Date of Visit: August 2023
Overall View
This is a family friendly Caravan and Motorhome Club site close by the village of Dulverton, Somerset in the Southwest of England. The site itself sits on the border between Devon and Somerset and is usually open from March until the end of October.
Access is straightforward until the last few country road miles. We are, however, pleased to note that since our visit earlier in the month, the problem road surface is about to be redone which will greatly improve matters. Access from the M5 (J27) is advised. Please see arrival video HERE.
The site is situated in a very beautiful countryside area with great views across the valley. The site is broadly tiered and there are a range of types of pitches available out of a total of 79, from grass up to and including fully serviced, hardstanding pitches – arguably some of the best view pitches, particularly if you place your van front in.
The site sits alongside the A396, although it is not of the standard of the A1 or A5 for example, there is some road noise – particularly farm traffic during the daytime. At nighttime it was perfectly quiet and did not affect us during our days at the site.
The wardens were very friendly and available to help if require and the upkeep of the site overall is a tribute to them all.
Facilities
This site has the full range of facilities you would expect from a Club site. There is a main facilities block which encompasses showers, toilets, dishwashing area, laundry room and accessible bathroom. The facilities were kept immaculate throughout our stay.
The drive over motorhome service point is to one side of this building and behind that is an EDP and bins with a recycling area.
Security on site is good as there is a barrier card system in operation. The Reception being just by the gate and also includes the well-stocked information room.
There are other service points dotted around the site.
There is a fully enclosed dog walk at the far end of the site which was very popular.
Unfortunately, the children’s playground is still out of action due to the equipment being unsafe.
The WiFi offering on club sites is being gradually upgraded and we didn’t try it this time. However mobile wise both 3 and EE were excellent up to 4G and the coverage maps from O2 and Vodafone indicated the same.
TV reception was reasonable but don’t expect to get as many channels as you may get elsewhere.
Review of Site Pitch
We had opted for a fully serviced hardstanding pitch and on arrival quickly decided to place the van front end in so as to get the best views, we were not to be disappointed.
The pitch was level and legs down were quick and easy. One point to note, however, is that if your van has its disposal points to the rear of the van then it will be necessary to ensure you have sufficient pipe length to reach the grid which is at the opposite end of the pitch.
Pitches were clean, tidy and the area around regularly maintained. There are also hardstanding and a good number of grass pitches – some which are only in use if the rest of the site is occupied.
Around and about
The site’s location lends itself to a wide range of activities to suit all ages and abilities. As the site is close to Exmoor, there are numerous walks and hikes plus mountain bike trails for the most active. Towards the coast there are plenty of seaside towns and villages with history a plenty. The nearest big town is Tiverton where all the big supermarkets reside, and relatively cheaper fuel is available. A good starting point is to visit this website: www.visit-exmoor.co.uk
The nearest towns and villages to visit on the coast are Dunster and Minehead. Dunster is very traditional and has a very wide high street and medieval marketplace at the top of the street. There are many independent shops including cafes, delis, pubs, clothes, and gift shops. Parking can be very busy but there are larger car parks on the outskirts. www.Dunster.org.uk Dunster is also home to a National Trust Castle – members entrance is free.
A few miles further on is the traditional seaside town of Minehead – all the usual activities are available, and it is one end of the Southwest Coast Path, marked by a statue. (The other end is in Poole some 630 miles away).
It is also one end of the West Somerset Heritage Railway and runs between here and Bishops Lydeard. It is a good way of seeing the coast from the comfort of your seat and stops at most of the seaside villages along the way – usually right by the coast. Dogs are allowed on the trains.
There are a good range of pubs/restaurants in the vicinity of the site. The nearest one is walking accessible, (although a steep hill on the way back) from the bottom of the site and sits on the River Exe. The Anchor Inn. Food is available and is dog friendly.
Slightly further afield, but highly recommended is the Royal Oak, Winsford, Exmoor. The food is excellent, a very old and much-loved pub with family run service both friendly and efficient. The pub is dog friendly
There are also a number of pubs/cafes in the town of Dulverton – which also houses a Co-Op, Post Office, and gift shops.
If you are looking for a full day out including visiting the well-known surfers paradise, then it is possible to visit Croyde Bay on the North Devon coast. It’s beach is known for its surfing and is a very popular destination. Parking is costly but if you are NT members, there is a free car park at the far end of the bay. There are numerous cafes, beach bars and surfing shops in the Bay and in the village is all the traditional amenities you would expect including a Post Office. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach from end of March until beginning of September.
Whilst visiting Minehead you may wish to add on a short detour to visit the tiny fishing village at Porlock Weir and the adjacent Porlock village which is chocolate box pretty and can be very busy indeed during the peak season. There is reasonable parking at the Weir and there are a couple of pubs, gift shops, cafes, and a walk along the harbour wall. Care should be taken as the infamous Porlock Hill (1:4/25%) with hairpins is just north of the village and definitely not one to attempt to tow your caravan up.
On the way back to Minehead and then on to Dunster you pass a National Trust sign for a village and church called Selworthy. It is well worth making the short detour, (you return the same way back to the main road)for the views and the history of the area. Parking is free but please note is it quite steep and access is limited. However, that should not deter you from visiting as it is possible to see the views from the car park itself. We did not find any toilets or facilities.
There is a bus stop a few minutes walk from the site, by the Toll House on the Dulverton road. Check out Buses of Somerset for up to date routings and timetables.
The nearest railway station is Tiverton Parkway, with trains to a number of destinations, operated by Cross Country and GWR.
Summary
A lovely countryside site – up to the usual Club standards and very well maintained by the wardens. Its location allows you to tailor what you do to suit your own individual needs and interests. A site to which we would return.