Coombe View Farm

Branch out to the village of Branscombe with its pretty beach, just one and half miles from the campsite. Thatched cottages, a working Norman forge and Saint Winifred church make a day out in Branscombe a mightily interesting one. If you’re after a trusty ale or a plentiful helping of hearty pub grub after a day meandering through the scenic village and brushing up on your Devonshire history, then good news: Branscome is sandwiched between two pubs serving the like. The well-looked after Jurassic Coast shingle beach has rockpools for kids to dive into exploring. With fishing trips available, a picnic area and a café serving ice creams on the beachfront too, all in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, everyone’s sure to have a splashing time… Step out on a coastal walk along the footpaths from Branscombe to the fishing village at Beer, just two miles away and with fresh fish available to buy on the sheltered beach to take back for the campfire too. There’s a unmissable all-day brekkie to be had at one of the village’s popular cafés, perfect for prepping you for a guided tour around this history-rich smuggling haven. Can’t decide where to start? Choo-choose a trip to the model railway attraction Pecorama, to keep the kids entertained with gardens, games and train rides. For a more demanding stroll, around seven miles westward you’ll reach the resort of Sidmouth. If you can drag yourself from a deckchair on the pebbly beach, take a peek at the town’s church with its stained-glass window donated by Queen Victoria herself – it’s a royally pretty sight. While you’re up, climb the 500-foot Peak Hill to enjoy a panorama of the area too - one won’t be disappointed with the view. Music lovers, take a trip in August to have yourselves a merry time at the town’s folk festival. You’re never short of a coastline to explore around here: other seaside towns close by include Seaton (an hour’s walk or 10-minute car journey), home to the Axe Yacht Club. Hop aboard the tram here to take in the views of the estuary – twitchers, don’t forget your binos. Exeter is also just 45 minutes by car to the east. The popular university and cathedral city is home to shopping and dining galore, as well as indoor climbing and bowling centres (perfect for rainy days) and a street food market, cycling and canoeing opportunities (for the sunnier ones). A trip to these parts wouldn’t be complete without a scoop (or few) of Devonshire clotted cream dolloped on a fruit-strewn scone, and with the choice of restaurants and eateries in Exeter, you’re sure to be able to trial and test some of the best.