7 great places to caravan in Somerset

23/08/2021
blog / advice / summer / holiday / family


Somerset, the gateway to England’s south west region, is known for its cheddar cheese and cider. A peaceful rural county, it is home to several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the Blackdown Hills, Cranborne Chase, Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills.

In addition to these, Somerset also comprises the stunning Cheddar Gorge, part of Exmoor National Park, the Somerset Levels and 40 miles of beautiful coastline. If enjoying the great outdoors and breathtaking scenery is high on your agenda, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. It shares borders with Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and the bridge over the River Severn into Wales is just 25 miles away, making that an easy day trip option too.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar

Cheddar is a large village famed for its caves and cheddar cheese. Located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, it’s a beautiful spot with quaint streets and period cottages. The main attraction is Cheddar Gorge and Caves and although the caves are currently closed due to the pandemic, you can still walk along the cliffs to enjoy the surroundings and spectacular views. 

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only company still making its cheddar cheese in Cheddar! They mature some of their wares in nearby Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge, which is the original historical Cheddar Cheese larder.

Wookey Hole, Wells, is just a 15-minute drive from Cheddar and offers a fantastic family day out with entrance to the caves as well as 20 other attractions to enjoy.

Minehead

The West Somerset Railway is one of the main attractions in Minehead. Enjoy 20 miles of heritage railway through the beautiful Somerset countryside and coastline. A ride on our vintage steam locomotives will provide a historical experience that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Blenheim gardens, a 6 acre park in the centre of Minehead is not to be missed. With beautiful spring and summer bedding displays as well as a wide range of trees, shrubs and perennials, this 1920s garden is a sheltered haven.

Historic Dunster Castle is just down the road and the Golden Retriever Experience, Minehead Museum,Cleeve Abbey and Dunkery Beacon all offer great options for fun trips out.

Bath

If you opt to stay near Bath, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to keep you occupied. From Bath Abbey to the Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent, the city is steeped in history and its architecture is testament to that. The Roman Baths consist of the well-preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world. The city’s unique thermal springs rise in the site and the Baths still flow with natural hot water. Visitors are able to explore the Roman Baths, walk on the original Roman pavements and view the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. 

The Jane Austen Centre, The Holburne Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery are just a few of the points of interest in Bath’s cultural scene. 

Add to that Bath’s plethora of beautiful parks, great shopping areas and fantastic restaurants and it's easy to see why it’s one of England’s top weekend destinations. 

Weston-super-Mare

Famed for its large sandy beach, the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare is a firm family favourite. If you’re looking for a coastal base for your caravanning adventure this is a good one to go for. With plenty going on, there will be lots for all the family to do or of course you can simply relax on the golden sands - weather permitting! Enjoy an afternoon on the Grand Pier, which boasts restaurants, fair rides, childrens soft play and arcades galore!

Weston’s top attractions include Weston Museum and The Helicopter Museum. Weston Museum showcases the history of the local area from prehistoric times to the present day and is free of charge so it’s well worth a  visit. The Helicopter Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world and will give you a peek into the world of helicopters as well as the chance to view the actual helicopter from the Marvel film Black Widow! 

Yeovil

Close to Somerset’s southern border with Dorset, Yeovil is a town rich in history. The National Trust’s Montacute House is nearby and its stunning facade draws in many visitors. You can explore the beautiful house, enjoy the stunning gardens or relax in the cafe. The House is also home to a range of collections from artistic masterpieces to tapestries to historical possessions.

Yeovil boasts many outdoor offerings including Ninesprings Country Park - the largest country park in south Somerset spanning 20 acres - Tintinhull Garden and Cary Alpacas. Tintinhill Gardens is another National Trust attraction, which is open at weekends and known as a gardener's paradise - those of you with green fingers will enjoy the secluded lawns and colourful borders! Cary Alpacas offers visitors the chance to meet and walk with their collection of alpacas, but be sure to book your walk in advance.

Taunton

The Museum of Somerset is housed in Taunton’s historic 12th century castle and tells the tales of the county’s past. With nine themed galleries, the must-see exhibits include a 200 million year old Plesiosaur fossil, a Bronze Age Gold Torc and the shoes worn by 7ft 4 Joseph Sewell. 

Vivary Park is a great place to visit with its 7.5 hectares of space and a colourful history. The land has been used for public events since at least 1851 with the first Taunton Flower Show being held there and in 1907 a fountain was unveiled that was commissioned as a memorial to the late Queen Victoria. Today, the park offers a children's adventure play area, tree trail, a golf course, mini golf, high ropes, tennis courts and a cafe.

Bridgwater

A great place for outdoor activities, Brigwater is a large historic market town that lies along both sides of the River Parrett. Observe the wildlife in Steart Marshes and climb to the top of Burrow Mump to enjoy spectacular views across the Somerset levels. The Bridgewater and Taunton Canal is great for keen walkers; it’s 14 miles end to end. It’s also good for family bike rides and kayaking - be sure to keep your eyes peeled for otters!

Get booked!

Once you’ve decided where you’d like to stay, start Googling caravan sites in the area. Stacations have been popular this year, so be sure to secure your pitch well in advance to avoid disappointment. Go for a site in your area of interest and one that offers the amenities you’re looking for. Before you travel, double check for any remaining localised COVID restrictions and confirm that the places you’re hoping to visit are open for business. Happy caravanning!

Check out our caravan and motorhome ranges online and keep in mind that we stock a range of awnings and accessories if there’s anything you need for your upcoming trip. The new 2022 season caravans and motorhomes will be launching soon so get in touch or pop in if you’d like to explore the options!



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