Author
Cian Byrne
Devon is the land of plenty for outdoorsy people. Flanked by the powerful waters of the Bristol Channel to the north and calmer tides of the English Channel to the south, this county is paradise for those who like to wake up to the smell of fresh sea air. Home to two National Parks, Dartmoor National Park in South Devon and Exmoor National Park in North Devon, the region contains endless rambles and trails to explore and wildlife to spot.
The good times in Devon don’t stop once you step foot back indoors though; the Devon countryside's rolling hills are spotted with picturesque farming villages and they're worth meandering through. Try one of the local delicacies—it’s hard to avoid pasties in Devon (imagine pie meets calzone) and they make for a perfect snack after a day in the hills, along with a proper Devon cider. Or, up the pace and hop on one of the scenic railways to see the best of this colorful corner of England.
With such varied landscapes, cultures and activities, Devon is ideal for a break spent outside, particularly with a whole host of glamping accommodations that are just as diverse as the county's scenery here. Think safari tents, yurts, shepherd's huts, and treehouses— all of which will let you holiday amongst nature on your next getaway, without leaving behind creature comforts like cozy beds, wood stoves, and hot tubs.
11 Dreamy Glamping Destinations in Devon County, England
Buttercup's Shepherd Hut — Coryton, Okehampton, UK
Vibe: Shepherd Chic
On the edge of Dartmoor National Park less than an hour north of Plymouth, Buttercup’s Shepherd Hut guarantees adventure. Open your door to over 350 square miles of wilderness with endless walks, native British wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Back at your hut after a long day of exploring, slip into your private outdoor wood-fired hot tub and let the world pass you by. There's also a fire pit and BBQ, and inside the hut, there’s a wood-burning stove and underfloor heating to keep things cozy, a fully equipped kitchen, a shower room, and king-size bed. Oh, and homemade cake on arrival.
Rate: £300/two nights
Humble Bee — Okehampton, UK
Vibe: Beehive Vibes
One of the most architecturally striking cabins in the entire UK, Humble Bee is a lofty wooden structure amongst the trees that makes for an unforgettable stay. Climb your way up to the rafters and find your bed for the night (king-size), complete with porthole views out into the treetops. Relax in the sunken hot tub or run yourself an outdoor bath and immerse yourself in nature. If you can manage to peel yourself away from your cabin, there’s an eight-mile looped walk that takes you to a handful of historical sites, including Nine Stones Circle, known by locals as Nine Maidens. Humble Bee is centrally located, so you're within driving distance of nearly all of Devon's sites.
Rate: £170+/night
Shepherd Huts at Livit Hideaway — Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, UK
Vibe: Seaside Farm Stay
You won’t have to go too far to find a nice bottle of wine on this glamping stay in Devon. It's set on Gratton Vineyard, which has over 200 vines that they make local wines with and they even make their own cider. Completing the vineyard is a group of pygmy goats and ducks. The huts are brightly decorated and come with a private hot tub—perfect for relaxing after a day surfing at the nearby beaches (Saunton Sands, an hour away, is a top spot for waves). Dogs are welcome at Gratton Vineyard as long as they’re kept on a lead, but there are dog-friendly beaches nearby where they can stretch their legs. The shepherd huts are small but nicely decorated and equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.
Rate: £110+/night
Deer's Leap — West Anstey, South Molton, UK
Vibe: A Top Knight’s Sleep
What better way to live your British fantasy than glamping on land once owned by a knight? The land here at Deer’s Leap has been written about in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has continued to be held in the highest regard here ever since. Deer’s Leap is all about luxury glamping: Book a stay at one of the bell tents dotted across the landscape and enjoy a full king-size bed, feather duvets, and just about every touch of quality you can imagine (including en-suite bathrooms). Roll up a wall of your canvas tent, put another log in the stove and watch for shooting stars in the skies above.
Rate: £460/three nights
Owl Valley Glamping — Bideford, UK
Vibe: Peaceful Retreat
Slap bang in the middle of a nature reserve and feeling like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle, Owl Valley Glamping's location is hard to beat. From here, you can put on your walking boots and head for the South West Coast Path that weaves its way through the sand dunes along the edge of Westward Ho! Beach, or take in the wide sweeping views from the headlands in the south to Lundy Island out to sea. The Owl Valley property has a communal space outfitted with cooking gear, games, and a wood burner, and there's also a shop where you can buy essentials as well as a place for campfires and roasting marshmallows. As for accommodations, the bell tents and cabins here let you experience what Devon has to offer, but our pick is the Long Eared Geodome, which has a large decking area, a fire pit, and its own private hot tub.
Rate: £130/night
Foreland Bothy — Lynton, UK
Vibe: Bothy Bliss
Bothies are scattered across the UK, offering shelter from harsh conditions in the most remote locations. The Foreland Bothy is a great example—set on the North Devon coast, it's a comfortable, dog-friendly glamping spot in a truly special setting. Built with stout dark stone and robust wooden doors, the simple building is a comfortable haven along the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile long route that's easily broken up into manageable chunks for short strolls out or day-long explorations. Inside, you'll find a sink, bunks for four, and not much else. Despite it only being a one-mile-long walk from the nearest pub, the skies here are free from light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing.
Rate: £99/night
Ruby's Orchard — Sheepwash, Beaworthy, UK
Vibe: Rural Yurt Hideaway
If you're visiting Devon on a family holiday, a stay at the yurt in Ruby’s Orchard is worth considering. Peaceful and remote, the glampsite's only neighbors are the wildlife flying through the treetops and rustling in the undergrowth of the woods around you. The yurt sleeps up to four people and still manages to be spacious. There's also a separate tent with kitchen equipment, and your hosts willy supply wood for the yurt's wood-fired stove and the fire pit outside. Bring your bike and cycle along the Tarka Trail, a 180 mile loop trail that also includes the UK’s longest traffic-free cycle route. Pedal from village to village, taking in picture-perfect views of the Devon countryside as you go.
Rate: £100/night
Devon Yurts — Kelly, Lifton, UK
Vibe: Low-Carbon Camping
When a glampsite has a list of recommended low-carbon activities, you know they take sustainability seriously. The family-run team at Devon Yurt have won award after award for their yurts with private hot tubs and incredible sunset views. Set amongst West Devon's rolling countryside with easy access to Dartmoor National Park, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Cornwall, you’re guaranteed views that will make you want to extend your stay. Explore the dramatic Lydford Gorge nearby and make your way to Whitelady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron. On hot summer days, cool down in one of the Dartmoor Leats, a system of man-made waterways that transport water across the land.
Rate: £740/four nights
The Pheasant's Retreat Treehouse - Dunscombe Farm, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton, UK
Vibe: Dreamy Treehouse
Relive your childhood with a glamping holiday in a treehouse that has you running across rope bridges, climbing down ladders to your hot tub and sleepy in a woodland orb in the trees. A short drive from Exeter in Mid Devon, the Pheasant’s Retreat is an unforgettable setting for a unique Devon glamping break. Nearby to plenty of hiking trails, it's a great base to explore the countryside and hills as well as Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, or the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Natural Beauty. For beaches, head to Exmouth or Dawlish, two quaint towns on the South Coast.
Rate: £390/three nights
Trone Valley Escapes — Crediton, UK
Vibe: Ultimate Relaxation
Take the whole family away or head off with a group of friends to Trone Valley Escapes for a Devon-style safari at a not-your-average holiday park. Instead of glamping pods you'll find large, multi-bedroom safari tents perched up on wooden supports that take in the surrounding countryside. Sleeping up to eight people, the tents here are great for playing cards by the fire pit or unwinding in your own hot tub or hammock. No matter where you are, you’ll enjoy views of the rolling hills all around. If you feel the urge to get active, there are plenty of walking trails nearby, bushcraft classes, and a private lake for fishing.
Rate: £756+/two nights
Rocombe Valley Retreat — Newton Abbot, UK
Vibe: Valley of Views
With three yurts, a canvas safari tent, and a shepherd's hut, Rocombe Valley Retreat is the choose your own adventure of glamping holidays. The tent, which sleeps six, is the largest, but every accommodation here has everything you need for the perfect getaway: comfy beds and duvets, cooking equipment, wood-burning stoves, hot tubs, and ponds for fishing. Base yourself here and explore the South Hams and the South West Coast Path, or stay closer to home and check out Torquay and its beaches.
Rate: £75+/night
Published 01-20-2023
