June 2012
15th June 2012 - Caffyns Farm Campsite
We ended up at Caffyns Farm, Devon by accident after finding ourselves still on the A303 at 6pm heading for a campsite we had booked in deepest Cornwall. With 3 hungry and tired children and no idea how bad the traffic would be we decided that driving to Britain's most southerly point wasn't such a good idea after all, particularly as torrential rain was forecast. Luckily we managed to get through to the very helpful Colin from Caffyns who assured us that there was plenty of space and it didn't matter what time we pitched up.
So by 8.30pm the bell tent was up, the campfire was lit and we had cooked our pre-prepared lamb kebabs. Despite being a last-minute life backup, we loved Caffyns Farm - it was quiet with amazing views, exceptionally clean toilets and hot showers and a really friendly atmosphere amongst the mainly tent campers. The owners pride themselves on having no strict rules about timings, bookings, where you pitch or anything else and campfires are not just allowed but actually encouraged (stones are provided in each field for setting out a campfire). The shop is very well stocked with firewood, food including local meat (frozen), camping kit and outdoor games. Outside opening hours they invite you to knock on their door for help.
There are a couple of small fields nearer to the barn (which houses the loos, showers and fridge/freezer which campers are free to use) but we chose one slightly further away as being elevated it has an amazing view of the sea and across to Wales. The site was well tended and litter-free. Our field didn't have a standpipe but it was only 5 minutes walk to the sink in the barn.
Although there are no specific facilities for children but ours were happy enough pottering around the fields and Caffyns is close to some beautiful countryside, tourist spots and beaches (for surfing it's worth the trip to Saunton Sands). Pony treks are available for over-5's but since ours are too little the stable ladies were kind enough to let them have a few goes around the paddock. When it was just too wet for a campfire we ate at the Black Venus Inn in nearby Challacombe which had great pub food and was welcoming to small children.
Unfortunately the torrential rain meant we had to cut our trip short but thankfully the relaxed bookings policy meant we didn't have to pay for our unused nights.
If you're looking for an idyllic family campsite with a real feeling of getting away from it all then Caffyns Farm would be an excellent choice. We'll definitely be going back.