Somerset
NORTH SOMERSET
For our tour of Somerset, let’s start with the stunning Georgian architecture of Bath. Highlights include the Royal Crescent, a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I listed terraced houses. Of course there is also the beautiful stained-glass windows of the abbey at the heart of the city and the ancient Roman Baths. Visitors can also sample tasty treats at the various restaurants and cafés and browse a range of shops.
Only 30 minutes from Bath is
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park. Exclusively for adults, this site is on the edge of the Mendip Hills and close to local bus services for easy access to both Bath and Bristol.
Glastonbury is a must-visit in Somerset and, a few miles east of the town, nestled in the countryside, is Old Oaks Touring, Glamping and Camping. This adults-only oasis is dog friendly and set across several landscaped pitching areas. You can walk from the site to iconic
Glastonbury Tor, a prominent hill with the remains of a fifteenth century tower at its peak. Glastonbury town is a cultural and spiritual place, with a historic abbey and connections to the legend of King Arthur.
Another adults-only site in a top location is Wells Touring Park, just a 30-minute walk into the city of Wells. For a small city there’s plenty to see including the exquisite cathedral and the beautiful gardens at the moated Bishop’s Palace.
Make Wells Touring Park your base and you are only just over a mile from Wookey Hole and 15 minutes’ drive from Cheddar Gorge. The tunnels and caves at Wookey Hole make for an astounding sight and, if you have children, the adventure golf, Dinosaur Valley and other attractions will appeal.
Cheddar Gorge is also famous for its underground cave systems that you can explore. However, if you prefer to stay above ground you can walk over the stunning crags and pinnacles that line this 115m-deep and three-milelong gorge. Climb Jacob’s Ladder (274 steps) to the top of the gorge for rewarding and memorable views. If you want to get even higher, there’s a 14m-tall lookout tower at the top, too!
If you prefer something a little more relaxing then the village of Cheddar itself has plenty of shops and cafés – don’t forget your cave-aged Cheddar cheese while you’re there.
For a family-friendly campsite option that is still only a short drive from Wookey Hole and Cheddar, there’s Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park.
Just five miles from the coast, this working farm site has views of the Mendip Hills and a fishing lake on site. It is also only five miles from the seaside resort of Brean where there’s a leisure park, water park and golf club. We’d recommend heading for Brean Down, a natural pier of dramatic cliffs extending over a mile into the sea. The down stands at 97m high and there is a Victorian fort at its tip.
Another bustling coastal resort in Somerset is Weston-super-Mare where
you can find the Grand Pier with arcade machines, a restaurant and good old fish and chips. The town is steeped in Victorian history.
Country View Holiday Park near Kewstoke, is four miles north of Weston-super-Mare. The vast Sand Bay Beach is only a five-minute walk. Dogs are welcome on this beach; there’s a tea room and bus stop, too.
WEST SOMERSET
Heading away from the coast and west towards Devon, is the little hamlet of Waterrow. Set in between the Blackdown Hills, the Quantocks and Exmoor National Park, this is the perfect location for being outdoors.
Waterrow Touring Park is on the route of the West Deane Way, a circular footpath of 45 miles covering the wooded valley of the River Tone and the Quantock Hills. The adultsonly site is a five-minute walk from the 450-year-old Rock Inn gastropub, where there’s also a bus stop.
Clatworthy Reservoir (dogs not permitted) for walking, fly fishing and nature watching is just six miles away.
Set within the Exmoor National Park, six miles from Dulverton, is adults-only Exe Valley Caravan Site. With pitches alongside the river and a millstream, this relaxing retreat has easy access to local walks. Dulverton is a historic market town with the oldest medieval bridge on Exmoor.
Wimbleball Lake and dam, ideal for walking, watersports and stargazing, and Haddon Hill, one of the higher points in the southwest of Exmoor, and overlooking the lake, are close by. Park at Haddon Hill Car Park, eight miles from Exe Valley.
Our final stop in west Somerset is on the north coast, which still forms part of Exmoor National Park. Here you will find pretty Porlock Weir and the resort of Minehead, just seven miles apart. Porlock Weir is a fishing village with thatched cottages, a shingle beach and views across to Wales. This is the place to come to while away the hours and enjoy the timelessness of the area.
For a faster pace, head to the bustling seaside town of Minehead. A sandy beach, busy harbour and a high street with shops and cafés will greet you here. The beach is popular with families and watersports enthusiasts and there is a golf course right on the seafront. You can also hop on board the West Somerset Railway, which links Minehead with Bishops Lydeard, 20 miles away.
Just off the main road between Porlock and Minehead is Burrowhayes Farm. Situated alongside River Horner, this campsite and riding stables is ideal for venturing into Dunkery and Horner Wood. Webbers Post Car Park is two miles away and from here you can head to the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor. Also nearby (seven miles away) is Dunster Castle, a country home with subtropical gardens and a watermill.