With the ever increasing need to portray an Instagrammable lifestyle, even the humble camping trip has had a makeover. Queue the rise of the glamping holiday. The glamping holiday has meant that campers no longer have to spend their holiday in a soggy tent on, at best, an air bed that continuously deflates. Companies such as AirBnB and Canopy & Stars have meant that finding the perfect glamping location is becoming ever easier. Here in Devon we are lucky enough to have some of the best, quirky glamping locations right on our doorstep, from luxe canvas tents to eco-pods. So, if a holiday with little or no electricity, dodgy shower facilities and usually a restless nights sleep are not for you, check out our guide for some of the best glamping spots in Devon!
Loveland Farm
The Popla Pod is a Geodome on Loveland Farm in Hartland. The pod boasts all the essential features of any good glamping experience – namely a double bed AND electric lighting. The pod itself is designed in order to let the moon and stars shine through on clear nights; definitely not a feature included in your standard pop-up tent. In addition, Loveland Farm is carbon neutral, close to Bude beach (ideal for those interested in surfing) and is even home to a pair of Asian Water buffaloes!
Cuckoo Down Farm
For those who may prefer a more traditional glamping experience, look no further than safari tent at Cuckoo Down Farm. Each tent is equipped with a wood-burning stove – a giant step away from your typical, freezing cold night in a polyester tent. In this instance, each tent is more like a small house than the typical, flimsy camping shelter, boasting two doubled bedrooms and a living area. Cuckoo Down Farm is located near Sidmouth, with easy access to both Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Airstream trailer
Next up is the unique, vintage 1985 Airstream trailer. The interior of the trailer has been authentically restored to resemble its original state and is situated at Swallows’ Flight, close to the South Devon coast. This glamping hotspot would be perfect for those interested in water sports; nearby Kingsbridge and Bantham are ideal places to learn to paddleboard or surf. Perhaps one of the best features of Swallows’ Flight’s glamping spot is their roof top hot tub, situated on top of a converted Victorian water tower, with views overlooking the spectacular Start Point, Devon’s most southerly point.
Yurt-style cabin
For more of an eco-friendly glamping experience, look no further than a Grey-Willow yurt-style cabin in the Blackdown Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Each yurt is fully furnished and is heated by a wood burning stove, fuelled by locally sourced wood from sustainable sources. If its eco-friendly features weren’t enough, the yurts are built in one of the best areas for star-gazing in the UK.
‘Just Us’ Shepherd’s Hut
Last but definitely not least, the ‘Just Us’ Shepherd’s Hut is a perfect, luxurious glamping escape. The Shepherd’s Hut is a quirky alternative to a traditional tent and describes itself as an ‘escape from your busy life and hectic daily schedule.’ Despite this however, the farm also offers a tennis court, which is definitely not the kind of facility that you usually find in your average camp site!
