Wolf Meadows Farm

The River Taw, rolling hills, and grazing Highland cattle will all feature in the photographs you’re bound to take at this north Devon campsite. But photographs don’t quite do Wolf Meadows Farm justice. They can’t capture the sound of that trickling water, the taste of the organic eggs at breakfast, and the smell of woodsmoke from your campfire. It’s also pretty hard to record an image of the kingfisher that whizzes down the river or the starscape that’s visible on clear nights. You’re better off just drinking it all in and putting your phone down – after all it’ll soon be out of battery and here, at this rural campsite deep in the Devon countryside, there’s nowhere to charge it back up. 

This is a back-to-basics campsite on a 30-acre site that’s being sustainably and organically grazed by Highland cattle under the watchful eye of ecologists, Marcus and John. Their approach is helping make these meadows what they are – a haven for wildlife. Stay here and you might spot egrets, warblers, salmon and, if you’re really lucky, an otter. For the best chance of that, nab a riverside pitch. For more space, head for the grassy meadow where you can choose your spot and pitch up with friends if you’ve brought them. In line with the eco-friendly approach, toilets, which are a short walk away, are composting and other facilities are basic: a hot water shower and a washing-up sink.

This is rural Devon and there’s no major attraction next door but it’s a pleasant and manageable drive to many. The coast, for example, is a half hour drive away with many tempting spots to choose from: the long stretch at Saunton Sands or Westward Ho! near the harbour village of Appledore. And to top it all off, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are both within a similar distance.