General

Yearning to escape the pace of everyday life? Then yearn no more. At the end of a private track, in four acres of hidden-valley woodland and with 60 acres of organic farmland to explore, Shepherd's Delight isn't just camping. It's absolutely-get-away-from-everything camping. A perfectly tranquil retreat, and yet just a few miles from the bustling Roman city of Exeter and a stone's throw inland from East Devon's incredible Jurassic Coast.

Inside the traditional-looking hut you'll find a clever design that squeezes in all the home comforts you could possibly want, from a double bed at one end to an en suite shower-room with a proper flushing loo and a wash-basin at the other. A wood-burner keeps you cosy all year round, there's room for two to eat at the little table next to it, and a simple kitchen with hot water on tap (the handy gas fridge is in an outdoor compartment), while a solar panel is all that's needed to power the lights. Who needs plug sockets anyway? You may even bring your faithful pooch to keep you company (he says yes please, and promises to behave around the livestock).

Step outside and you can choose whether to lounge in the hammock, cook on the gas griddle/plancha beside the lake, watch the wildlife from the jetty or sit and read in the dappled shade beneath the trees. Or row, row, row your boat... at Shepherd's Delight you can muck about on the lily-covered lake to your heart's content (taking care, it goes without saying): bobbing along, drifting around or, should you be a dab hand with the old rod and line, fishing for er, fish (carp, roach, rudd, tench or bream, if you really must get technical).

Shepherd's Oak is also at Pynes Farm, situated near the main farmhouse, a few fields away. Book both together and enjoy a glamping getaway with friends.

Out and About

Tear yourself away from this hideaway idyll and you can be in the heart of Exeter in ten minutes. Explore the old Roman walls, window-shop the antiques, try out the cafés, pubs and restaurants or simply relax on the Cathedral green and watch the world go by. You can even hire a canoe and paddle to the two renowned canal-side pubs, The Double Locks and The Turf Hotel, for a jug of Pimms. Alternatively, grab your bucket and spade and make for the unspoilt East Devon coast, where there are a string of traditional seaside towns such as Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Beer and, of course, the stunning Jurassic cliffs.

Alternatively, leave the car behind, pull on some brightly coloured Lycra and explore the Exe Valley by bicycle. All right, the Lycra's optional, but you'll love the breezy biking around here, including the short spin along the lanes that takes you to the National Trust's Killerton House. Gorgeous gardens, an elegant 18th Century house, even an Iron Age fort, what more could one want? Oh, yes, a cream tea... Will you ever want to go home?

Layout

Steps into open plan living-room with kitchen, dining and bedroom areas with double bed and wood-burner. Door to shower-room with shower, WC and wash-basin. Outside: gas fridge and two-ring camping gas stove.