Camping Round Up of 2008

Last year was wonderful, a full 52 nights under canvas – pure heaven. Sites included, West Runton, Sandringham, Hertford, Verwood, St. Neots, Plymouth (I will post more information of where we stayed in Plymouth), and culminating in August, visiting North Devon; and in particular Damage Barton CCC Site near Woolacombe Bay.

What a great site! Busy as you would expect, but very well run. The view from the hill top over the sea was stunning, and it was not until we arrived home and looked on the site via Google Maps that we realised just how high up we were and how much land lay between the site and the sea.

Being so high up, also had its downside….apart from the atrocious weather we experienced, the prevailing wind was very blustery, and on a couple of nights exceptionally windy. So much so people were packing up and the Kyham behind us snapped some poles. As faithful as ever, our Karsten Tent stood proud and drew lots of attention, even more so when people realised it was inflatable.

The beach at Woolacombe drew the crowds and was very busy, but vast so plenty of space, and car parking is limited; unless you are staying for the day, in which case we found the charges varied from £5 on an overcast day to £8 when the sun popped its head out!

Just around the corner at Illfracombe, we found the Victorian Tunnels Beach a great day out for all the family. The nearby café was a hit with all, especially once the little ones realised they had a indoor play area as well.

Further round the coast from Illfracombe, just nudging into the Exmoor National Park, we visited Lynton and Lynmouth. We didn’t manage to stay for a good look around, but will probably visit again, as the area is steeped in history, and the gorge walk looked fantastic.
This is a beautiful area, which we will return to in the near future….but until then, the 1st Camping Weekend is drawing nearer at an alarming rate, and more tents have now booked, so we won’t be on our own – what a relief.