Stowford Farm Meadows Review: What It’s Really Like to Stay

Stowford Farm Meadows is a large holiday park in the North Devon countryside between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. It offers camping, touring pitches, pods and holiday homes across an unusually spacious site.

I spent two nights at Stowford Farm Meadows in late September 2026, staying in a camping pod. I used the park as a base for exploring North Devon and Exmoor, covering around 60 km on foot over three days.

I had originally planned to camp. However, when I found a pod for just £35 per night, the relatively small extra cost seemed worthwhile. Electricity, heating and a proper bed were particularly attractive for a September break.

This was a quiet midweek stay outside the main summer season, so my experience will inevitably be different from a busy August week. Nevertheless, staying here provided a useful opportunity to explore the whole park and see what Stowford Farm Meadows is really like.

This independent Stowford Farm Meadows review covers the pods, camping and touring areas, swimming pool, food, shop, walks and other facilities. I have also included the practical things I would have liked to know before arriving.

Affiliate disclosure: I booked and paid for this stay myself at the normal public rate. Park Holidays did not arrange my visit or have any involvement in this review. This article contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why I Chose Stowford Farm Meadows

North Devon is around two hours from home. That makes it close enough for a short break, but far enough away that repeated day trips are impractical.

I wanted to spend a few days exploring Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and the surrounding coast, so staying locally made sense. Stowford Farm Meadows was well placed for the places I wanted to visit and offered several different accommodation options.

Initially, I intended to camp. Pitches were around £13 per night when I checked, but then I found a camping pod for £35.

For around £22 more, I could swap my tent for a proper bed, electric heater and solid roof. In late September, that was enough to sway me towards the pod.

Getting to Stowford Farm Meadows

Getting to North Devon can be part of the holiday.

For many visitors arriving from the M5, the most straightforward route is via Tiverton, the North Devon Link Road and A399. From the motorway, you still have roughly 46 miles to cover.

This is probably the route I would choose when towing a caravan or driving a large motorhome. However, I find the North Devon Link Road rather soulless, and it can become busy during the main holiday season.

There are more scenic alternatives from Bridgwater or Taunton. The A39 route passes Minehead, climbs Porlock Hill, and continues through Lynmouth and Combe Martin.

On a clear day, you get wonderful views across Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, and towards Wales. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and make the journey part of the holiday.

Is the Scenic Route Suitable for Caravans?

Consider a couple of things before automatically choosing the more scenic route.

Porlock Hill is exceptionally steep, although buses and coaches use it regularly. There are also narrow sections around Lynmouth where passing places are necessary.

An alternative across Exmoor via Exford is equally attractive, but again involves rural roads.

For a car, I enjoy these routes. With a large motorhome or caravan, I would probably choose the North Devon link road.

Arriving at Stowford

The final approach to Stowford follows its private road for around a mile. My first impression was excellent, with tidy grounds, attractive planting and reception clearly signposted.

I had booked fairly late through Park Holidays. Although I received a booking number, my confirmation email never arrived, so I was relieved to find the reservation waiting for me.

Check-in was friendly, quick and efficient. I received a Stowford Farm Meadows map, welcome information and directions to my pod, which was easy to find.

One thing would have improved the arrival. With such a large park, a brief explanation of the main facilities and what was currently open would have been useful.

What Is Stowford Farm Meadows Actually Like?

Stowford is large, but clever landscaping prevents it from feeling like one enormous holiday park.

Camping fields, touring pitches, pods and static holiday homes occupy different areas, often separated by hedges and mature planting. The site slopes south across the countryside, and many holiday homes and pods appeared positioned to take advantage of the aspect.

What particularly impressed me was the amount of space. The static caravans did not appear squeezed together, and the camping and touring areas generally looked generous.

Roads were predominantly tarmacked, with gravel or surfaced paths in many areas. That should make a considerable difference during wet weather.

The grounds were also exceptionally well maintained. Flower beds and planting looked cared for, while every toilet and shower block I visited appeared clean.

It felt much more like a collection of smaller areas than one huge resort.

Staying in a Camping Pod at Stowford Farm Meadows

I stayed in Pod 1, close to reception, the swimming pool, the shop, and the Stable Bar. Despite that convenient location, the pods occupied a spacious field with generous gaps between them.

My pod had its own tarmacked parking space. From there, a short gravel path led to the small verandah, with just one step at the entrance.

Inside were a double bed and bunk beds; the pod was designed for up to two adults and two children. An adult could probably use the lower bunk comfortably, although the upper bunk seemed better suited to a child.

The double bed was comfortable, and I slept well on both nights.

There was also a small table with four chairs, a side table, an electric heater, electrical sockets and USB charging points. The pod also provided a clothes airer, broom, dustpan and brush, and separate waste and recycling bins.

👉 Check current Stowford camping pod prices

What Should You Bring for a Stowford Camping Pod?

Think of the pods as a more comfortable alternative to camping, rather than fully equipped glamping accommodation.

There is no kitchen or private bathroom, so much of a normal camping packing list still applies.

My booking information specifically stated that linen, duvets and pillows were not included as standard. There were duvets and pillows inside my pod, but I wouldn’t rely on them.

I took sleeping bags and my own bedding.

One thing I didn’t think of was an electric kettle. With electricity and sockets inside the pod, an electric kettle would have made an early-morning cup of tea much easier.

Water taps were nearby, together with washing-up and laundry facilities. Waste and recycling points were also available, along with a dedicated bin for disposing of barbecue charcoal.

Are the Stowford Camping Pods Warm?

The electric heater was one of the main reasons I was pleased I had chosen the pod over my tent.

It was thermostatically controlled, and I set it to around 18°C overnight. That was enough to cut through the late-September chill without making the pod uncomfortably warm.

Roller blinds covered the windows and doors effectively and blocked most of the outside light. In warmer weather, you can open the double doors onto the verandah.

Toilets and Showers

My nearest toilet and shower block was no more than a minute from the pod.

It was clean and tidy, and the inspection record showed that it was being checked throughout the day. I also looked inside several other blocks while exploring Stowford and found a similarly good standard.

Showers were free. There were shaver points and hot-air hand dryers, although the block did not appear to be heated.

I was first into the shower one morning and initially thought the water might remain cold. After running for a while, it warmed up, and the preset temperature was then perfectly adequate.

Outside summer, I would expect an early morning shower block visit to feel chilly. However, cleanliness mattered more to me, and I had no concerns there.

Washing machines and dryers were also available for tokens, although I didn’t need them.

Stowford Farm Meadows Swimming Pool

The indoor swimming pool was one facility I particularly wanted to try.

Booking a session through reception was straightforward, and I secured an early slot. Only four other adults joined me, so six of us used the pool.

Both the water and building were comfortably warm. Changing rooms were clean and adequate, with private changing areas available.

The pool and changing rooms felt slightly dated. It is also not enormous for a park of Stowford’s size, so I imagine it gets very busy in July and August.

Swimming was free during my stay. The pool is approximately 1.1 to 1.4 metres deep, and no lifeguard was on duty.

Children and weak swimmers must be accompanied in the water, with supervision ratios displayed at the pool.

I enjoyed having the pool on site, although it wouldn’t be the main reason I chose to stay at Stowford.

Stable Bar and Restaurant

The Stable Bar was open every day during my late September visit and was considerably more inviting than I expected from a holiday park bar.

A quieter lounge area looked particularly suitable for younger families. The main bar had televisions, music, darts and pool tables.

The overall feel was closer to a comfortable traditional pub. It was clean, the staff were welcoming, and the opening hours remained surprisingly long outside the main season.

Food was available for much of the day. The September 2026 menu included burgers, pizzas, curries, fish and chips, grills and several lighter choices.

Most main courses were around £14 to £18, with larger grill dishes costing more. Breakfast was also available on selected mornings, with prices starting from £3.95.

Prices were broadly in line with many pubs, although eating there every day would soon add to the cost of a holiday. For me, the Stable Bar suited an occasional meal, a drink after a long walk, or a place to retreat when the weather turned.

Stowford Fryer

Stowford also has its own fish and chip shop, the Stowford Fryer, serving traditional favourites including fish and chips.

It wasn’t open during my midweek September stay, which wasn’t particularly surprising given how quiet the park was. Opening times are likely to vary with the season and how busy the park is.

If you’re hoping for fish and chips during your stay, it is worth checking the current opening times with reception.

The Olde Farm Shop

The on-site Olde Farm Shop was another pleasant surprise.

It felt more like a good village shop than a small holiday park convenience store. There was bread, milk, beers and wines, ready meals, breakfast food and a limited selection of fruit and vegetables.

Barbecue supplies were available, alongside the sort of items campers inevitably forget. I noticed basic camping equipment and kitchen essentials such as tin openers and corkscrews.

Prices were slightly higher than a supermarket, but nothing seemed excessive for the convenience.

I could easily have arrived without food and found enough for dinner and breakfast.

For a larger shop, I would head into Ilfracombe, where there is a supermarket.

Activities and Entertainment

There is considerably more happening at Stowford during the main season than I experienced in September.

Activities advertised during my stay included archery, slime making, pottery painting, sand art, teddy crafts, bike hire, disc golf, crazy golf and Aqua Paddlers. Some activities carry an additional charge.

Posters also advertised family quizzes, live music, visiting cabaret and Park Stars entertainment. The children’s play area remained open during my visit, while many organised activities had finished or were running less frequently.

If activities are important to your holiday, you can check what is available during your stay and book online through parks.co.uk. This is particularly worth doing before arriving during quieter periods.

That was fine for me, as I spent most of my time exploring North Devon. However, families choosing Stowford for its entertainment should check what is scheduled for their dates.

I would still like to see a simple weekly programme available around the park. Plenty was happening, but on-site information was spread across several posters and noticeboards.

What Is Stowford Like Outside the Main Season?

Late September worked really well for me. The park was quiet, but there were still plenty of people around, and it certainly didn’t feel shut down for the season.

The shop, Stable Bar, swimming pool and children’s play area were all open. Crazy golf, pitch and putt and many of the organised activities weren’t running during my midweek stay.

That didn’t bother me as I spent most of my days walking and exploring North Devon. In fact, I rather enjoyed coming back to a quieter park each evening.

There may be more going on at weekends and during October half term. If particular activities matter to your stay, check what’s running for your dates before booking.

When Is Stowford Farm Meadows Open?

Stowford Farm Meadows has a longer season than many holiday parks, although availability varies depending on how you want to stay.

Camping and touring pitches are advertised as available year-round, while seasonal touring pitches run from spring to autumn. Camping pods appear to have a shorter season, and some park facilities also operate seasonally.

Rather than relying on fixed opening dates, I would check availability for your planned stay. This will show which accommodation is actually available for your dates.

👉 Check Stowford Farm Meadows availability for your dates

Camping at Stowford Farm Meadows

I had originally planned to camp at Stowford and, having now seen the camping areas, I would happily have done so.

A few tents were in Broad Meadow during my September stay. The pitches looked spacious, with plenty of grass and trees around them rather than tents packed closely together.

Camping was around £13 per night when I checked my dates, which I thought was excellent value. Campers can use the showers, toilets and washing-up areas, as well as the park’s other facilities.

The nearby shop, Stable Bar, and swimming pool also make camping here particularly attractive. You can still enjoy sleeping under canvas without giving up the comforts of a larger holiday park.

For me, Stowford would work particularly well for a few nights or a longer camping holiday while exploring North Devon.

👉 See current Stowford Farm Meadows camping prices

Touring Caravans and Motorhomes

Touring caravans and motorhomes are a substantial part of the park.

I saw motorhomes and touring caravans across several areas, with both grass and hardstanding pitches. Most appeared spacious and reasonably level, although the site is undulating.

For that reason, I would still carry levelling ramps.

Parking was generally close to the pitch, and the tarmacked internal roads should help in wet weather.

Some caravans were clearly on seasonal pitches and a small number looked slightly tired compared with Stowford’s otherwise immaculate appearance, but this was a minor point.

Overall, the park looked particularly well suited to touring. Good facilities, generous space, easy access and its North Devon location make it somewhere I would certainly consider with a caravan or motorhome.

👉 Check Stowford touring and motorhome availability

Static Caravans, Lodges and Holiday Homes

If you want more home comforts, Stowford also has static caravans and lodges.

I didn’t stay in one, but several of the holiday homes for sale were open to view. I wasn’t looking to buy, but I couldn’t resist having a look inside.

I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious they felt. The ones I saw had comfortable living areas, fitted kitchens, bathrooms, heating and plenty of storage.

They were sales models, so they won’t necessarily be the same as the caravans available for holiday rental. However, having seen inside them, I would be tempted to try a caravan on another visit.

The pod was perfect for this trip, but a caravan would give more space, a bathroom and somewhere to cook. If the price were right, particularly outside the school holidays, I would certainly like to try one.

👉 Compare Stowford holiday homes and current prices

Holiday Homes for Sale

Stowford also has holiday homes for sale, with several new and pre-owned models displayed around the park.

Several were open to view during my stay, so I took the opportunity to have a look inside. I wasn’t considering buying one, but I was impressed by the space, finish and amount of accommodation they provided.

One promotion during my September 2026 visit advertised a new two-bedroom Atlas Hollington for £49,995. That is, of course, only the advertised headline price, and I didn’t investigate the costs or ownership terms.

For me, the sales area was simply an interesting opportunity to see inside some modern static holiday homes. It also gave me a better idea of what staying in a caravan at Stowford might be like on a future visit.

A New Complex Is Coming in 2027

Stowford was undergoing quite a significant change during my visit. A large sign beside the building work announced “New Complex Development Coming 2027.“

Reception and the amusement arcade had been temporarily relocated, while crazy golf was closed and one internal road had been slightly altered.

I could hear some construction work from my pod, which was fairly close to the development. Work generally took place between around 8 am and 5 pm, but I didn’t find the noise intrusive.

The plans are more substantial than I first realised. Planning permission has been granted for a replacement food and beverage complex, together with new parking, services and associated infrastructure.

It should mean quite a change to the central part of Stowford once the work is complete. It is also a significant investment in the park, and I would be interested to return once the new complex opens in 2027 and see how it has changed.

Is Stowford Farm Meadows Dog Friendly?

Stowford struck me as a great place to bring a dog, and I would be very comfortable staying here with one.

The park has dedicated dog exercise areas, but the real attraction is the amount of walking on your doorstep. Stowford is surrounded by countryside, with its own woodland walks leading away from the main holiday park. Recent guests have also singled out the walking as one of the reasons they return with their dogs.

Dogs must be kept under control around the park, and plenty of bins are provided. Pet-friendly accommodation is available if you are staying rather than camping or touring.

Dogs are also allowed in the Stable Bar. Recent guests staying in June 2026 reported taking their dogs into both the pub and entertainment venue. Tripadvisor

I didn’t have a dog with me, but after walking some of the paths myself, I could certainly see the attraction. The walks were wonderful, and having somewhere dog-friendly for a drink or meal afterwards makes Stowford particularly well suited to a North Devon break with a dog.

Woodland Walks from Stowford

One of the best surprises was discovering that I could start a proper countryside walk from the park itself.

I followed the shorter woodland route, which begins behind the holiday cottages. The start is easy to miss, although a Woodland Walks board provides a map and route information.

The path descends quite steeply through woodland towards Collam Stream. At a junction, one route continues onto a longer walk while the shorter option eventually climbs back towards Stowford.

I took the shorter route and emerged into a large meadow near the developing Colam Green area.

It was a beautiful little walk and quickly felt far removed from the holiday park.

The route is steep in places, while early morning dew left the grass pretty wet. Walking shoes would be a much better choice than flip-flops.

Getting Around Stowford Farm Meadows

You don’t really appreciate how large Stowford is until you start walking around it.

If you’re staying towards the edges of the park, it could take 15 minutes or more to walk to the main facilities. That won’t bother most people, but it’s worth bearing in mind if walking is difficult. A bike could be handy too, and bike hire was advertised during my stay.

The main roads around the park are tarmacked, and some areas are fairly level. However, Stowford is built across rolling countryside, so there are plenty of slopes as you move around the site.

The park has a 10mph speed limit throughout.

If you have limited mobility, I would speak to Stowford before booking. Choosing accommodation close to the facilities you expect to use can make a big difference to your stay.

Do You Need a Car?

For most visitors, yes.

Local buses do not serve the heart of the park, which surprised me given Stowford’s size. Footpaths lead into the surrounding countryside, including towards Bittadon, but this is not a location I would choose for a car-free holiday.

The nearby main road is also not somewhere I would want to walk.

A car makes Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Exmoor, and the surrounding beaches much easier to reach.

If you plan to stay in Stowford, this matters less. However, anyone choosing it as a base for exploring North Devon will find a car extremely useful.

Things to Do Near Stowford Farm Meadows

My stay was considerably more energetic than I would recommend for a normal short break, mainly because I was researching North Devon for this site.

Over three days, I walked around 60 km. I explored Combe Martin, followed the coast towards Ilfracombe and spent time exploring Ilfracombe and the Torrs. I also visited Lee Bay and Woolacombe.

Even the journey home became another day out. I walked to Heddon’s Mouth, visited Lynton and Lynmouth, stopped at Porlock Weir and fitted in another coastal walk around Holdstone Hill.

I certainly wouldn’t suggest squeezing all of that into a relaxing three-day break!

What it did show me was just how well placed Stowford is for exploring North Devon. Beaches, coastal walks, Exmoor and several of the area’s towns and villages are all within relatively easy reach.

👉 Search North Devon tours, activities and attractions

WiFi and Mobile Reception

The free WiFi around reception, the Stable Bar and entertainment area worked very well during my stay.

Paid WiFi is also available across the park, although I didn’t try it myself. Some guest reviews suggest it can struggle when the park is busy, so I wouldn’t assume you’ll always get a fast connection everywhere.

Mobile reception was much more hit-and-miss. I’m with O2 and had virtually no signal around my pod, although I could usually find a connection elsewhere on the park when I needed one.

There’s also a public telephone near the shop and Stable Bar.

None of this bothered me, but it is worth knowing if you need to stay connected. If you’re planning to work while you’re away, I wouldn’t rely on mobile data as your only backup.

What Could Stowford Do Better?

The main improvement I would make has nothing to do with the accommodation or facilities. I would simply make it easier to see what is open and what’s happening each day.

A surprising amount is going on at Stowford, but information was spread between posters, signs and noticeboards. That didn’t particularly bother me because I spent most of my days away from the park.

For a family spending more time on site, particularly with younger children, I think a simple weekly programme would make a big difference. Knowing when the pool, crazy golf and other activities were open would make planning the day much easier.

A little more information at check-in would also help first-time visitors get their bearings around such a large park.

The swimming pool was perhaps showing its age in places, although it was clean, warm and perfectly enjoyable to use.

These are fairly minor points. Neither affected my stay, but both would make Stowford a little easier to navigate for first-time visitors.

Who Would I Recommend Stowford Farm Meadows To?

Stowford’s size means it can work for several different types of holiday.

Families can use the swimming pool, play areas and seasonal entertainment. Walkers and couples can take advantage of quieter periods, while dog owners have extensive countryside on the doorstep.

Campers gain access to far more facilities than a basic campsite. Touring caravans and motorhomes also appear particularly well catered for.

Pods offer a useful middle ground. They retain some of the simplicity and affordability of camping while adding electricity, heating and a proper bed.

I would be less likely to choose Stowford for a car-free holiday, a beach directly outside the park or a large waterpark experience.

Likewise, someone specifically wanting a tiny campsite may find its scale unnecessary.

Would I Stay at Stowford Farm Meadows Again?

Yes, I would.

Several things stood out during my stay. Stowford felt well run and maintained, with friendly staff and generally excellent facilities. Park Holidays also gave me the impression of being a professional operator with clear standards across the park.

There is obvious investment taking place too. The new complex due to open in 2027 should make a significant difference to the central facilities and suggests that Stowford is a park Park Holidays intends to develop further.

For me, though, one of its biggest strengths was the setting. It was convenient for the places I wanted to explore, yet in late September it still felt peaceful and surprisingly spacious. I could spend all day walking the North Devon coast and come back somewhere quiet in the evening.

The pod worked extremely well for this trip, but I would happily return and camp in warmer weather. Having seen the touring areas, I would consider those too, and I’d certainly be interested in trying one of the static caravans.

Most of the facilities impressed me. The swimming pool was enjoyable, although I do wonder whether the existing pool would be rather small for a park of Stowford’s size during the busiest weeks.

I booked in the same way as any other guest and paid £70 for two nights. After three days exploring North Devon and walking around 60 km, having a warm pod, hot shower and comfortable bed to return to was exactly what I needed.

So yes, I would stay at Stowford Farm Meadows again. Next time, I might just choose a different way of staying.

👉 Check current Stowford Farm Meadows prices and availability

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.

↑ TOP