Rubys Orchard Bell Tent

Ruby's Orchard is an exclusive-use bell tent camp near Sheepwash in North Devon, where a single group takes the whole 2.5 acres of semi-wild orchard and woodland to themselves. It sits in the quiet Ruby Country between Dartmoor and the north coast, with the traffic-free Tarka Trail a mile or two away and the National Cycle Network route N27 running along the lane, so cyclists and walkers can set off from the gate. The bell tent comes ready-pitched and equipped, which suits couples, a family or a small group of friends who want relaxed camping without bringing their own kit. Because the site is booked for sole use, you will not share with other campers, though dogs are not accepted. Campfires are allowed, and evenings can be spent around the fire on the edge of the woodland, watching for birdlife, dragonflies and damselflies by the small pond. Days out stretch to the Taw and Torridge estuary, surfing and coasteering on the north coast, and boat trips to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe. Ruby's Orchard opens from May to October. Bring bikes to make the most of the trails, or hire them in nearby Torrington, and book well ahead as only one group stays at a time.