Glamping fit for a queen

Camping had never been my thing, but I decided to give glamping – camping with a twist – a go during our weekend to Devon.

We arrived at Crealy Meadows near Exeter in the dark and to be fair could not see a lot! We were staying in Camelot Village in Sir Galahad – a medieval pavilion tent.

The tent offered far more comfort and luxury than you would expect under canvas. It was spacious with a double bedroom, one twin room and a set of bunk beds.

Heat and cooking was by the wood burning stove and there was light, so it was easy to find your way around. There was a farmhouse style kitchen diner with a Belfast sink and all the utensils you would need.

It was a great adventure and a little bit daunting when on a walk to the toilet block you stumbled upon a full size fibreglass knight with glaring eyes guarding the campsite in the pitch black night.

If medieval times don't float your boat, there is also the African Experience at Crealy Meadows, which is glamping with an African theme.

Not one to go without my creature comforts for long, the toilet and shower block was certainly five star with underfloor heating and touch point showers. It also has family bathrooms if you have youngsters and a laundry. The facilities were immaculate.

The weather for the whole weekend was glorious, but it was the end of September and I think seasoned campers or glampers would have taken a few more woollies along for the evening.

With your visit to Crealy Meadows, you also get access to Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park next door through a secret door. A wristband allows you to visit the park as much as you like.

Entertainment for the Meadows is also at the park and live entertainment begins on Friday, October 23, to Monday, November 2. The entertainment includes a mini disco, race night and cabaret night.

There are ghostly goings-on at the park between October 24 and November 1. The park also launches a brand new spooky attraction, Trick or Treat with the Treehouse Trolls at the same time. Scooby-Doo will also be visiting on October 30.

There was plenty for all of us in the park with rides, including The Twister, Crealy Grand Prix, Vortex, Tidal Wave and Dino Jeeps.

After all our adventures and fun in the park we visited Exmouth for a coastal cruise with Stuart Line Cruises. The hour-long cruise took us along part of the jurassic coast with beautiful views of the sea and surrounding coastline. Our skipper gave us a live commentary during the cruise covering the changing history and appearance of the area as well as the wildlife and towns.

After plenty of sea air, we walked along the promenade and savoured the delights of Exmouth with icecreams in hand. Mine was topped with clotted cream of course.

Late afternoon, we went to the 5,000 capacity Fanzone in Exeter, which is a host city for the Rugby World Cup. We watched several matches on the big screen and the atmosphere was buzzing.

On the Sunday, we visited Bicton Park Botanical Gardens which was about 20 minutes from where we were staying. They are described as Devon's most magnificent historic gardens and they were truly beautiful.

We took a 25-minute scenic tour of the park by train and we were shown the points of interest on the way, including the park's 41 metre Grecian fir which is the tallest of its kind ever recorded.

The Italian garden was stunning with its fountains and we looked around the Palm House – all made of glass – and looked at the cacti in the Arid House.

We also visited the Countryside Museum with its traction engines, wooden wagons and Victorian kitchen. The story of agriculture over the ages was shown to us on a rolling film.

For lunch, we ate on the patio of the Garden Centre and as the sun shone we tucked into a delightful homemade meal before going off for more exploring.

It's years since I have been to Devon and I just had a glimpse of what this beautiful area has to offer.

I would love to visit again and try to soak up the delights and perhaps a few more clotted cream icecreams.

Travel facts

For details about Devon's top attractions visit www.lotstodo.co.uk

Glamping prices start from £250 for October half term for four nights, Monday-Friday and £299 for three nights Friday to Monday.