Caravanning in Somerset

What's on offer across Somerset

There are 71 caravanning stays published on BritStays in Somerset, and they aren't spread evenly. Weston-super-Mare has by far the most, with 24. Minehead follows with 11 and Bath with 7, and another 7 are listed simply under Somerset. After that come Taunton with 5, Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater with 3 each, and Wellington with 2. If you want plenty of choice and the chance to compare several sites, start with Weston-super-Mare. If you'd rather find somewhere in a less busy cluster, the smaller towns are worth a look, though you'll have fewer options to choose from.

The facilities that come up most often give you a fair idea of what's typical:

• EV charging nearby: 33 sites
• Pet friendly: 25
• Toilets: 17
• WiFi: 16
• Near a bus stop: 15
• Bar, disabled access and laundrette: 14 each

Not every site lists every facility, so a missing entry doesn't always mean a site doesn't have it. If something matters to you, such as toilets, WiFi or step-free access, check the listing or ask the site directly before you pay.

Choosing a site for your kind of trip

Families who want plenty on site. Country View Holiday Park in Weston-super-Mare lists a swimming pool, a bar and a playground. That's a useful combination if you'd like the children entertained without getting in the car. Hoburne Holiday Park, listed under Minehead, has a swimming pool, a hot tub and a gym. If you're travelling with a baby, Exebridge Lakeside Club Campsite, also listed under Minehead, includes toilets, disabled access and baby changing.

Couples after something more relaxing. Cripps Farm Holidays lists a hot tub, a spa and toilets. West End Farm Caravan Park in Weston-super-Mare has a restaurant on its list, which helps if you don't want to cook every night. Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, listed under Weston-super-Mare, doesn't show facility details here, so look at the full listing to see what's included.

Dog owners. Just over a third of sites (25 of 71) are marked pet friendly. Examples include Old Down Touring Park near Bath, which also has toilets and a picnic area. There's also Tanpits Cider Farm Caravan & Camping Park near Taunton and Withy Water Caravan Park in Highbridge, which also lists disabled access and a picnic area. Always check the site's rules on numbers, breeds and exercise areas before you arrive.

Electric vehicles and public transport. EV charging nearby is the most common facility in the set. Avon Valley Farm CAMC CL in Keynsham lists EV charging nearby and is near both a bus stop and a train station. Cae Garw Caravan Site in Minehead is near a train station, and Oak Farm Touring Park in Weston-super-Mare lists EV charging nearby.

Motorhomes. Ashton Drove Motorhome Park in Weston-super-Mare is one to look at if you're touring in a motorhome. Check its listing for pitch details.

What to do once you're there

Where you stay shapes your days out. From a Minehead base, Exmoor National Park is the big draw for walking and open country. The Dulverton Heritage Centre is a good choice for a wet afternoon. Staying near Bath puts the Museum of Bath Architecture on your list, and stately homes such as Iford Manor and the National Trust's Dyrham Park make good half-day trips. In the Weston-super-Mare area, Webbington Farm is one of the attractions listed nearby.

Somerset's best-known landmarks are worth building a day around wherever you pitch up:

• Cheddar Gorge
• Glastonbury Tor
• Priest's House (National Trust)
• Sutton Court and Pixton Park, both stately homes

Check opening arrangements for the houses and museums before you set off, as these can vary through the year.

When to book, and how

BritStays doesn't publish availability figures, so we can't promise that any site will be quiet or busy on a particular date. A few practical points still follow from the numbers.

• The more specific your needs, the earlier you should book. Only 14 sites list disabled access and 25 list pets. If you need either, you're choosing from a much smaller pool than the full 71.
• Location affects flexibility. With 24 sites, Weston-super-Mare gives you room to shop around. With only 2 in Wellington or 3 in Burnham-on-Sea, there's less to fall back on if your first choice is full.
• Plan around school holidays. It's sensible to assume family-friendly sites with pools and playgrounds will be in demand then. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.

Before you confirm, check the pitch type suits your caravan or motorhome, ask about hook-up and arrival times, and confirm any facility you're relying on is actually open during your stay.