Riverside Caravan & Camping Park (Exmoor)

At the gateway to Exmoor and Lorna Doone country, sitting on the side of the A361, is this new caravan park, with the River Mole gently flowing its way through the centre of the 40-acre site. The site is well signed, with a large entrance leading to the reception, which doubles up as a small shop selling groceries and some caravan accessories. The toilet block is in the centre of the park, and the design and high standard of all the facilities is some of the best we have seen, with beautiful tiling in all the areas, and a laundry room with chemical disposal. There are baby changing facilities and a large disabled toilet and shower room, again of the same high standard.

All 45 level pitches have hardstanding for the caravan, a grassed area for awnings and sitting out and are fully serviced with water, 16 amp electric hook-up, TV point, water and drainage. We particularly liked the picnic tables between each pitch. River fishing is available, with a permit, and supervised children can paddle or splash in the river in the summer months.

There are several pleasant walks within the grounds and coarse fishing is available in a large, well-stocked lake. There is a large field adjacent to the site where ball games are allowed. While there is some road noise (as it is adjacent to the A361) there are sufficient established trees and shrubs - plus many freshly-planted trees - to screen both the road and noise from the park.

The site is listed with the Camping & Caravanning Club. Mobile phone reception (on Orange and O2) on the site is good.

It's also close to the small market town of South Molton, where you will find a supermarket and restaurants, while Barnstaple, Bideford, Exeter and Torrington are all within easy reach. The beautiful NT houses of Knightshayes and Killerton are close by, as is the busy town of Tiverton, with its castle and canal, and Dartington Crystal at Torrington offers a great day out and a great opportunity to buy fine china and glass at reduced prices. Exmoor Zoo is nearby where the children can have a wonderful hands on experience with many of the animals. The rugged coastline of North Devon offers miles of walks, and many sandy beaches with safe swimming.