Cool Camping: Poolbridge Campsite, Exmoor
GoWildGoWest’s
Best UK Campsites 2022
1. Poolbridge Campsite, Exmoor
Wow! What an absolute gem of a campsite tucked away on the Somerset/Devon border. I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered this place…. camping by a river, in the woods, AND near the beach… could it get any better?
Poolbridge vs our Family Camping Checklist:
- Family and dog friendly campsite
- Campfires allowed
- Big pitches and plenty of space
- Something for the kids? Yes! Children can paddle in the stream and safely run wild in the woods with their new campsite mates
- Great location nestled in Exmoor’s wooded Horner valley, close to Porlock.
The Campsite
You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful campsite setting. Stretched along a bubbling stream, the pitches are all large and flat with their own stone circle firepit. You’re surrounded by woodland and seemingly miles from anywhere. By day, Wagtails, Dippers and Fly-Catchers skim the water’s surface, and as darkness falls, bats fly overhead. After an evening around the campfire, we fell asleep to the soothing sounds of the stream and the hoots of Tawny Owls, and were woken next morning to the Dawn Chorus. Total heaven!
With a number of other families there, it didn’t take long for the boys to make new friends. They were soon off charging around the woods, paddling in the stream and playing football. Campsite owner Tracey grew up and still lives in a neighbouring farm and the campsite was set up 40 years ago by her father. She pops down a few times a day to check in and sell bags of logs and kindling.
Need to know;
- 30 large/flat tent pitches and 3 electric hook up pitches
- Good basic facilities
- Fridge/freezer available to use
- Recycling facilities good
- Logs/kindling available to buy
- Bring your own grill if you want to cook over the fire
- Glamping huts also available
Camping on Exmoor/Porlock
Is this a Devon campsite or a Somerset campsite? I’m not entirely sure but it’s somewhere near the border! There are beautiful walks all around. From the campsite, we walked down through the incredible Hawkcombe Woods to Porlock, a quintessentially English village with some of the most incredible gardens I’ve ever seen!
After stopping for a cheeky coffee and cake, we headed over the marsh to Porlock Weir. On a sunny day, there’s no better place to be. Ice cream, crabbing in the harbour (with extra bait offered by the local fishermen) and a hard earned glass of wine at The Ship to top it all off. Fantastic! There’s also a local oyster shop but sadly it was closed when we visited.
GWGW’s Campsite Rating:
With beaches, moor and woodland on your doorstep this really is a great family campsite, perfect for exploring Exmoor and the North Devon Coastline. Next time we’ll be taking our bikes to check out the local area on two wheels….
The children rated this campsite a whopping 10/10
Going Camping?
Make sure you pack your Go Wild Go West Outdoor Adventure Guides: filled with awesome outdoor activities for all the family, perfect for any camping holiday adventures!
Check out our tips, guides and recommendations for all things camping;
- Family Camping Kit List
- Camping in the rain: help! What can we do
- Top tips for happy family camping
- Other great family campsites: Stowford Manor, Bryher Island, Camping in Cornwall, Campsites in the South West
- Campsite cookery: easy family recipes