Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Exmoor National Park Authority
(
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
)
Visit Cornwall
(
www.visitcornwall.com
)
Youth Hostels Association
(
www.yha.org.uk
)
Camping
CAMPSITES
Devon and Cornwall's campsites have progressed far beyond tap-and-toilet sites in farmers' fields, although thankfully
remote, basic sites do still exist. In more popular tourist spots and around key resorts expect to find family-friendly sites
full of facilities such as bouncy castles and pools.
The trend towards glamorous camping (or glamping) continues and both counties bristle with über-stylish Mongolian
yurts, woodland eco-pods and retro caravans - we've outlined the pick of the region's campsites throughout the guide.
The prices we quote are per pitch, per night for two people. Expect to pay more for campgrounds near popular resorts
in peak season. Region-wide costs range from around £9 to £30.
Useful websites:
Camping & Caravanning Club
(
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
)
Visit Cornwall
(
www.visitcornwall.com
)
Visit Devon
(
www.visitdevon.co.uk
)
WILD CAMPING
On Dartmoor you can experience wild or backwoods camping at its best. Pitching a tent on certain parts of the open
moor is allowed, provided you follow some simple, but strict, rules. They're available from the
Dartmoor National
Park Authority
(DNPA;
01822-890414;
www.dartmoor.gov.uk
)
and include:
»
Only camp for one or two nights on the same spot.
»
Don't pitch your tent on farmland, moorland enclosed by walls, flood plains or on archaeological sites.
»
Pitch your tent at least 100m from any roads, and out of sight of them and any homes and farms.
»
Use lightweight camping equipment, avoiding large family frame tents.
»
Camp only in areas outlined in the
Where To Camp On Dartmoor
map, and follow the Camping Code of Conduct
(available from the DNPA website).
Hostels
Be they official or unofficial, the southwest is peppered with hostels offering a cheap n' cheerful sleeping experience.
The range is remarkable: recently-revamped YHA hostels in towns and villages, converted cliff-top cottages, funky
backpackers in resorts, and surfer's crash pads in Cornwall. In the summer they're popular places so book ahead, while
in the winter some close - check before turning up.
YHA HOSTELS
There are around 20 Youth Hostels Association (YHA) hostels scattered around Devon and Cornwall, making it per-
fectly possible to tour the region using them as bases. YHA hostels can have a more establishment feel than independent
ones, but the 'youth' in the title is a misnomer; you can join however old you are. Facilities are modern and many offer
