Maker Heights Camping
A Brief History Of Maker Heights
Maker Heights Camping first took place over 100 years ago in 1923. Use of the military site was negotiated with the War Office by Lady Nancy Astor, the first female MP to sit in the House of Commons. Lady Astor believed that enabling children to holiday in the countryside would be beneficial for their health and wellbeing and help build a sense of community and civic pride.
Those that have visited the campsite in more recent years might already know the historical significance of this widespread and natural site. Rame Conservation Trust cares for the heritage assets at Maker Heights, including 12 hectares of rare unimproved grassland, four Scheduled Ancient Monuments and the impressive Grade II* Listed Barrack Block.
These assets are all vital components of the Historic Landscape and are set in the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The heritage assets at Maker Heights are unique, original and, at the present time, largely unaltered.
The Campsite At Maker Heights
The Campsite offers amazing views over Dartmoor, Kingsand/Cawsand seafront and beaches and right out to the breakwater in Plymouth Sound.
Quiet time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city, bird song decorates the quiet periods and shimmers between excitable chatter as the campsite starts to fill. Great vibes, camp fires, all positioned next to great food from The Canteen and in the summer months, Oscally's. Our studio shop, selling locally crafted artisan gifts and our own products made in the studio, is behind The Canteen and right opposite the Maker Heights Campsite. The Barrack Block a few metres from the campsite is home to Patchwork Studios, local music venue and The Garrison Gallery, a lavish-yet-affordable cocktail bar and Art Gallery alongside other artists who have their studios here.
Camping At Maker Heights
The history and heritage of the site is something we are proud of and something we want to maintain. We have installed water taps across the field, however we do not offer electric hook-ups. We encourage traditional camping, the use of open fire cooking and the opportunities to champion the surrounding natural amenities.
Maker Camp is run by Maker Heights Ltd. and100% owned by the Rame Conservation Trust (RCT). The income generated from the campsite is re-invested through the Trust back into Maker Heights. The team at Maker Camp work really hard to forge strong connections with the community and the opportunities presented by the local people in the area.
Top Tips For Camping At Maker Heights.
- Leave the site as you found it. Preserving the beauty of the space, the wildlife and helps keep the site tidy for the next campers and something we are all passionate about.
- Take quick showers, being responsible with water use is great for the environment and puts less stress on our Victorian water system.
- Dispose of your waste responsibly or take it home, don't flush wet wipes or blue roll. The aforementioned Victorian water system and the less we say about the effects of flushing anything other than what should be flushed, the better!!
- For people looking to camp for the first time, pack warm, even in summer those nights can sneak up on you.
- Reusable water bottles, hydration is key!
- Charge your social battery, don't make too many plans, indulge in the little things.
- Bring bags, great to take your rubbish away and dispose of appropriately, to separate your laundry, or even to keep a pair of muddy boots from straying too far into your sleeping zone.
If this sounds like your thing, book camping online at https://makercamp.org.uk/