At first glance, this campsite, owned and operated by the Camping and Caravanning Club, may not seem to be an obvious Hipcamp site. Too normal by far: an organised reception building; carefully manicured acres of immaculate grounds; generous metrically measured-out pitches; and superb all-encompassing but predictable facilities. Have we sold it to you yet? No, thought not. Now, let’s reveal what makes this place so special – the most stunning panoramic view over Start Bay; only eight caravans can rock up at any one time; the landscaping isn’t just the usual gravel, with hedges between; and traditional tenters and glampers are both welcomed with open arms.
This pretty site is a busy family camping destinattion (in the school holidays at least) and has a playground for the kids, equipped with all the usual swings and stuff. So, to recap, it’s a genuine campsite for tenter’s and glampers, with superb facilities, nice landscaping, a playground to keep the children amused and the view is enchanting. Oh, and with pleasant efficient staff running things there will be no rowdy, sleepless nights under nylon here. What more can you ask? What more is there? Well, just put your comfiest sandals or shoes on and come for a walk down the lane. Or perhaps up the lane first to the sumptuously quaint village of Slapton, where it looks just like a long-lost rural French ville and where the pubs are good, too.
Heading down the hill towards the sea, Slapton Ley is our first encounter – a lagoon that was cut off from the sea many moons ago by the shingle washed up on the beach. The result is a freshwater lake teeming with wildlife that is now a National Nature Reserve. A bit further down the lane is the sea, where Start Bay’s miles and miles of unspoilt undeveloped shingle beach stretch to what seems like eternity in both directions. The sea here is relatively sheltered and on calm days the beach is a popular swimming place.
The village of Torcross lies about a mile and a half (the length of the lake, by the way) across Start Bay to the south, where the only real signs of human civilisation are to be seen. There is a pub, a café, a bit of a promenade and an American tank in the car park. The small tank has been here ever since it was rescued from the bay after the Second World War, and it’s hard to resist having a good look at it.
The upshot of all this is that whilst Slapton Sands doesn’t score highly for originality, it does rate well for facilities and a place for a civilised family holiday in glorious surroundings. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Take a cruise up the magnificent River Dart to Dartmouth with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company Cruises (01803 555872), or choose another watery route. Get hands-on at the Explorocean or just look on and gape at the amazing sealife at the National Marine Aquarium (01752 600301) in Plymouth.
