There’s a chance of spotting red deer on the mile-long driveway that leads to Yurt in the Orchard. It's a daily delight of a stay here. Likewise the chance of spotting a barn owl from the hot tub outside your yurt and the visits from free-ranging chickens. And that's not to mention the birds and bees in the apple trees that make up your view. This place is a wildlife lover’s dream in North Devon – and, as it’s just a few miles south of Exmoor, you can look out for those famous wild ponies on days out too. But you don’t have to be here for the wildlife to enjoy this place. It ticks plenty of boxes for all sorts of glampers. It’s a secluded and romantic place for couples but it’s also family and dog friendly as well. It’s in the countryside close to Exmoor National Park but it’s not too far from Dartmoor and the North Devon Coast for day trips either.
The yurt is the main event here but it’s supported by other structures that make up a lovely little private camp on the edge of a two-acre cider orchard. The yurt is your bedroom with a made-up double bed and optional camp beds for kids if you’re bringing them with you. Outside you have your own private hot tub, a little timber cabin with a shower and eco-friendly electric compost loo, a well-equipped shepherd’s hut kitchen and an outdoor sink. There’s also a Kadai fire bowl for campfires and campfire cooking. That’s a tempting option in this rural area of dark starry skies.
Your hosts here are Chris and Debbie, who, apart from the chickens, will be your nearest neighbours. After a warm welcome, they leave you to enjoy the place but are never far away if you need them. They send on their tips for places to visit in advance of your stay so you can plan your days out. Those might include a long slow walk to the nearest pub (four miles or so away) or a drive across Exmoor to visit Lynton and Lynmouth, spotting those wild ponies on the way.
The Yurt in the Orchard is our only glamping area, and all facilities are private. The Yurt has a double bed, and a camp beds can be added if you bring additional guests, or a Bell tent can be placed next to the yurt if children or adults feel adventurous. Up to 4 guests as standard, but please contact us if you have a larger group. You have exclusive use of a shepherds hut kitchen and hot tub next to the yurt as well as a private electric compost toilet (odour free and no need to empty) and a heated shower. The kitchen contains a microwave, toaster, induction hob, fridge, and a kettle, and there is a Kadai wood cooker, with enough wood to get you started. Extra wood packs are available. An outdoor sink area with drinking water tap is also provided. The hot tub has coloured lights and a Bluetooth speaker, and the kitchen also has a breakfast bar area. The site has a good 4G signal. The orchard and adjoining land are full of wildlife and livestock, with chickens roaming when they are allowed, so a well behaved dog or two is welcome to stay. No dogs in the hot tub please! As the Yurt in the Orchard is our only glamping area, we are always available to help, but we will otherwise leave you in peace. The area is great for walks, and is close to the famous Two moors way footpath that leads to the beautiful village of Witheridge which has a pub, shops and post office. The wonderful Stag inn is also well worth a 4 mile stroll for lunch. By car you have easy access to both North and South Devon coasts, as well as Exmoor and Dartmoor. North Devon has just become one of only 12 world surfing reserves, joining the likes of Malibu and Santa Cruise, California, and the Gold coast in Australia. The area has many fine beaches, and Woolacombe bay was named the UK's best beach in 2021 by the Sunday Times. Lynton and Lynmouth is home to the worlds steepest working water powered funicular railway, as well as the stunning Valley of the Rocks. The area around Braunton Burrows is a Unesco biosphere for its landscapes, wildlife areas and cultural heritage. Exmoor was the UK's first national park, and can be explored on foot, by car or horseback. Exmoor is also a dark sky reserve, so on a clear night on site you might see a shooting star or two.