One of the best ways to see Dartmouth is from the tiny ferry that bobbles back and forth across the River Dart. The boat connects the quaint old harbour town with its easterly neighbour, Kingswear, a wonderfully higgledy-piggledy little village that clings to the opposite hill. It's olde world charm is only accentuated by the Kingswear to Paignton steam train that poop poops its way in and out of town, while in Dartmouth itself, the old waterfront wall is perhaps the key attraction – destination extraordinaire for catching crabs with a net and line.
Just a mile and a half from this waterfront embankment is the towns namesake campsite, a long-established affair with ample facilities. The Dartmouth site has a family sized shower room, washing machines, parent and baby facilities and a children's play area, not to mention an on-site shop selling local produce. It's the latest addition to the campsite, however, that particularly peaks our interest: A clutch of new Ready Camp safari tents, catering to those who hope to remove every ounce of hassle from the camping experience.
The pre-pitched safari tent accommodation occupies its own quiet area of the campsite, with tents featuring fully-furnished interiors complete with double bed and a triple bunk-bed. There’s also plenty of storage, a two-ring gas hob, wooden dining table (with six chairs), two seater sofa, lighting in the main lounge area and plug-in bedroom lighting. And with plenty of space between each tent, you're unlikely to be kept awake by your neighbours.
When you do fancy getting out and about, its the beaches that offer the immediate draw. Even from the campsite, glampers overlook the fabulous Start Bay and it is little over a mile to Blackpool Sands – a beautiful crescent-shaped bay with family activities throughout the summer. Elsewhere, Slapton Sands, Torcross Beach and Beesands are all a short drive away, while rambling from cove to cove along the South West Coast Path lets you take in much of the coastline in one fell swoop. Indeed, right from the entrance of the campsite you can hop on the famous coastal route and follow it round the headland past Dartmouth Castle to the harbour-side town itself. Just don't forget that crabbing net!
