A cosy site in the grounds of a Georgian manor house near the stunning Devonshire coastline.

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South Allington House

UK England South West England Devon Salcombe

Undiscovered camping on the South Devon coast in the civilised surroundings of a Georgian manor house

South Allington House may be slap bang in the middle of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Start and Prawle Points along a sweep of South Devon’s coastline, but the fact that you can camp in its grounds is a rather closely guarded secret – the owners don’t even mention it on their website. So don’t tell them we think their secretive site a bit of a camping oasis, with its facilities offering a cocoon to the least intrepid of campers, while its location in a beautiful valley surrounded by farmland will gently coax the toughest city nuts back to nature.

You can treat yourself to a highly civilised cream tea with dollops of home-made jam at the Georgian manor house while the kids mooch off in search of woodland wildlife. Little ones are kept happy making friends with the grazing sheep, marvelling at frogs in the pond, and trying to keep up with ducklings as they wander around the manicured grounds.And if the weather goes pear-shaped you can always opt for a room in the manor house B&B or other self-catering options. Just be sure to book early during school holidays.

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Details

Facilities

Well maintained facilities in a converted outbuilding near the camping field (35–40 pitches on lawn) include toilets, showers, washing-up sinks, washing machines, tumble-dryers, fridges, and freezers. No electric hook-ups and no campfires unless you take your own brazier.

Suitable For

Tents, campervans, a couple of small caravans, dogs – yes. Big groups – no.

Nearby

Besides local beaches and stunning coastal walks, there’s the ‘hippy haven’ of Totnes with its castle and South Devon Steam Railway to visit.

Food & Drink

Cream teas at the manor house are a must, and in nearby East Prawle there’s food and entertainment at the lively Pigs Nose Inn (01548 511209), or you could try the quieter Piglets Stores and Café (01548 511486) across the road. For local produce, Stokeley Farm Shop (01548 581010) in Stokenham.

Opening Times

May–October.

Location

Contact South Allington House, South Allington House, Chivelstone, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2NB

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Getting There

Going south, pass Frogmore on the A379 and follow signs for East Prawle until you reach Chivelstone Cross. Turn left and site is 1⁄2 mile further, on the right.

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★☆ over 4 reviews

★★★★☆

Relaxed camping in a beautiful valley

South Allington House is a very special campsite in a lovely setting. Perfect for relaxing, star gazing, walking and with lots of lovely beaches nearby. The pitches are a really good size and the facilities are simple but cater for all your basic needs - hot showers, washing up area with a view, freezers, washing machines and dryers. The owners are helpful and friendly. We have been camping there for many years and haven’t experienced any issues with rowdy groups as in the previous review.

Sep 4, 2020 by George

★☆☆☆☆

The noisiest campsite I’ve ever stayed in.

This campsite is out of control. Big parties of teenagers getting drunk . Basic unpleasant toilet block with no toilet paper in several toilets . No one visible around to keep an eye on things. Would not visit again

Aug 29, 2020 by Catherine

Response from South Allington House

Sorry to hear your experience, 2020 has been an unusual year with high demand for camping and many new customers. We have tried our best to strike a happy balance but it isn't always possible to police every situation, there is always somebody on site to help and try to resolve any issues if we are asked . The Shower block will have a refurbishment this winter and I apologise if you didn't get to grips with the loo roll dispensers . The shower block is cleaned 3 times a day during busy times . We have had camping here for at least 30 years and have many happy customers that come back every year .

★★★★☆

Magical

Just magical- I love this place. Our second stay and even more magical than the first (-partly as it was quiet due to variable weather!). Dragonflies, shooting stars and several types of owl calling around our tent at night. Lovely friendly vibe. I also have to give a special shout out to Wendy Garland- she makes the most amazing jams and chutneys and should you be lucky enough to be there when she's just made a batch be sure to buy some- simply the best chutneys and jams we've ever had and getting through them at the rate of knotts!

Sep 4, 2017 by Genmaxwell

★★★★☆

Great!

We just had ten nights at South Allington - and it was great - really good combination of very back to basics vibe in terms of the site itself - and actually very good facilities (showers, washers, dryers etc). The further you go up the field the further away from the showers you are - and the more back to basics you feel - so take your pick. Local area stunning - lots of great beaches - Mill Bay being the family favourite! Cream Teas at the house a must too!

Aug 28, 2014 by jesse