Bowhayes Farm Camping

View prices & book 9.9 49 reviews
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

  • 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.

Campground type

Tent sites 8
Rent a tent 3
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 1
Open now
Opens January 1
Please note

Admission

  • Guests under the age of 13 are not allowed on site.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Dogs

  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (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.

General

  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Occupancy

  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Reception

  • Reception is unmanned after 4:30 p.m.. Please inform the park while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.

Languages spoken

English

French

Open from Thu, Jan 1 to

No availability here for your search criteria

Campsite types & availability

Reviews

  • 89%
    10
  • 8%
    9
  • 2%
    8
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Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

100% would recommend this campground to a friend

100% would stay here again

What customers say

Guests love the peaceful orchard setting, private pitches, and friendly hosts. Hot showers and handy amenities like wheelbarrows are a hit. Great for exploring. Some suggest updating basic toilets/kitchens.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 8/25/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 5
Arrival date (latest first)

Just what we needed. Visit to relatives and relaxing.

Overall

10 out of 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

Dabinet bell tent

Liked Helpful Howard. So clean and well set up.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Howard was lovely and really helpful…

Overall

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

Michelin bell tent

Liked Howard was lovely and really helpful and responsive. You couldn’t park near the bell tents so it was a little bit of a walk up through the orchard so be prepared to pack light or lug your kit. Howard provided us with wheelbarrows to help which for us just added to the whole experience but appreciate this may not be for everyone. The site was well kept and exceptionally clean. The camp kitchen was basic but had everything you needed. The shower and toilet facilities were also very clean. We stayed in the Michelin bell tent which was spacious and cosy- the mattress and pillows were very comfortable. If you’re wanting an escape without having to travel miles from civilisation I highly recommend. Thanks for accommodating the three of us.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely quiet site, very friendly owners.…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked Lovely quiet site, very friendly owners.
Pack a little lighter as bit of a walk to pitch, wheelbarrows available.
Good walks from site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Everything - Howard was welcoming, answered…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
No rating
Value for money
No rating
Accommodation
No rating
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No rating
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No rating
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No rating
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No rating
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No rating

Bramley bell tent

Liked Everything - Howard was welcoming, answered all our questions and had lots of recommendations for eating in Sidmouth; the orchard was beautiful and peaceful; the tent was lovely and comfortable.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The most perfect peaceful camp site

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Helen G. 1 review

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked Absolutely LOVED my stay here .. if utterly peaceful camping with basic but with fab facilities is your idea of camping the this place is perfect for you.

Its pin-drop quiet amongst the trees and with just 8 pitches you are literally about 500m away from anyone else. Fab hot outdoor shower, kitchen facilities with a kettle & microwave and coffee available at b'fast time.

Super welcome and friendly owner ( thank you Howard!) . 5 mins drive or 30 mins walk to a great pub ( Golden Lion) with amazing food. As a solo (female) camper this place felt super safe and really welcoming. As close to wild camping as you can get .. with a shower & coffee on site !!

Disliked absolutely nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

Definitely will be revisiting

Overall

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

Michelin bell tent

Liked Howard was very welcoming, showing us around and telling us the history of the place, me and my partner had a lovely time and the tent bell was incredible! A
Top of the orchard with views of Neighbouring farms and incredible clear skys at night of the stars. We brought some of his own ciders which were very taste so definitely buy yourself some which your visit.

Disliked Haven’t found anything

Recommend to friends Visit again

Absolute hidden gem in Devon. ​We camped…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
5
Ryan H. 1 review

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked Absolute hidden gem in Devon.

​We camped in our tent, and it was hands down one of the most peaceful camping experiences we've ever had. Pitching our tent right in the middle of a beautiful, working orchard farm was really peaceful and calming.

​The atmosphere is laid-back, the surroundings are stunning, and the hosts are fantastic. It felt less like a commercial campsite and more like we had been invited to camp in a secret, sun-dappled corner of a proper Devon farm. As a massive bonus, the cider they make right on the farm is exceptional.

We ended up bringing a few bottles home with us, though they probably won't last long.

​If you are looking for a proper, tranquil Devon camping experience with great views and brilliant cider, this is the place.

Recommend to friends Visit again

My husband and I had a…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked My husband and I had a fantastic stay at Bowhayes Farm. We pitched our tent in the orchard which was very peaceful and quiet and had spectacular views. One of the highlights was the outdoor shower, which created a seamless connection with the surrounding nature. Finally, Howard's hospitality and costumer service were impeccable. Highly recommend it. Thank you.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Costanza,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review.

We're delighted you enjoyed your stay in the orchard and found it such a peaceful place to relax. It's lovely to hear the outdoor shower was one of the highlights too – there's something rather special about showering with the sights and sounds of nature all around you.

Thank you as well for your incredibly kind words about the welcome and hospitality. It was a real pleasure meeting you both, and we're so pleased you enjoyed your time at Bowhayes Farm.

We'd love to welcome you back again sometime. Do look out for late August and September, when the orchard is full of ripening apples and the farm takes on a whole new character before harvest.

Regards,
Fiona and Howard
Bowhayes Farm

Very peaceful and secluded.…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
9
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
8
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
No rating

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked Very peaceful and secluded.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you so much, Jon.

We're delighted you enjoyed the peace and seclusion of the orchard. Creating a quiet place where guests can properly switch off and enjoy nature is exactly what we set out to do.

We'd love to welcome you back again sometime. Perhaps next time you'll catch the orchard in blossom or return just before harvest, when the apples are ripening and the farm takes on a whole new character.

Regards,
Fiona and Howard
Bowhayes Farm

The farm is really picturesque, the…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite (small)

Liked The farm is really picturesque, the orchard in particular is a really ideal place to camp to keep shaded in the sunshine. Howard was a great host, pointing out some great walks and pubs in the area, and also supplied some exceptional cider made from apples from the orchard. The shower was excellent as well, it warmed up really quick, but was refreshing with a breeze on a hot day. I will definitely stay again

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you so much, Stephen.

We're delighted you enjoyed your stay and found the orchard such a picturesque place to camp. On a warm summer's day, the shade beneath the apple trees really does make it a lovely spot to relax.

Thank you as well for your kind words about the welcome, the local recommendations, and especially the cider. There's something rather satisfying about enjoying cider made from the very orchard you're camping in!

It's also great to hear the outdoor shower was a hit.

We'd love to welcome you back again. Do look out for late August and September, when the orchard is full of ripening apples and the farm takes on a whole new character before harvest.

Regards,
Fiona and Howard
Bowhayes Farm


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Local produce Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker Forest Hikers’ paradise Leave the car at home Peaceful Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Communal fridge Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

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

Type

Farm Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback 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

Nearest transport

Bus
7.4 mi Honiton Road Park and Ride
7.4 mi The Barn Owl
8.7 mi Rail Station
Rail
4.4 mi Whimple Rail Station
5.1 mi Feniton Rail Station
5.7 mi Cranbrook Rail Station
Ferry
7.4 mi Topsham (Turf Lock Ferry) Ferry Landing
7.5 mi Topsham Ferry Landing
7.6 mi Topsham Lock Ferry Landing
Airport
5.1 mi 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).

Food and drink

  • Rickshaw Express 1 mi
  • Papadom Indian Cuisine 2.8 mi
  • Wong's 2.8 mi
  • Seasons 2.8 mi
  • Coldharbour Field Restaurant 3.1 mi
  • The Orangery Restaurant 3.3 mi
  • The Cinnamon Tree 3.6 mi
  • The Salty Monk 3.6 mi
  • Phoenix 3.7 mi
  • The Loft 3.7 mi

Groceries

  • Waitrose Supermarket 2.8 mi
  • Sainsbury's Supermarket 2.8 mi
  • Lidl Supermarket 3.2 mi
  • Co-op Food Supermarket 3.7 mi
  • Greendale Farm Shop Supermarket 4.2 mi
  • Morrisons Supermarket 5 mi
  • The Co-operative Food Supermarket 5.9 mi
  • The Tipsy Merchant Off-licence 5.9 mi

Public transport

  • War Memorial 1 mi
  • Coombe Cross 1 mi
  • Langsford Farm 1 mi
  • Millmoor Lane 1.1 mi
  • Burrow Lane 1.1 mi
  • Exmouth Turn 1.1 mi
  • Robin Orchard 1.2 mi
  • School Lane 2 mi
  • Exmouth Road 2.3 mi
  • Hawthorn Drive 2.6 mi

Beaches

  • Jacobs Ladder Beach 3.5 mi

What’s nearby

  • Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club 3.4 mi
  • Thorn Park Golf Centre 4.5 mi
  • Oak Mead Family Golf (Pitch & Putt) 5.4 mi

Local services

  • Ottery St Mary Hospital 2.6 mi
  • Lloyds Pharmacy 2.7 mi
  • Beacon Medical Centre Doctors 2.7 mi
  • Esso Fuel station 2.7 mi
  • Well Pharmacy Ottery St Mary 2.8 mi
  • Esso Fuel station 2.8 mi
  • Boots Pharmacy 2.8 mi
  • Boots Pharmacy 3.2 mi
  • Instavolt Charging Station London Road 3.5 mi
  • Sidmouth Victoria Hospital 3.6 mi

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Must see

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site 3.3 mi

Crealy Great Adventure Park 4.9 mi

The National Trust Killerton House & Gardens 8.6 mi

Exeter Cathedral - Church of Saint Peter 9.9 mi

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 14.5 mi

National Trust

A la Ronde 6.6 mi

Killerton: Marker's Cottage 7 mi

Killerton: Clyston Mill 7.1 mi

Branscombe: the Old Bakery, Manor Mill and Forge 7.4 mi

Killerton: Budlake Old Post Office 8.2 mi

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) 1.5 mi

CADHAY 3.2 mi

BICTON 3.2 mi

ROCKBEARE MANOR 3.6 mi

CONNAUGHT GARDENS 3.7 mi

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.

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?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park 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 $29.90 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.