Camp Isopel

Devon shepherd's hut holidays

Camp Isopel is an idyllic retreat. Nestled in nature, the camp is a versatile space accommodating all types of travellers. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple taking some time out together, or a family or group seeking a unique holiday, Camp Isopel has it all. There is plenty of space to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy a different way of living – even just for a short time, it makes the world of difference.

At the heart of the camp is Isopel’s Wagon, a charming traditional English shepherd’s hut – a beautifully refurbished hut on an original chassis. Fully insulated and equipped with a log-burning stove and a comfortable double bed, the wagon serves as a comfortable space to unwind and get a good night's sleep. It’s warm and cosy in the winter, bright and airy in the summer.

Nearby to the Isopel’s Wagon is a spacious Bell Tent, offering further space for sleeping or another place to relax. Come sunshine or rain, the Bell Tent is a delightful space for playing board games, losing yourself in a book, storytelling, or simply sitting and observing the daily rhythm of the small holding. You have the flexibility to organise the sleeping arrangements to suit your preferences and ensure a restful night's sleep. The camp is also fenced in, so it is perfect if you have wandering toddlers or a dog.

A unique feature of Camp Isopel is The Horse Box. This creatively repurposed horse box adds a special element to the camping experience. At one end, you'll find a well-equipped kitchenette; and at the other end a thoughtfully designed bathroom, complete with a shower and a waterless toilet, ensuring both comfort and practicality.

For those looking to enhance their outdoor living experience, there is a firepit ready with campfire cooking equipment for those cozy gatherings under the starry sky. Roast marshmallows, cook delicious meals, share stories and reflect on the day’s adventures around the flames.

Situated in Hassey Meadow, our South Devon shepherd's hut is perfectly positioned on a coastal plateau just a short walk down to the secluded creeks and gorgeous sandy beaches that line our side of the Salcombe estuary. Or, head in the other direction to pick up the stunning stretch of South West Coast Path that runs through Gara Rock.

Key details

Off-grid with solar/battery lighting
Suitable for couples, solo travellers and groups
Large 5-metre bell tent available for families (sleeps 3 and includes flooring, bedding and roll-up mattresses)
Fridge available nearby along with power for charging devices
Wood burning stove
Washroom with waterless toilet and hot shower
Kitchenette with two gas hob rings
All basic kitchen/cooking equipment

All linen and towels are provided
Canvas covered picnic table
Campfire area with campfire cooking tools
Parking for one car
Stunning views to Dartmoor
Mains drinking water
On-farm location with friendly livestock nearby
Close to the coastal path at Gara Rock
Local milk, bacon, sausages and eggs available to buy

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What our guests say

Great place for getting away from everything. A thoughtful idea to have a choice of a shepherd’s hut and a bell tent to sleep in and also a cleverly converted horse box to create a bathroom and kitchen. Being high on a hill it had beautiful views with Dartmoor in the distance. The morning sunrise was particularly magical as was the amazing sunset which coloured the whole sky. A very therapeutical place to stay.

Clive, September 2022

Location

Isopel's Wagon, our beautiful Devon shepherd's hut, is situated in Hassey Field on Meadow Barn Farm. Your nearest neighbours during your stay will be Morris and Mable (our Devon Large Black pigs), some naughty chickens and a flock of Devon Closewool sheep, as well as our mischievous miniature sheep. Hassey Field is the sight of a Scheduled Ancient Monument that dates back roughly 2500 years and offers unspoilt views north towards Dartmoor.

Isopel's Wagon is a 25-minute walk from East Portlemouth village, beaches and the passenger ferry to Salcombe. In the other direction, Gara Rock hotel, restaurant, cafe and beach is a 15-minute walk away. Just over half-an-hour away on foot is the famous Pigs Nose Inn and Piglet Stores in East Prawle. Slightly further afield still, there is a well-stocked Spar shop and petrol station 15-minutes drive away in East Charleton, with the bustling town of Kingsbridge 20-minutes away by car where you'll find a great choice of cafes, shops and two supermarkets. Popular Dartmouth and Totnes are all within 45-minutes by car.

Discover all our favourite local beaches, walks, things to do and places to eat and drink.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the nearest shop?

Once you've arrived, you can stock up on supplies by going to Salcombe on the foot ferry where there are shops. Just over half an hour away by foot, Piglet Stores in East Prawle is well stocked. Or head by car to the amazing farm shop at Stokeley, the garage at West Charleton or the supermarkets in Kingsbridge.

On-site, we often have our own bacon, sausages and eggs available to buy. We also buy in bottles of milk from Dartmouth dairy that you can also buy from us if you need to.

Make sure you bring some supplies for your first night.
How far are the beaches?

Gara Rock beach is about a 15-minute walk while the gorgeous sandy beaches of East Portlemouth are around a 25-minute walk away. Follow the link to find out more about South Devon's best beaches.
Can we arrive by public transport?

If you don’t have a car you can get the train to Totnes, bus to Kingsbridge or Salcombe and we are happy to pick you up by prior arrangement.

We'll even knock 10% off your bill as a thank you for taking the eco-option.
Is it easy to access Salcombe?

If you want to spend a lot of time in Salcombe it is easy during the day as there is a regular ferry that runs from a pier about 20 minutes’ walk away. In the evening it can be more challenging as the ferry stops though water taxis can be arranged in high season. If you have specific questions about local knowledge and access please call us and we will help where we can.
Are there places to eat and drink?

The nearest place for food and drink is the cafe and restaurant at the Gara Rock Hotel. For most of the year, there is a small cafe by the beach at East Portlemouth while slightly further afield is a huge choice of places to eat and drink.
Is there room for a family?

Isopel's Wagon sleeps two comfortably but we do have two roll-out single mattresses that can be used by young children. The result is a squeeze, though we've had families stay previously.

Please be sure to talk to us before booking for more than two people.
Can we bring bikes?

There are lots of opportunities to cycle down here so bring a bike if you like. The hills can be quite steep though, and the roads narrow.

We also have a collection of restored bikes on the farm which are available for you to borrow.
How do we get there?

Head to Meadow Barn Farm, TQ8 8PN and we will direct you to Hassey Field. If you are arriving by public transport, please contact us to arrange pickup from either Kingsbridge or Salcombe.

It's important to avoid the tidal road which is often flooded and in poor condition. Instead, stick to the directions we'll provide and head to us via Stokenham.