We have been thinking about the north Devon coast for a week this summer as a stopping off point on our way down to west Cornwall. I have been reading a lot of reviews of different campsites in the reviews section and one thing that is mentioned in a few reviews is the fact that it was very windy when they were there. Does anyone visit north Devon frequently and is it always windy? A few of the sites we have been looking at appear quite exposed. Has anyone experience of a more sheltered site in the area? We have been looking around the Woolacombe and Croyde areas. Damage Barton and Warcombe Farm both look nice but I really like putting the awning up when we are on site for a week but in lots of the pictures in the website galleries, not many caravans have awnings up and I was wondering if that was due to the wind.
All previous experiences of the area gratefully received!
------------- Pixie
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A fairly experienced visitor to Devon and Cornwall, but really only day visited coasts (quite frequently) rather than pitched van on coastal sites. Rather blunt fact of life, Cornwall and much of Devon's coasts are fully exposed ATLANTIC coasts (more eastern side of county slightly more shielded and more on English Channel and Bristol Channel than true Atlantic), with 3000miles of 'not a lot', only wild ocean to stop the prevailing SW winds, or should that be to build the winds!
Take a look at almost any exposed coastal scene and you will see trees and shrubs are often stunted, leaning at odd angles and with more luxuriant growth on NE side - that's the effect of the rather persistent SW winds! Also, some of the beaches are world class surfing beaches, that's a bit of a clue that the winds drive the sought after waves!
Can't say it's 'always' windy, but it certainly 'can' be windy, you pays your money and takes your chance! Think there are a few more sheltered sites a little way inland, but coasts are a risk almost anywhere, I witnessed devastation on a cliff top (mostly tents) site in Dorset many years ago, nearly every frame tent (in their heyday at that time) was wrecked/damaged, my 1960's vintage airbeam tent was one of the few tents still left on site next day!
It's a lovely part of the country and I do urge you to visit, but pick site and pitch carefully if you want an awning up. Some sites I believe have perfectly OK sheltered pitches (maybe with the van also providing some shelter for the awning), whilst other pitches can be exposed! Worth talking to the site perhaps.
..... and the slog from Devon down into Cornwall can seem hard work and endless, so a stop off in Devon is definitely a good plan! I'm no stranger to long journeys and happy to do 300 miles in a day, but always think of the last leg into Cornwall as a journey all of it's own!
We were at Damage Barton a few years ago and along with many other people were up in the middle of the night trying to get a completely destroyed awning down and the debris secured. Next morning the wardens came round with a tractor and trailer collecting all the remains. The trailer was full!
We've also stayed at Warcombe Farm. Not the same glorious sea views as Damage Barton but more sheltered from the winds.
I never bother with awning in Cornwall. Last May had 80mph winds at St Ives Bay holiday park. Folk were struggling to take their awnings down at 2am while we slept.
------------- Every day should be a holiday!
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We have been Damage Barton and drove 18 inch stakes into ground to lash caravan down with severe wind lifting the caravan. We were warned at reception not to put awning up. We have always ever since gone on Woolacombe Sands site and never had any problems even if there are winds in that part of Devon.
Another vote for Willow Valley near Bude, or you could look at Hidden Valley or Stowford Farm both are just a little inland from Woolacombe & Croyde. I live in North Devon, only about 2 miles inland & slightly sheltered & don't have any issues with strong winds.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: North Devon Coast
via mobile 27/1/2022 at 8:59pm
