Pond and Pasture Glamping and Camping

A home away from home in a secret haven on the river. We tried Pond and Pasture as we recently saw their post in a paddleboarding group about a new family venture of a small, simple campsite along the Avon estuary. We were excited to learn that we could paddle down the river on the outgoing tide, spend the day on the beach, and catch to tide back in (later we learned that this is called the boomerang!). We are used to exploring very isolated locations around the globe and really wanted to find a space that was peaceful, simple, and uncrowded. We were so excited to be lucky enough to be some of the first guests to support Alice and Alex’s new campsite. Alice was our main point of contact and was so lovely from the start, even with me changing my booking several times! She gave us great advice on the river and timings of the tide, and was so welcoming. It felt like staying with old friends rather than a crowded tourist resort. And the fact that the tidal road is inaccessible at high tide really makes it feel like a secret island getaway. We only had a few days, but it felt like a week, and was just the break we needed. Gorgeous weather, spectacular sunsets, lovely people, and the most incredible paddle (with our dogs) down the river, flanked by swans, cygnets, herons and egrets, all the way to Bigbury beach. The water there was pristine, and the forests flanking the river made us feel like we were explorers in another world. The beach itself is lovely too and we had an amazing BBQ lunch at the Pilchard inn, which has an old and interesting history, before heading back upriver. The campsites are on the top of the hillside with views of the valley and incredible moonrises. We stargazed for hours on our last night, taking in every moment until we had to leave. There were fresh eggs on sale from their free roaming chickens, and I saw deer and rabbits on the morning walk. They have a small honestly shop from which we bought marshmallows and extra firewood, and small touches like sticks with the marshmallows and a firelighter package with the wood really made it so special. The showers and toilets are simple but perfect, and the breeze and sunlight coming through the top as well as the plants growing alongside really made us feel so connected with nature. We LOVED our stay, the dogs had a wonderful time, and we left tired and happy. We can’t wait to go back!

in the last week · via Google

From the moment we drove onto the tidal road we felt the stresses of every day life were left behind. The views from the pitches were breathtaking with rolling fields for as far as the eye can see and the river flowing through them. Alice, Alex and their charming children gave us the warmest welcome and were so generous sharing their incredible part of Devon with us. We loved early morning paddle boarding on the river straight from the campsite drive, lazy afternoons watching the river flow in and out and toasting marshmallows over the fire pit in the evenings. We camped for a week and were amazed by the work Alice and Alex have done to make their guests comfortable. We were apprehensive about the compost loos but they are kept spotlessly clean and were genuinely better than many (flushing) campsite toilets we have been to before. Everyone loved the showers, which were massive, had plenty of hot water and good water pressure. It was joyful to have the sun shining in on you while having a wash. We really appreciated the attention to detail, with nice big mirrors, herbs planted in pots around the washing up area and the pretty festoon lights. We were lucky to have the field to ourselves for a number of days but even when other campers arrived, the large, well spaced out pitches added to the sense of peace and tranquility. The only sounds we heard were the resident peacocks telling us when it was time for bed! The campsite is really well placed for exploring Devon, with Dartmouth and Salcombe close by. There are many lovely beaches but our favourite (dog friendly) beach was Thurlestone. A real highlight was our young teenagers coming off their screens and being able to be children again. They went crabbing in Dartmouth, paddle-boarded on the river, swam in the sea and sat around the camp fire with us. Our week at Pond and Pasture was truly wonderful and we can't wait to return to this magical and beautiful campsite again.

in the last week · via Google

We’ve just returned home after the most beautiful weekend at Pond and Pasture, our hearts a little fuller and our souls a little quieter. What a magical way to begin the summer holidays. Alice and her family have created something truly extraordinary, a place where time seems to soften and the simple things become unforgettable. Drifting by canoe down to Bantham, casting lines into the estuary, lingering over lunch at the Oyster Shack, and discovering that sometimes the greatest gift is not needing to go anywhere at all. Just to be, wrapped in the stillness of this special corner of the world. Treating ourselves to the bell tent was the best decision we made. It felt like sleeping beneath the stars without giving up life’s little comforts. We fell asleep to vast skies, woke to breathtaking views, and found everything so thoughtfully prepared. The children were utterly enchanted by the peacocks, who wandered by as though they, too, were welcoming us home. Thank you, Alice and Alex, for opening your farm and for sharing this remarkable place with us. We leave with treasured memories, already longing to return. Wishing all the luck as this wonderful new adventure unfolds.

a week ago · via Google

Utterly beautiful and tranquil location. The friendliest, most thoughtful hosts. The bell tent was beautifully furnished and the three of us got a perfect night’s sleep, which is unheard of for us. We can’t wait to stay again. Thank you

2 weeks ago · via Google