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Runnage Farm

Devon Pl20 6 Tn, Devon, England

1 acre hosted by Test O.

The excitement of wild-style camping near water, making campfires and barbecuing some of the farm’s meaty treats

Heading into Dartmoor feels a bit like travelling through time and tales, perhaps ending up somewhere between the pages of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Much of the land here has successfully spurned modernity’s advances, and its middle-of-nowhereness and descending mists give it an air of mystery and adventure; it’s bound to stir up even the most sluggish of imaginations. Runnage Farm is right in the midst of this rolling moorland. Extending over 220 acres, it has been worked by the Coakers since 1843, long before Baker Street’s finest sleuth arrived to solve his famous case. The Coakers are keen to emphasise that running the farm is their priority, but they are happy to offer a small, wild campsite along with a few mod cons. There are no pitches or hook-ups, just two fields next to the river, where campers are free to do as they please. Kids can run around in this magical wilderness, playing Pooh Sticks in the river, looking at the horses and splashing about in the stream. Any grown-ups who are by now feeling slightly frazzled can unwind to the tranquil sounds of rural peace and calming, flowing water. As a certain pipe-smoking detective would say: ‘It’s elementary, my dear camper.

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Location

Devon Pl20 6 Tn, Devon, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Test O.Joined in January 2015

From the host

The excitement of wild-style camping near water, making campfires and barbecuing some of the farm’s meaty treats

Nearby attractions

Choose from pony-trekking, canoeing, rock-climbing or hiring bikes from the nearby B&B (£15 per day, £4 an hour; 01822 880332). For littler kids and the young at heart, the Miniature Pony Centre (01647 432400), between Moretonhampstead and Postbridge, has over 150 animals for kids to meet, as well as offering activities such as egg-collecting and pony-grooming.

Food and drink

Treat yourselves to Runnage Farm’s beefburgers, lamb chops, marinated lamb steaks and scrummy lamb-and-rosemary burgers to whack on the BBQ (let them know what you need in advance). You can also buy freezer-ready packs of meat for a taste of the moors when you get home. The Old Inn at Widecombe (01364 621207) provides a choice-full menu and offers a special children’s menu plus half-portions from the adults’ menu for the kids.

Runnage Farm

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