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 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 its 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 holidays and caravan ownership. Read on to find out what keeps people returning 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. Initially, guests stayed in tents, and chalets were introduced after the first few years. During the Second World War, American troops took over the site, and the 9th Batallion of the Somerset Light Infantry was stationed 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, self-catering and touring caravan pitches were introduced, and the park flourished. St Audries Bay Holiday Park was also popular for weddings, dinner dances, ballroom dancing festivals, and accordion holidays and remains a popular spot for groups today.

Caravan holidays are increasingly popular. They are an excellent base for a fun-filled family getaway. Caravan ownership plays a significant role at 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 visible on a clear day. The beach 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 is accessible from Home Farm Holiday Centre, located right next door. You can pay for all-day parking at this site and explore the unique beach. St Audries Bay is well known for its magnificent waterfall, which can be viewed from the park. In addition to the main waterfall, several smaller waterfalls enhance the scenery. It’s a fantastic day out for families and geology enthusiasts alike. 

As part of the Jurassic Coastline, this beach features Jurassic Lias rocks that jut into the sea, creating stunning wave-cut platforms. The alternating red and green layers of Mercia mudstones provide a beautiful backdrop. Due to the rock formations, this area is popular for fossil hunting, and ammonites can be found relatively easily. Occasionally, you might even discover whole fossils on the beach. However, be aware that there are regular rockfalls, so it is essential to stay away from the base of the cliffs and wear a hard hat if you decide to go fossil hunting.

 

As part of the Jurassic Coastline, this beach features Jurassic Lias rocks that jut into the sea, creating stunning wave-cut platforms. The alternating red and green layers of Mercia mudstones provide a beautiful backdrop. Due to the rock formations, this area is popular for fossil hunting, and ammonites can be found relatively easily. Occasionally, you might even discover whole fossils on the beach. However, be aware that there are regular rockfalls, so it is essential to stay away from the base of the cliffs and wear a hard hat if you decide to go fossil hunting.

 

Walking

From Home Farm Holiday Centre, you can walk around the bay and admire the beautiful scenery, 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 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 the changing tide can easily cut you off.

 

Fishing

 

St Audries Bay Beach is also a popular fishing spot. Learn more about fishing on the Bristol Channel using the Bristol Channel Fishing marks or watch some of our regulars, Andy Bowrah and TA Fishing.

 

St Audries Bay Camping

 

St Audries Bay has 15 pitches with electric hook-ups for touring caravans and motorhomes. Camping is not permitted.

The shower block includes a washroom for ladies and gentlemen and a family room. It is disability-equipped. Two washroom sinks are also available, making it suitable for washing up after meals. The location is peaceful and offers sea views.

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

The Sundowner Bar and Restaurant

 

Enjoy the stunning sea views while having a light bite or drink at the Sundowner. The outdoor seating option is excellent, allowing children to run around and enjoy the play equipment. It’s always a good idea to check the bar and restaurant’s opening times before your visit, as these vary throughout the year.

 

St Audries Bay Caravans for sale

 

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

Most people are attracted to the park’s 10-month opening season, which lasts from mid-March until mid-January. Thus, you can spend Christmas and New Year in your caravan or lodge.

Caravan owners can access private events like cheese and wine evenings, buffets, and BBQs. These are great opportunities to get everyone together and meet new friends.

A wide range of used static caravans and lodges are available for sale and can be viewed by appointment. Please get in touch with Richard Law for more information.

 

Our holidaymakers and new caravan owners ask us many questions when they first arrive at the 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 Beach all year round. When the tide is out, there is a vast area to explore, including the numerous rock pools 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 for washing your dog after a muddy or sandy walk at the beach. Dogs are also allowed in the bar, so you can enjoy a relaxing drink or meal with your best pal.

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 shoreline. It 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 own a caravan or are a guest, you can park for free at St Audries Bay Holiday Park. Most of the time, you can park by the side of your caravan or lodge 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, and the lifeguard is present. Guests can use the pool, which can be hired out for personal use per hour. Groups can also hire it out. Aqua-fit groups and swimming lessons are available and can be booked directly with the group.

 

Is there entertainment at St Audries Bay?

 

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

 

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 outside the park.  It’s a rural service, so the driver will generally stop when signalled to do so.  The walk down the hill to the park takes about 10 minutes.  This coastal route stops at all of the local towns and villages, including 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 see our favourites:

 

The harbour 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 many local artefacts.  A vast collection of local fossils can be enjoyed, so if you don’t find one on the beach, you will surely find 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.

 

Dunster Village  

A picturesque village rich in history awaits, with the Dunster Castle and Watermill a must-see. Throughout the holiday season, there are activities for families and couples alike. The village itself is full of historic buildings and places of interest, including 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 also an array of individual shops and pretty tearooms 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 an 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. The Chantry Tea Room is located just off Kilve Beach. It’s a wonderful place to unwind with a delightful cream tea, surrounded by the soothing sounds of birds and nature.

You can walk here via the coastal path, which takes approximately 3.5 hours.  This links up with the Kilve and East Quantoxhead Circular Walk.  It’s 6.5 km long and takes about 2.5 hours 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: If you park in the area, do your research. There are some negative reviews of the car parks regarding fines. The location is best accessed on foot!

 

Wimbleball  Lake 

Located in the hills of Exmoor, this 530-acre site provides some of the best walking and biking trails. Water sports are also available here, so try paddle boarding or sailing. Soak up the scenery and enjoy the wildlife.

 

Hestercombe House Gardens  

Set on 50 acres, you are free to explore the gardens, which are centuries in the making. With various events throughout the year, including the Bee Friendly Trial, Illuminate and Father Christmas, there is something to keep everyone entertained. While 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. While you are away, explore the heath, coasts, and ancient wooded valleys. 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 there is plenty of time to schedule a visit.

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

 

We hope you have enjoyed reading the “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 will find the perfect holiday home to explore this beautiful area.