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Under the Milky Way

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· Combe Martin, Devon, England
5 acres hosted by Bridget B.
4 glamping pitches
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home in nature — including real toilets, showers, and kitchen.
Private pitches
100% of recent Hipcampers say pitches are private.
A charming glamping getaway on the North Devon Heritage Coast near some of the finest beaches in the south-west.

If your idea of Hipcamp involves escaping to a secluded countryside spot, then the fully furnished Bell tents at Under the Milky Way should be scribbled somewhere on your ‘to do’ list. Sandwiched between some of Devon’s finest beaches and Exmoor National Park, this eco-friendly site remains uniquely calm and well hidden from the bucket-and-spade brigade that takes over the surrounding coastline during the height of summer.

In a quiet, rural location, this grassy slope of land is surrounded by an enchanting woodland that makes for a very private place to spend a night. There’s ample space for families who want to throw a ball around, or simply kick back in deck-chairs while they wait for the BBQ to heat up. Only the twittering of birdsong breaks the peaceful ambiance, and at night (you might have guessed from the name) this site is a fantastic place to see the stars. With no electricity in the Bell tents (only candles and solar lights) you get an incredible view of the sparkling night sky, and if you’re still desperate to charge your phone, a plug socket can be found at the nearby communal washing-up area. Inside, the tents are spacious, comfortable and furnished with a wood burner to keep you warm on a chilly evening.

When you decide to venture from your idyllic isolation, you’ll realise that you're far from being stranded, as a wealth of attractions are within easy driving distance. Closest at hand is the village of Combe Martin (2.5 miles) with its own beach, a range of shops and some great eateries. Then, heading a little further, there’s a handful of other sublime beaches, many of which are bustling with surfers who flock to the Devon coast in the summer. Surfing is a theme you’ll find running through the area, and no more so than in the main harbour town of Ilfracombe, bursting with beachware shops and the centre for most outdoor activities. To the east lies Exmoor National Park, riddled with good footpaths, the trail along the heritage coast being a particular highlight.

Between outdoor activities and the family attractions (such as Watermouth Castle & The Big Sheep Farm Park), there's enough to tire anyone out, and as the night closes in, you can relax beneath the canvas of your very own Bell tent. With no turn-up-and-pitch camping, caravans or indeed anything other than the four Bell tents, you're almost guaranteed to remain undisturbed. The cost of this secluded location is the requirement of four wheels, but it’s a price worth paying to escape the crowds and enjoy this hidden glamping gem.

Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Coastal
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100%
19 Ratings · 39 reviews
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Jonny M.recommends
September 9, 2022
Bell Tent 4
Best 'camping' we've done!
Really lovely small site with only 3 bell tents and a shepherd's hut, all well spaced. The tent was lovely, spotless (not at all damp / musty, which is a pet hate!) and tastefully furnished with comfy beds, rugs, fairy lights and lanterns. The wood burner is great, well-maintained and easy to use, and there's smoke and CO alarms for peace of mind. At the entrance to the tent is a brilliant wooden deck with shelter housing a picnic bench and a well-equipped camping kitchen - complete with double burner, whistle kettle, crockery, glasses, cutlery, pots/pans, utensils and even a cafetiere (and of course a corkscrew!). There are also cool boxes (freezer blocks provided) and plastic tubs for food. Outside space is great and there are deck chairs / garden chairs to lounge on. As well as the burner in the tent, fires can be set in the provided outdoor brazier which is close to but still a safe distance from the tent - gives a surprising amount of heat on a cool evening. The washing and toilet facilities are spotless and have plenty of hot water. They are in a small block a very short (uphill) walk from the tents, with a separate (lockable) wash room being assigned to each tent, so this is private to your family/party, meaning you can leave many of your wash things in there (along with the other benefits of not sharing such facilities with others!). Bridget is a fantastic host and couldn't be more helpful - thank you! We had a fabulous time there and will definitely be back!
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Natalie S.recommends
August 22, 2022
Bell Tent 2
Beautiful queit site and tent, great undercover facilities for cooking and eating. Lovely to have private toilet and shower. Great location for exploring-we loved the Tarka Trail, Combe Martin Dinosaur& Wildlife park, Hele Bay for paddleboarding.
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Cara G.recommends
August 8, 2022
Bell Tent 2
Glamping holiday!
We had a great seven day stay at Under The Milky Way. Everything has been very beautifully thought out, and makes for a very comfortable stay. We were a little unlucky with the weather, so having a stove in the tent and our own hot shower was especially appreciated. Bridget is always available if anything is needed. There is so much to do in North Devon. My two children, 5 and 7, loved it and my 5 year old has made me promise that we will go back, to the exact same camp! We have assured him that we will 🙂.
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Dominique F.recommends
June 7, 2022
Shepherd Hut
Perfect glamping experience
Our favourite glamping site to date. Perfectly placed pitches offering just enough privacy that you don’t hear neighbours talking but pleasantly social too. Our kids loved rolling down the gentle slopes and we loved the glamping facilities and setting of this tranquil site. Zero cons, not far from gorgeous beaches, lots to do for families in the areas, we look forward to returning!
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Alpesh M.recommends
June 7, 2022
Bell Tent 2
A fantastic place to rest and relax. Highly recommended.
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Rachel B.recommends
August 19, 2021
Bell Tent 1
It’s our third time staying here and we absolutely love it. Everything is spotlessly clean and tents and really well equipped. There is a large wooden shelter outside each of tent, which is brilliant for cooking and having dinner (and keeps everything dry in the rain). The private bathrooms are great and one of the main reasons we initially booked. Bridget the host is lovely and enhances things slightly every year. So much to do in the area too. Would highly recommend.
Location
Combe Martin, Devon, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Bridget B.Joined in January 2017
From the host
Under the Milky Way is set in a beautiful rural area, nestled in about 5 acres of gently sloping and flat fields. It is a glorious sunny spot where the loudest sound is birdsong. At night there is no light pollution, so the stars really do shine. Our comfortable and secluded site is perfect for a family get together around a campfire or as an enchanting and romantic setting for a couple’s retreat. We have 1 Shepherd Hut and 3 Bell Tents.
Nearby attractions

Nearby Combe Martin village is modestly sized but charming and has a pleasant beach, while surfing beaches such as Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Croyde are not too much further by car. The Victorian era Watermouth Castle (01271 867474 - £15.50 entry) is a stunningly located family attraction and theme park, while Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park (01271 882486 - £14.99-£15.99) is also close at hand. Broomhill Art Hotel (01271 850262) and Arlington Court (01271 850296) are also pleasant outdoor visits. With both the coast and Exmoor National Park close by, this is a great location to take advantage of various local footpaths and coastal walks. The town of Lynton and Lynmouth is also worth a visit.

Food and drink

There are a handful of good pubs and cafe's in nearby Combe Martin.  Pack O' Cards (01271 882300) is a top choice for families, with good food and delicious cream teas. The Dolphin (01271 883424) is a traditional pub with fantastic views overlooking the Combe Martin beach. The Focsle (01271 883354) and The Castle Inn (01271 883706) are high on the list for real ale lovers. Further afield, the coastal towns offer plenty of options and an abundance of good seafood. There are a couple of farm shops not far from site, ideal if you want to make use of a BBQ & camping gas cooker.

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