Yarde Orchard Campsite

This campsite directly on the Tarka Trail through Devon may be small but it is pretty perfectly formed. It’s especially good for campers who arrive on foot or by bike. There are just five pitches here, which share a green acre with apple and pear trees, some ancient and some newly planted. But this idyllic setting is not the only thing that recommends Yarde Orchard as a resting place for weary travellers. There’s also the fact that the camping pitches are tucked behind a lovely licensed cafe serving a menu of mostly organic, local food and drink.

This is a place to refuel and recharge after days exploring North Devon – and, on that note, there’s free electric bike charging here too. Little touches like that, and the provided picnic benches and barbecues in the camping field, make this place particularly good for those who are travelling light. The camping itself is a simple affair of grassy unmarked pitches with access to flushing loos and warm showers.

The cafe, and the fact that there’s a bunkhouse on site, makes this a sociable place for adventurers who want to swap stories. But you don’t need to be on the trail to enjoy it here. The orchard is surrounded by nature and blessed with dark skies at night making it a good place to hang out for longer than just a stopover. It’s well placed for exploring North Devon with the walking and bike routes providing just one way to get around. You can also hop in the car for day trips around the North Devon countryside and coast. RHS Rosemoor is only three miles away, harbour villages, sandy beaches, and the wilds of Dartmoor are all about half an hour’s drive.