Camping in Wiveliscombe

Wiveliscombe sits at the eastern edge of Exmoor, where the Brendon Hills roll down towards the Somerset lowlands, and this fringe country makes for rewarding, if occasionally demanding, camping. As everywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's explicit permission is illegal, so stick to established sites, farm campsites and the handful of certified locations dotted through the surrounding parishes and up towards Exmoor proper. Many of these are small, family-run affairs on working farms, offering simple pitches with sweeping views over the hills rather than elaborate facilities, which suits the quiet, unhurried character of the area.

The terrain around Wiveliscombe means most campsites sit either in sheltered valley locations near the River Tone or on higher ground with views towards the Brendon Hills and Exmoor beyond; it is worth checking a site's exact position before booking if you want easy access to specific walking routes. Late spring to early autumn is the best window for camping here, when the ground is drier underfoot and the moorland tracks are at their most inviting, though the area rarely gets as crowded as Exmoor's coastal fringes even in August. Nights can turn cool quickly once you gain height towards the Brendons, so it is worth packing for a wider temperature range than the daytime weather might suggest.

For those who would rather skip guy ropes altogether, glamping has taken hold in this part of Somerset much as it has elsewhere in the West Country, with shepherd's huts, safari tents and small eco-pods appearing on farms around the town. These typically come with proper beds, wood-burners or heaters, and often a fire pit outside, giving you the setting of a hilltop or valley campsite without sacrificing a comfortable night's sleep. It is a good option for a first visit to the area, or for anyone keen to explore the Brendon Hills and Exmoor by day and return to something warmer than a tent by night.