Discover the best family-friendly Autumn walks near Southampton, including the Longslade Heath circular walk and the Southampton to Dorchester rail trail. Perfect for picnics, blackberry picking, and seaside dips.
Autumn always hits me a little harder after a summer of long, sun-filled days and family adventures. I love the planning, the sense of freedom, and the chance to step away from everyday pressures—but as the darker, colder months start creeping in, I can’t help but feel a bit low. I know I’m not alone; I can imagine that this is especially common in northern Europe, where the early nights and chill can hit hard.
At the same time, I remind myself how fortunate we are. We’re safe, healthy, and free to live, work, and spend time with our families. With that in mind, last weekend I gave myself a little pep talk and decided to get the family out to enjoy what makes Autumn beautiful.
To keep it simple and budget-friendly, I checked AllTrails and found an 8 km circular walk starting at Longslade Heath car park (free parking—always a bonus).
The route takes you through forests and open land, with heather turning shades of purple and paths dotted with ripe blackberries.
My kids love picking blackberries—it’s part competition, part teamwork. This quickly also turned into a foraging activity when we also found sloes and crab apples too, another perk of Autumn. Parts of the walk follows the Southampton to Dorchester rail trail: long, flat, and perfect for walking, cycling, or running. We’d packed a picnic and stopped for lunch with a lovely view of rolling hills, early autumn heather and New Forest ponies.
I picked this walk because it’s long-ish but manageable for the kids, and also just ten minutes from Highcliffe Beach. I love an Autumn swim in the sea, particularly in the waves, and you can definitely find these at Highcliffe Beach. There’s something about deserted Autumn, wavy beaches that feels dramatic, and having a (quick) dip really did wash away the blues. It really did feel like the perfect way to round off the day. Living near some of Britain’s best beaches has its perks, rain or shine.
Even though Autumn can feel heavy, days like this remind me there’s still joy to be found—in foraging for autumn fruit, a walk, a swim, or the changing colours of the forest.
If you’re looking for family-friendly walks near Southampton or things to do in Autumn in the UK, this route is an easy, scenic option that combines forest trails, open heath, and a bit of coastal adventure. There’s even a van selling pizza and ice creams at Highcliffe Beach if you really want to go for it.
This summer, we spent a whole month camping across Europe with our three kids (aged 8, 11, and 13). While camping isn’t exactly new to us, most of the places we visited were completely first-timers for the family. From wandering Corsican towns and soaking up sun on stunning beaches, to hiking in alpine mountains and relaxing by crystal-clear lakes, we covered a huge variety of Europe — and had an absolutely brilliant adventure along the way.
We started in the Ardèche, taking a few days to slow down and recharge after the mad end-of-term rush. Then it was off to Corsica, where rocky cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches kept us exploring — though not without a few navigational hiccups (dodgy roads and flip-flop hikes included!). From there, we drove through Tuscany’s rolling hills, tackled family-friendly trails in the Dolomites, and finished our trip at the stunning Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Along the way, we learned a lot about travelling with our older kids: how to balance adventure with downtime, where to find the best gelato, and how to keep everyone (mostly) happy in a tent for a whole month. In this post, I’ll share our route, favourite stops, and some tips for making family camping in Europe both fun and manageable.
France – Ardèche & Corsica
Decompressing in Ardèche (3 nights)
After a hectic end-of-term, we spent a few days in the Ardèche just chilling at the campsite. Normally I feel the need to be busy, but slowing down was actually lovely — reading, swimming, and letting the kids play. When the kids were little, the play always involved us, so it wasn’t downtime at all. It was much easier to be out and about. Now, although I don’t naturally relax, the kids enjoy the downtime and the relaxation, and they can play on the trampoline without me!
Exploring Bonifacio, Aiguilles de Bavella and beaches (5 nights)
We have wanted to go to Corsica for years and I’m so pleased we took the plunge this year. We took the overnight ferry from Toulon to Ajaccio and it honestly couldn’t have been better. We booked using direct ferries and it worked so well. We’re a family of 5 but booked a 4 person cabin, outside, ensuite cabin which worked out fine for all of us. We arrived in Ajaccio at 7am, parked in a central car park, enjoyed a morning dip and wander, picked up some breakfast treats, then headed to our campsite near Bonifacio in the very south of Corsica.
swimming in the sea in Ajaccio
On the way, we stopped at Roccapina Beach — the road is dodgy, but the beach is lovely (although, not lovely enough to risk your car, in my view!).
Rocapina Beach
Activities: Exploring Bonifacio’s cliffs and old town, short hikes, and cliff-side views.
Bonifacio
Note: The Lavezzi Islands were too choppy for a boat trip, so we admired them from the cliffs, which was still pretty good.
Aiguilles de Bavella Hike with Kids
One day we headed up to the Aiguilles de Bavella, and wow — the drive alone was worth it, with beautiful views around every bend. I honestly wasn’t expecting to do much walking — I’d imagined it was all proper, hardcore hiking, and let’s be honest, we’re definitely not hardcore hikers. But we managed to find a 2.5-mile-ish trail straight from the car park that was perfect for the kids: easy, beautiful, and completely doable.
Family hike with kids at Aiguilles de Bavella in Corsica
Pro tip: don’t forget proper shoes! We could have easily gone further if we’d had the right footwear, but of course, we were the family doing it in flip-flops.
Beach Days at Pinarello & Rondinara
These beaches were perfect for relaxing: swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery without any rush, although they do get very busy so be prepared for lots of people. The sea is beautiful though and the kids loved snorkelling in the crystal-clear water. We took picnics to keep costs down and they were really relaxing days chilling out and playing at the beach.
Rondinara beach
We stayed at Camping Di Liccia, and it was a really good spot — there was a pool, evening entertainment, and plenty of space on the pitches. It wasn’t quite as peaceful as the quiet campsites we usually go for, but we’d definitely recommend it and would happily stay again. The kids loved the daily sports tournaments and, despite the language barrier, got fully involved.
Kids playing water polo at the campsite
Sagone (4 nights)
When we were booking campsites we weren’t sure about this area but actually it was really beautiful and we’d definitely recommend to anyone coming to Corsica. the campsite itself was, again, more of a resort type campsite than ones we usually stay at but it had great pitches, clean facilities, a couple of pools, a park and pretty lively evening entertainment! The girls definitely enjoyed the foam party.
Evening entertainment at Camping Le Sagone
We did a road trip around the Calanques de Piana which was stunning; genuinely jaw dropping scenery everywhere and really didn’t take too long, avoiding the usual “are we there yet?”. We just followed Google maps and it was fine!
EvisaOur road trip around Les Calanques de Piana
One day we just took it easy at the campsite, and on our last day we headed down to the beach for a final dip. We stayed at Camping Le Sagone, which we’d definitely recommend. The area — and the nearby beaches — felt much quieter and more relaxed than the busier south of Corsica, which made it a really lovely change of pace.
Bastia (4 nights)
Our last stop in Corsica, before catching the ferry to Italy, was just outside Bastia in the north. We’d picked a campsite right on the beach, which was such a treat. True to form, we spent most of our time exploring the area rather than just lazing on the sand (much to the kids’ disappointment!), but we did make sure to have one proper beach day before we left. The campsite itself (Camping San Damiano) was fine — probably my least favourite of the three we tried in Corsica — but the beach more than made up for it. Honestly, we’d go back just for that.
Chilling out in the sea at our Bastia Campsite beach
We spent one day wandering through the local area and another soaking up the sun on the beach, but the real highlight was our road trip around Cap Corse. The drive itself takes about three hours and loops you around the dramatic coastline of Corsica’s “finger.” At first, I wasn’t sure about it—it felt a little too busy—but before long the crowds thinned, and the roads opened up to reveal breathtaking scenery. Along the way, there are plenty of little spots to pull over for a swim, grab an ice cream, or simply pause and take in the view. If you’re ever in this part of the island, it’s an experience I’d wholeheartedly recommend.
wandering the beautiful streets of BastiaTaking a dip at Barcaggio beach, the northern most tip of Corsicawaves at Nonza beachLunch stop with a view
✨ Travel tip – If you want to camp in Corsica and you want to book in advance then do so early. Our campsites were generally good but we were very limited in choice.
Tuscany’s rolling hills gave us the most beautiful drives, dotted with charming little towns and a campsite complete with a pool (remember your swimming hat!), pizza restaurant and lovely Aperol. We camped just outside Florence, but in the end decided not to head into the city itself as we’d been in with the kids before during our epic italian road trip. The kids weren’t too keen on wandering around in the heat—and honestly, we weren’t too keen on dragging them—so we went in search of somewhere with a view, pizza, and ice cream instead. Fiesole turned out to be perfect. From there, we had an incredible panoramic view of Florence, plus we stumbled on some truly delicious (and wonderfully affordable!) pizza and gelato. Let’s just say I may or may not have developed a little pistachio ice cream habit…
View of Florence from FiesolePistachio gelato
Dolomites: Easy Trails and Scenic Adventures (4 nights)
The Dolomites absolutely took my breath away—and honestly, I wasn’t expecting them to. We were just trying to find a place to stay between Florence and Lake Bled (our final stop), and while scrolling through pitchup.com I started looking at campsites in the Dolomites. By the time we booked, options were slim, so I went with one that had no pool and no electric hookup—mainly because there wasn’t much else left! But wow… what a surprise it turned out to be. The campsite, Camping Marmolada Malga Ciapela, was tucked right at the foot of the Marmolada, with the cable car practically on the doorstep whisking you straight up the mountain. I hadn’t read much about the area and had no real expectations, but it turned out to be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been.
Camping Marmolada Malga Ciapela View from the top of the cable carMore views!
I used all trails to find some kid friendly walks nearby and whilst there weren’t loads suitable for a non-hardcore-hiking enthusiast family, there were one or two that I felt we could tackle. We did a 10km walk which was out to Malga Ombretta and back. It was quite steep at times on the way there (but all downhill on the return) but my non walking enthusiast kids managed it (and maybe enjoyed it a little…).
Views from our walk
We do love a good cable car ride, so of course we went in search of another one—and this time we found ourselves in the beautiful little town of Alleghe. The parking right by the cable car is very easy and cheap! From there, we hopped on the cable car up to Col di Baldi, which offered the most stunning views over the mountains. Instead of heading straight back down, we decided to make the walk back to Alleghe on foot. About halfway down, we stopped at Piani di Pezze for a bite to eat, and it was the perfect little pause. The kids loved the Civetta Adventure Park—ropes, swings, and plenty of climbing to burn off their energy while we enjoyed the fresh air as well as some delicious pizza and tiramisu.
Civetta Adventure ParkPizza at Piani Pezze – delicious
We checked out the Serrai di Sottoguda, and while it’s a pleasant walk with a well-made path, I wouldn’t call it a must-do. The queue can get quite long, and honestly, the surrounding area offers views that are just as (if not more) impressive without the wait. If you’re planning your itinerary, I’d suggest saving your time for other nearby spots that give you more wow factor for your morning.
Slovenia – Ljubljana(1 night)
We only had one night to spare before heading to Lake Bled, so we booked an Airbnb near Ljubljana. At first, I wondered if we’d given ourselves enough time in the city—but one afternoon in Ljubljana turned out to be perfect for us. The Slovenian capital is small, charming, and easy to explore on foot, with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
We spent the day wandering through Ljubljana’s historic Old Town, admiring the pretty streets and river views, stopping for some delicious Slovenian food, and—of course—enjoying locally made ice cream. If you’re traveling through Slovenia, even a short visit to Ljubljana is absolutely worth it.
For dinner, we tried Moji Struklji Slovenije, a restaurant highly recommended by our Airbnb host. The food was incredible, and they even offer vegan options, making it a great spot for all types of travellers.
Struklji at Moji Struklji Slovenije
Lakes and lakes (4 nights)
Visiting Lake Bled: The Perfect Mix of Relaxation and Adventure
Our final stop in Slovenia was Lake Bled, and it turned out to be the ideal combination of relaxation and outdoor adventure. The lake is every bit as stunning as the photos suggest—crystal-clear water, calm and inviting, and surprisingly not too cold for swimming despite its glacial origins.
We stayed at a campsite on the lakefront, which had one unbeatable advantage: I could slip out early in the morning, while everyone else was still asleep, and enjoy a peaceful swim with the entire lake to myself. The campsite itself wasn’t my favourite, but with a location like that, it was hard to complain.
⚠️ Travel tip: Lake Bled gets incredibly busy during the day, especially in summer. To avoid the crowds, try arriving early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience.
Things to Do Around Lake Bled and in the local area
We had three full days to explore, which gave us the chance to enjoy some of the best things to do in Lake Bled and around:
Walk around Lake Bled – The loop around the lake is easy, scenic, and perfect for stopping at different swimming spots along the way.
Relax at a Lido – We stumbled upon a lakeside Lido area, which was perfect for families it was 45 euros for all of us (but the price goes down after 3pm. The kids loved the diving boards and slide, while we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere.
Hire a paddle board –This is a great way to get away from the crowds on the lake. Once away from the shore the lake is much less busy and you can appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the lake. The cost is 15 euros an hour.
Ride the toboggan – This is a pretty cool activity if you fancy a break from the lake. The Toboggan is a short drive away, kids under 6 are free and it’s great fun!
Swim in Lake Bohinj – We loved this. There are car parks around the lake and it wasn’t difficult to park, although it is busy (there’s a theme here!). The lake is beautiful, clear and less crowded than Lake Bled. There are also campsites on the banks of the lake and are much less commercial (and much more basic) than the ones around Lake Bled. If that’s your vibe then they’re worth checking out.
Swimming in Lake Bohinj Slovenia.
Tip: Avoid peak hours to beat the crowds and stock up at local shops for picnic lunches.
Conclusion: Why Family Camping in Europe Works
Another month of family camping in Europe is behind us, and honestly, my love for it feels completely renewed. After a few years of chasing long-haul adventures, I’d started to wonder if our camping days were fading into the past—but this trip reminded me just how much I adore it.
What an adventure it’s been: hopping between islands, lazing on beaches, winding through mountain roads, and swimming in alpine lakes. The sheer variety Europe offers never stops amazing me. It’s such a patchwork of landscapes, languages, histories, and traditions—you could spend a lifetime exploring and still only scratch the surface. (Though thanks to Brexit, we’re limited to 90 days at a time… sigh.)
✨ Travel tip: If you’ve been thinking about a trip like this, my advice is simple—go for it. We’ve been camping for years, but I promise we are far from polished. We’re the kind of people currently holding our car and windscreen wiper together with brown tape. We wing it more often than not, and somehow it still works out. That’s the beauty of camping—it doesn’t have to be fancy, and it’s one of the most affordable ways to see so many incredible places.
So if you’re sitting there wondering whether you could pull it off, trust me, you can. And if you’ve got questions or need a little encouragement, I’d love to help—just reach out!
Like so many others, we’ve been coming to Croyde in North Devon for years. We’ve experienced it all—first as carefree twentysomethings, then as parents of little kids, and now as part of a group of families with slightly older children. As you’ve probably gathered from this blog, we’re big fans of camping, and Croyde has always been one of our top spots for camping, surfing, and seaside adventures.
With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back surf village vibe, it’s a place that really has something for everyone. Our kids adore it, and we always stay in the same spot, following a familiar little routine of favourite things to do. Not many places tempt us back again and again—especially with the same activities—but there’s just something magical about this North Devon gem.
So, here’s our list of the 10 things we ALWAYS do whenever we visit Croyde.
1. Walk the Coast Path to Woolacombe
We absolutely love walking the South West Coast Path from Croyde to nearby Woolacombe. The walk itself is pretty gentle, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Heading out to Baggy Point, you’ll find some dramatic, sheer cliffs—stunning but high! Hold tightly onto little hands, or you can take the alternative route over the hill.
This walk works for all fitness levels and is perfect for soaking up those panoramic North Devon coastline views. We usually pause for a snack overlooking Putsborough Beach, watching surfers ride the waves below. From there, you can take either the back route or the beach route to Woolacombe—both are gorgeous.
We have a soft spot for the back route because it lets us stop at The Porthole for an incredible scotch egg (and maybe a little can of fizz!). Then it’s pasties and ice cream in Woolacombe before heading back—though, if your legs are protesting, a taxi is always an option!
For some reason our kids never complain on this walk so it’s actually a pleasure and one we will be doing for years to come, no doubt.
2. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream in the Village
When in Devon, right?! Croyde village is packed with ice cream parlours serving every flavour under the sun. It’s one of those holiday “must-dos” (okay, maybe a little over-the-top), but after a day of surfing, bodyboarding, or just flinging yourself into the waves, a little sweet treat feels like a reward from the universe. And yes, sometimes we go rogue and add a dollop of clotted cream on top. Totally unnecessary, completely delicious, and zero regrets.
3. Surf, Bodyboard or just jump waves at Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay is famous for its waves—and trust us, they do not disappoint! Megan is all about surfing, Charlotte loves bodyboarding, and Reuben just can’t get enough of jumping the waves, so there’s something for everyone. The waves are an absolute blast and a fun (and super cheap!) way to spend a day. Just don’t forget the beach snacks, buckets and spades, and a trusty windbreak—it can get pretty gusty out there, and a good windbreak makes all the difference for a long, happy beach day.
On our most recent trip, the beach was closed a couple of times because of rough sea conditions. It’s always amazing to watch the waves when they’re particularly dramatic—but remember, safety first. Never venture in when it’s not advised, no matter how tempting those perfect waves look!
4. Feast on Fresh Pasties
A classic Devon treat! I actually think I’ve become more committed to regular pasty lunches over the years. I absolutely love pasties and a little break to Devon is the perfect excuse to eat lots of them! My personal favourite is the vegan steak pasty from The Hub in Croyde village. There are quite a few vegan options these days, which is great for us!
5. Visit The Hideout Café
I think that Croyde has changed quite a bit over the last few years and whilst some may complain about the development of this little Devon hideaway, I think it’s come with some great additions, one of which is the Hideout. You get to the Hideout through the Hub pasty shop. I love the cocktails, and the fact I can get a bucket!! the Pornstar Martini and Mai tai are my favourites. We usually tuck into pasties, share a bucket or two, then wander back to camp for cream tea and stargazing. Wonderful.
6. Enjoy a Traditional Cream Tea
If there’s one thing you have to tick off your North Devon list, it’s a cream tea in Croyde. After a morning of waves, walks, or sand between your toes, nothing hits the spot quite like a scone (scone like own or scone like gone?) loaded up with clotted cream and jam. We usually buy our own from the village to eat outside the tent in the sunshine (hopefully). Just be warned: you’ll have to pick a side in the age-old debate—cream first or jam first? (Devon says cream first, but we’ll let you decide…).
7. Explore Baggy Point
If you’re not up for trekking all the way to Woolacombe but still want a dose of North Devon’s incredible coastal views, Baggy Point is the perfect spot. I absolutely love wandering its trails—they’re just right whether you’re a serious hiker or fancy a gentle stroll. Keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing in the waves or seabirds swooping overhead, and don’t forget your camera—the endless stretch of sparkling ocean is impossible not to photograph.
It’s also a brilliant place to pause for a picnic, take a deep breath of that fresh, salty sea air, and just soak it all in. Every time I visit, I’m reminded how stunning the British coastline is. And I love that Baggy Point has been cared for by the National Trust since 1939—knowing it’s protected for generations to come.
8. Rock-pooling
We first got into rockpooling in Croyde when the kids were little, mostly as a backup plan for those days when the sun was more reluctant to come out. Even now, they still get so excited spotting crabs, tiny fish, and all sorts of little creatures in the rock pools when the tide goes out. The best thing about Croyde is that the tide retreats so far that there are hours of entertainment right there for free!.
It’s not just fun—it’s also a brilliant way for kids (and adults!) to learn about the sea and the animals that live there. And of course, the golden rule: leave everything where you find it. Watching the kids marvel at creatures in their natural habitat is far more rewarding than bringing them home in a bucket!
9. Try Dune Surfing
My kids love a dune surf and the sand dunes behind Croyde Bay provide an excellent dune surfing run! Bring a bodyboard or even a piece of cardboard to slide down the dunes.
10. Stargaze from Your Tent
One of the best things about camping in Croyde has to be the stargazing. With no city lights around, the night sky feels bigger, brighter, and just a little bit magical. It always makes me stop and think how beautiful (and how humbling!) it all is—something we often forget when we’re wrapped up in everyday life.
And honestly? Some of my favourite starry moments have happened after those classic middle-of-the-night camping loo trips. You step outside, bleary-eyed, and suddenly you’re wide awake, standing under a sky full of stars with only the sound of the waves in the background. It’s the kind of simple magic that makes camping here so special.
Final thoughts
Croyde has this incredible ability to feel familiar and new at the same time. No matter how many times we visit, there’s always something to discover. For all the travelling we do, our kids love this place and keep wanting to come back again and again. It’s a place that lets you slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and make memories that stick—whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family like ours. For us, it’s more than just a holiday spot; it’s a little tradition, a go-to escape where the sea, sand, and sunsets never fail to remind us why we keep coming back. Croyde isn’t just somewhere you visit—it’s somewhere you return to, again and again.
Like so many others, we’ve been coming to Croyde in North Devon for years. We’ve experienced it all—first as carefree twentysomethings, then as parents of little kids, and now as part of a group of families with slightly older children. As you’ve probably gathered from this blog, we’re big fans of camping, and Croyde has always been one of our top spots for camping, surfing, and seaside adventures.
With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back surf village vibe, it’s a place that really has something for everyone. Our kids adore it, and we always stay in the same spot, following a familiar little routine of favourite things to do. Not many places tempt us back again and again—especially with the same activities—but there’s just something magical about this North Devon gem.
So, here’s our list of the 10 things we ALWAYS do whenever we visit Croyde.
1. Walk the Coast Path to Woolacombe
We absolutely love walking the South West Coast Path from Croyde to nearby Woolacombe. The walk itself is pretty gentle, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Heading out to Baggy Point, you’ll find some dramatic, sheer cliffs—stunning but high! Hold tightly onto little hands, or you can take the alternative route over the hill.
This walk works for all fitness levels and is perfect for soaking up those panoramic North Devon coastline views. We usually pause for a snack overlooking Putsborough Beach, watching surfers ride the waves below. From there, you can take either the back route or the beach route to Woolacombe—both are gorgeous.
We have a soft spot for the back route because it lets us stop at The Porthole for an incredible scotch egg (and maybe a little can of fizz!). Then it’s pasties and ice cream in Woolacombe before heading back—though, if your legs are protesting, a taxi is always an option!
For some reason our kids never complain on this walk so it’s actually a pleasure and one we will be doing for years to come, no doubt.
2. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream in the Village
When in Devon, right?! Croyde village is packed with ice cream parlours serving every flavour under the sun. It’s one of those holiday “must-dos” (okay, maybe a little over-the-top), but after a day of surfing, bodyboarding, or just flinging yourself into the waves, a little sweet treat feels like a reward from the universe. And yes, sometimes we go rogue and add a dollop of clotted cream on top. Totally unnecessary, completely delicious, and zero regrets.
3. Surf, Bodyboard or just jump waves at Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay is famous for its waves—and trust us, they do not disappoint! Megan is all about surfing, Charlotte loves bodyboarding, and Reuben just can’t get enough of jumping the waves, so there’s something for everyone. The waves are an absolute blast and a fun (and super cheap!) way to spend a day. Just don’t forget the beach snacks, buckets and spades, and a trusty windbreak—it can get pretty gusty out there, and a good windbreak makes all the difference for a long, happy beach day.
On our most recent trip, the beach was closed a couple of times because of rough sea conditions. It’s always amazing to watch the waves when they’re particularly dramatic—but remember, safety first. Never venture in when it’s not advised, no matter how tempting those perfect waves look!
4. Feast on Fresh Pasties
A classic Devon treat! I actually think I’ve become more committed to regular pasty lunches over the years. I absolutely love pasties and a little break to Devon is the perfect excuse to eat lots of them! My personal favourite is the vegan steak pasty from The Hub in Croyde village. There are quite a few vegan options these days, which is great for us!
5. Visit The Hideout Café
I think that Croyde has changed quite a bit over the last few years and whilst some may complain about the development of this little Devon hideaway, I think it’s come with some great additions, one of which is the Hideout. You get to the Hideout through the Hub pasty shop. I love the cocktails, and the fact I can get a bucket!! the Pornstar Martini and Mai tai are my favourites. We usually tuck into pasties, share a bucket or two, then wander back to camp for cream tea and stargazing. Wonderful.
6. Enjoy a Traditional Cream Tea
If there’s one thing you have to tick off your North Devon list, it’s a cream tea in Croyde. After a morning of waves, walks, or sand between your toes, nothing hits the spot quite like a scone (scone like own or scone like gone?) loaded up with clotted cream and jam. We usually buy our own from the village to eat outside the tent in the sunshine (hopefully). Just be warned: you’ll have to pick a side in the age-old debate—cream first or jam first? (Devon says cream first, but we’ll let you decide…).
7. Explore Baggy Point
If you’re not up for trekking all the way to Woolacombe but still want a dose of North Devon’s incredible coastal views, Baggy Point is the perfect spot. I absolutely love wandering its trails—they’re just right whether you’re a serious hiker or fancy a gentle stroll. Keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing in the waves or seabirds swooping overhead, and don’t forget your camera—the endless stretch of sparkling ocean is impossible not to photograph.
It’s also a brilliant place to pause for a picnic, take a deep breath of that fresh, salty sea air, and just soak it all in. Every time I visit, I’m reminded how stunning the British coastline is. And I love that Baggy Point has been cared for by the National Trust since 1939—knowing it’s protected for generations to come.
8. Rock-pooling
We first got into rockpooling in Croyde when the kids were little, mostly as a backup plan for those days when the sun was more reluctant to come out. Even now, they still get so excited spotting crabs, tiny fish, and all sorts of little creatures in the rock pools when the tide goes out. The best thing about Croyde is that the tide retreats so far that there are hours of entertainment right there for free!.
It’s not just fun—it’s also a brilliant way for kids (and adults!) to learn about the sea and the animals that live there. And of course, the golden rule: leave everything where you find it. Watching the kids marvel at creatures in their natural habitat is far more rewarding than bringing them home in a bucket!
9. Try Dune Surfing
My kids love a dune surf and the sand dunes behind Croyde Bay provide an excellent dune surfing run! Bring a bodyboard or even a piece of cardboard to slide down the dunes.
10. Stargaze from Your Tent
One of the best things about camping in Croyde has to be the stargazing. With no city lights around, the night sky feels bigger, brighter, and just a little bit magical. It always makes me stop and think how beautiful (and how humbling!) it all is—something we often forget when we’re wrapped up in everyday life.
And honestly? Some of my favourite starry moments have happened after those classic middle-of-the-night camping loo trips. You step outside, bleary-eyed, and suddenly you’re wide awake, standing under a sky full of stars with only the sound of the waves in the background. It’s the kind of simple magic that makes camping here so special.
Final thoughts
Croyde has this incredible ability to feel familiar and new at the same time. No matter how many times we visit, there’s always something to discover. For all the travelling we do, our kids love this place and keep wanting to come back again and again. It’s a place that lets you slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and make memories that stick—whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a family like ours. For us, it’s more than just a holiday spot; it’s a little tradition, a go-to escape where the sea, sand, and sunsets never fail to remind us why we keep coming back. Croyde isn’t just somewhere you visit—it’s somewhere you return to, again and again.
When you think of Paris, camping probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind, right? Well, that’s exactly what we thought—until we pitched our tent at Camping de Paris, nestled in the leafy 16th arrondissement along the Seine. Suddenly, we discovered a whole new way to experience the City of Lights. It was affordable, gave the kids plenty of space to run around, and still kept us close enough to all the Parisian magic.
We were on our way back up north to catch our shuttle home, and as we were passing through, we decided to finally check Paris off our list. The kids were always talking about how they’d been to places like Bangkok but never actually visited Paris—so we made it happen, and camping turned out to be the perfect way to do it!
Everything We Needed, Right on Site
The campsite turned out to be way more spacious than we expected, with fantastic, clean facilities and a really relaxed atmosphere. There’s a central lodge where we could kick back, grab a drink, or even borrow a board game for some family fun. On top of that, there’s a restaurant, a handy grocery shop for essentials and during the warmer months, a food truck rolls in with tasty bites.
While we usually cooked up our own meals at our pitch, by the end of the trip, we’re always ready to switch it up and let someone else do the cooking. The on-site restaurant didn’t disappoint—it had a solid menu that catered to both the adults and the kids, making it the perfect spot to unwind without the hassle of grocery shopping or cooking.
We camped, but there are also chalets, wood trailers and pre-erected canvas tents so there are plenty of options if you’d prefer a little more comfort to an air bed and a little more convenience than having to put up a tent.
Easy Access to the City
The real bonus? Although we were surrounded by nature, getting into the heart of Paris was quick and easy. A shuttle bus runs directly from the campsite to Porte Maillot, where you can hop on the metro and reach major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in under 30 minutes.
We spent our days sightseeing and our evenings winding down on the campsite—letting the kids ride their bikes, enjoying an apperitif sitting outside our tent in the warmth of the evening and enjoying the rare calm you don’t usually associate with big city trips.
Note: the shuttle doesn’t run too late in the evening, so we made sure to plan our returns accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Camping de Paris gave us a completely different kind of Parisian experience. It was relaxed, affordable, and genuinely memorable. We still got to see all the famous sights, but we also had time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the things we love about camping. We initially booked it because there weren’t any other camping options as close to the centre, but I was really surprised at the quality of the site and the facilites available, all so close to one of the most iconic capitals in the world.
If you’re a family looking for a base that’s calm, convenient, and a little unconventional, we highly recommend it and we’d definitely go back. Paris has never felt more accessible.!
Kitchen Family Travels 