By: Blonde Two

Holiday vacancies in Devon

We’re past the middle of May now, summer is well and truly on its way, and lockdown has eased yet again. With the staycation looking strong, the South West is tipped to be the most popular UK staycation destination this year, with Devon and Cornwall being popular choices. That obviously means that finding half-term accommodation in Devon might be tricky but we don’t think it’s impossible. Here are our top tips for Devon holiday accommodation that is still available (as I write!)

Where to stay in Devon

One of the things I love most about Devon is its variety. Many visitors flock to Devon’s main seaside destinations like Torbay’s wonderful English Riviera, and North Devon’s surf beaches but Devon has plenty of other options to offer, particularly for people who love to be outside. Whether you’re looking for open moorland, craggy coast, or gentle river valley, Devon has the accommodation, facilities, and countryside to suit you and your family.

 

Okehampton – North Dartmoor

Army track near Okehampton

Adventure and exploration at YHA Okehampton

If you’ve never stayed in a Youth Hostel, this could well be the year to give it a go. With a private ensuite room for four people still available for half-term at only £80 a night, hostelling offers comfortable accommodation, in some of Britain’s most beautiful places. Not only that, by supporting the YHA, you’ll be supporting their charitable work to give as many people as possible experiences in the great outdoors.

YHA Okehampton is perfectly situated between the lovely market town of Okehampton and the wild open spaces of North Dartmoor. Perfect for walkers and cyclists alike, Okehampton is also great for coffee drinkers and cafe sitters! Further afield you have the wonderful Castle Drogo, atmospheric Lydford Gorge, and the miniature pony centre (super cute!)

If you fancy some instructor-led outdoor fun, YHA Okehampton gives you access to one of the YHA’s very own adventure centres. From gorge walking to climbing, there’s something for everyone at Adventure Okehampton, with family days set at very competitive prices.

 

Nearly Wild Camping – Devon-wide

B2 afternoon hammock snoozing

Devon wild camping without the hiking

If you prefer to bring your accommodation and be as close to nature as possible, you really should check out Nearly Wild Camping. Created to bring together land owners with people who prefer to camp away from campsites, Nearly Wild Camping gives all the feel of wild camping without that ‘should I really be here’ feeling.

We Blondes are Nearly Wild Camping members, and today’s quick check still showed some lovely remote sites in Devon that have vacancies for half term. If you’re looking for somewhere to tent camp, live the van life in your campervan, stay in a barn, or even hang your hammock, you won’t be disappointed (if you book quickly!) We even found a site in the South Hams near beautiful, sandy Bigbury (we might be bagging that one for ourselves!)

 

The National Trust – Exmoor


Outdoor life in Lorna Doone Valley

If you were hoping for a stay in one of the National Trust’s exceptional cottages or beautiful basic bothies in Devon this half term, you’re too late but there are currently still vacancies showing at their Cloud Farm campsite on Exmoor (if you’ve ever camped with the National Trust, you’ll know the NT do this really well). Cloud Farm is set in the stunning Lorna Doone valley, and perfect for a bit of peaceful reading. With proper English countryside and wildlife all around, you might not want to leave the campsite but if you do, you’ll be within walking distance of the South West Coast Path.

At the time of writing Cloud Farm Campsite was showing vacancies for both tents and campervans (not motorhomes – if you’ve ever driven around Exmoor, you’ll understand why). We can’t promise great weather but we can guarantee that you’ll fall in love with Exmoor and its coastal and moorland treasures.

 

Glamping in Devon – Dartmoor

B1 relaxing at Hole Station campsite

If you’ve never tried glamping you really should give it a go. Combining an outdoor lifestyle with all the inside cosiness that a May bank holiday needs, glamping can be as comfortable as a holiday cottage, and as inspirational as sleeping in a tent. Devon offers a plentitude of glamping options, including some great examples on Dartmoor. We can really recommend Visit Dartmoor for glamping and other Dartmoor accommodation options. They’re Dartmoor locals, know the area really well, and work hard to support local businesses.

As I write I’ve found half term Dartmoor glamping in camping pods at Langstone Manor campsite near Tavistock (South Dartmoor), and at one of our favourite places to be, Hole Station Campsite near Holsworthy (North Dartmoor). I’ve enjoyed camping at both. Langstone Manor is a traditional campsite, and great for families. Hole Station is adults only, offers rent-a-tent camping (with fantastic safari shelters for daily living), and is one of the most peaceful places I have ever stayed.

 

Don’t hang around – book now!

Well there we go. I suspect that as I typed, some of the options I found got booked up but don’t forget that Devon is open all year round (Covid permitting), and wonderful throughout the seasons. Many of our accommodation providers offer great autumn and winter breaks as well as summer getaways. What better way to support local businesses and even charities (YHA and National Trust) towards an easier and more prosperous future!

Happy holidays! Don’t forget to send us your pictures when you get here!

 

Two Blondes Walking has an affiliate advertising relationship with National Trust Holidays.