Somerset holidays: our complete guide to campsites in Somerset

Best local features

Historical highlights

For gorgeous Georgian architecture you can’t get much better than Bath – the only UK city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to the Royal Crescent and the Circus for buildings straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

To walk among the Roman relics and on 2,000-year-old pavements you need to be in the city centre, where there’s the Roman Baths, the abbey and Pulteney Bridge.

Further south into Somerset is the town of Glastonbury, famous for its music festival and home to the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and the imposing Glastonbury Tor. The views of the surrounding countryside from the top are astounding.

And don’t forget Wells! England’s smallest city packs a punch with its grand cathedral, moated Bishop’s Palace and medieval Vicars’ Close.

Go wild on Exmoor

In the north of the county, Exmoor National Park’s footpaths and bridleways allow you to experience this rugged and unspoilt landscape at your leisure for a few hours or the whole day.

You can also try wild swimming, coasteering, riding, falconry… The list is endless! Be sure to look out for the iconic wild ponies, too.

To the east of Exmoor are the Quantock Hills. The first place in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these hills offer woods, rolling heathland and coastal paths that can keep you occupied for hours.

The coastal collection

If days at the seaside are what you’re after, then Somerset won’t disappoint. Long, sandy beaches and popular coastal resorts contrast with the dramatic rocky Exmoor coastline. Whether you want a beach for building sandcastles or a more secluded location for taking in the sound of the waves, you’ll find it here.

For a traditional seaside resort there’s Weston-super-Mare, known for its Grand Pier with indoor theme park, amusements, restaurants and cafés. The huge sweep of Weston Bay has miles of sandy beaches, a promenade and seaside attractions.

For a more wild and untamed beach, head to Brean with one of the most dramatic landmarks on the Somerset coastline – Brean Down. In the care of the National Trust, this peninsula points out one and a half miles into the Bristol Channel. Breathtaking views, plentiful wildlife and a fascinating history combine, with a Victorian fort at the Down’s end to explore.

Popular with families, Minehead Beach is a wide expanse of sand with a busy promenade. The bay here curves around from the golf course in the east to the old harbour in the west and is ideal for watersports. Dogs are allowed on the main beach from October to April.

A welcome change from the traditional beach, the long pebble and rock beach at Porlock Weir is backed by marshland with an abundance of wildlife. The South West Coast Path passes the beach, and the picturesque village, with its thatched roofed buildings, offers a selection of cafés, restaurants and shops. The small fishing harbour offers added interest.

Best attractions

Only at Cheddar Gorge can you be deep underground one minute, exploring the network of stalactite show caves, and then on top of the world the next, at the plateau of these limestone hills. Fantastic views of the gorge are available from the open-top Gorge Tour Bus and from the three-mile clifftop gorge walk.

Continuing with the subterranean theme, there’s Wookey Hole Caves. With over 20 attractions in one ticket, including a labyrinth of cave chambers, animatronic dinosaurs, a mirror maze and crazy golf, this is a place for the whole family to enjoy.

If you like your country estates and historic buildings, head to Dunster Castle and Watermill on the northeast edge of Exmoor National Park. Here you’ll find an ancient castle, a working Victorian watermill, a terraced garden, and lots of parkland to explore. Two miles from the castle is Dunster Beach where you can access the coast path and hop on the West Somerset Railway to enjoy the countryside on an old-fashioned steam train.

For a gorgeous mix of woodland and riverside scenery, visit the dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland of Watersmeet, set in stunning surroundings. Walk to your heart’s content and refuel at the waterside tea room serving lunches, drinks, and of course, cream teas.

If you enjoy views to die for, take a hike to the top of Dunkery Beacon. This is the highest point in Exmoor – in fact, apart from Dartmoor, this is the highest point in southern England. A climb to the top will reward you with views for miles in every direction. Take a picnic and enjoy being out on the open moorland, or grab the chance to snap some pretty pictures.

Campsites in Somerset near the beach

Set just 200 yards away from the beautiful Sand Bay beach near Weston-super-Mare, Country View offers 120 touring pitches on a quiet and peaceful campsite that caters for families, in picturesque surroundings. Access to the campsite is excellent as it’s only a few miles away from junction 21 of the M5.

Facilities include a large heated outdoor swimming pool and a licensed bar with a sun patio. The toilet block has recently been refurbished and offers wheelchair-accessible facilities. There’s also a laundry room, children’s play area, an arcade and games room. There are restaurants near the campsite.

Find out more: Country View Holiday Park  

A select family campsite situated next to Horner Water in the heart of the Exmoor National Park. Within walking distance is the pretty village of Porlock. The campsite offers good facilities, including a heated shower and toilet block, laundry, accessible facilities, dishwashing area, shop and reception. Dogs are welcome and there are numerous country walks from the campsite into the Exmoor countryside, woodland and moorland. There is also a riding stable on the campsite offering escorted rides for all abilities.

Within walking distance is the pretty village of Porlock which has shops, restaurants, three pubs and a visitors centre. The seaside town of Minehead is five miles away.

Find out more: Burrowhayes Farm  

An all-in-one campsite offering something for everyone. Most of the pitches are flat and you can choose from grass or hardstandings and the facilities are comprehensive. On the campsite there’s various eateries, a bar, entertainment complex, swimming complex and all manner of children’s clubs and activity centres. Adult entertainment includes fishing, golf and bingo.

Nearby there’s also Brean Leisure Park which offers over 40 fun-filled rides. Brean Sands beach is within walking distance. Discounts at Brean Golf Club, Water Park and Leisure Park.

Find out more: Holiday Resort Unity  

Dog-friendly campsites in Somerset

With panoramic views of the Mendip Hills, this top-quality adults-only campsite lies just three-quarters of a mile from the base of Glastonbury Tor. Beautifully landscaped, it offers level pitches in a series of attractive locations. First-class facilities are complemented by a well-stocked shop and off licence, games room and pond with fishing platforms suitable for all.

The campsite has a large dog walk, a three-acre exercise field, a hot water dog shower, dog cream and treats in the campsite shop, and a dog swimming pool and nature pond. Footpaths lead from the campsite to Glastonbury and the tor.

Find out more: Old Oaks  

Family-friendly campsites in Somerset

With panoramic views of the Mendip Hills, this top-quality adult-only campsite lies just ¾ mile from the base of Glastonbury Tor. Beautifully landscaped, it offers level pitches in a series of attractive locations. First class facilities are complemented by a well-stocked shop and off licence, games room and pond with fishing platforms suitable for all.

The campsite has a large dog walk, a three-acre exercise field, a hot water dog shower, dog cream and treats in the site shop, and a dog swimming pool and nature pond. Footpaths lead from site to Glastonbury and the Tor.

Find out more: Riverside Holiday Village  

Adults-only campsites in Somerset

This immaculate, adults-only campsite consists of a gravelled driveway running around a square-shaped field, with hardstanding and fully serviced pitches to both sides of the driveway.

All 45 pitches have 16A electrical hook-up and are on hardstandings, with 25 of them fully serviced. Lots of trees, bushes, shrubs and all manner of floral displays help break up the campsite. The thoughtful planting makes each pitch quite private and secluded, so for those seeking tranquil privacy it doesn’t get much better. It’s little wonder that it was awarded a David Bellamy Gold Award for conservation.

There's an acre of woodland, next to a dog-walking area. Opposite the entrance and car park is the reception area and heated toilet block, which features private cubicles and showers.

Find out more: Bath Chew Valley  

An adults-only touring campsite offering peace, tranquillity and relaxation throughout your stay.

With a multitude of tourist attractions and leisure activities on its doorstep, you are perfectly located. Not only can you walk into the historic city of Wells, you can enjoy the spectacular cathedral, local markets, Bishop's Palace and Wookey Hole with its magical caves.

After an energetic day you can freshen up in the spacious facility block with the added comfort of underfloor heating. Great for those winter visits!

Wells Touring Park offers 60 hardstanding pitches, suitable for caravans, motorhomes, RVs and trailer tents. Always assured of a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for those wishing to get away from their normal, busy life.

Find out more: Wells Touring Park  

Open all year, Long Hazel Park has 50 touring and camping pitches which can accommodate caravans, motorhomes and tents of all sizes, including RVs of up to 40ft.

All pitches are served by 16A electric hook-up, with 10 fully serviced pitches. The campsite is in an ideal location to explore the West Country, surrounded by traditional market towns and just a few miles from fashionable Bruton.

Sparkford is world-famous for the Haynes Motor Museum which is under a mile and the campsite is situated in an area of natural beauty, with the Leland Trail, Macmillan Way and Monarch's Way all within a short distance.

Long Hazel Park is within two miles of Cadbury Hillfort which has excellent views across Somerset and Dorset, and is thought to be King Arthur's Camelot.

Find out more: Long Hazel Park  

This open-all-year, multi-award winning 13-acre, beautifully landscaped, adults-only campsite is akin to pitching in someone’s feature garden. Peace, waymarked footpaths, riverside seats and the Rock Inn just yards away all add to the appeal of this campsite.

It's an ideal peaceful location for a relaxing break or as a touring base for exploring the region.

It comes as no surprise to find that Waterrow is a registered Private Nature Reserve and a County Wildlife Site. Besides its many awards, this campsite is set in a beautiful woodland valley, with many riverside walks and lovely views.

There are 40 spacious pitches, screened by many flowering shrubs, including some single bay pitches. Park reception stocks gas, plus some basic groceries and provisions, including frozen meals.

Find out more: Waterrow Touring Park  

Adults-only camping in the Exmoor National Park with every pitch beside the River Exe or the sparkling mill stream.

Catering for caravans, motorhomes and tents, this award-winning campsite has all facilities including a beautiful dog walk, free WiFi and fishing, a modern toilet and shower block, working watermill, a shop and local bus service. Walks on Exmoor are available direct from the site and there are excellent pubs in the locality.

The spacious pitches give a relaxed atmosphere, whilst the riverside walk to the weir takes you to one of the most beautiful spots on Exmoor. There is an abundance of wildlife. The National Park has much to offer, including coastal walks and views, water sports, steam trains, gardens and historic buildings.

Find out more: Exe Valley Caravan Site  

Somerset holidays: FAQs

Is Somerset a good place for a holiday?

With a selection of sandy beaches and coastal resorts, historic towns and cities and the open expanse of the Exmoor National Park, there’s something in Somerset to suit every taste. There are plenty of attractions to choose from so you’ll never be bored. Families can enjoy days at the seaside or exploring on bikes, while adults and couples can find rural locations for a peaceful getaway.

Why is Somerset so popular?

Somerset beckons with its breathtaking natural vistas and the timeless allure of its historic towns. Moreover, with a wealth of activities catering to all ages, Somerset ensures that each visit leaves a lasting impression, compelling visitors to return time and again. Throughout the year there is plenty to do, from walking the frost-covered moors in winter to family days at the beach in the height of summer.

Can you wild camp in Somerset?

You can't wild camp in Somerset, so find yourself the perfect Somerset campsite using our Campsite Finder tool. You will find a variety of holiday parks and campsites in Somerset with accommodation choices to suit every type of holiday. From pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, to glamping, lodges, or static caravans, you can find the ideal Somerset escape for you.

What are the big towns in Somerset?

Some of the most popular towns and places in Somerset include Frome, Glastonbury, Minehead, Street, Dunster, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare. Then there are the historic cities of Bath and Wells.