...your recommendations
Ashe Farm, Taunton Steve Lee (Facebook)
Site essentials
Ashe Farm Caravan and Camping Site is a charming, quiet and informal six-acre site on a working farm, with two sheltered meadows to pitch up in. Most pitches are on level grass, but there are also 11 hardstandings in the first field. It is here you’ll find the facilities block, which has toilets, showers, disabled facilities, local information and a laundry room. The site is surrounded by fabulous views, situated between the Quantock and Blackdown Hills and just a 15-minute drive from Taunton. To the north-west, the West Somerset Railway has its starting point in the village of Bishops Lydeard – a great day out with steam services through the Quantocks and out to Minehead. The site has plenty of space, so you won’t feel hemmed in and children will have room to run around. They also have a small play park. There are beautiful walks around the area, and a tennis court. There’s also a pub at the end of the lane, just a five-minute stroll from the site, and a garage half a mile away. Address Thornfalcon, Taunton TA3 5NW
Tel 01823 443 764
Web www.ashefarm.co.uk
Open 1 April-31 October
Touring pitches 30
Tariff (pitch+2+hook-up) £16 Wells Touring Park. Fantastic adults-only site Dawn Andrews
Site essentials
The adults-only Wells Touring Park has everything you could need for a relaxing break, nestled in peaceful countryside near the bustling town of Wells. It is a pleasant 30-minute stroll to visit the town’s sights, such as the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, or browse the markets. The site itself is a haven of peace and quiet, and pleasantly laid out with both grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, some of which are super-pitches with fresh water and grey waste facilities. The heated facilities block includes large shower and washrooms, a disabled wet room, washing-up area, freezer and laundry machines. There’s also a book exchange – in a traditional red telephone box! Reception stocks essentials, including camping accessories, and the site also has pétanque courts, Wi-fi, outdoor draughts, and even Giant Jenga for hire. Address Haybridge, Wells BA5 1AJ
Tel 01749 676 869
Web www.wellstouringpark.co.uk
Open All year
Touring pitches 72
Tariff (pitch+2+hook-up) £21-£28 Exmoor House, Dulverton. CMC site in the town where I was born Peter Steer (Facebook)
Site essentials
Situated on the edge of the National Park, Exmoor House Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is ideal for anyone wanting an active break, with miles of hiking trails and the Exmoor National Park Centre just a few minutes’ walk from the site. The town of Dulverton has pubs, cafés and restaurants to provide a hearty meal after a day’s exploring. The site itself is set in a peaceful valley, and some pitches have great views of the River Barle. You can expect the Club’s usual standard of facilities, with toilets, showers, disabled shower room, laundry and dishwashing area all kept clean and tidy. There’s also on-site Wi-fi and a dog-walk. For the children, there’s a small park and ball games area nearby. Address Kemps Way, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9HL
Tel 01398 323 268
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open 16 March-3 January
Touring pitches 66
Tariff (pitch+2+hook-up) £19.60-£30.30 Minehead CMC Site, Cheddar CMC Site. Both lovely Tracey Ann Morris (Facebook)
Site essentials
Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is located just a 15-minute walk from the town centre, where you can enjoy shopping and seaside amusements, or spend the afternoon on the beach. The facilities block has toilets, showers, disabled shower room, laundry and a dishwashing area. There’s also Club Wi-fi, and an on-site dog-walk. Address Hopcott Road, Minehead TA24 6DJ
Tel 01643 704 345
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open All year
Touring pitches 49
Tariff (pitch+2+hook-up) £17.50-£28.20
Site essentials
Situated on the edge of Cheddar village, Cheddar Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is ideal for anyone wanting to see the dramatic scenery of Cheddar Gorge and Caves. It’s a walkers’ paradise, with miles of trails to choose from, and famous attractions such as Wookey Hole and the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to tempt you off-site. The site itself is popular and well cared for, with hardstanding and grass pitches. The facilities block has toilets, showers, laundry, family washroom, baby-changing, a disabled shower room and a dishwashing area. There’s also Club Wi-fi to keep you connected, and a late arrivals area in case you’re stuck in traffic. Address Gas House Lane, Draycott Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RL
Tel 01934 740 207
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open 2 March-5 November
Touring pitches 68
Tariff (pitch+2+hook-up) £20.60-£30.40