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, first opening in 1933 under 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 that has 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 continues to be, a firm family favourite for holiday home ownership. Its beautiful coastal setting, welcoming atmosphere and range of facilities make it an appealing choice for those looking to own a static caravan or lodge.

Read on to discover what makes St Audries Bay so popular, the benefits of owning a holiday home at the park and everything you need to know about the park and the surrounding area.

History of the park

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 Battalion 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. 

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 spot for fishing, offering a peaceful setting to enjoy some time by the coast. 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.

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. St Audries Bay also caters for dog owners, with designated dog-friendly areas within the Sundowner and on the decking area. This means you can enjoy your time at the park without having to leave your four-legged friend behind. It’s always a good idea to check the bar and restaurant’s opening times before your visit, as these vary throughout the year.

Childrens indoor soft play

The indoor children’s soft-play area is available to hire, providing the perfect space for younger children to have fun and burn off some energy.

Whether you’re looking to keep the little ones entertained or planning a special occasion, the soft play offers a fun and safe environment for children to enjoy. For more information about hiring the area, please visit reception.

Snooker room

The snooker room provides the perfect space for adults to enjoy a friendly game while socialising with friends and family. It’s a great place to unwind and spend some quality time together during your stay.

With picturesque coastal views from the room, you can enjoy the stunning scenery while playing a game or simply relaxing. As the evening draws in, the room also offers a wonderful vantage point for taking in the beautiful sunsets that St Audries Bay has to offer.

Gym

The gym at St Audries Bay gives you the opportunity to keep up with your exercise routine while you’re on holiday. Whether you want to maintain your usual fitness regime or simply fit in a workout during your stay, the gym provides a convenient way to stay active without having to leave the park.

Table tennis and pool

Enjoy a friendly game of table tennis and pool with family and friends during your stay at St Audries Bay. It’s a great way to have some fun together, enjoy a little friendly competition and make the most of your time at the park.

St Audries Bay Caravans and lodges for sale

St Audries Bay is a popular holiday park for those looking to own their own holiday home. Located directly on the coast, the park offers stunning sea views, with many pitches overlooking the Bristol Channel and views stretching towards Wales and Minehead.

Most pitches provide space for a decking area and private garden, as well as dedicated parking, giving owners the opportunity to create a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy during their stays.

One of the key attractions of St Audries Bay is its generous 10-month opening season, running from mid-March until mid-January. This allows owners to enjoy extended stays throughout the year, including the opportunity to spend Christmas and New Year in their caravan or lodge.

Another great benefit of ownership is the opportunity to bring friends and family along to enjoy the park’s facilities with you, at no additional cost.

A wide selection of used static caravans and lodges is available for sale, with viewings available by appointment.

Please get in touch with our friendly team for more information or view holiday homes for sale at St Audries Bay.  

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. 

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 are a caravan or lodge owner, 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. Owners can use the pool free of charge and bring their friends and family along. Groups can also hire it out. Aqua-fit groups and swimming lessons are available and can be booked directly with the group. Please check with reception on opening times.

Is there entertainment at St Audries Bay?

St Audries Bay Holiday Park organises various entertainment during peak season. 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). 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 in 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 one 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

The West Somerset Railway is a must-see attraction for visitors to the area, offering a fantastic way to explore the Somerset coast and countryside. The heritage railway runs between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, with a stop at Watchet along the route.

The journey provides the opportunity to take in beautiful countryside and coastal scenery while stopping at a selection of charming towns and villages along the way. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family and is particularly popular with train enthusiasts.

Dunster Village  

A picturesque village rich in history awaits, with 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 

Wimbleball Lake is a beautiful destination set within the stunning countryside of Exmoor National Park. It’s a fantastic place for families to enjoy the outdoors, with opportunities for walking, cycling, picnicking and taking in the peaceful surroundings.

The lake is also popular for a range of water-based activities, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a little adventure. With scenic views and plenty of open space to explore, Wimbleball Lake offers a great day out for the whole family.

Porlock Weir 

Porlock Weir has been a welcoming destination for visitors and traders for centuries. Once a bustling hub for fishing boats and coastal trade, it now attracts walkers, sailors, and artists seeking inspiration from its unspoiled scenery. The shingle beach and old wooden groynes enhance its vintage maritime character, while the tidal harbour offers ever-changing views as the sea ebbs and flows.

Minehead  

Minehead is a popular seaside town on the Somerset coast, offering a traditional seaside experience with a sandy beach, charming town centre and beautiful coastal views. It’s a great destination for a family day out, with shops, cafés and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beach.

Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Minehead also provides easy access to stunning countryside and scenic walking routes, making it a great place to enjoy both the coast and countryside during your holiday.

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.

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 and lodges for sale in Somerset, you will find the perfect holiday home to explore this beautiful area.