The only clue to this campsite's existence is a hand-painted 'camping' sign that looks like it's pointing in the wrong direction.The site doesn't even have a name and is known by locals simply as 'the one run by Beryl'. Beryl herself describes the secretive site, hidden at the end of a tunnel of trees in Beeson village, as her 'unconventional camping haven'. Charming eccentricity is certainly apparent here, not only in the laissez-faire attitude to publicity, but also in the quirky names of the 20 pitches, such as Panoramic and Snug.

The 'haven' part of Beryl's description is equally apt for this lush little site, nestled as it is on a hill in the woods with a glorious view of Start Bay.

Venture down the narrow access road — even the odd caravan has been known to brave it - and you're rewarded with a real sanctuary from which to explore the surrounding delights of the Devon coast. You can spy on birds from the hide looking over the local nature reserve's lake. Or take a walk around Slapton Ley lagoon, just over the hill. And the South West Coast Path passes the award-winning beach at Beesands, just below the site.




COOL FACTOR Small, secret, secluded site with a view.

WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans (narrow access track), dogs - yes. Groups - by arrangement.

ON SITE A small field with 20 named pitches on a hill cradling a pond and embraced by enigmatic woodland. Good facilities with recycling bins, fridges, toilets, showers (coin-operated - 20p), washing-up sinks, electric hook-ups, and power points for charging mobiles. No campfires.

OFF SITE The almost Mediterranean-like Blackpool Sands bay (www.blackpoolsands.co.uk) and its secret gardens are well worth a visit. For a step back in time, take a day trip to Dartmouth (www.discoverdartmouth.com) with its cobbled streets, boutiques, river cruises, and steam railway.

FOOD AND DRINK For seafood fresh off the boat and cream-tea treats, there's the local Britannia (www. britanniashellfish.co.uk) at Beesands. But for the best fish and chips around it's got to be the Start Bay Inn (01548 580553; www.startbayinn.co.uk) in Torcross.

GETTING THERE Take the A379 to Stokenham.Turn right at the roundabout and follow the road for ½ miles then left to Beeson. In Beeson follow the hand-painted camping signs.

OPEN Easter-October.

THE DAMAGE Adult £6; child (under-16) £3, under-5s free.