Karrageen is all about giving its lucky occupants plenty of room to breathe, think, play, and relax. There's no tangle of guy ropes here, and there's even room for those multi-bedroom monstrosities that can take up a good few pitches on their own.

You'll find nothing fancy, nothing flash, and nothing gimmicky:just a simple, very well-maintained and nicely landscaped site in an ever-so-lovely location — with space to spare.

The immediate locality of Karrageen is peaceful and only accessed along a tortuous narrow lane leading down (eventually) to the sea at the lost world of Hope Cove and its little village. After wandering through the sleepy rows of fishermen's cottages you'll think it eminently possible that this is still a place for clandestine meetings of pirates and smugglers - such is the sense of detachment and timelessness in the air.

There are a couple of pubs in the village that serve food, but should lethargy - or the desire not to leave this lovely site — rob the legs of movement, there are decent meals available courtesy of Karrageen's amiable cooking proprietor.



COOL FACTOR Space for families to spread out and relax.

WHO'S IN? Tents, vanners, dogs - yes. Croups - no.

ON SITE A terraced hillside split into small, intimate cul-de-sacs. Excellent facilities: loos and 9 showers (20p; 4W, 4M, 1 family/disabled room equipped for baby-changing). There are 50 hook-ups: freezer access. Downsides: some static caravans lurking about: it's not easily reached by public transport. No campfires, but BBQs off the ground are okay.

OFF SITE Book a boat trip: return sailing from Kingsbridge to Salcombe (01548 853607); River Dart trip from Totnes to Dartmouth (01803 555872; www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk). Or sea tractor to Burgh Island (www.burghisland.com).

FOOD AND DRINK Posh nosh with a view at the South Sands Hotel (01548 859000) in Salcombe, while in Hope the Sun Bay Hotel (01548 561371) does very good food.

GETTING THERE From theA38 at Wrangaton take the A3121 south; left on to the B3196 to Kingsbridge; and A381 towards Salcombe. After 3 miles take the second turn signposted Hope Cove; the site is a further 2 narrow miles.

OPEN Easter/early April-late September.

THE DAMAGE Tent, car, plus 2 adults and 2 children £ 13—£27 (depending on season and tent size) per night. Hook-up £3; dog £1.