Glamping in Devon
The Shire is Oakdown’s dedicated glamping area — barrel pods, premier pods and shepherd’s huts, all nestled in their own grove. Leave the tent pegs at home.
The grove sits within our AA Five Star park, surrounded by grass and nature, with outside seating and a quiet atmosphere. Three glamping experiences to choose from, each sleeping up to four guests.
Dogs are welcome in the barrel pods and premier pods. Our shepherd’s huts are reserved for guests without pets. All glamping guests have their own dedicated toilet block close by.
At a glance
Barrel pods
Thistle · Heather · Bluebell
One open-plan space with a raised double sleeping area and two convertible bench beds. A gentle introduction to glamping.
Sleeps 4
Dogs welcome
Premier pods
Primrose · Poppy
Three linked rooms and a generous canopied deck. More room to breathe for families.
Sleeps 4
Dogs welcome
Shepherd's huts
Two individual huts
Same footprint, two different interiors. A chiminea BBQ outside. Reserved for guests without pets.
Sleeps 4
Pets not accommodated
Barrel pods
Three wooden barrel pods, each sleeping up to two adults and two children. Proper beds, heating, a kettle and a picnic table outside. Dogs are welcome.
- Elevated double sleeping area
- Two convertible bench beds
- Kettle, toaster and microwave
- Fridge
- Heating throughout
- Double sockets with USB ports
- Parking right alongside
- Water and waste points nearby
Premier pods
Two spacious pods with a little more room to breathe. Three linked rooms — a double bedroom, a twin bedroom and a central dining and kitchen area — separated by curtains for privacy. Dogs are welcome.
- Double bedroom and twin bedroom
- Dining area with table and four stools
- Fridge with freezer compartment
- Microwave, kettle and toaster
- Energy-saving lighting throughout
- Canopied deck with love seat
- Parking a short walk away
- Water and waste points nearby
Shepherd's huts
Two individually decorated shepherd’s huts nestled into the glamping grove. Same footprint, two completely different interiors — each one its own character. Sleeping four, they are finished with real care and attention.
- Sleeping — a made-up double bed and sofa bed sleeping up to four.
- Living — sofa, TV with DVD player and an electric fire.
- Kitchen — breakfast bar, fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave.
- Outside — breakfast table, picnic bench and a chiminea BBQ.
- Mood lighting — softly lit inside for the evenings.
Our shepherd’s huts are reserved for guests without pets. If you are bringing a dog our barrel pods and premier pods have everything you need for a stay together.
Feature by feature
Barrel pods, premier pods and our shepherd’s huts each bring something a little different to a stay in The Shire. Here is how they compare.
Scroll sideways on smaller screens to see all three options.
| Feature | Barrel pods | Premier pods | Shepherd's huts |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ | No | No | Yes |
| Picnic table | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps to pod or hut | YesOne small step | NoLevel access | YesSteps to the door |
| Television | No | No | Yes |
| Crockery and cutlery | No | No | YesFor four |
| Microwave | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kettle and toaster | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fridge | YesStandard | YesStandard | YesMini |
| Cupboard and worktop | No | Yes | Yes |
| Double bed including mattress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sofa bed, small double | No | No | Yes |
| Two single beds including mattress | YesSlightly higher | Yes | No |
| Bedding | NoPacks available | NoPacks available | Yes |
| Storage under bed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smoke detector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon monoxide detector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Double sockets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lighting and heating | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dining table and seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dogs allowed | Yes | Yes | No |
Facilities for glamping guests
A dedicated toilet block with a dishwashing area sits right beside The Shire, for glamping guests only. The main amenities block is a short walk away with showers, baths, toilets and full laundry facilities.
- Glamping toilet block beside The Shire
- Showers, baths and toilets
- Free hot water throughout
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Clean Paws dog spa, free to use
- Oak Mead Café and barista coffee
- Nine-hole golf course on site
- Bus route 899 stops at the gates
Clean Paws is a purpose-built dog wash with a full bath, hot water shower and hairdryer, a short walk from all glamping pitches. The Oak Mead Café serves hot food and barista coffees, with a dedicated doggy menu and dogs welcome throughout.
Dogs in The Shire
Both the barrel pods and premier pods welcome dogs. Dogs must not be left unattended in the pod at any time. Please bring your dog’s own bedding.
The Donkey Sanctuary field trail is a fifteen-minute walk from the park gate — level ground, no stiles, all weathers. Clean Paws is a short stroll from The Shire. The Oak Mead Café has a dedicated doggy menu and dog-friendly ice cream throughout the season.
See the full dog friendly picture — beaches, walks, pubs, cafés and attractions, with recommendations from the team.
Exploring from The Shire
The Shire sits within our AA Five Star park three miles from Sidmouth in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Year-round dog-friendly beaches, the South West Coast Path and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach.
Sidmouth — three miles
A Regency seaside town with independent shops, restaurants, a theatre and a seafront promenade. A good base for a day out.
The Donkey Sanctuary — fifteen minutes on foot
A signed field trail from the park gate. Free entry. Dogs welcome throughout. One of the finest free days out in Devon.
We book directly with guests only — not through third-party booking agents — so you always get the best available rate and speak directly to our team.
To The Shire?
Book online or call the team on 01297 680 387 and we will help you find your pod.