As all Cool Campers know, Devon has no shortage of bucolic boltholes worthy of a pitch up. The North Devon coastline near Ilfracombe is a firm favourite for the teeming hordes making their escape from the big bad city, while the south of the county surrounding Salcombe gets very busy at the height of summer.
Thankfully not all of Devon’s best spots are common knowledge. If tranquillity ye seek, go west. Way west that is. The river Tamar is the historic dividing line between Devon and Cornwall, as decreed by King Athelstan in 936. Today the administrative dividing line between the two south west neighbours follows pretty much the river’s route, scything through the spectacular Tamar Valley. Lovingly ensconced in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies The Old Rectory.
This neat, little spot right in the heart of the Tamar lies on 5 acres of lush Devonshire countryside with stunning vistas over the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park. The Scott family have set up room for twenty or so tents on fastidiously well kempt grass. There is also space for just eight tourers— though mercifully for the canvas contingent these are in unobtrusive tree-lined bays on soft standings (no tarmac pitches here, though they do come fitted with electronic hook-ups) in a separate field. For the first time camper, The Old Rectory now also boasts four new timber camping pods (3 standard and I family sized) with electric lights and oil-filled heaters.
Such is The Old Rectory’s immaculate cleanliness that on first glance, it might come as a surprise to learn that the Scott’s also run an adjacent small holding. With Dexter cows, rare breed pigs and even Shetland ponies, kids will delight in this real taste of farmyard life. Speaking of the nippers, there’s also an onsite play area should they grow tired of the animals. But with an abundance of wildlife to spot in the surrounding countryside, this seems unlikely. Keep your eyes peeled for rabbits, badgers and even the odd red deer…
A local farmer has recently bought the Copper Penny Inn and we are happy to say its all about good ordinary food at a reasonal price and he keeps good beer.
