Road Trip Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Sheringham Park. Alison Day

The fifth stop on our campervan road trip in Devon is the Blackdown Hills, a gorgeous, protected landscape of unspoiled rolling countryside, deep wooded valleys, ancient farmland, and unique wildlife. Hop on the A30 and take just over a half-hour drive to the beautiful Blackdown Hills, where various adventures await. As always, our guide is jam packed with things to see and do and campsites! Our readers can stretch out this Blackdown Hills itinerary over a summer break or cram as many interesting activities as possible into a bank weekend.

• An Itinerary for an Unforgettable Roadtrip through Devon in a Campervan

The Blackdown Hills is peaceful and famous among nature lovers plus outdoorsy types for its large expanse of open landscapes and some of the highest sea cliffs in the UK. Uncover the rolling splendor of Blackdown Hills with our campervan hire Devon services, giving you the freedom to explore every hidden valley and dramatic clifftop at your own pace.

Leafy Fields Glamping

Leafy Fields Glamping

Cullompton, Devon

Cullompton, Devon

Settle in for a serene, family glamping holiday at Leafy Fields Glamping, and let the kids enjoy the thrills of the great outdoors in this safe space for kids.

The area's variety of habitats and species means that it is a designated Site of Special Interest and holds one of the largest semi-natural ancient woodlands in southwest England. Uncover a living, breathing environment that is embraced, managed, and admired by both those who live and visit this special part of the country.

• Where Are The Black Down Hills?
• What is The Highest Point on The Blackdown Hills?
• What Are the Pretty Villages in Blackdown Hills?
• Camping in and around Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Campsites Near Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Campervan Hire Towns in Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Goodbye to The Blackdown Hills

Where Are The Black Down Hills?

Yarcombe. Alison Day

The Blackdown Hills are a range of hills that lie along the borders of Devon and Somerset in southwest England and comprise a vast terrain of fertile valleys, beautiful countryside and large still lakes. It covers approximately 143 square miles (370 km²). The landscape is valued for its distinctive collection of patchwork fields, steep valleys, and plateaus, with wide-ranging vistas over the fertile countryside, providing plenty of rural charm. The area also hosts a range of wildlife habitats, including ancient woodlands, hedgerows, heathlands, and wildflower meadows. There’s plenty of history, too, as the hills have a rich historical background, with evidence of Neolithic, Roman, and mediaeval human activity. Such a vast and beautiful landscape turns into a stunning playground for the outdoorsy types, with excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, horse riding and more. After days spent exploring these diverse landscapes and ancient trails, you can retreat to one of the cozy campsites in Devon nestled throughout the hills, where starlit evenings complete the perfect outdoor adventure.

What is The Highest Point on The Blackdown Hills?

An array of walks crisscross the area, and the hills even connect to the Mendip Hills range, providing absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The highest point of the Blackdown Hills is Staple Hill,which rises to 315 meters (1,033 feet) above sea level. Located in Somerset, Staple Hill offers panoramic views across the enclosing countryside, and is quite popular with walkers who enjoy admiring the sweeping views of the enclosing countryside. Its peak falls within the Neroche Forest area, which has many well-maintained trails, including an all-abilities path to a stunning viewpoint at the summit.

What Are The Pretty Villages in Blackdown Hills?

The Blackdown Hills National Landscape is home to several beautiful villages, each characterful, with individual charm and oodles of scenery. The prettiest village to explore on your Blackdown Hills road trip will depend entirely on personal preference.

Kingsmead Centre

Kingsmead Centre

Cullompton, Devon

Cullompton, Devon

Kingsmead Centre is a peaceful countryside spot nestled in scenic Devon, offering various pitches ranging from spacious, grassy spaces to off-grid bases nestled in woodland clearings.

Broadhembury is considered one of the most picturesque villages in the Blackdown Hills, famed for thatched cottages, manicured gardens, and historic charm. The village is centred around a lovely 13th-century church, St Andrews, and boasts an old-world atmosphere with cob cottages and flower-filled lanes. Churchinford, a peaceful village within rural settings, is home to a close-knit community and boasts a range of walks into the surrounding countryside, a local pub, and a quiet charm expected from a sleepy countryside settlement. Upottery is another scenic English village with a rich history and lovely riverside walks by the River Otter. The town has ties to World War II and was close to an airfield. Stockland, a small unspoiled village with roots dating back to the Saxon times, has charming stone cottages and rests amid lush farmland and wooded hills. Dalwood, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, is a lovely village with narrow lanes, thatched-roof cottages, a 15th-century church, and a popular pub, The Tuckers Arms, serving traditional fare. Hemyock is the largest village in the Blackdown Hills and has a vibrant historical heritage, including the historical ruins of Hemyock Castle. We also recommend checking out Clayhidon and Luppitt, two beautiful villages in idyllic settings with expansive views and age-old traditions like making cider.

Belle Vue Camping

Belle Vue Camping

Wellington, Somerset

Wellington, Somerset

Belle Vue Camping is a tranquil, rustic site in the heart of the verdant Blackdown Hills. The campsite boasts jaw-dropping views over Exmoor and the Quantock Hills.

Wildlife thrives in the lush and varied landscapes of heathland, hilltops and hidden valleys. Expect to see rare species like the Chalk Hill Blue and Large Blue Butterflies. Footpaths and bridleways through the hills are popular with walking and cycling enthusiasts, and varied levels are perfect for seasoned and inexperienced walkers. History buffs can explore sites of historic significance, including the ruins of Castle Neroche, the Wellington Monument, and more. The Blackdown Hills Trust has a visitor centre in the village of Hemyock and runs guided walks and school holiday activities for the kids. Whether it's birdwatching, walking, sightseeing or sitting down to farm-to-table meals, there is something for all ages and tastes here.

While the busy campsites in Plymouth offer convenience, the Blackdown Hills provide a refreshing escape where you can truly reconnect with nature's rhythm. The Blackdown Hills is a beautiful landscape with beautiful rural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and plenty of open green spaces perfect for restful camping and hours of adventures. Read on to find out the best campsites in the Blackdown Hills and the top spots to hire a campervan near the Blackdown Hills.

Camping in and around Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Staple Hill View, Blackdown Hills. Alison Day

Embrace the beauty of the English countryside when you camp in the Blackdown Hills AONB. Extending over 200 square miles, this protected landscape contains rolling plateau pastures which drop down to the lower-lying land, including the Vale of Taunton. Browse our selection of campsites across this unique landscape and find peaceful campsites tucked down rural lanes lined with hedges. The quiet surroundings and wildlife create the ideal ambience for relaxation. We recommend finding campsites in Tiverton, Honiton, and Ottery St Mary. Read on for more information.

Tiverton is a great place for camping escapes. It is located in the heart of Mid Devon, Tiverton campsites are a central base for exploring the region’s varied landscapes. Whether you want to explore the Blackdown Hills, Exmoor National Park, or the Jurassic Coast, you will fall in love with the open Devon countryside, peppered with lush hills, river valleys, and sprawling farmland. Numerous campsites in the area create the perfect base for a tranquil escape. Explore landmarks like Tiverton Castle, Knightshayes Court, and Grand Western Canal. You can also check out our campsites in Sampford Peverell, campsites in Bampton, campsites in Newton St Cyres, campsites in Dulverton, campsites in East Anstey and campsites in Crediton if you’re looking for more nearby camping locations.

Book a campsite in Honiton, and you’re right on the fringes of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an excellent base for kickstarting your outdoor adventures. Camping here provides easy access to serene landscapes, gorgeous hills, and quiet villages. Plenty of walking and cycling trails are nearby, and abundant wildlife is best enjoyed whilst walking through woodlands cut by glittering rivers. A short drive from Honiton leads to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers can explore the countryside and wildlife-rich areas surrounding the town or head out to Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park. For more nearby locations, check out our Campsites in Sidbury, Campsites in Colyton, Campsites in Branscombe, Campsites in Seaton and Campsites in Axminster.

Ottery St Mary campsites are ideal for accessing the Blackdown Hills AONB, East Devon AONB, and the stunning Jurassic Coast, offering access to plenty of scenic routes and destinations all within a short drive. The region's rich natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities make it a perfect space for setting up camp and enjoying walking, cycling and exploring welcoming villages tucked in scenic settings. The town of Ottery St Mary is charming and brims with mediaeval architecture, including the St. Mary's Church and the Tumbling Weir. The campsites in this area are not far from the M5 motorway yet remain tucked in the Devon countryside, creating the perfect blend between accessibility and relaxation. For more options, check out our campsites in Whimple, campsites in Woodbury Salterton, campsites in Campsites in Woodbury and campsites in Budleigh Salterton.

Buckland Farm Camping

Buckland Farm Camping

Wellington, Somerset

Wellington, Somerset

Buckland Farm Camping is a peaceful, spacious, and welcoming spot perfect for family and pet-friendly escapes. Set up your tent on a roomy, non-electric grass pitch and look forward to a no-frills camping escape.

Campsites Near Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The constantly changing vistas of the Blackdown Hills, paired with varied habitats and ample scope for open-air adventures, make camping holidays in the Blackdown Hills an absolute must for nature lovers. The wealth of camping locations in the designated Area of Outstanding Beauty caters to all tastes and budgets. Guests who enjoy many amenities will enjoy camping at Forest Glade Holiday Park in Cullompton and Andrewshayes Caravan Park in Axminster. These sites offer every comfort for a road trip and boast heated pools, on-site bakeries, seasonal bars, takeaways, and various camping accommodations. Minnows Touring Park in Tiverton is a quiet, adults-only site for those who want a rural location with oodles of open space, no crowds and easy access to the Jurassic Coast.

Forest Glade Holiday Park in Cullompton

Forest Glade Holiday Park, Cullompton

Assorted holiday lodgings, excellent amenities, and a peaceful location in a lush forest clearing in the Blackdown Hills ensure a relaxing holiday for everyone at Forest Glade Holiday Park. The site has self-catering caravans and spacious pitches with electric metres for tents and touring vehicles. Campers are welcome to stroll around and discover the beauty of the landscape or unwind on the campsite and enjoy the excellent facilities. Soothe sore muscles in the sauna, or challenge the family to a friendly game on the tennis court. Spend more family time around the barbeque or the fire pit in the evening or stroll to the nearest pub for an evening meal.

Andrewshayes Caravan Park in Axminster

Andrewshayes Caravan Park, Axminster

Kick it at the award-winning Andrewshayes Holiday Park, a cracking site on the border between Devon and Dorset. The site is an easy 20-minute drive to seaside resorts like Lyme Regis. Seaton, Sidmouth and Charmouth ensure the best of the countryside and the coastline, and there’s plenty to enjoy on-site if you’d rather unwind amid beautiful rural views. A heated indoor pool, a games room and a small toddler soft play area are great for keeping the kids entertained, and there is a lovely woodland walk for walkies with the cabins. A small on-site shop stocks camping essentials, and a lively bar offers chilled pints for post-walk relaxation.

Minnows Touring Park in Tiverton

Minnows Touring Park, Tiverton

Minnows Touring Park is a peaceful adults-only site nestled beside the Grand Western Canal, ideal for campers who enjoy quiet walks, scenic biking routes, and exciting water sports like canoeing. Access to a shimmering canal provides anglers with a great base to go fishing and soak in the stunning scenery of rural mid-Devon. A short drive leads to the beautiful Blackdown Hills and the Exmoor, the historic city of Exeter, the port of Topsham, and the stunning Tiverton and Honiton market towns. There is so much to explore nearby, and the site has a range of excellent all-weather pitches for small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Standard facilities include a laundry room, a communal fridge with a freezer, and an on-site shop.

Campervan Hire Towns in Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Otterhead Reflections, Blackdown Hills. Mark Robinson

Spectacular scenery, a cornucopia of flora plus fauna and unrivalled beauty make booking a campervan in the Blackdown Hills a sensible choice. The nationally protected reserve rests on the Somerset and Devon border and provides an excellent base for starting a trip or exploring the surrounding attractions. Many adventurers begin their journey with campervan hire Plymouth, then make the scenic drive inland to discover this hidden natural treasure on the county border. If you like nature, hire a campervan in Clayhidon and start your adventure in a small wildlife retreat snuggled in the Blackdown Hills. Find campervans in Sampford Peverell and stop for a meal at the local pub. Speak to private owners in Hemyock and start by exploring a range of prehistoric remains in the beautiful village.

When you hire a campervan in Clayhidon, you're in a fantastic area to kick-start your holiday amidst rolling hills and fertile fields. The small village is a well-located base for accessing the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a campervan, you can easily travel between scenic spots like Staple Hill or lovely villages like Broadhembury and Stockland. The quiet, winding country lanes are often less travelled, offering drivers a peaceful, picturesque start to a memorable campervan road trip in the Blackdown Hills. Check out 30 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Clayhidon, or find more campervans for hire in Wellington, campervans for hire in Taunton, campervans for hire in South Chard and campervans for hire in Chard.

VW T2 Classic Campervan in Taunton

VW T2 Classic Campervan in Taunton

Price Per Day: £120 in June, £135 in July, £150 in August.

Age: 25-70

Travel: UK Only

Gearbox: Manual

Alfred is a stunningly restored Westfailia Camper. He has an awning, two camp chairs, electric hook-up, mattress topper on the rock and roll bed and is fully equiped with cultrey plates and pans.

When you hire a campervan in Sampford Peverell, you’re just off the M5, making it a great base for accessing the local area and some of the most scenic routes in the region. You are a short drive from the village to the stunning landscapes of the Blackdown Hills, Exmoor National Park, and Jurassic Coast. Look forward to scenic drives through rolling countryside, making it a great base for exploring Devon’s rural charm. The village is also close to the Grand Western Canal, making it ideal for our readers who enjoy walks, cycling and wildlife watching. You can also visit Tiverton to explore Exeter and coastal towns like Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. We have 23 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Sampford Peverell, and more campervans for hire in Cullompton, campervans for hire in Bampton, campervans for hire in Dulverton, campervans for hire in Bishops Lydeard and campervans for hire Whimple.

Hire a campervan in Hemyock, and you’re right in the midst of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with instant access to its varied attractions and activities. You’re right within the rolling countryside, with immediate access to ancient woodlands and picturesque villages peppered across the landscape. With a campervan, you can easily explore villages like Broadhembury, Churchinford, and Upottery and head out on various outdoor adventures. There are numerous footpaths and hiking trails that weave through the Blackdown Hills, historic attractions like Hemyock Castle, and convenient access to essential amenities. Browse our selection of 50 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Hemyock, or find more campervans for hire in campervans for hire in Honiton and campervans for hire in Ottery St Mary.

Ford Campervan in Taunton

Ford Campervan in Taunton

Price Per Day: £70 in June, £90 in July, £90 in August.

Age: 21-70

Travel: UK Only

Gearbox: Manual

Transit Custom Campervan for hire. Toby the Camper. Our campers have been designed with ease of access, practicability, and space in mind.

Goodbye to The Blackdown Hills

And so we conclude an exciting road trip to the Blackdown Hills. We hope our campsite and campervan hire suggestions are useful when planning your own campervan road trip. Look out for the next guide on our An Itinerary for an Unforgettable Roadtrip through Devon in a Campervan when we’ll be exploring the stunning Exmoor National Park.