Botelet Farm

As you're showering to the William Tell Overture, or whichever classical song Radio 3 is piping into the toilet block that day, you'll realise you've found something different at Botelet Farm. Not many places give the impression you've stepped into another, more perfect version of the regular world, but here you'll be greeted by the scene of an idyllic farmhouse accessorised with an original red telephone box, ancient trees, wildflowers and white doves.

Keeping up the flawless appearances is the policy of offering only a tiny number of pitches alongside a couple of yurts on the entire farm, with the rest of the accommodation given over to characterful B and B rooms and self-catering cottages. The location of the camping pitches is ever changing, so you're likely never to camp in the same spot or even the same meadow twice. Botelet Farm is set in a beautiful valley that demands to be explored, so make sure you tuck into the organic vegetarian breakfast before pulling on your walking boots. Owner Julie, still the warm heart of the place all these years on, will show you the best walking routes; alternatively head to the riding school down the road for some four legged help getting around the area.

Heading away from the farm lies Polperro, a Cornish village entirely appropriate to visit when staying at Botelet due to its equally un-modern regard for the normal rules. You can't drive into Polperro during the summer, but can instead take a bus into the village, Botelet style. One thing to be clear about before you book: this is quintessential old-stone farmhouse character, all rustic charm rather than anything modern or immaculate, and that is exactly the point.