A North Coast Escape

North Coast of Devon & Cornwall

DAY1

DISTANCE FROM O’CONNORS CAMPERS:

44 MILES / 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES

DESTINATION - WOOLACOMBE ON THE NORTH DEVON COAST

Collect your van and head up to the rugged North Coast.

STAY AT: NORTH MORTE FARM

Don’t be put off by the static caravans when you arrive or the very formal looking reception. Once you’ve driven over to the camping area your patience will be rewarded by the most spectacular views over the cliffs and to Lundy Island. There are no regimented spots and a there is wonderful walk to Rockham Bay. Great facilities here. Open Easter to September. The campsite is just five minutes walk from the village where there are three pubs – The Chichester Arms, The Smugglers Rest and The Ship Aground and a traditional fish n chip shop.

Woolacombe is a multi-award winning beach and a great location for surfing, with three miles of golden sand. If you are new to surfing you might like to book a lesson or two. Surf schools usually provide wet suits and boards. Prices vary from £25 – £35 for half a day. Try www.woolacombesurf.com This activity is suitable for all ages and abilities & guarantees you’ll sleep soundly following a lesson (it’s exhausting, but lots of fun) Experienced horse riders might also enjoy the opportunity for a gallop along the beach. Try Mullacott Equestrian Centre for more information. www.mullacott.co.uk Prices for 1½ hour beach gallop is around £55 and is suitable for experienced horse riders only. There are other options for beginners, too.

DAY2

DISTANCE FROM MORTEHOE:

45 MILES / 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES

DESTINATION - HARTLAND POINT

Venture further west, along the Devon Coastline to stay near Hartland Point and enjoy the miles of dramatic, unspoilt coastline.

STAY AT: Stoke Barton Farm & Campsite

Set on a working farm with lovely clean facilities. On site shop. Walking distance to pub (Hartland Quay Hotel) and access to the coastal path and beach. Sea views. Open Easter to end of October.

Visit Clovelly or take a boat to Lundy Island The beautiful fishing village of Clovelly can be found just 8 miles from the campsite and is worth a visit. You do have to pay an admission fee but it is worth it: the cobbled high street itself is incredible and the pristine little harbour is simply divine. A traffic free zone, residents & businesses still transport supplies up the steep hill by wooden sledge and donkey. Plenty of eateries for lunch www.clovelly.co.uk

Day trips by boat to Lundy Island can be caught at Clovelly or Bideford. This traffic free island is a unique nature  sanctuary and boasts spectacular scenery. Take the opportunity to catch sight of the rare puffins or head off for a spectacular snorkelling safari with the seals in these exceptionally crystal clear waters.

DAY3

DISTANCE FROM HARTLAND:

36 MILES / 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES

DESTINATION - BOSCASTLE

Travel further west to visit some picturesque fishing villages & Tintagel.

STAY AT: LOWER PENNYCROCKER FARM

Amazing views. Seven acre campsite, situated on a farm, close to several beaches and only three miles from the village of Boscastle. A short walk to the highest cliffs in Cornwall and the South West Coastal Footpath. Simple facilities but very clean. Open Easter to end of October. 

The fishing villages of Boscastle and Port Isaac are equally stunning. Boscastle, having been restored following the devastating flood of 2004, is a wonderful location indeed. Beautiful buildings, cafes and shops, a large National Trust Centre & tearoom, and the famous Witchcraft Museum make this a great option for a visit. Just along the coast, Port Isaac is similarly stunning. Made famous by the popular TV series, Doc Martin, this village can be busy even in the winter. If you are interested in the myths & legend surrounding Tintagel then this must be on your wish list for a North Coast visit. The site is managed by English Heritage with spectacular scenery as a backdrop.

DAY4

DISTANCE FROM BOSCASTLE:

26 MILES / 45 MINUTES

DESTINATION - ROADFORD LAKE

For your final night it is always worth coming a little closer to Okehampton. Roadford Lake is a great, peaceful location. If you fancy a spot of activity, fishing or kayaking sessions can be booked in advance.

STAY AT: Roadford Lake Campsite

  • Visit Website
  • 01409 211507
  • Lower Goodacre, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, PL16 0JL

This campsite has views over the 740 acre lake, close to facilities for windsurfing, sailing, rowing, kayaking, fishing, walks and cycle trails, a licensed café and visitor centre. Electric hook up available. Loos and showers. Dogs welcome. About 30 mins from Okehampton. 

It’s just a 30 minute drive back to Okehampton to drop your van off for 10am on your final morning. Don’t want to go home yet? Visit the stannary town of Chagford for a mooch around the shops and a cuppa in one of the many cafés. If you have brought your dog along you might prefer a riverside wander down at Fingle Bridge (25 minutes from O’Connors Campers). It is always worth ringing to see if the pub will be open there (Fingle Bridge Inn 01647 281287). Great riverside lunches, but odd opening times!