Somerset touring park takes top “adults only” title
Readers of two top touring magazines have voted a hideaway Somerset touring park as their favourite “adults only” holiday spot – for the ninth year.
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park won its title in the face of stiff competition from scores of other UK parks offering a totally grown-up holiday experience.
Based in Bishop Sutton near Bath, the family-run park’s triumph came after it polled the highest number of votes from readers of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome.
The magazines’ annual “Top 100 Sites” survey asks caravan and motorhome enthusiasts to give their verdict on the quality and hospitality of Britain’s 3000-plus touring parks.
In their opinion, the spotless facilities, friendly staff, and picture-postcard surroundings at five-star Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park are unequalled at any other “adults only” park.
But the honours didn’t stop there because, as the votes were counted, Bath Chew Valley emerged as readers’ favourite 12-month park for the eighth year.
In addition, Bath Chew Valley was voted the best touring park in the counties of Somerset, Avon and Wiltshire for the tenth year running.
The park’s attractive cedar lodge also placed it in the top ten glamping facilities in Britain.
The park’s 45 pitches are spread across more than four acres of landscaped grounds, including dog exercising areas and a woodland conservation trail which is a magnet for wildlife.
Last year, the park was again presented with the prestigious David Bellamy Gold Conservation and Hedgerows Awards in recognition of its raft of initiatives to protect flora and fauna.
Bath Chew Valley has been a child-free environment for almost 20 years, and park owner Keith Betton says it has always strived to make the tranquil environment one of its most appealing features:
“We have an incredibly diverse range of visitors from this country and overseas, and the majority come as a result of a personal recommendation,” said Keith.
“Not surprisingly, a large number are teachers and child care professionals who are happier not being reminded of their day-jobs when they go on holiday.
“We’re also increasingly popular with younger couples using motorhomes and campervans, so we are particularly pleased to be rated the third best park for them in the UK,” added Keith.
For those who enjoy blending their breaks with a spot of sporting activity, the park is set in the Mendip Hills AONB near Chew Lake, a championship fishing venue and country park.
The area is also a popular destination for bird-watchers, cyclists and walkers.
Keith said that everyone was delighted to have secured the national top-spots in the “adults only” and “year round park” categories of the reader survey, as well as being judged the best park in Somerset.
Park staff, added Keith, also deserved a big share of the credit as they were responsible for creating the warm and friendly atmosphere which clearly impressed so many visitors.
Bath Chew Valley is a member of the Best of British holiday parks group which comprises some 50 independently-run parks with top tourist board ratings throughout the UK.
