Travelling Devon by campervan certainly deserves a spot on your bucket list. From the rolling hills of Exmoor to the crystal-clear waters of the South Hams, this English county is the perfect place for your next road trip. We recently spent 1 week discovering all that Devon has to offer in a beautiful Roadsurfer campervan. Follow this guide for the ultimate 1-week adventure in Devon, covering both the north & south of the region.
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Furthermore, this post is written in collaboration with Roadsurfer who provided us with an awesome campervan for this trip. Therefore, a huge thank you goes out to them.
Renting a campervan
When it comes to renting a campervan for your trip, honestly look no further than Roadsurfer. We have rented vans in the past through various different companies & these guys come out on top by a long mile, for a few reasons.
Firstly, their campervans are all brand new, making driving stress free, as it is less likely that you’ll have a break down. Roadsurfer also have different shapes & sizes of campervans to choose from, in order to fit your needs & type of trip. We went for their Surfer Suite for Devon as it is small & compact for those tiny country lanes, we would highly recommend the same to you.
Secondly, the entire rental process was incredibly smooth. With a checklist on arrival & departure, so you know exactly what checks to do before & after your trip. This ensures that you have a great time (without any nasty surprise charges). We have rented vehicles from many other companies & have been charged sneakily for damages that are already there. With Roadsurfer everything is documented before you take off, so you can have a worry-free adventure.
Finally, the best thing about Roadsurfer for a trip to Devon in particular, is that they have recently opened a new station in Bristol, right next to the airport. This makes collecting & driving your van to Devon extremely easy, as you could be on the beaches of Devon in under 2 hours.
If you plan to use Roadsurfer for your next adventure, then be sure to use our code HARRYANDLYDIA24 for £75 off your rental. Code valid until 31/11/24.
Best time of year to visit?
Devon is great all year round, if you can handle the unpredictable weather, especially in winter. However, if you really want to make the most out of your trip & spend time in the ocean, then we would suggest visiting during the summer months.
Moreover, anytime between May – September is ideal for a road trip in Devon. With July & August having the highest chance of good weather. We recently did our trip during the first week of August & had spectacular weather for the entire week. However, note that this is during the summer holidays & therefore it will be busier than usual.
Camping rules in the United Kingdom
Camping whether that be in a campervan, motorhome & right down to a tent is permitted within designated campsites that you can find all over the UK including in Devon. Unfortunately, free camping or wild camping is illegal in England, Wales & Northern Ireland without prior permission from the landowner. The only exception is in Scotland, where wild camping is legal.
Now before you panic & start trying to change all your plans to choose Scotland for your next road trip instead. It is worth knowing that free camping or wild camping is tolerated in some areas, if carried out in a mindful way. Always practice leaving no trace & it would be wise to arrive late & leave early to a spot, to avoid creating a disturbance to local residents.
When travelling in a campervan it is important to know where you can & can’t park overnight. If free camping is completely prohibited there will usually be a sign telling you so. But some car parks & lay by’s won’t have signage & these are the kind of places that you can expect to find vanlifers taking advantage of.
Before embarking on a road trip around Devon check out Pitchup for all your campsites (we use this often) & Park4night for the same, but this app/website also highlights some potential free camping areas. Roadsurfer also have a great list of campsites to choose from.
Day 1: Bristol to North Devon
After picking up your van in Bristol, it’s time to hit the road, heading southwest! You are going to start in North Devon, but this guide can be followed in the opposite direction too, starting in the South, if you prefer.
As you drive towards North Devon it would be wise to stop for supplies. It is worth knowing that there is a lack of supermarkets in this part of the world, you will only find the likes of Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s etc. in larger towns/cities of which Devon has few of (especially in remote areas). An ideal pit stop is in Bridgewater, where there are plenty of supermarkets to choose from.
As you arrive in North Devon, you will begin to understand why this part of the UK is so popular with holiday makers & vanlifers alike. It has an award-winning coastline that is in fact an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its sandy beaches & dramatic cliff tops, it makes for a truly unforgettable road trip.
Exmoor National Park
As you head towards North Devon, aim to drive towards Exmoor National Park by following the coastal road (A39). Your first stop will be at Duster Castle, this 12th century castle sits proudly on a mound, making it rather visually impressive as you approach it. The castle is part of the National Trust, so entry fees do apply, otherwise it is free if you are a member.
Adult – £17 Child – £8.50. If you don’t fancy taking a look inside, there is a great spot along the road to view the castle from afar & witness it in all its glory. You can find the location here.
If you carry on along the coastal road, you will eventually find yourself deeper into Exmoor. There is an amazing viewpoint that we stumbled across unexpectedly as we were driving through. The view looks out across the Bristol Channel & from here you can also see Wales. You can find the location here.
As you head towards Lynton & Lynmouth, just before you reach the two villages. There is another great spot to stop & admire the views on Countisbury Hill, this viewpoint looks down onto some remote beaches & you can almost see Lynton & Lynmouth in the distance too. You can find the location here.
You can’t visit Exmoor, without a visit to the iconic Lynton & Lynmouth, home to the world’s highest & steepest water powered railway, that connects the two villages. Lynton is situated high on the cliff top, whilst Lynmouth sits at the bottom of the cliff, at the water’s edge. The two villages are perfect for having a stroll, admiring the gorgeous scenery in the area & stopping by an ice cream shop on a warm summer’s day.
A ticket for the railway between the village’s costs only £3.50 one way & is a unique way to travel between the two, whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the North Devonshire coast. The stunning East Lyn River runs through the heart of Lynmouth, we’d highly recommend following the river into the valley, keeping it beside you, as it is a lovely walk. Maybe even stop for a dip in the river, or watch the water gently cascade over the rocks.
Your final stop in Exmoor National Park is only a short drive from Lynton & Lynmouth, it is the incredible Valley of the Rocks. This valley is unique in the fact that huge rock formations sit alongside the ocean. It is a great spot for hiking & make sure to watch out for the wild goats that live here! As you drive through the valley, you’ll certainly feel transported away from England, the landscape out here resembles somewhere like New Zealand.
Camping on day 1
There are many campsites in the North Devon area. However, we would recommend checking out Little Shelfin Farm Camping, the campsite only costs £18 per night for a non-powered campervan site, making it one of the most affordable in the area.
Little Shelfin Farm Camping is located just outside of the popular town of Ilfracombe, but it is also conveniently close to other towns such as Woolacombe & Croyde, which are all worth visiting. The campsite is also only a 15-minute drive to the coast in each direction, the location really doesn’t get much better for the price. The campsite has good facilities & waste disposal for rubbish & grey water for campervans.
Day 2: Around Ilfracombe
The area surrounding Ilfracombe is home to some of the best beaches in the UK, so it only makes sense to start exploring here. Start your day with breakfast in your campervan, before driving a short way to the coast.
Broadsands Beach
Broadsands beach has been unofficially dubbed as ‘Thailand of the UK’, you absolutely cannot miss out on this one. Although, finding your way to the beach is a little tricky. The beach access is actually located within the grounds of Watermouth Valley Camping, therefore if you choose to stay here, you’ll have much easier access to this beautiful beach.
If you are staying elsewhere, then we recommend that you park in the nearby village of Berrynarbor. There is free parking here at the village shop. There are plenty of parking spaces here ideal for campervans too. The walk to Broadsands beach should take roughly 25 minutes from here, follow navigation in Google Maps to this beach view & it will eventually bring you to the best viewpoint of the beach, before you make your descent down the cliffs.
From this viewpoint you will get glorious views of Broadsands Beach & the surrounding coastline, you may begin to understand why many have compared it to Thailand. To reach the beach you’ll need to walk back up the path you have just taken & take a left at the gate, continue for around 300m & you will reach a sign telling you to take the 200 steps down to the beach. It is a steep & uneven descent, so only attempt this if physically able, remember you need to walk back up too!
Once at the beach you will find a stunning sheltered cove, with glistening crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or paddle boarding. The beach is remote & there are no amenities here, so make sure you pack some lunch & plenty of water. It is the perfect place to spend a morning relaxing on the beach & swimming in the calm waters. Before preparing yourself for the steep climb back up the cliff.
Lee Bay
Further down the coast is the tiny settlement of Lee Bay, the drive down here is extremely narrow, you’ll certainly master the art of reversing for oncoming vehicles & squeezing past. Lee Bay is a little off the beaten track, there is nothing more here other than a couple of houses & a small pub. But the scenery is really wonderful, perfect for pulling up in a campervan & swinging the doors open.
Just above the village there is a very small car park, enough for 3 vehicles. If you are lucky & no one else is parked here, it is a great spot to park up for the afternoon, take in the views & go for a wild swim. You can find the car park here. There is also a small bay just around the corner from Lee Bay called Sandy Cove.
The small car park of the hill is a bit of a local hidden gem & campervans do camp here overnight, although it is technically not allowed. We spoke to a couple who were camping there the night & they said that it was safe to do so. Alternatively, head back to Little Shelfin Campsite.
Day 3: Saunton to Hartland
Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is a well-known surf beach in North Devon, not very far at all from Little Shelfin Campsite. Depart from the campsite in the morning & head straight to the beach, passing through the picturesque towns of Woolacombe & Croyde, which are also great places to stop off for some breakfast on your way.
As you approach Saunton Sands from Croyde, you will drive around the headland before the wide sands of Saunton will come into view. Along this road there are a few laybys to pull into, from here there is the most incredible view across all 3 miles of Saunton Sands, in all its glory. If you picked up a takeaway breakfast on the way, this is the perfect spot to swing your campervan doors open, stick the kettle on & enjoy a breakfast with a view.
Saunton Sands is ideal for swimming, but beware that there are no lifeguards on duty here, pay attention to signage on the beach in regard to rip currents & conditions. Saunton is known to have some of the best surf schools in the country, & good surf for all-rounders including beginner surfers. If you don’t own your own board, there are a few rental shops down on the beach, as well as in nearby Croyde. Prices start from around £18 per day but vary depending on the type of board you require.
Clovelly
Further down the coast, as you head more towards the border with Cornwall, you can’t miss the opportunity to stop by the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly. Steeped in maritime history & once owned by the royal family, the village sits on a steep cliff. No vehicles are used here, instead supplies & goods are carted up & down the cobble stoned streets via sledge & donkey.
The village is part of a family estate & therefore there is a charge to enter (£9.50 per adult which includes parking at the visitor centre). However, if you visit after 5pm you should be able to enter free of charge like we did, as the visitor centre is closed after this time. As you walk through the tiny cottages adorned with flowers & fishermen memorabilia & along the uneven cobble stones of the streets, it’s like stepping back in time to a simpler period, Clovelly is truly a magical place.
The walk down to the harbour is steep but is well worth it. There is a pub, perfect for a drink when you reach the bottom, or perhaps even take advantage of the prime location & indulge in some local fish & chips. The harbour walls are well known as great for jumping off, often you will find groups of people flinging themselves from the heights. Of course, do take caution if you choose to join them.
Hartland Quay
As golden hour approaches, make your way to Hartland Quay, situated on a remote headland it is the perfect place to catch the sunset after a busy day exploring North Devon. There is a hotel & car park here, in fact the car park is tiered so there is plenty of space. We would recommend parking in the second car park as you drive down the hill, it is a gravel car park with grassy areas. From here you will get superb views across the ocean & the surrounding headland.
There is nothing better than opening your doors, pulling your bed out & watching the sunset from the comfort of your campervan, with a drink in hand. It is the perfect way to finish a really good day!
Camping on day 3
We’d recommend that you camp for the night at Pitt Farm Campsite, it is around 10 minutes’ drive from Hartland Quay & only costs £20 a night for a non-powered campervan site. The facilities at this campground are some of the best we have come across in the UK, with really clean showers & toilets in a wet room style set up. There are also two fields of camping offering plenty of space, of which the majority of it is flat.
Day 4: Hartland Peninsula & Driving South
The Hartland Peninsula is secluded, wild & rugged. A visit here will leave you feeling worlds away from the nearest civilisation as you navigate the winding country lanes, that lead only to one destination, the coast. The area is small, but there are a couple of spots that are worth checking out, the first has already been mentioned above, Hartland Quay.
Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall
You’ll want to return to Hartland Quay on day 4, as it is the starting point of a coastal walk out to one of the UK’s best kept secrets, Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall. Don’t make the same mistake as us & try to drive directly to the waterfall, there is a tiny car park, enough for around 4 cars & barely any space to then reverse your way out.
Save yourself some time & hassle, instead by parking your campervan at Hartland Quay, this way you can enjoy the walk out to the waterfall too. If you arrive before 9am, you should be able to park here for free, otherwise there is a daily charge of £3, which isn’t bad at all if you’d prefer the lie in.
The path out to the waterfall follows the Southwest Coastal Path & is well signposted from the car park. As you make your way along the track, the landscape will likely floor you. The coast out here is certainly not something you would expect to see in Devon, let alone England. You could very well be in somewhere like Iceland, Faroe Islands or New Zealand, with the dramatic almost volcanic like cliff faces.
Continue on the path & after traversing the cliffs, you will eventually arrive at the magical Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall. The waterfall & surrounding area would have you convinced that you are in Iceland, perhaps because of just how dramatic it is. This is the perfect spot to have a picnic as you watch the crashing waves of the Irish Sea hit the shore.
Driving to South Devon
After you have spent some time exploring the wonders of the Hartland Peninsula, it’s time to start driving South. The drive from the Hartland Peninsula to Salcombe (where you’re heading) is around 2 hours. However, it would be wise to allow for more time as there aren’t any motorways, it is mostly country roads. But that is the beauty of travelling in a campervan, you have all the time in the world, when your home is with you.
As you head towards South Devon & feel as though you need a halfway break, then a great place to stop would be somewhere in Dartmoor National Park, this wilderness area is teeming with hiking opportunities, magical forests, barren moors & waterfalls that look like they’ve been plucked out of a fairytale. Some suggestions for places to visit in Dartmoor are below:
- Lydford Gorge
- Wistmans Wood
- Foggintor Quarry
- Bowerman’s Nose
- Bellever Forest
- Canonteign Falls
Depending on which way you choose to drive to South Devon, will depend on which part of Dartmoor to visit, as the park stretches over 954km squared. We took the most direct route, following the A386 south & skirting past the west corner of Dartmoor. Once you reach the South Hams, prepared to be greeted by rolling countryside hills, gorgeous seaside towns backed by crystal clear waters, there is a reason they call this area the English Riviera.
Catch a sunset at the stunning Hope Cove near Salcombe, there are a few trails to follow up onto the cliffs, where you’ll get brilliant views out across the bay. Alternatively, if you aren’t up to a walk after all that driving, stop by The Cove for a drink & something to eat, they have a rooftop terrace which is perfect for catching golden hour.
Camping on day 4
For a cheap & cheerful camping experience we’d recommend staying at Cottage Farm Camping, just outside of Kingsbridge & only a 20-minute drive from the heart of Salcombe. The campground is on a private residence & offers rustic facilities, including an outdoor shower & composting toilet. As well as sweeping views across the Devonshire countryside for only £15 per night (the cheapest of the trip)! This campsite is ideal for campervans of all shapes & sizes.
If you are in search of something a little more upmarket & not quite as back to basics, then there are hundreds on campgrounds to choose from in the area. For a campground with more modern facilities, expect to pay upwards of £30 per night.
Day 5: Exploring Salcombe
Salcombe is the jewel of South Devon, think narrow cobble stoned streets lined with boutique shops, bakeries & historical pubs. Paired with the breathtaking Salcombe Harbour, that glistens in the summer sunshine, attracting boating enthusiast from near & far. It is no wonder that Salcombe is one of the UK’s prime holiday destinations for domestic & international visitors alike. A trip to Devon wouldn’t be complete without spending at least a day exploring this glorious town.
Start your day by heading into Salcombe town itself. Parking can be a little tricky for campervans especially due to the narrow roads & small car parks. However, if you park at the top of the hill at Bonfire Hill Long Stay Car Park, you can park here all day for only £3 & it is the most accessible car park. From here you can either catch the Park & Ride bus that will take you down the hill & into town, or you can just walk around 15 minutes into Salcombe centre.
Once in Salcombe, take your time wandering the adorable streets, perhaps stopping at a bakery for a traditional Cornish Pasty as you make your way around town. If you aren’t familiar with pasties, they are pastry pockets usually filled with either meat, vegetables or a combination of both. They are a must try in this part of the UK! We recommend that you stop by The Pasty Shack on Fore Street for some of the best.
North & South Sands Beach
Salcombe is home to some of the best beaches in Devon, if you visit on a warm day, it’s worth taking a walk to a few of them. The closest & most popular in town are Salcombe North Sands & South Sands Beach, both of which are within walking distance of Salcombe town centre (around 30 minutes). The walk alone out to the beaches is spectacular, with views out across the estuary & opportunities to be nosey on some of the lavish houses in this area.
At North & South Sands expect to find two small sandy coves, backed by tall cliffs & green forests. The advantage of these beaches is that they are located on the estuary & provide tranquil waters for swimming, paddle boarding & other water sports. You may be pleased to hear that unlike other Devon beaches, these two have facilities such as restaurants, cafe’s & beach front parking if you do decide to drive there.
Snapes Point Viewpoint
A short drive from Salcombe is Snapes Point Viewpoint, park up here & enjoy a walk out to the viewpoint that has incredible views out across Salcombe & it’s harbour. Parking at Snapes Point is with the National Trust & costs around £3 to park all day. There is enough room here for a few cars & some smaller campervans, if you are travelling in a larger campervan, then beware that the road down to Snapes Point is very narrow & the car park is small.
Finding the right trail to follow at Snapes Point is crucial, the correct trail starts from the bottom of the car park, there is an opening between the bushes & then a footpath carries on across the fields & eventually meets the viewpoint on top of Snapes Point Hill. Don’t be like us & take the path that goes through the larger gate at the top of the car park, you cannot reach the viewpoint from here, although the views are still just as breathtaking.
Snapes Point is a great spot for either a sunrise or sunset!
Day 6: Gara Rock to Start Point Beaches
This is where you will get a taste of just how GOOD the beaches are in South Devon. Start you day by driving to Gara Rock Beach, note that much like the rest of Devon the roads are narrow & this area is remote. Take extra care when travelling in your campervan, it’s not a race, although we get it you want to get there to see what all the fuss is about!
There is a car park at Gara Rock Hotel, take the second left as you approach the hotel, as this is the non-residents parking. The car park operates on an honesty box basis & is £2 for the whole day. From here you can access Gara Rock Beach & a brilliant section of the Southwest Coast Path that is littered with incredible beaches, good enough to rival the Mediterranean.
IMPORTANT: All of the beaches along this stretch of coastlines are remote & at the mercy of nature, take extra care when walking the coastal path as it is uneven in places. There are no facilities on this stretch, other than at the Gara Rock Hotel if you can sneak in to use their toilet. Leave no trace, please take all of your rubbish with you & do your part to keep these amazing beaches as pristine as they are. Finally, be aware that there is a lack of phone service in this area.
You have a few beaches to choose from in this area, however we recommend Gara Rock & Maceley Cove in particular as these were the two most pristine beaches we saw here. Gara Rock Beach is only a short 10-minute walk from the car park, but down a very steep hill. Once at the beach you’ll find whitewashed sand & shimmering blue waters to bathe in, the kind of beach you’d expect to find in Greece.
After spending some time here, start walking along the coastal path in the direction of Start Point, this section of the path is one of the most breathtaking coastal walks we have done in the UK. Dramatic cliff tops hug the twinkling waters below, as you peep over the edges, you’ll see tiny coves only accessible by boat & rock formations adorned by perfect rock pools that glisten in the sunshine. It really is an idyllic location, & on a hot summers day it’s hard to believe that this is England.
30 minutes into your coastal walk you should come across Maceley Cove, as you approach the beach there is a sign telling you to head over the cliff top to Maceley Cove, however we don’t believe that this directs you to the correct beach. Maceley Cove is easy to spot, wedged between two towering cliffs, the beach sits at the bottom of a perfectly sliced piece of the coastline. Likelihood is that others will be down there (especially in summer), because although it is remote, it is known for being one of the best beaches in this part of Devon.
To reach the beach you will have to traverse down a steep, uneven & narrow path, before landing on the beach & spending the afternoon in paradise. Head into the ocean for a dip & admire the untouched landscape that surrounds you, this is by far one of our favourite beaches in the UK.
There are other beaches worth checking out in this area & further along the coast path towards Start Point:
- Moor Sands Cliff
- Prawle Point
- Lannacombe Beach
- Mattiscombe Sands
- Start Point Lighthouse
There is parking at Prawle Point & Start Point Lighthouse is you wanted to approach from a different direction.
Camping on day 6
There are a few options for campervans around this corner of South Devon, from Gara Rock where you have parked there is a campground only a 15-minute drive away, called Mattiscombe Farm Camping. Sites here are around £20 per night, they have two different fields one for larger motorhomes & another for smaller campervans & tents. The facilities are clean & well situated if you are staying in the Summer Park Field. The showers in particular are fantastic, very powerful for campsite showers.
A great bonus of this campground is the ocean views that you can see from the Summer Park Field. The only negative is that much of the campsite is on a hill & therefore it is a little trickier to find an even pitch. Fortunately, in a Roadsurfer campervan you can see how level you are in the control panel, which certainly makes things easier.
Day 7: Slapton Sands & Back to Bristol
On your final day in Devon & before you start making your way back towards Bristol, you can’t miss a visit to the tranquil Slapton Sands. Especially as it’s only a 5-minute drive from your campsite at Mattiscombe Farm Camping. What makes Slapton Sands unique is that the coastline here is split via a road that intersects the ocean & a lake, making for some incredible drone photography & videography if that’s your thing.
The beach itself is a pebble beach, with crystal clear waters characteristic of this part of Devon, it is usually quiet, even in the summer months. There are two car parks to choose from, one at each end of the beach, we would suggest parking at Slapton Memorial Car Park as the car park runs parallel to the beach, meaning you can back into a space & open your campervan doors right onto the beach to enjoy a day here.
If you would prefer more facilities on the beach Blackpool Sands is just around the corner & is a UK Blue Flag beach, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty. There are more facilities here, with a cafe & toilet. Although parking is rather steep at £9 for the day. We chose to just drive by & admire the beach from the cliff tops as you approach it.
Driving back to Bristol
The drive back to Bristol from this part of Devon should take roughly 2.5 hours depending on the state of the traffic en route. To break up your journey, you could also consider stopping by Dartmouth or Exeter on your way back, both are beautiful towns with more beaches to explore.
Don’t forget that before you return your Roadsurfer campervan you must make sure that you have carried out the final checks for return of the van. Roadsurfer will provide you with a checklist outlining what should be done, this will include refuelling & cleaning the inside of the van. Allow time on your journey back to Bristol to carry out these checks to avoid returning your vehicle late.
Then sadly it is time to say to goodbye to your home on wheels!
Final thoughts on 1 week road tripping in Devon
Ultimately, taking a road trip around Devon is the best way to explore this beautiful county. It offers visitors the freedom to explore at your own pace & take in the breathtaking scenery as you go. From the rugged coastline of North Devon to the shimmering waters of the South Devon beaches & all the adorable towns in between, this road trip needs a place on your UK bucket list.
Choosing to travel with Roadsurfer makes for an easy, smooth & stress-free campervan adventure. Make memories to last a lifetime & don’t forget that you can use our discount code ‘HARRYANDLYDIA24’ for £75 off your booking.
*Code valid until 31/11/24*
If you enjoyed this guide, or plan to extend your road trip beyond Devon, you may enjoy reading some of our other UK travel guides, what about: An Adventurer’s Guide to Dorset.
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