St Audries Bay Holiday Park - Everything you need to know

St Audries Bay Holiday Park has been hosting holidays since 1933.  The park has been family owned since then with it first being opened by Mr and Mrs Bissell.  It was later sold in 1968 to Mr Badham and has remained in this family up until early 2023 . St Audries Bay has recently been purchased by Barkers Leisure Holiday Parks, another family run business who have family holidays rooted at their core.  They have parks in Wales and now more recently Somerset with the purchase of St Audries Bay Holiday Park.

St Audries Bay has been and still is a family favourite destination for both holidays and caravan ownership. Read on to find out what keeps people coming back year after year and everything you need to know about the park and local area whilst on holiday here.

St Audries Bay Holiday Park has evolved over the years.  At the beginning the guests stayed in tents and after the first few years, chalets were introduced.  During the Second World War the American troops took over the site and the 9th Batallion of the Somerset Light Infantry was found at St Audries.

After the war, the camp returned to a holiday site and post office.  Guests brought their ration books to collect limited supplies.  In 1968, the park was developed and changes were made. New bathrooms were added to all chalets, extra accommodation was built and the bar was opened.  Some years later the swimming pool, a second bar and skittle alley were added.

In 1988, the self catering and touring caravan pitches were introduced and the park flourished.  St Audries Bay Holiday Park was also popular with weddings, dinner dances, ballroom dancing festivals and accordion holidays and still remains a popular spot for groups today.

At the present time, caravan holidays are more popular, although some of the chalets are still being used.  These have been refurbished and provide comfortable guest accommodation.  Caravan ownership is a big part of  St Audries Bay – find out more about caravan ownership here

 

Where is St Audries Bay?

 

St Audries Bay is a holiday park in Somerset.   ‘St Audries Bay’ is located on the West Somerset coast and is based at the foot of the Quantock Hills (An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The park has panoramic sea views with Wales and Minehead being visible on a clear day. The beach itself is made up of a mixture of pebbles, shingle and limestone pavements.  It is located 30 minutes from Minehead, 37 minutes to Taunton and 22 minutes to Exmoor National Park. (Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing) https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/stargazing

 

St Audries Bay Beach

 

St Audries Bay Beach can be reached from the holiday park itself.  This is signposted from the Sea Spray area of the park. The pathway zig zags down the cliff until it meets the beach.  The steps at the bottom can be tricky to navigate as the sea keeps washing them away.  It is not a walk for those with mobility issues or who are uneasy on their feet.  Once down on the beach the real beauty can be enjoyed.

 

As part of the Jurassic Coastline, this beach is made up of Jurassic Lias rocks which jut into the sea with the wave cut platforms presenting a spectacular view.  The alternating red/green beds of mercia mudstones create the perfect backdrop.  As a result of the rock formations this is a popular spot for fossil hunting with ammonites easy to find.  Sometimes you can find whole fossils on the beach. There are regular rockfalls here so stay away from the base of the cliffs and wear a hard hat if fossil hunting.

 

Walking

From here, you can walk around the bay and admire the beautiful scenery and of course not missing the famous St Audries Bay Waterfall.  The water cascades down the cliff face creating the most stunning waterfall especially after periods of high rainfall.  This walk joins up with the England Coast Path known as the “St Audries Bay Circular” – enjoy the pebble beach, cliff formations and fossil hunting.  Be sure to check the tide times as it’s easy to be cut off by the changing tide.

 

Fishing

St Audries Bay Beach is also a popular fishing spot – they have 70 permit holders at St Audries Bay Holiday Park.  Just enquire at reception and fill in the appropriate forms to take part.  Find out more about fishing the Bristol Channel using the Bristol Channel Fishing marks or watch some of our regulars Andy Bowrah fishing and TA Fishing.

 

St Audries Bay Camping

 

St Audries Bay has 15 pitches for both touring caravans and motorhomes.  There is no provision for camping.

The shower block includes a washroom for ladies and gentlemen, plus a family room.  This is disability equipped.  There are two wash up sinks also, making a space for washing up after your meal.  It is a peaceful location with sea views.

New arrivals will receive a pre arrival note stating pitch location.  It’s asked that new arrivals let reception know once they have pitched up.

The Sundowner Bar and Restaurant

 

It is always best to check the opening times of the bar and restaurant before your visit as this changes at various times of the year.  Currently the opening times for the summer holidays are as follows:

The Sundowner bar is open 12-2 Tuesday to Saturday

The restaurant is open for food from Tuesday to Saturday evening 5pm- 8:30pm

Tuesday is Burger Night

Wednesday is Pizza Night

Thursday is Grill Night

Friday and Saturday is Full menu

Sunday –  Lunch is served 12-3 with bar open during this period.

 

St Audries Bay Caravans for sale

 

St Audries Bay is a popular park for holiday home ownership. With just 130 caravans and 112 being privately owned, it makes for a restful break.  As the park faces the sea, most pitches have sea views which can reach as far as Wales and Minehead.  Most pitches have space for a deck and/or private garden area and have parking.  

The 10 month opening season is a big attraction to most people.  The park is open from mid March until mid January meaning you can spend Christmas and New Year in your caravan or lodge.

Caravan owners have access to private events with cheese and wine evenings, buffets and BBQ’s.  A great opportunity to get everyone together and meet new friends.

There are a wide range of caravans available for sale and can be viewed by appointment. Please contact Richard Law for more information.

 

We are asked many questions from our holiday makers and new caravan owners when they first arrive on park.  Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

 

Are dogs allowed at St Audries Bay?

 

Dog walking is permitted at St Audries Bay all year round. When the tide is out, there is a vast area to run around and explore including the numerous rock pools which appear in the wave cut platforms and rock formations.

St Audries Bay Holiday Park is also dog friendly.  The purpose built dog walking garden is a bonus, so you don’t have to go too far for a quick walk. The doggy shower is handy to wash down your dog down after a muddy or sandy walk down at the beach. Dogs are also allowed in the bar with you, leaving you to enjoy a relaxing drink or meal with your best pal by your side.

 

Can you swim in the sea at St Audries Bay?

 

St Audries Bay is a pleasant spot for wild swimming when the tide is in,  however, it’s very muddy when the tide is out.  It’s part of the Bristol Channel so it’s a little murky and not overly inviting.  This beach is best enjoyed from the shore line.  This isn’t recommended for family swimming.  There are plenty of nice beaches to bathe in Somerset. 

 

Can you park at St Audries Bay?

 

If you are a caravan owner or guest, you can park for free at St Audries Bay Holiday Park.  You can park by the side of your caravan or lodge on the most part or in designated parking areas.  There is also parking by the reception building. 

 

Is there a swimming pool at St Audries Bay?

 

Yes, there is an indoor heated pool at St Audries Bay Holiday Park. During the holiday period there are four open swims a day and one quiet adult only swim.  During term time there are three open swims with the lifeguard being present during these times. Not only can the pool be used by guests but can be hired out for personal hire and costs £45 per hour .  Groups can hire out too.  There are aqua-fit groups and swimming lessons available which are booked with the group directly.

 

Is there entertainment at St Audries Bay?

 

St Audries bay Holiday Park organises various entertainment throughout the year. It is always best to check whats on before your visit as it’s always changing with new programmes added.

This summer there is a cabaret on a Wednesday and a Sunday evening.

 

How do I get to St Audries Bay by bus or by train?

 

The nearest British Rail station is Taunton.  There is a regular bus service ( Bus 28) which runs approximately every half an hour and runs from Taunton, Castle Way to Minehead (Butlin’s Main Gate).  If you are trying to reach St Audries Bay by bus, you can request a stop at The Windmill Pub, West Quantoxhead or even outside the park.  It’s a rural service so the driver will normally stop when signalled to do so.  The walk down the hill to the park takes about 10 minutes.  This is a coastal route and stops at all of the local towns and villages to include Bishops Lydeard, Williton, Watchet and Dunster.  Bus 28 runs from 6.20 am daily until 22.30.  The weekend service differs.  It’s always best to check the timetable before travel.

 

What are the best things to do when staying at St Audries?

 

When staying at St Audries Bay there are many local attractions to visit, read on to read about our favourites:

 

The harbor town of Watchet

A beautiful harbourside town steeped with history and charm.  Follow the grand tour, visit a museum, walk along the esplanade and have a cup of tea.  Whatever, you decide, there is plenty to explore. 

There are two museums in Watchet, the Watchet Market House Museum and the Watchet Boat Museum.  The Watchet Market House Museum is located on Market Street and has lots of local artefacts.  A vast collection of local fossils can be enjoyed so if you don’t manage to find one on the beach, you will be sure of finding them here.

The Watchet Boat Museum is located next to the iconic West Somerset Railway.  The museum celebrates the Flatner boat and has interactive activities for children with activity sheets.

 

The West Somerset Railway

A must see attraction and has a stop at Watchet. You can enjoy the Somerset coast and countryside stopping off at local towns and villages. This runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.

 

Helwell Bay

Just east of the marina is a good spot to hunt for fossils as is West Street Beach.  Please read the guide here before you start for handy tips on collection.

 

Dunster Village  

A picturesque village rich in history awaits with the Dunster Castle and Watermill a must see.  There are activities throughout the holiday season for families and couples alike.  The village itself is full of historic buildings and places of interest to include the Tithe Barn dating back to the 14th century (home to various craft and food fayres) and the Dunster Yarn Market dating back to the 17th century.  There is an array of individual shops and pretty tearooms all set on cobbled streets.  

 

Kilve Beach 

This is a large beach about 6 minutes in the car from St Audries Bay Holiday Park. It’s a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) which means you won’t be able to chip into the bedrock and take fossils.  There are plenty on the beach though.

You can walk here via the coastal path which takes approximately 3.5 hrs.  This links up with the Kilve and East Quantoxhead Circular Walk.  It’s 6.5 km long and takes about 2.5hrs to complete whilst enjoying fossil hunting, bird watching and viewing the beautiful scenery.  Don’t miss the churches and ruins of an old chantry, a walk rich in history.

Note: Do your research if parking in the area as there are some negative reviews on the car parks with regard to fines.  Best accessed by foot!

 

Wimbleball  Lake 

Located in the hills of Exmoor, this 530 acre site provides some of the best walking and bike trails.  Additionally, water sports are available here, so try your hand at paddle boarding or sailing. Soak up the scenery and enjoy the wildlife.

 

Hestercombe House Gardens  

Set in 50 acres, you are free to explore the gardens which are centuries in the making. With various events throughout the year to include the Bee Friendly Trial, Illuminate and Father Christmas, there is something to keep everyone entertained. Whilst you are there treat yourself to a lunch or afternoon tea and peruse the art gallery.

 

Minehead  

Minehead is just half an hour from St Audries Bay.  Home to the Butlin’s Resort.  Read our recent blog Minehead – 10 things to do whilst visiting 

 

Quantock Hills 

The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – downloadable walks are available here Explore the heath, coasts and ancient wooded valleys whilst you are away.  We challenge you to find a better spot to relax and unwind!

Exmoor Zoo

Get up close and enjoy the close encounters with the animals at Exmoor Zoo.  Home of the Exmoor Beast! Various feed talks and animal encounters are planned each day so you can find out about all of the animals 362 days per year so plenty of time to plan a visit.

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading “Everything you need to know guide” on St Audries Bay Holiday Park.

If you are looking for holiday parks in Somerset, why not visit www.westcountryresorts.co.uk and view the static caravans for sale in Somerset.  With a selection of new and used caravans for sale in Somerset, you are sure to find the perfect holiday home to explore this beautiful area.