community due to the setup.

Airlie S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent ·

10 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Beautiful campsite Lovely owners Amazing facilities Will be back !

Lara G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

A little piece of heaven

Tent ·

7 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

I feel so blessed to have found this campsite. If you are looking for peace, quiet, connecting with nature, disconnecting from technology and going off grid this is the place to be. The hosts, Cat and Tobgan, were so welcoming and helpful, the shower and toilet facilities were regularly cleaned, the campsite is lovely and the ethos of High Nature Centre very appealing. There is no traffic noise and you can see the stars properly on a clear night. I stayed in a tent for 7 nights. The beaches are amazing and only a short walk away. I will definitely be back next year!!

Lee W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2023

Tent ·

Sunset Grass Pitch Front (tents only)

Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing campsite in a great location. Super friendly hosts.

Andrew G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2023

Kids desperate to return

Tent · With kids ·

Sunset Grass Pitch Front (tents only)

Spacious, calm, chilled, wildlife. Just how camping should be... not grass mown within an inch of its life.

Andy W.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

With kids ·

Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

We had a lovely stay here, and would come back again. Cat and her family were very welcoming. The site had everything that we needed. It was also really helpful that we were able to re-freeze our ice packs for our stay. The site is very peaceful, with only a handful of families at a time. You are really surrounded by nature here, with all of the amazing plant life and birds. On a clear night the stars are amazing. I really enjoyed being able to relax and recharge my batteries here. Thanks so much!!

Sara C.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

With kids ·

Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Lovely site, quiet location, great showers.

Peter W.

3 years on Hipcamp

April 2015

What a truly wonderful place – just perfect. A meadow with wild flowers and butterflies and proper luxury Eco camping with great facilities including a nice smelling and clean thunderbox toilet and decent showers. Interesting Eco things to do and hang out with - and I understand the plan is to have more activities on offer this coming year. The hospitality is to be congratulated too. Cat & Doug could not have been more helpful and hospitable – Thank you so much for a wonderful week! Fantastic campsite, beautiful setting. Our 7 yr old son and 3 year old daughter loved it too. Great being out in nature and away from all the electronics, close to that amazing beach and local pubs and Salcombe estuary. A piece of heaven. We will be back!!

Jan ?.

10 years on Hipcamp

Location

Salcombe, Devon, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by High N.

Joined in February 2013

From the host

Welcome to High Nature UK The High Nature Centre is an ‘Experimental Biotope’ for eco-tourism, ecological learning & regenerative culture. Located between the villages of East Prawle and East Portlemouth on the South Devon Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Centre welcomes around 300 people each year including families, couples, cyclists, walkers and international volunteers. High Nature was founded in 2009 by Permaculture Designer Catherine Middleditch. The Centre continues to be an ever-evolving ecologically and socially inclusive project focusing on eco-tourism, permaculture, organic food growing, well-being, nature connection, rewilding, and social outreach. We aim to attract people looking to experience a more harmonious way of living with Nature by providing and exploring positive solutions to the many problems we face in an increasingly fragile world. Our yurts are warm and cosy, beautifully hand-made, furnished and decorated to a high standard with unique textiles and furnishings. Our solid oak frame beds were built by local carpenter Don Rigby, and our wood burners are built by local blacksmith Martin Champion. We are located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 337 square kilometres of protected landscape, just a few minutes walk from some of the most spectacular sandy beaches and coastal walks in England. So whether you want to walk, cycle, surf or simply relax on the beach, we are perfectly situated to meet all these needs. Camping with us will also provide you with the opportunity to explore The High Nature Centre and discover and learn about organic food growing, permaculture, participate in a well-being activity or experience one of our alfresco dining events . We have plenty of undercover space for you to enjoy yourself, whatever the weather!

Nearby attractions

On your holiday you will have the opportunity to explore and discover a wide range of landscapes, activities, workshops, pubs and restaurants, both within the Centre and the local area. The site is ideally situated to explore South Hams and beyond via the South West Coast Path. A stone's throw from the centre lie the ancient remains of Celtic huts on Deckler's Cliff, dating from 300 BC. Nearby Prawle Point is Devon's southernmost extremity and well worth a visit for any twitchers hoping to spot the local sea-birds. The sub-tropical gardens and eccentric Edwardian charm of the National Trust run Overbecks is well worth a visit – not least for the spectacular panoramic views overlooking Salcombe Other great days out can be found at the South Devon Chilli Farm, The Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum, Sharpham House, Woodlands Family Themepark and Pennywell Farm.

Food and drink

The centre has recently launched it's field kitchen providing take away snacks, beach packs and lunch boxes, as well as Alfresco Dininig Event during the peak season. Some camp supplies are available at reception. The legendary Pigs Nose Inn (01548 511209) is just a mile away. This traditional smugglers pub hosts raucous live music nights and the adjacent Piglet Store & Cafe does an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. If you really want to push the boat out, the Gara Rock Hotel (0845 6029311) is just a 10 minute walk away and its restaurant has unparalleled views of the South Hams coastline. Other options include:

The Brai Guys - Food truck in East Portlemouth

Venus Cafe - at East Portlemouth Ferry Point

The Mill Brook in South Pool

The Cricket Inn in Beeson

The Tower Inn in Slapton

And then all the facilities in Salcombe a ferry ride away (good for lunch)

The High Nature Centre

Select a unit

Tent pitches

7 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

6 - Sunset Grass Pitch (front)

Motorhome/tent pitches

10 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

9 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

8 - Sunset Grass Pitch (back)

Glamping

1 - Bluebell

10 - Bell Tent 5m

2 - Campion

3 - Celandine

4 - Primrose

Reviews

Location

Hosted by High N.

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