At Lydford Caravan and Camping Park
Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BE
I have arranged a meet in Lydford in Devon for four nights from Thursday 23 March to Monday 27 March 2017.
I hope this will be of particular interest to those of you looking for a longer stay in the south-west in March, as the meet will link to the Cheddar AGM and the pre-meet at Phippins Farm Caravan Park, in East Huntspill in Somerset. If you are interested in coming please let me know as soon as possible. Please contact me at juliaright@aol.com or 07740406449. Any booking you make will be provisional at this stage. The cost will be approximately £13 per night per van. The site is affiliated to the Caravan Club but there is no extra charge for non-members of the Caravan Club who attend the meet.
Further information about the site and the surrounding area Lydford Caravan and Camping Park is known by its regular visitors for its sense of peace, beauty and tranquillity. The caravan site offers a host of stunning views of the nearby Dartmoor Tors and is set in three main fields divided by attractive hedgerows and trees. Within easy reach from the site is Lydford village, once a tinners stannary town and steeped in rich local history. Amongst its many attractions are a charming Norman castle and an ancient church which still boasts original ninth century connections. Most famous is Lydford Gorge, the deepest gorge in the south of England which stretches from the ominously named Devil's Cauldron whirlpool to the dramatic White Lady Waterfall, making for an exciting 3.5 mile circular walk. There are limitless additional walks and cycling routes nearby and a number of lovely National Trust properties to explore. Location - Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BE. Telephone 01822 820497. www.lydfordsite.co.uk
Things to See and Do:
- Lydford Gorge The deepest gorge in the South of England which stretches one and a half miles from the west end of Lydford Village. Take the three and a half mile round trip walk leaving on the high path looking down into the gorge, eventually reaching the famous 90ft “White Lady” waterfall. Return on the low path directly beside the river Lyd crashing down through the gorge, rising slowly to visit “The Devils Cauldron” whirlpool.
- There are National Trust refreshment tea rooms and parking at both ends of the gorge. Note: This walk is fairly strenuous. Good footwear and reasonable health are essential.
- Lydford Castle found between the church and the Castle Inn in the west of the village. The circa 9thC Lydford Castle (actually an ancient prison) is maintained by English Heritage. In this area there are the remains of several other settlements, still partially visible, that pre-date the Castle by many hundreds of years.
- Lydford Viaduct Found just a few hundred yards from the site, the viaduct crosses the River Lyd just as it dives down towards the gorge. Marvel at the superb stone construction from below and watch the Lyd waters accelerating past the 80ft tall central pillar. A very pleasant 30 minute stroll with the dog on a summer evening!
- Lydford Church Beautiful and fascinating church with massive history. Found at the west end of the village. You can learn a lot about the area and the village with a walk round the church yard and buildings.
- The Granite Way starts near the site. It is a mostly traffic-free, 11-mile cycle and walking path from Okehampton to Lydford and forms part of the National Cycle Network. Offering an ever-changing panorama – from moorland to rolling hills in the distance, massive viaducts at Lake and Meldon, the Meldon reservoir, quarry and railway sidings, all with wildlife in abundance.
- Bus Service City Bus 11 normally runs every two hours from the War Memorial (100 yards) south to Plymouth via Tavistock and north to Barnstaple via Okehampton.
A review from July 2016 (taken from the site’s website) ‘They know about customer service…….. This site is affiliated to the CC but not fettered by all the rules and regulations that are involved in CC. The reviews do not lie. This is an extremely friendly site nicely laid out over three fields – Lyd Field is closest to the amenity block and Tavy Field which has views across Dartmoor. The third field has camping pitches and a very good dog walk for an overnight leg stretcher!The fields are well laid out with plenty of space and a separate dog walking area around the edge of the field. Dogs have to be kept on a lead here but there is a sports field very near to the site entrance where dogs can be let off the lead for a good run around. The site is well maintained, as are the amenity areas. My only criticism would be that the showers could do with updating. There are no shops in Lydford but there is a good selection of basic supplies at the reception shop. However, the Lydford Farm Shop is only a short walk away along the road and it is an Aladdin’s Cave of fresh food, local meats, milk eggs, packet and dried goods. Obviously more expensive than your average supermarket but it is good quality food. The reception shop sells a range of basic foods. You can order your daily paper for a small delivery charge. We were on foot the whole time so didn’t range more than a five mile radius from the site but there are plenty of walking routes to choose. A bus stop near the site entrance takes you to Okehampton and Tavistock if you want a change of scenery. Lydford Gorge is amazing and is only half a mile away. The Castle Inn is about ten minutes walk away. The food and ales are excellent. The Dartmoor Inn is very near the Farm Shop and The Fox and Hounds a bit further along the road. Despite the weather, quite cold at times, we did plenty of walking, enjoyed ourselves. This has to be one of the most friendly sites we have stayed on. We were greeted by name on arrival and even though it was only 12 noon we were shown to our pitch straightaway. I think all the staff had attended ‘Charm School’. Nothing was too much trouble, waited while we took on water and once we were settled came to make sure there was nothing we needed. Wifi was available in the laundry room, this signal wasn’t that strong but better than expected for a remote rural area.’ Julia Wright