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Stunning pictures show one of the UK's best traditional campsites
Stunning pictures show one of the UK's best traditional campsites
There are 58 pitches available and it is closed in some parts of the year. All of the profits made by Cloud Farm Campsite go into conservation in the area
Jamie said he believes there has been camping at Cloud for at least 60 years
(Image: SWNS )
Cloud Farm Campsite lies on the banks of Badgworthy Water, a gentle river situated in Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley - on the border of Devon and Somerset. Images show the tranquil nature of the secluded spot - with green fields, rolling hills and thriving wildlife.
Jamie Beecham, holiday operation manager at Cloud Farm campsite, said he loves running the unique campsite. He said: "It's an absolute privilege having the job of running the site.
"We're a small team - there are only four of us here in summer - but the camping crowd that the site seems to attract are all so relaxed and easy going that it's almost like being on holiday ourselves at times."
There are 58 pitches available and it is closed in some parts of the year
(Image: SWNS )
Jamie said he believes there has been camping at Cloud for at least 60 years - and guests have been staying in the farm cottages "for much longer than that".
He explained: "The local tearoom believes that cream teas have been served in the valley since at least 1884. Tourists have visited the valley in good numbers since the publication of the romantic adventure novel Lorna Doone in 1869 , which is set in the valley."
There are walks of every kind from the campsite - from an "easy stroll to Oare Church to a long hike to Dunkery Beacon" for views across the Bristol Channel. The river is accompanied by many trails, some which lead to pools and then on to the coast, or head off into heather-covered valleys, moorland and ancient woodland.
All of the profits made by Cloud Farm Campsite go into conservation in the area
(Image: SWNS )
When discussing what makes the campsite so unique, Jamie said: "I think the real of the site is the dramatic and unique setting of the place right on the river which separates Somerset and Devon (we're on the Somerset side). The layout of the site is different to a typical campsite, with lots of different little terraces, and people can choose where they pitch so it's less regimented than a larger holiday park style site.
"Because of the layout, when we're full it never feels too busy."
There are 58 pitches available and it is closed in some parts of the year. All of the profits made by Cloud Farm Campsite go into conservation in the area.
Jamie said: "The fact that all our profits go into conservation work in the area is special too and a really important part of why the National Trust operates over 20 campsites around the UK. Although we're just in Somerset, we work as part of the North Devon team, which looks after 6000 acres of land and are undertaking some really ambitious nature recovery and conservation work at the moment."
The campsite was purchased by the National Trust in 2020 - right as the Covid pandemic hit. Jamie said this meant many of the facilities had "seen better days" - but the team have invested in new kit, including showers and camping pods, and undertaken a complete restoration of the farmhouse.
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Jamie added: "Alongside a lot of volunteer support, the site has really been fixed up and has facilities befitting its special location."
This year, the campsite was open from 4 Apr 2025 until 1 Nov 2025, and next year the dates are 27 Mar 2026 - 1 Nov 2026. For more information, click here.
