Malmsmead, Lynton, on Exmoor
Doone Valley Campsite
stay · Traditional campsite
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
Weekend
Stay
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why stay here
6.4Camp in the valley made famous by R. D. Blackmore’s novel Lorna Doone, with Exmoor’s Badgworthy Water and the route to the deserted medieval settlement of Badgworthy close by.
Its strongest appeal is the combination of a campsite in the heart of the Doone Valley and a landscape with a memorable literary and medieval story. It offers a natural base for exploring the valley, rather than being a destination on campsite facilities alone.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapMalmsmead, Lynton, on Exmoor
Opening map…
The setting
Use the campsite as a base for exploring Doone Country. For a substantial walk, the Exmoor National Park Authority describes a 7.8 km route through fields, woodland and moorland to the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy. Confirm campsite arrangements and route conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Walk to Badgworthy
Take the Exmoor National Park Authority’s Doone Valley Explorer route through fields, woodland and moorland to the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy.
About 2.5 hours; 7.8 km
Explore the valley setting
The campsite describes its location as the heart of the Doone Valley in Exmoor National Park. Confirm which paths are available from the campsite before setting off.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check locally
Quick valley wander
- 01
Use the campsite as your starting point, after confirming access and current arrangements.
- 02
Explore the Doone Valley at Malmsmead; the campsite describes itself as being in the heart of the valley.
- 03
Check current local route information before choosing a walk.
Half day · About 2.5 hours walking
Walk to the deserted village
- 01
Follow the Exmoor National Park Authority’s Doone Valley Explorer walk along Badgworthy Water.
- 02
Continue through fields and woodland, then onto moorland to reach the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy.
- 03
The published route is 7.8 km (about 5 miles); check the official route information for the guide and current conditions.
Verified history
The Doone Valley is associated with R. D. Blackmore’s novel Lorna Doone. The Exmoor National Park Authority’s route description identifies the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy as a destination on the valley walk.
Folklore & legend
The valley’s Doone identity is strongly linked to the fictional Doones of Lorna Doone. Treat the novel’s characters and events as fiction, not verified local history.
Hidden details
A deserted medieval settlement at the end of the walk — Badgworthy is not just a name from the valley’s story: the Exmoor National Park Authority describes it as a deserted medieval village reached by the Explorer walk.
When to go
· Check the forecast and route conditions before walking; no specific best time is established by the supplied sources.
The campsite’s supplied post refers to autumn stays, but does not verify its current operating season. The sources do not establish a best season for the valley walk.
Check the local forecast and current path conditions before walking. No campsite-specific weather or ground-condition guidance is provided in the supplied sources.
Worth pairing with
Doone Valley Explorer walk
A 7.8 km route of about 2.5 hours, following Badgworthy Water through fields, woodland and moorland to the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy.
What makes it special
On the sourced Exmoor Explorer walk, notice how the route moves from fields through woodland and on to moorland before reaching the deserted medieval village of Badgworthy. The valley is also associated with Blackmore’s Lorna Doone.
Best time to go
Check with the campsite for current opening dates and availability. The supplied campsite post says it was open until the end of October, but that post is not a reliable guide to current dates.
The supplied campsite post mentions autumn camping, but does not establish current opening dates. Check with the campsite before planning a stay.
How long to stay
Weekend
Perfect for
Families · Walkers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A family-friendly campsite in the Doone Valley. Contact the campsite before visiting to confirm availability, booking requirements and current access arrangements.
Parking
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Doone Valley Campsite
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
