Bowhayes Farm Camping

View prices & book 9.9 23 reviews
Relax at Bowhayes Farm whilst surrounded by beautiful cider orchards
Relax at bowhayes farm whilst surrounded by beautiful cider orchards
Relax in our bell tents surrounded by beautiful cider orchards
Blue skies
Springtime in the orchard
Tent in the orchard.
Seating deck - drinks and snacks
Golden sunrise
Farm shop and deck
1/99
Relax in our bell tents surrounded by beautiful cider orchards
Blue skies
Springtime in the orchard

  • Semi-wild camping on the grounds of a Devon cider orchard
  • Sidmouth 15 minutes’ drive; central Exeter half an hour
  • Farm shop selling teas, coffees and snacks; hampers available
Get away from your daily routine and appreciate the serenity of east Devon at Bowhayes Farm Camping, a semi-wild site in the scenic grounds of a cider orchard. Surrounded by footpaths and a tree nursery, the site sits in extensive farmland on the edge of the leafy hamlet of Venn Ottery. How you spend your time here is up to you – you might like to wander through the village, birdwatch on RSPB Aylesbeare Common (10 minutes’ drive) or head down to the Jurassic Coast at Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton (15 and 20 minutes respectively). Whatever you get up to, aim to get back to the farm in time for sunset, as the sky often puts on a beguiling show just before dusk. This is also when the local wildlife comes out to say hello – you might spot roe deer, badgers, rabbits, foxes, pheasants and more. This secluded pocket of Devon also has very low levels of light pollution, so if there’s little cloud cover, you should be treated to a spectacular starry sky. Facilities at Bowhayes Farm are fairly simple and include a farm toilet, shower and fresh drinking water. A small farm shop sells teas, coffees, cold drinks, snacks and essentials. Special hampers can be made up to order too, provided you give the site enough advance notice. Please note that the adult and family pitching areas are separated from each other by roughly 150 metres to maximise peace and relaxation between groups.

Campground type

Tent sites 8
Rent a tent 3
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Open now
Opens 1 January
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Guests under the age of 13 are not allowed on site.
  • No cars/motorbikes by the pitch/unit. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
  • Reception is unmanned after 4:30 p.m.. Please inform the campground while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the campground/park are unlit.
  • No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

French

Open from Wed, 1 Jan to

Site types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCaravan sitesRV & Motorhome sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other site types

Reviews

9.9

Overall rating from 23 Pitchup.com customers

  • 91%
    10
  • 4%
    9
  • 4%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 0%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    4
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    3
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    2
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Peaceful

100% would recommend this campground to a friend

100% would stay here again

Reviews page 1 of 3
Arrival date (latest first)

Beautiful location, easy to find, really well spaced pitches meaning it is…

Overall 9/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Helena S.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Beautiful location, easy to find, really well spaced pitches meaning it is quiet (there is a walk from car parking, but was OK for me - wheelbarrow provided). Facilities sufficient.

Disliked The chat with the owner at the start was a bit OTT for me personally- the map of the site was enough.

This is a perfect campsite for a bikepacking trip. The owners keep…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Marek M.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked This is a perfect campsite for a bikepacking trip. The owners keep the number of pitches limited so it's not like a typical campsite, you won't find any massive tents with folks watching TV inside haha. You get to pitch literally between the apple trees, which is amazing. The shower facilities are basic but the water is hot and perfect for what is needed in such beautiful place. Owners are amazing and super helpful. Highly recommended!

Would recommend staying here. Howard the owner is very helpful

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Anna L.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked We love the orchard and how spaced out the tents are. It is only a small campsite but it is lovely.

From the manager: Hi Anna!

It was lovely to see you both back, with Bella, at Bowhayes again - always welcome! Thanks so much for your kind review.

I hope you had a good drive back home,

See you soon!

Howard

Peaceful campsite, with all the facilities you needed. Very friendly and…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 No rating
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Katie S.

Unpowered grass tent or trailer tent site (large)

Liked Peaceful campsite, with all the facilities you needed. Very friendly and helpful host :)

An absolute gem all-round! Thank you, Howard!

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Leila S.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Pretty much everything - Howard and his family were wonderful and so accommodating. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful, and so peaceful. The facilities were clean and access to the little kitchen area was a fantastic added bonus when it came to storing some of our food. The shower was quite possibly the highligh / best shower ever! We would definitely camp here again whenever we come to East Devon.

Disliked Absolutely nothing!!!!

Stunning setting to camp in the orchard. Loads of space between tent…

Overall 10/10

Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
GUY W.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Stunning setting to camp in the orchard. Loads of space between tent pitching's and based between separate rows of trees in the orchard gave a very private feel. Outback shower was great to have and producing very hot water so welcome whilst camping!

Beautiful well run campsite. Quiet ,secure and excellent facilities. Loved the horsebox…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Beautiful well run campsite. Quiet ,secure and excellent facilities. Loved the horsebox shower and the kitchen facilities. Very friendly and welcoming owner .

Excellent!

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Beautiful setting in the orchard; ‘forest bathing’ in its most natural form. Tents very well spaced so that you don’t notice other campers. Cars are parked below the campsite preserving its tranquility. Rabbits in the long grass this morning. Fiona and Howard are excellent hosts - friendly, relaxed and super helpful. Loved the way the tent locations are indicated by paint on the trees - find your row and pick a spot and loved the shower unit in its random row. The coffee deck is also perfectly situated for catching the sun - I was torn this morning between that and just sitting in front of my tent and admiring the setting.

Disliked Absolutely nothing

Beautiful location, unique, in the middle of the orchard without any tents…

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Beautiful location, unique, in the middle of the orchard without any tents visible around you. Perfect hot showers, flushing toilets and fridge and firepit. Very friendly and welcoming host.

Disliked -

A lovely stay

Overall 10/10

Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anna L.

Unpowered grass tent site (small)

Liked Loved the camping in the orchard. Loved the distance between the tents and how peaceful it was. Liked the warm welcome from the hosts and would certainly like to return!

From the manager: Hi Anna,

Just realised I have been completely remis about thanking you for your 2024 review! Apologies!

Thank you so much for this review and it was a pleasure seeing both again this year!

See you both soon (with Bella!),

Howard

Features

Dogs allowed

Adults only

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Adults only Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Bush Leave the car at home Peaceful Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Communal fridge Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby

Type

Farm Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Bowhayes Farm Camping

Venn Ottery

Ottery St Mary

Devon

England

EX11 1RY

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.71352°N
3.30371°W

Route directions

Drive to Venn Ottery; the brick entranceway is next to the village noticeboard and post box, opposite Barton Mews. Drive into the entrance and park in front of the barns. Please call when you are around 30 minutes away.

Nearest transport

Coach
11.9 km Honiton Road Park and Ride
11.9 km The Barn Owl
14 km Rail Station
Rail
7 km Whimple Rail Station
8.2 km Feniton Rail Station
9.2 km Cranbrook Rail Station
Ferry
12 km Topsham (Turf Lock Ferry) Ferry Landing
12.1 km Topsham Ferry Landing
12.2 km Topsham Lock Ferry Landing
Airport
8.2 km Exeter International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

If you detect similarities between the formal Italian garden at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens (15 minutes’ drive) and the gardens of the Palace of Versailles (the terraces, fountains, the long perspective…), it’s because both were designed by the same person. Bicton is also home to a splendid domed Palm House from the 1820s and an arboretum. The South West Coast Path runs through Sidmouth (15 minutes), taking you up tall cliffs from where you can admire far-reaching views of the English Channel. If stargazing at Bowhayes Farm has tickled your interest in astronomy, the Norman Lockyer Observatory in nearby Salcombe Regis runs public tours and viewing events. A lively university city, Exeter (half an hour) is dotted with green areas, including leafy Northernhay Gardens, the riverside Belle Isle Park and the Cathedral Green. The cathedral itself is a remarkable building. Built in the 1300s, it incorporates two earlier Norman towers, and it features a spectacular vaulted ceiling (the world’s longest).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Sidmouth Jacobs Ladder 5.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Sidmouth Town 6 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Ladram Bay 6.3 km Sea N/AGoodN/AGood
Budleigh Salterton 9.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Sandy Bay 12.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site 5.3 km

Crealy Great Adventure Park 7.9 km

The National Trust Killerton House & Gardens 13.9 km

Exeter Cathedral - Church of Saint Peter 16 km

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 23.4 km

National Trust

A la Ronde 10.7 km

Killerton: Marker's Cottage 11.2 km

Killerton: Clyston Mill 11.5 km

Branscombe: the Old Bakery, Manor Mill and Forge 11.9 km

Killerton: Budlake Old Post Office 13.1 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

AYLESBEARE COMMON (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 15/07/2005) 2.4 km

CADHAY 5.1 km

BICTON 5.1 km

ROCKBEARE MANOR 5.7 km

CONNAUGHT GARDENS 6 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Offers

Tent pitch
Unpowered grass tent site (small)
  • 5% off 5% Three Nights –
Tipi, yurt, wigwam, dome, bell tent
Bramley bell tent
  • 5% off 5% Three Nights –
Tipi, yurt, wigwam, dome, bell tent
Dabinet bell tent
  • 5% off 5% Three Nights –
Tipi, yurt, wigwam, dome, bell tent
Michelin bell tent
  • 5% off 5% Three Nights –
Lodge, cabin, pod or hut
Pippin shepherd's hut
  • 5% off 5% Three Nights –

Conditions apply - see site type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Devon?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Bowhayes Farm Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Bowhayes Farm Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Bowhayes Farm Camping? If you detect similarities between the formal Italian garden at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens (15 minutes’ drive) and the gardens of the Palace of Versailles (the terraces, fountains, the long perspective…), it’s … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Bowhayes Farm Camping?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Bowhayes Farm Camping? From $45.14 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.