Lopwell Barn

The River Tavy slips past below, quiet and dark green beneath the trees, and on still mornings you can hear the heron lifting off downstream.

Lopwell Barn offers chalets and camping pods tucked into the wooded edge of the Tamar Valley, just inland from Plymouth but feeling worlds away. This is a spot for couples after a comfortable retreat with river views, or families wanting a solid roof and proper beds while still waking to the sound of birdsong. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, so walkers can drop straight onto the trails that thread through Bickleigh Vale and along the valley floor.

Inside you'll find self-contained accommodation with proper heating and kitchen facilities — a step up from canvas, ideal if the weather turns. Campfires are worth checking about when you arrive; policies can vary. The vibe here is calm and woodland-quiet, more about unwinding with a book on the deck than late-night singalongs. You're close enough to Dartmoor's edges for day trips, but Lopwell itself is about slowing down and listening to the river.