We were searching for an alternative to Eweleaze Farm, a campsite offering sea views, campfires and acres of space. In our search we came across Stoke Barton Farm and were lured to North Devon by the dramatic coastline of Hartland Point.

The farm is a working livestock and arable farm situated right on the spectacular coastal scenery of Hartland Quay near Hartland Point on the Hartland Peninsula. It is a registered Caravan and Camping site less than half a mile from the sea with toilets and showers and with lots of space between pitches plus a number of electricity hookups.

Review

The drive to North Devon isn’t a short one, but it is more than worth it to be welcomed to Stoke Barton Farm. Stoke Village is only and hours drive from the M5, and is an easy drive to places such as Tintagel, Bude, Clovelly, and if you fancy leaving the car on the campsite for your stay you are right on top of coastal paths. As you arrive at Stoke Barton Farm you will be welcomed to the farmhouse and shown where you may take your choice of pitches.

The Farm campsite faces the Atlantic in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the view can quite literally take your breath away as you look through the camping fields to the cliffs and the ocean, especially if it’s a windy day! The Farm covers 500 acres and is a working livestock and arable farm. There are two main camping fields covering 12 acres. The main camping field allows for tents and caravans, and has EHU. The main field is also where the toilets and washing up point is located. You are actively encouraged to seek your own pitch, and can be as close or as far away from your neighbours as you want. The Second camping field is further on the farm land and has dramatic views of the surrounding coastline and the church steeple at Stoke Village. On a clear night you can even see the Lighthouse lights illuminating the night sky. This second field has a wilder feel to it, the grass is much longer and makes your nights stay comfier as you are cushioned by the meadows grass.

At the top of the second field is a trampoline and football area for the children of the campsite, there is also in a secluded area near the farm house a play area for the children. The extra facilities for the kids are a welcome bonus adding to the family charm of the site without tainting the tranquillity. The owners Colin and Helen are also more than happy to help out if you need any advice. Colin is also often seen around the site with his sheepdogs and small groups of children riding on his quad bike. The openness of Colin and Helen instantly make you feel at home.

It is such a relief to find such a stunning campsite with good facilities. All of the toilet and shower facilities are regularly cleaned and well stocked. The only negative is that the main washing up point at the main camping field is cold water only. However there are second toilets and a washing up point near the farm house and showers. Campers are more than welcome to use the freezer in the shed to freeze their icepacks, and to use the plug sockets to charge their phones. If you need gas refills or wood for your campfire then you can seek out Colin or his son to purchase supplies.

If you have not made it to the local shops in time for breakfast the Tea Rooms in the Farm come highly recommended with an international reputation for its cream teas. Sit outside and sample one of the biggest cream teas you’ll ever have, and visit the craftshop with supplies from local tradesmen. Or visit the Lighthouse for a refreshing morning walk and a rewarding cream tea.

Once you’ve explored the campsite the surrounding area will beckon. The relentless pounding of the sea along the rugged coastline is a constant soundtrack to your stay at Hartland Point. The effect the sea has on this dramatic coastline is more than evident in the surrounding area, visit the Lighthouse at Hartland Point or the Wreckers Inn at the Quay to see the evidence shipwrecks and how the sea has eaten away at the cliffs and the structures themselves. The Quay is a quiet place in comparison to the busy quay that it used to be before 1887 when it was swept away by the fury of the Atlantic. You can walk from the campsite down some of the most dramatic and stunning paths to the quay to visit the Wreckers Inn for a heart warming meal and to sample some local Ales and Ciders. This is meant to be some of the most rewarding coastal walks in England and the walk back up the cliffs, past waterfalls and streams makes this more than evident. Make sure you take torches with you as this is an incredibly dangerous walk after dark, not recommended for young family members, but well worth it to see the night stars and hear the sounds of the waves crashing. There are no signposts or railings so ensure you are very clear about your route and what you are letting yourself in for if you are walking back in the dark.

Overall this is a beautiful little campsite, in a stunning location, run by the most welcoming campsite owners. I hope that they maintain the wilder camping and do not take the path of most campsites in North Devon and fill their space with Caravans and campervans to ensure a regular income. This campsite is more than worth the long journey.