Devon campsite with beautiful ocean views crowned best in the UK

A campsite in Ilfracombe has been named as the best in the UK

A holiday park in Devon has been named as the best in the country. Camping website Campsites.co.uk has revealed the best holiday locations for camping in the UK, and a spot in Devon has come out on top.

Watermouth Valley Camping Park in Ilfracombe has been named as the best campsite in the country and Ocean Pitch Campsite in Braunton has taken the crown for the best coastal site.

There are more than 100 grass pitches, some of which have electric hook up. Suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. With a choice of ocean view and valley pitches, the 2024 camping season resumes on Friday, May 3. Camping will conclude on Saturday, September 9, so families can enjoy a whole summer of fun with a stunning Devon beach on their doorstep.

The park has been a family run site since 1994, welcoming campers to the stunning Watermouth Valley. Just a stone’s throw from Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde and Barnstaple, the holiday park has countless nearby activities and destinations just waiting to be explored.

The campsite is nestled along the North Devon coast with views of the stunning Jurassic Coast. The nearby Broad Sands Beach is a sheltered cove, perfect for exploring with lots of nooks and a few caves.

There are no lifeguards so care should be taken when swimming, but due to the shelter from the cliffs, it is considered to be one of the best spots for swimming along the north coast.

Watermouth Valley Camping Park offers the ultimate camping experience to all visitors, with sea view pitches, private cliff steps to the beach and spotless facilities where you can enjoy a feast of great amenities including delicious food vans, local produce in the farm shop and a games room for the kids. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too.

Guests have raved about their stays at Watermouth Valley, with hundreds five star reviews. One person called it a ‘great place to camp’, adding: “The campsite was in a great location, and our particular pitch (C7) had a fantastic view. The pitches were fairly spaced and the facilities weren’t too far away given we were at the far end of the campsite, although they were down a steep hill! The shop, extra facilities (freezer, laundry etc) and the games were all working and much used by the guests.

“The addition of the food hut was great for a day off from cooking, a small menu changing daily, but tasty food. The more modern shower block was great, always clean and in working order, the others had a couple too many spiders for my liking but they were available. The staff (Nick in particular) was very friendly, helped with an issue with our pitch and always had a laugh and joke when I popped in the shop. We had a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend, and may be back next summer!”

Another commented: “Just back from five days at Watermouth Valley Camping, lovely site, good pitches and a hut that serves food daily, we only ate on Mexican night and that was delicious and really good value for money. The Sawmill was a great pub lovely food and staff. Great location for walking, cycling or adventures in the car, would recommend and would definitely stay again if visiting the area again.”

A third person added: “First time staying here & definitely it won’t be the last. Received a lovely warm welcome on arrival. Checking in process nice & simple. Food was tasty. Toilets & showers lovely & clean. Laundry seemed a good price although we didn’t need to use it. Definitely in our top 3 sites. So much to do locally but unfortunately we didn’t venture far this time. Looking forward to our return visit.”

Camping in Devon offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Nestled in southwestern England, this county boasts diverse landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to lush national parks and picturesque moors. Pitching a tent in Devon provides an immersive experience in nature’s embrace.

But Devon’s charm extends beyond its landscapes. You can explore quaint villages and historic towns which offer a taste of local culture, while coastal towns provide seaside charm.

Whether hiking along coastal trails, wandering through woodlands, or simply unwinding by the campfire, camping in Devon promises an unforgettably relaxing getaway.