A caravan campsite with breathtaking views of the rolling Brent Knoll in West Country has been named the best holidaying hotspot for families in England. Bucklegrove Holiday Park in Somerset lost the top spot in the UK by a whisker to Auchenlarie Holiday Park in Scotland, ranking as the country’s second-best family caravanning site.
For those who have not been to the caravan park, it sits smack dab between Wells and Cheddar in Somerset, just a little shy of 20 km west of Wiltshire, near the scenic Mendip Hills. Go Outdoors, the author of the 100 best caravan sites in the UK, gave Bucklegrove Holiday Park a near-perfect score of almost 9.8, pointing to the site’s cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and affordable stays.
“[Bucklegrove] is loved for its clean facilities and stunning views of the Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll. The park is pet-friendly, meaning your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday,” wrote Go Outdoors in a blog post announcing the ranking.
Bucklegrove is England’s number one caravan hotspot – Go Outdoors
Every year, experts at the outdoor gear and equipment retailer do thorough legwork in a bid to curate a grounded list of UK’s top 100 caravan sites. Their ranking doesn’t just count pretty views (though Bucklegrove has plenty). Go Outdoors slice and dice a bagful of factors that truly make a family caravanning memorable. They took stock of everything, from cleanliness and family-friendly vibes to pricing, and Bucklegrove Holiday Park ticked all the right boxes.
The Somerset holiday park earned a score of 9.79 out of 10, only 0.2 points off the Scottish counterpart. So, what caught the eyes of the judges? First and foremost, cleanliness. Anyone who has been on a family holiday knows a clean site can set the tone for the stay from the get-go.
“Our staff takes pride in keeping every corner clean and tidy, making it a place where parents can relax while kids run free,” said Donna Louise, the person in charge of the caravan campsite.
The price tag helped too. At around £79 for a weekend stay in July, Bucklegrove proves that great family holidays don’t need to break the bank. According to Go Outdoors, this sweet spot of quality and affordability pushed the park’s score up to that impressive 98 per cent.
The high score from Go Outdoors matches what actual visitors say. One family wrote on TripAdvisor: “It’s a nice small site that’s not too busy and aimed at families. The surrounding countryside is so lush and pretty, and the family who run the site are great.”
Another happy camper shared: “We had a lovely time, and the views across the countryside to the Tor were stunning. It had a nice family feel to the place.”
What other holiday parks made the Cut?
While Bucklegrove claimed the English crown, it was part of an impressive top five lineup across the UK. Auchenlarie Holiday Park in Scotland took the overall top spot, followed by Bucklegrove, then Stowford Farm Meadows in Devon, Tencreek Holiday Park in Cornwall, and Whitehill Country Park in Devon rounding out the top five.
What families get inside Bucklegrove Holiday Park
With the news that Bucklegrove Holiday Park is England’s best caravan spot for families, many would naturally want to know what to do to enjoy their stay in this area.
The swimming pools are the stars of the show at Bucklegrove. There’s a main pool for everyone and a separate splash pool just for the little ones. Both pools are heated, so even if the British weather doesn’t play nice, the water’s always welcoming.
Over in Strawberry Field, the central play area keeps kids busy from morning till dusk. With slides and climbing frames, it’s the kind of place where children make instant holiday friends while parents catch up on their reading nearby.
The accommodation options cover all bases. Whether you’re bringing your own caravan, fancy a grassy pitch for your tent, or want the comfort of a holiday home or lodge, you’ll find your perfect spot. The park is run by the same folks who own Wookey Hole Caves, so they know a thing or two about keeping families happy.
Evening entertainment for adults
Nothing beats a little brain teaser or leisurely game after a long day of taking in the best of Somerset and West Country. The good news is that Lodges at Bucklegrove Holiday Park provide plenty of evening and night entertainment. A quiz game with your fellow caravanner can help you blow off some steam, while a bingo night might be what you need to keep you engaged till bedtime. Well, it won’t hurt to brush up a little on your skills on websites like Fun Trivia and Casino Meter.
Adventure beyond the park
While the park itself is packed with things to do, the surrounding area is a treasure trove of family adventures. The famous Wookey Hole Caves are just down the road, where you can explore underground chambers that have amazed visitors for generations. Fun fact: these caves are perfect for maturing cheese, and you can actually see this happening during your visit.
Cheddar Gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and rich history, makes for an unforgettable day trip. The walking trails offer views that’ll have everyone reaching for their cameras, and the local shops selling authentic Cheddar cheese are worth the visit alone.
The UK’s smallest city, Wells, is right on your doorstep too. Its stunning cathedral and historic streets feel like stepping into a fairy tale, perfect for a family day out when you fancy a change of pace from the park.
