Road Trip East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 15 minutes
Chesil Beach. Nick Fewings
The next leg of our campervan road trip takes us through the captivating and unique landscape of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its vast heathlands, majestic cliffs, serene river valleys, and lush green hills, this area offers a wealth of unique experiences and Devon campsites waiting to be explored. Your drive from the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the East Devon National Landscape should take an hour and a half via the A30 and Devon Expressway. Feel free to use our campervan road trip itinerary below or create your own with our suggestions, and get ready for an adventure like no other.
Take a break from the road and immerse yourself in the local charm of Sidmouth, where a fresh, locally sourced meal awaits you at a charming cafe. As we continue our campervan hire journey, we'll explore the diverse terrains and the extraordinary natural beauty of East Devon. The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons with its stunning cliffs and beaches, while the South West Coast Path offers sweeping ocean views and a rugged coastline. Pause for a picnic at Ladram Bay and admire the red sandstone stacks, a testament to nature's artistry. Alternatively, refuel with local flavour at one of the pubs in the village of Beer, where you can savour locally caught fish and chips while enjoying the authentic atmosphere. Wake up with a traditional Devonshire cream tea at a pleasant tea room in the village of Branscombe and spend the morning at the craft workshop in the village of Otterton. If you'd rather soak in the scenery on a drive, go through the Otter Valley, stopping at Bicton Park for strolls through manicured gardens and tropical greenhouses filled with exotic plants and wildlife. Stop for a bite at the quaint town of Honiton, renowned for antique shops and lace-making heritage. Wander the local streets at a gentle pace before sitting down for a scrumptious dinner at a local bistro.
Kick back in a comfortable, well-maintained camping spot and enjoy a 10-minute stroll from the nearest pebble beach with easy access to scenic walks at Manor Farm Holiday Centre.
For nature's hidden gems, head out on a peaceful nature walk in the pastoral East Devon countryside or venture into the tranquil Blackdown Hills, National Landscape, known for its undulating hills and sheltered wooded valleys. Uncover the hidden gem of the Beer Quarry Caves, a place of quiet wonder with its underground caverns and rich history of quarrying. Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch experience, a true celebration of the region's bountiful produce. We conclude the day with a soothing sunset walk along the River Axe, a perfect way to reflect on the day's adventures and the beauty of the countryside.
- How Long is The East Devon Way?
- What is The Largest Town in East Devon?
- Best Camping at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Best Campsites at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Tent camping at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- East Devon Camping Cabins
- Campsites at East Devon Near Beach
- East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervan Hire Price
- Best Campervan Road Trip East Devon
- South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the East Devon National Landscape
How Long is The East Devon Way?
The East Devon Way is a stunning waymarked 40-mile route from Exmouth in the west to Lyme Regis in the east. The route is a lovely addition to your East Devon road trip and boasts stunning views of the East Devon National Landscape. It typically takes around 3 - 4 days to complete, and this may vary depending on your pace and the time you spend exploring the various attractions along the way. Follow more manageable sections of the route if you do not want challenging hikes or want to follow the entire East Devon Way.
What is The Largest Town in East Devon?
The largest town in East Devon is Exmouth. Located at the mouth of the River Exe, Exmouth is a bustling seaside town, the start of the East Devon Way, and a lovely stop to add to your road trip in East Devon. Pop by this popular seaside resort and spend sunny days exploring its long, sandy beach, indulging in watersports and visiting the nearby Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is a beautiful gateway to the East Devon National Landscape and might make a great addition to your itinerary.
Best Camping at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Durdle Door, Wareham. Jack B
East Devon is a fantastic space for camping next to the seaside or the countryside. Find campsites near the Jurassic Coast, at the heart of East Devon’s AONB, or a short walk or car ride from the ocean in the open countryside. There is nothing quite like waking up to a gentle breeze, the rumble of the sea, and the whispering of trees as they sway in the wind. All our top campsites (and some amazing alternative ones) bring the best of the countryside and coastline to your doorstep and couldn’t be more perfect for those who enjoy views, peace, and easy access to local attractions. Read on for more. We recommend finding campsites in Branscombe, Sidmouth and Sidbury. Visit our campsite page for more campsites in UK.
Use our icons at the top of the page to filter your campsites by accommodation, or use our search engine to find a campsite in your chosen location. Look at our recommended camping in the East Devon National Landscape, and add a stop at one of these locations.
East Devon has many great spots to rest your head for a night or settle in for a school holiday. If you’re looking for campsites, consider parking up at Branscombe. The town combines a prime location on the Jurassic Coastline with a relaxing ambience and picturesque settings. Drive past rows of thatched cottages with flowering vines, or take a moment to soak in the uplifting vistas of Devon from the local church. Explore our collection of campsites in Branscombe, and let East Devon’s natural beauty entice the eyes. Our campsite locations in Branscombe include campsites in Seaton, campsites in Colyton, campsites in Honiton, campsites in Axminster and campsites in Lyme Regis.
You can also find the perfect spot Sidmouth, a vibrant seaside town along the Jurassic Coast. We recommend booking a campsite in Sidmouth owing to its stunning location amid open countryside and Blue Flag-awarded beaches. Enjoy the community atmosphere and the friendly owners who look forward to renting out their campervans to you. We have 3 campsites in Sidmouth, Devon and 483 campsites within 30 miles. Our Sidmouth campsite locations include campsites in Woodbury Salterton, campsites in Woodbury and campsites in Whimple.
Cannington Farm Campsite is one of those perfect little sites that combines a stunning rural location with a laidback and practical campsite owner who prefers peace over congested camping.
If you’d like to stop for a meal before your journey, pop over to the small village of Sidbury, a few miles inland from Sidmouth. The site enjoys a quiet location on the River Sid, with proximity to the coastline and buzzing coastal resorts like Branscombe, Sidmouth, Seaton, and more. You can leave your campsite in Sidbury and pop over to St. Giles church and peek inside to view the Saxon crypt. Our Sidbury campsite locations include campsites in Ottery St Mary and campsites in Budleigh Salterton.
Best Campsites at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The East Devon AONB comprises lush hills, sheltered woods, gleaming rivers, sleepy rural villages and varied wildlife. Several beautiful campsites are tucked amid the open countryside and along the Jurrasic coast shoreline. Holidaymakers who want to explore the National Cycle Network and the surrounding areas can stay at Hunters Lodge Camping in Dawlish. If the coastline is where it's at, Coombe View Farm Campsite in Seaton is just a mile and a half from the coastal resort of Branscombe, with a lovely beach. Boveys Down Farm in Honiton is great for animal lovers, with friendly creatures on-site and at the Axe Valley Wildlife Park nearby. For those planning to venture further west during their Devon exploration, there are also excellent campsites in Plymouth that serve as perfect base camps for discovering the wider region.
Coombe View Farm in Seaton
Coombe View Farm, Seaton
If you want the best of the beach and the open countryside consider staying at Coombe View Farm Campsite, a small campsite with some of Devon's best ocean and rural views. There's ample open space for the kids to play and a local bus service between Exeter and Bournemouth. The owners encourage guests to light campfires on their pitches, and the surrounding wildlife creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing. Tackle the coastal footpaths from Branscombe to Beer, or tackle the 500-foot hike to Peak Hill. If you'd rather unwind by the ocean, kick back by the Jurassic Coast, go on a fishing trip or head out for a relaxing picnic.
Hunters Lodge Camping in Dawlish
Hunters Lodge Camping, Dawlish
Hunters Lodge is a peaceful spot with a duck pond, chickens and access to fabulous home-reared eggs. The site is well-maintained with spacious pitches and lovely views over the countryside. Active types are in a good location for walking and cycling, and the local train service runs into Exeter and the village nearby. A short drive from the campsite leads to the beach with a lush nature reserve and several friendly pubs with a tempting food menu.
Boveys Down Farm in Honiton
Boveys Down Farm, Honiton
Boveys Down Farm is a tranquil rural site on a working farm in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is 10 minutes from Honiton and is ideally located for visiting Sidmouth, Seaton, and South West Coast Path, just 15 minutes away. Campers can pick up various delicious homemade pies, pastries, cakes, and homemade burgers. Let the kids join the owner for a walking tour around the farm to meet ducks, cattle, and hens. The Axe Valley Wildlife Park and the Yarak Birds of Prey are also nearby for more animal-watching days out.
Tent camping at East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Searching for a place to pitch your tent for the night? We've got you covered. Branscombe Airfield and Camping, just four miles from Sidmouth. Seaton and Beer is a fab space for tent campers. The site boasts its private airstrip with a restored aircraft and enjoys many family-friendly amenities, including two games rooms, oodles of space for ball games, and an enclosed play area. Take your pick from a range of spacious optional electric grass pitches for tents and tourers, and settle in for a relaxing stay on the fringes of the village of Branscombe.
The award-winning Crealy Theme Park and Resort is another well-equipped tent friendly campsite in East Devon National Landscape. The spacious site is located a short stroll from the Crealy Resort. There's something for everyone, so go ahead and spend sunny days exploring roller coaster rides, pet farm animals, or participate in exciting seasonal events. The site has pitches for tents and tourers, plus a range of top-notch glamping accommodations, including luxury hot tub lodges, themed glamping tents and fully-serviced pitches.
Hobby Farm is the perfect base for a kid-free holiday, set within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing adults with heaps of peace and space for serene escapes from the daily grind.
Prattshayes Campsite, a 30-minute stroll from Exmouth beach, is a top spot for tents and tourers. The site is a 25-minute drive from Crealy Adventure Park, 30 minutes from Exeter, and a short distance from a watersports centre and the River Exe. See more of the Devon coastline by following the South West Coast Path at Exmouth Beach, or sign up for a day of water-based antics like paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. End the day by firing up the grill and sitting down to a lovely alfresco meal under the stars.
East Devon Camping Cabins
Budleigh Salterton. Markles55 Photos
Camping Cabins are ideal for those colder months or if you fancy sleeping under a roof with the convenience of a heater and electricity. Pithead Campsite is a lovely, family-run site tucked on the grounds of an old apple orchard. A half-hour drive leads to the Jurassic Coast beach and Exeter city centre, and the site is well-placed for enjoying various outdoor activities. Wake up to distant views over Dartmoor and decide how you would like to spend your day. Evenings are best enjoyed around the barbecue grill or the firepit.
Andrewshayes Caravan Park is a lovely site, just 7 minutes from the Jurassic Coast, with all the comforts of home and then some. Set close to the sea, the park is perfect for blending coastal capers with countryside views and a backdrop of the Blackdown Hills. Families can enjoy a range of top facilities, including a covered pool, an onsite bar, a cafe, and a takeaway service for campers keen to rest their sore muscles after a long day of sightseeing. The site has all-weather electric hardstanding bases for tents and tourers, plus camping pods for four.
Golden Sands Holiday Park, located a short stroll from the famous Blue Flag Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve, is another fab suite for cabin friendly camping in East Devon National Landscape. The two-mile sandy beach is a fab spot for families to swim, splash around, and make sandcastles. The site has excellent facilities, so you’ll have plenty of fun without stepping outside the gates. Guests share access to heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large sun patio, live entertainment for all ages, and more.
Campsites at East Devon Near Beach
Fancy plonking by the azure ocean and falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping the shore? Stowford Farm Meadows is a fab site for coastal adventures. The site rests on a stunning 500-acre countryside park, just a 15-minute drive from Woolacombe. Guests are welcome to pitch a tent or park a touring vehicle on optional electric grass pitches and enjoy the thrills of camping in the great outdoors. Sit around the barbecue grill, take the kids to join in the evening entertainment, or head out to the indoor pool for a splash. The camping areas are divided into five separate areas to provide campers a tranquil experience.
Stowford Farm Meadows is a family-friendly countryside park, nestled on 500 lush acres, a mere fifteen-minute drive from the amenities and amusements of the lively seaside resort of Woolacombe.
If you're partial to ocean views, rumble over to Watermouth Valley Camping Park, a family-run site with ocean views and direct access to Broadsands Beach. Ilfracombe is a 10-minute drive away, and Woolacombe is 25 minutes away. Enjoy the best of the countryside and the coastline from a quiet location on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Watermouth Bay is a leisurely 5-minute stroll from the gates, and Croyde Beach is a half-hour drive away. Campers are right on the South West Coast Path, and Combe Martin is also within easy reach. There are plenty of attractions to explore, so go ahead and spend your holiday as you like - wandering from inland attractions to stunning beaches in mere minutes.
Tent and Campervan from £23
Watermouth Valley Camping Park is a family-friendly touring and caravan park perfect for a sun, sea, and sand holiday.
Ladram Bay Holiday Park is a five-star holiday park perfect for those searching for campsites near the beach in East Devon. Excellent amenities include a swimming pool complex with a large pool and an interactive splash zone. Adults can explore facilities like a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. A lovely inn is nearby for dining and spectacular panoramic views across the bay. Accommodation options range from tents and touring pitches to swish lodges with hot tubs and decking.
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervan Hire Price
S W Coast Path, Wareham. Robert Bye
Hiring a campervan in East Devon National Landscape is the best means to explore the open road with freedom and flexibility. Create your own adventure at your own pace. The cost of renting a campervan can vary based on several factors. Prices often fluctuate with the seasons, with summer months typically seeing higher rates due to increased demand. Additionally, the duration of your hire plays a role. Longer rentals can sometimes mean discounted daily rates. The type of campervan you choose will also impact the cost - whether you opt for a cosy, compact model ideal for a couple’s getaway or a larger, luxury vehicle equipped with all the comforts of home. Whatever your budget or travel style, there's a campervan out there ready to make your journey unforgettable.
Best Campervan Road Trip East Devon
Your campervan road trip itinerary has been planned down to a tee, and now it's on to finding the perfect home away from home for your East Devon road trip. Explore the stunning East Devon AONB landscapes with our convenient campervan hire Devon services, perfectly positioned for your countryside adventure. We recommend searching for private campervan owners in Axmouth, Budleigh, Salterton, and Ottery St Mary. These locations are ideal for accessing the East Devon National Landscape and are handy for readers who want to kick off their Devon road trip in the East Devon AONB. Read on to see why these locations are great for campervan rentals, and have a peep at our top campervan hire locations near each destination. While these East Devon locations offer excellent access to the AONB, travelers seeking alternative starting points can also consider campervan hire Plymouth. You can search for campervans by postcode, town or county. Use our maps to filter campsites by county within the UK.
Budleigh Salterton. Alison Day
Dramatic coastlines, towering cliffs, sandy bays and peaceful traditional towns make East Devon a delightful spot for campervan adventures. Easy access to numerous walks, like the South West Coast Path, coastal resorts and an agreeable climate provide a delicious slice of a quintessentially British seaside escape. Uncover the charm with a campervan hire in Axemouth, a quaint village with a picturesque harbour. Experience the convenience of being just a stone's throw away from the stunning Jurassic Coast. The town is a haven for nature lovers, offering scenic walks along Seaton's coast and many cosy coastal campsites. We have 49 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Axmouth, and more campervans for hire in Seaton, campervans for hire in Colyton, campervans for hire in Branscombe, campervans for hire in Axminster, campervans for hire in Lyme Regis, campervans for hire in Charmouth, campervans for hire in Sidbury and campervans for hire in Honiton.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Local Area Only
Gearbox: Manual
Welcome to Olive, a vintage VW Type 2 campervan, affectionately known as the Volkswagen Bus or Kombi. A true icon of freedom, adventure, and timeless design.
Find campervans in Budleigh Salterton, another gem along the Jurassic Coast, is a pristine seaside town perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. Our campervans for hire in Budleigh Salterton are a gateway to walking trails, birdwatching spots, and family-friendly attractions like Crealy Adventure Park. We have 20 campervans and motorhomes within 40 miles of Budleigh Salterton and more campervans in Exmouth, campervans in Starcross, campervans in Woodbury Salterton, campervans in Dawlish, and campervans in Exminster.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Local Area Only
Gearbox: Manual
Welcome to Carlos, the camper. He is younger than he looks! Enjoy the character and charm of a classic VW camper, and take yourself back to the carefree days of the '70s.
Our campervan rentals in Ottery St Mary, also known as Ottery, is a perfect for history buffs. Nestled on the banks of the picturesque River Otter, this town offers more than just natural beauty. Take a leisurely sunset walk down to the shimmering Budleigh Salterton estuary and immerse yourself in the world-famous Tar Barrel ceremony and torchlight procession, held every November. The town also boasts a variety of shops and is home to many ancient treasures, including the parish church of St. Mary, which served as a source of inspiration for J. K Rowling. Browse our selection of 23 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Ottery St Mary, and check out more campervans in Whimple and campervans in Sidmouth.
South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the East Devon National Landscape
S W Coast Path, Wareham. Belinda Fewings
And so we conclude yet another exciting adventure on our An Itinerary for an Unforgettable Roadtrip through Devon in a Campervan. We hope our campervan roast trip guide helped you plan an itinerary through the East Devon National LAndscape, complete with top spots for campervan rentals and our selection of inland and coastal campsites that offer a range of accommodation options. We’re not done just yet. Next, we explore the gorgeous Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provide you with all the information needed to plan a holiday, hire a campervan and book a campsite in one go. Stay tuned for a new update next week.
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