54- Road Trip South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty -HIDDEN-NOT-PUBLISHED

Start Point Lighthouse. Red Zeppelin

We’re off on a brand-new campervan road trip adventure! Today, we dive into the natural thrills and spectacular scenery of the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Stock up on produce, ensure your Devon campervan hire is in tip-top shape for the third leg of our journey and wave a cheery goodbye to your campsite in Dartmoor National Park. The drive from Dartmoor National Park to the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty will take approximately thirty minutes via the B3196 or 35 minutes via the A381. Come along and join us as we explore the best attractions in this gorgeous National Landscape, kick back under starry skies at our selection of top campsites in South Devon National Landscape, and find the best campervans for hire in South Devon starting at £50 per night.

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

The South Devon AONB is celebrated for its mesmerising blend of natural and cultural treasures. The breathtaking coastline, featuring jagged cliffs, secret coves, and expansive sandy beaches paired with an ever-changing landscape of stunning vistas, creates a gorgeous space for those who admire wild beauty. Rich history is deeply embedded in its landscape, with crumbling castles and ancient towns like Dartmouth holding historical and cultural attractions for the history buffs in your group. Move inland to uncover rolling hills and patchwork fields, falling in love with a quintessentially English rural landscape.

• What Are The Special Qualities of The South Devon AONB?
• Why Visit South Devon?
• Best Camping at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Best Campsites at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Tent Camping at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Campsites at South Devon Near Beach
• South Devon Campervan Road Trip 3 Days
• South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervan Hire Price
• Best Campervan at South Devon
• Our Campervan Roadtrip Continues to East Devon AONB

What Are The Special Qualities of The South Devon AONB?

The South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, like Dartmoor National Park, is part of several protected areas in the UK and is a beautiful part of Devon, brimming with wildlife and scenery at every turn. Sixty glorious miles of golden coastlines, jewel-blue streams curving gently through the landscape, and the gentle countryside between Torbay and Plymouth provide the perfect playground for camping, exploring and relaxing. Campsites in Plymouth serve as perfect gateways to this stunning region, positioning visitors ideally to explore both the dramatic moorland landscapes and the spectacular South Devon coastline. Miles of open routes encourage long cycle rides and walks. Bird watchers can observe various species along river banks, while families can embark on short strolls with the kids along white sand beaches overlooked by soaring cliffs. Quiet campsites, nestled in the serenity of Devonshire countryside, provide a peaceful haven to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. There is much to explore here, so we recommend settling down for a few days to savour an authentic slice of this designated Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Why Visit South Devon?

KIngsbridge. Markles55 Photos

The area boasts a variety of landscapes and captivating outdoor attractions, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike. We recommend starting with the stunning coastline and working your way past towering cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches like Bantham Beach—a surfer’s paradise with views of the iconic Burgh Island. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, and seabirds along the coastline. Craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves are waiting to be explored. The captivating coastal town of Salcombe, renowned for its exceptional views, charming harbour, and beautiful coastal walks, would be an excellent place to begin.

The estuaries of the Dart, Salcombe-Kingsbridge, and Avon rivers are a delight for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The Salcombe Estuary is especially enchanting, with its blend of serene waters and picturesque scenery. We also recommend a leisurely cruise along the River Dart, enjoying some wildlife spotting while soaking in the views from a different angle. For more wildlife and views book a seat and soak in the scenery as you chug along the South Devon Railway.

Dartmouth Castle stands guard at the mouth of the River Dart, offering not just history but also breathtaking views across the estuary. Take a break from driving to explore the surrounding woodlands or take a ferry to Greenway House, the former home of Agatha Christie, nestled within beautiful gardens.For a quieter escape, Bolt Head to Bolt Tail is a must-see stretch of coastline. This rugged cliff walk rewards with panoramic views and encounters with diverse wildlife, including seabirds and wildflowers.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, a veritable treasure trove with varied flora and fauna. It’s the largest freshwater lake in the South West, flanked by a shingle beach and teeming with birds and rare plants.Finally, don’t miss the rolling countryside of the South Hams, where you can wander through tranquil villages like Dittisham and Stoke Gabriel, or hike up to Gara Rock for stunning sea views that stretch for miles.

Alternatively, venture inland to discover gently undulating hills, fertile valleys, and the open skies of the South Devon countryside. Explore quaint villages like Totnes and Buckfastleigh, famed for their historic charm and local artisan shops and quirk attractions. For sweeping scenery and plenty of outdoorsy escapades, hop over to Dartmoor National Park, which borders the South Devon AONB, and extend your campervan road trip in Devon for a few days. Set out on all levels of hikes or take a scenic drive through the park, enjoying the breathtaking terrain and ancient stone tors.Savour a blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery on your road trip through the South Devon AONB.

Best Camping at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Kingsbridge Estuary. Natural England

Welcome to South Devon, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that promises unforgettable camping holidays. Set within untouched landscapes and craggy coastlines, a holiday here ensures a serene getaway from modern life, complete with a temperate climate and eye-catching scenery. Uncover a beautifully diverse region with charming coastal towns, stunning beaches and wild moorlands. Unwind on family-friendly beaches with shallow waters, or take to the large open ocean for kitesurfing and more. Visit our campsites page more campsites in UK.

Find plenty of beautiful campsites along the golden coastline, the windswept expanse of the Dartmoor National Park, and the lush rolling fields of the South Hams. Find the best campsites in Devon with our guide below. We recommend campsites in South Milton, Modbury, and East Prawle. Read on to find out why these are tip top camping locations.

Campsites in South Milton, known for their proximity to incredible scenery, golden sands and rare wildlife, offer a welcome respite for holidaymakers searching for a coastal getaway. Find campsites close to the city, park in elevated locations with views over the coastline, or camp at a traditional working farm and wake up to stunning rural views.Take a look at 309 campsites within 30 miles of South Milton. If you’d like to find more camping areas near South Milton, take a peek at our campsites in Salcombe, campsites in East Allington, campsites in Challaborough Beach and campsites in Dartmouth.

If you’d like to be within easy reach of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, book a campsite in Modbury, a beautifully maintained village nearby. Kick back in quiet locations in the hills and open landscapes nearby, and rumble into Modbury to explore its historic market square lined with galleries, independent boutiques, vintage stores, traditional pubs, and more. Introverts can leave the crowds behind, explore the surrounding South Hams countryside, or easily follow coastal paths. We have 78 campsites within 30 miles of Modbury. For more camping options check out our campsites in Holbeton, campsites in Ivybridge, campsites in South Brent and campsites in Blackawton.

East Prawle, Devon’s southernmost village, is remote, beautiful and home to stretches of under-visited coastline, providing an irresistible blend for adventurers who want the shoreline to themselves. Uncover secret beaches or follow stunning coastal walks from your campsite in East Prawle, and stop for a refreshing pint and a meal at charming pubs overlooking the ocean or the village green. Take your pick of gorgeous beaches in and around East Prawle, and leave the stress of the modern world behind. We have 267 campsites within 40 miles of East Prawle. You can also find more campsites in Kingsbridge and campsites in Slapton.

Best campsites at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Fall in love with the sheer beauty of South Devon, by finding a campsite in its remarkable Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pitch a tent or park your campervan in captivating greenery and open countryside, where the dawn of a new day brings adventure, and every sunset paints the sky in warm hues. Chapelcombe Farm in Kingsbridge rests in a quiet and rural location with exquisite views. Sea View Campsite in Dartmouth, as the name suggests, is a beautifully-managed, elevated site and Bolberry House Farm Camping and Caravanning Park enjoys pretty sea views and excellent amenities. Read on to find out why these campsites made the list.

Chapelcombe Farm in Kingsbridge

Chapelcombe Farm, Kingsbridge

Look forward to a warm welcome from the friendly owners at Chapelcombe Farm, a clean and well-maintained site with roomy, level pitches and all the amenities required for a comfortable holiday. Enjoy lazy mornings on your pitch and spend the day exploring attractive beaches, or head out on hillside walks, followed by a well-deserved pint and meal at a local pub. The owners are helpful and welcoming, the views are lovely, and the atmosphere is restful - just the sounds of birdsong and the occasional squeal from the kids playing on the green spaces around the pitches. A shop nearby sells camping essentials for guests who’d like nothing more than to unwind on-site.

Sea View Campsite in Dartmouth

Sea View Campsite, Dartmouth

Shimmy down to Sea View Campsite, a beautifully positioned site blending coastal and countryside views with spacious camping. Wake up to glorious views of the glittering ocean and the gentle ripple of the lush countryside sprinkled with grazing sheep, and look forward to spending the day as you please. Embark on lovely walks or bask in the sunshine on the beach just down the hill. The night skies are stunning and best enjoyed whilst tucking into a fresh meal from the local pub. Your friendly hosts, Gill and Joe, look forward to welcoming you.

Bolberry House Farm Camping And Caravanning Park in Salcombe

Bolberry House Farm Camping And Caravanning Park, Salcombe

Bolberry House Farm Camping and Caravanning Park enjoys a tremendous location for walking and boasts some of the finest views in the area. Tucked away on a quiet hill in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the campsite looks out over the rolling patchwork of countryside and the lustrous ocean, guaranteeing spectacular sunsets. Pitches are well-spaced, and guests can quickly drive into Salcombe, Totnes, and Kingsbridge. Panoramic coastal footpaths are strolling distance away, and safe, sandy beaches beckon with the promise of sun, sea and sand. Pet owners can exercise dogs in a designated dog-walking meadow. Embrace the friendly feel with ample room to stretch out while enjoying delicious snacks courtesy of the food trucks that visit during the high season.

Tent Camping at South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

While we wax lyrical about campervan and motorhome hire, we appreciate our traditional campers who prize an excellent old-fashioned holiday camping under canvas. Mount Folly Farm is a beautiful no-frills camping space in the South Hams, set on an elevated position, affording jaw-dropping views across the sea and Burgh Island. Sit down to pizzas on your first night on your pitch courtesy of a visiting catering van, or huddle around a crackling campfire and let the soothing sounds of the waves lapping the nearby shoreline send you into a deep slumber. The site welcomes tents and touring vehicles, boasts an on-site takeout, and plenty of the farm’s chicken and sheep in the neighbouring fields. The owners do not allow speakers or radios on the premises, ensuring a restful escape for all ages.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park is a fab spot for family-friendly escapes. This tent friendly site in South Devon is ideal for camping under canvas, touring holidays and glamping escapes, and rests on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with several lush play areas for the kids. The award-winning park is billed as a site with something for everyone, which stands true. There is an adventure playground with a pirate ship, kids' and teen clubs that provide entertainment during the day, adventure golf, fountains, water slides, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and more. The park even boasts a private beach ideal for coastal frolics.

Campsites at South Devon Near Beach

The Kingsbridge Estuary. Oliver Rich

South Devon has many beautiful golden sand beaches, stretches of coastline promising adventures on water or foot, and stunning coastal campsites ideal for twiddling your toes and relaxing. Cool Cow Camping is a fab campsite in South Devon near the beach. The family-friendly site rests right by the beautiful beach on the South Devon Heritage Coast and is ideally located for getting about, too. A five-minute walk leads to South Milton Sand, and you’ll be in Salcombe in just over a ten-minute drive. Walkers can use the coast path to access the beach, local pubs, and village stores. The tent camping field, which rests next to a large field with gentle cows, holds spacious pitches for tents, small campervans and motorhomes. Facilities include compost toilets, gas-heated showers, and a spring water supply.

For more beachy escapes, hop on to Watermouth Valley Camping Park, another cracking family-run site with gorgeous sea views and direct access to Broadsands Beach. With buzzing Ilfracombe and stunning Woolacombe beach all located just under a 25-minute drive, the site is a handy base for both adventuring and relaxing. Awaken to glorious sea views from a spacious pitch in a sheltered valley, and let out a sigh of contentment as you forget the stress and schedules of the modern world. Follow the South West Coast Path, lounge on Croyde, Lynton, and Lynmouth beaches, and hop down to Watermouth Bay for rock fishing and coastal walks. Set up camp on a sea view pitch, fire up the grill or sit around a crackling campfire and relax.

Ruda Holiday Park is one of those campsites that have it all. Located a short stroll from the beautiful soft sands of Croyde Bay, the campsite is a lovely space for those who enjoy waking up to the bracing breeze of the ocean, sweeping ocean views, and excellent amenities, all a short stroll from the camping pitches. Croyde is a top spot for surfers across the world, and the site is well-equipped to handle both seasoned and beginner surfers, offering a dedicated shop with surfboards plus wetsuits for hire and surfing lessons for guests keen to hone their skills. There’s plenty to enjoy on-site, too, including a tropical indoor pool complex, an outdoor playground, unfair sessions, workshops and more. Ruda Holiday Park welcomes tents and touring vehicles on a selection of grass pitches with optional electric meters.

South Devon Campervan Road Trip 3 Days

The South Devon National Landscape has plenty to offer all tastes and budgets, and there’s so much to explore that you could spend a month here and not have seen it all. Our campervan road trip itinerary is not rigid, and we welcome our readers to mix and match destinations and include the attractions or activities that best suit the holiday envisioned while planning a road trip to South Devon. Use our campervan road trip itinerary as a flexible guide and craft the perfect road trip for your travel group. Stay here for the summer holidays or come by for a quick break from the city on a bank holiday - there’s something for everyone in South Devon.

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campervan Hire Price

Frogmore Creek. Mark Hadley

South Devon is a truly magnificent area, containing diverse landscapes and scenery, varied outdoor pursuits, abundant nature, and plenty of well-equipped campsites tucked away in quiet corners. Campervans and motorhomes are great means for exploring this stunning stretch, with the freedom and flexibility to rest when needed, camp right within gorgeous settings, and rumble off on a new adventure whenever the mood strikes.

A few critical factors influence your campervan rental price. The length of your holiday and the season of hire are the more noticeable features that will affect how much your campervan or motorhome rental will cost. Other factors such as optional extras, the type of model, and the campervan features all play a part in the overall hire charge. Our private campervan owners are avid travellers and offer a range of vehicles from the classy classic VWmodels to modern, converted vans with plenty of handy facilities. Our campervans in South Devon start at £80 per night.

Best Campervan at South Devon

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to kick start your campervan adventure in South Devon, why not consider hiring a campervan in Paignton, Holbeton or East Allington? These locations are ideal starting points for a South Devon escapade, and our private owners are avid travellers themselves, who are happy to answer your questions about the local area. Read on to find out if these campervan hire locations work for your South Devon road trip itinerary. Visit our campervan page more campervans for hire in UK.

Pretty Paignton is a cracking site for a campervan hire, boasting long sandy shorelines and the lively atmosphere of a traditional seaside resort. Hire a campervan in Paignton and start your holiday in style, savouring the mild climate and the varied seaside frolics. Sit back twiddling your toes in the sand, or stroll along the Paignton Pier for fantastic vistas across Torbay. Our campervan owners are happy to keep your car while you travel, making it easy to enjoy the thrills of this lovely seaside resort. We list 19 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Paignton and offer more campervans for hire in Torquay, campervans for hire in Brixham, campervans for hire in Totnes, campervans for hire in Dartmouth, campervans for hire in Newton Abbot, campervans for hire in Shaldon, campervans for hire in West Ogwell and campervans for hire in Teignmouth.

Hire a campervan in Holbeton and enjoy a slow-paced, picturesque start to your holiday, surrounded by verdant greenery, rolling hills, peaceful forests and winding waterways. The village rests at the base of a steep hill, creating a beautiful playground for open-air adventures. Stunning beaches and sheltered coves are also within easy reach if you feel like a change of scenery. Book your campervan starting at £80 per night, and let the good times roll. Browse our selection of 15 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Holbeton, or check out nearby campervans in Modbury, campervans in Challaborough Beach, campervans in Ivybridge, campervans in South Brent and campervans in Plymouth.

East Allington is the perfect starting point for a campervan adventure, nestled in verdant countryside, working farms, and tree-lined country lanes. A quiet location off the beaten path ensures quick access to local amenities and smaller crowds in summer. However, the rural town is convenient for exploring the South Devon Coast and Dartmoor National Park. There is a small village store for stocking up on food post-departure, and a pub for refuelling before your trip. Find classic campervans for hire in East Allington with pop-top roofs, and turn heads as you rumble along. Find your perfect home on wheels courtesy of 15 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of East Allington. Find more campervans in Blackawton, campervans in Slapton, campervans in Kingsbridge, campervans in South Milton, campervans in Salcombe and campervans in East Prawle.

Our Campervan Roadtrip Continues to East Devon AONB

Salcombe. Iantherev

And so we conclude our holiday in the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We hope we’ve helped ease the complexities and strain of planning a campervan road trip in Devon with our flexible itinerary, campsite options and campervan hire locations. As always, please amend this leg of our journey or the entire An Itinerary for an Unforgettable Roadtrip through Devon in a Campervan to best suit your holiday needs. Come by again next as we dive into more spectacularly beautiful locations in Devon. Next on the list is the East Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty - a fantastic location for more campervan adventuring. As always, each stop on our map will include places to rest your head for the night and the closest towns to book a campervan rental nearby, making it easy to plan your holiday in minutes.