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Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

94%
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· Sidmouth, England
30 acres hosted by Howard H.
2 glamping pitches · 8 tent pitches
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Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

Secluded and scenic camping awaits in Bowhayes Farm Camping, where you pick your own pitch in a sprawling 15-acre cider orchard. The campsite has a peacefulness that mirrors the surroundings – tucked away near the small village of Venn Ottery, with Sidmouth and the Jurassic Coast less than five miles away. Set up your tent in the wide rows between the apple trees and enjoy some of England's starriest skies. This is what it's all about.

In the British weather, the trees are a particularly good asset. They provide good shade on hot days, clear avenues of sun for when you want it, and plenty of shelter from the wind. In the spring, the pink apple blossom also makes the perfect backdrop for photos, and the local wildlife is understandably drawn to the place – rabbits, foxes, badgers, and even deer wander through the orchard.

Hosts, Fiona and Howard, swapped corporate lives in the city for Bowhayes’ rural escapism and everything about their site is geared towards helping guests achieve a semblance of that too. The facilities are suitably simple for that “semi-wild” experience, from an outdoor sheltered shower to a farm toilet, and mornings can be spent on the coffee deck with a cuppa in hand. There's even a little farm shop for all your essentials. Peace and quiet is further ensured thanks to a good rule that pitches should be a minimum of 10 metres apart (with an adult area separated from the family camping space).

If the orchard itself isn't stunning enough – and trust us, it is – then there's plenty to explore nearby. You're a short drive away from Aylesbeare Common Nature Reserve for tranquil heathland walks and bird watching, while the coast can be reached in less than 15 minutes. Or, if you're in the mood for some shopping, you're less than half an hour's drive away from Exeter.

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94%
8 Ratings · 7 reviews
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Emma S.recommends
July 29, 2023
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
Lovely camping spot in an orchard
I loved camping in Howard’s orchard. I would highly recommend this place for a unique camping experience. The facilities were clean and the views were lovely. We camped on a standard tent pitch but there were some yurts available too, that looked very nice. Howard, the host, was friendly and informative. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.
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Emma T.recommends
July 10, 2023
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
Great spot, good people
Great spot in beautiful Devon countryside. Fiona and Howard are genuine, warm-hearted people. We enjoyed a short but sweet stay at the start of our East Devon tour.
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Adamckendall ?.
July 1, 2023
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
Really peaceful camping in a self pitch tent in the orchard. Lovely and quiet during the night. Friendly welcoming hosts. Minor quibble, the tent pitch was the other end of the orchard from the single loo and shower for camping guests. Fine location for Woodbury common.
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Phillip D.recommends
February 28, 2023
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
Howard was a great host and the campsite was perfect. We will definitely be back again to see the trees in bloom.
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Martyn J.recommends
August 19, 2022
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
Tranquil camping in an orchard
Fabulous location, and lovely to pitch under the trees. Very peaceful site but well situated for both coast and countryside adventures!
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Megan H.recommends
July 29, 2022
#1-6 Cider Orchard Pitch-(2 Person)
A tranquil stay in a fab orchard
We had a great time camping (2 nights) at the orchard! The site was so quiet and peaceful, and such a beautiful setting amongst the rows of trees. The facilities were great, and the outdoor-but-sheltered shower was fantastic! Fiona and Howard were so friendly and accommodating, and the on-site coffee deck/shop is a great little addition. The more accessible pitches are the lower ones at the bottom of the field so these may be better for families. The site itself is situated in a great spot to drive and explore nearby towns like Sidmouth and Beer. We would love to come back and would recommend this site to anyone! ❤️
Location
Sidmouth, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Howard H.Joined in May 2022
From the host
Semi wild camping in a Southwest Cider Orchard. Outdoor shower with hot and cold water, toilet and coffee shop on site. Settle into your own space, get away from your daily routine and appreciate the serenity of east Devon at Bowhayes Farm Camping, a semi-wild campsite in the scenic grounds of a Devon cider orchard. Each pitch is set amongst the rows of apples trees, these are 5m wide. Please call if your tent is wider than 3.5m..! Parking is approx. 100m to 250m from your pitch, the shower in in amongst the trees and the toilet and kitchenette are near the parking places. Whilst we allow children this is a tranquil place and we don't have facilities (play things etc) for younger children, thus we have a minimum age of 13 years old. Additionally, we are a working farm so have to be mindful of safety - if you are bringing younger guests please keep and eye on them and don't let them play / climb on machinery. The site is located on the edge of the leafy hamlet of Venn Ottery in extensive farmland, surrounded by footpaths and a tree nursery. How you spend your time here is up to you – you might like to wander through Venn Ottery, amble on Aylesbeare Common, a nearby RSPB reserve, or head down to the Jurassic Coast at Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton (roughly a quarter of an hour's drive away). Nearest pubs are the Golden Lion in Tipton St John and the Cannon Inn in Newton Poppleford - please call ahead for table bookings and mention that Howard at Bowhayes Farm recommended you...!
Nearby attractions

Bowhayes Farm is in prime walking territory, with there being plenty of picturesque rambles you can embark on near the site. Its positioned on the outskirts of the Venn Ottery Common, which consists of wetlands, heathland, and woodlands to explore, and a variety of wildlife to spot from otters to kingfishers. Aylesbeare Common can be reached in a 10-minute drive, with plenty of walking trails running through it and places to spot its range of birds – bring the binoculars, if you have them! If you're in the mood for a beach trip, hop in the car and take a 15-minute drive to Sidmouth Beach, known as the gateway to the historic Jurassic Coast. This expansive sand and shingle beach is part of a traditional British seaside, complete with an attractive promenade and both kayaks and canoes for hire.

Food and drink

The Golden Lion is a 20-minute walk away from the site, in the centre of the small village of Tipton St John. This is a food-focused pub with bookings advised (01404 812881), serving a delicious menu that combines Mediterranean and French dishes. There's an attractive beer garden for the warmer summer months, and a little further down the road is a bridge crossing the River Otter for a waterside walk. Head into the town of Ottery St Mary and there are a few places to eat and drink, chief among them the Rusty Pig. This unique restaurant calls itself a "feasting house", and opts for a mysterious "surprise set tasting supper" over traditional a food menu. Supper starts at 7 PM and everyone eats at the same time, so be sure to book a table (01404 815580). Nearby is the Volunteer Inn, slap-bang in the centre of the town. A traditional 19th-century town pub with an open fire and a hearty homecooked menu served in its refurbished restaurant area.

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