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  1. Welcome
  2. About Holly Bush
  3. How to find us
  4. What to do

"...an easy 20 minute drive from junction 25 on the M5 motorway had seen us settle into Holly Bush Park campsite. Located in the Blackdown Hills, this peaceful 2.5 acre grassland site with its level pitches, hardstanding and superb facilities, was the ideal location from which to explore the Somerset district of Taunton Deane....."
 Roger Mechan
Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly March 2003

Welcome! (top)

Holly Bush Park is a quiet, family run touring caravan and camping site in the Blackdown Hills 6 miles south of Taunton, Somerset. The two acre site is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is surrounded by Forestry Commission woods and amenity areas. It is ideally situated to visit many places of interest, Exmoor, Wellington Monument, West Somerset Railway, Lyme Regis, Minehead and Sidmouth being within easy reach.

Holly Bush Park benefits from a 4 star rating from the West Country Tourist Board, and 3 pennants from the AA. Hot water and showers are included in the tariff and the site has electric hook-up facilities, a laundry room, payphone and shop which sells all of the essentials including Calor gas and some of the best local produce. Children under 3 years of age and pets are more than welcome at no charge.

The area has many other attractions including gardens, National Trust properties, cider farms, animal parks and museums. Sports fans will find golf, horse riding and fishing all within a 2 mile radius, and with two sports centres less than 5 miles away. The immediate area is ideal for cycling, hiking, bird and animal watching, and of course walking the dog! Eating out is easy with a number of local pubs, including one within walking distance serving excellent food.

Tariff 2006 (top)

Caravan or Motorhome, per pitch, per night (serviced pitches):
Incl 2 people and 1 car:


Awnings per night...£1.50


Hike Tent per night:

Each person, per night (all patrons)...£2.00

Holly Bush Park's Facilities (top)

Holly Bush Park prides itself as a peaceful retreat for campers and caravaners alike. The 2 acre site has space for up to 40 caravans, motorhomes and tents. It has good access via a wide gateway onto tarmac roads which lead directly to level grassed pitches, many with hard standings. Most pitches are served by electric hookups and there are standpipes for water across the site.
The modern toilet block provides free hot and cold water to all hand basins and showers. The separate facilities for gentleman and ladies are cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis.
The laundry room has a deep sink, ironing facilities, token operated washing machines and tumble dryers.
The well stocked on-site shop sells all of the essentials including Calor Gas and tokens for the laundry services. Some of the best local produce is on hand as well as a comprehensive range of maps, brochures and listings for attractions and events in the region. A payphone is also provided along with a site notice board where latest site news can be found along with visitors messages.


A country Inn just a short walk away serves excellent food and real ales.
The Village of Culmhead (top)

Far from exhaustive, here are a few pieces of interesting information about Culmhead.
Churchstanton Aerodrome, built in 1940, was used by allied fighter aircraft during WW2 and had 3 runways and 2 observation buildings. The site was renamed Culmhead in 1943 because of confusion with another RAF base at Churchfenton, Yorkshire.
Between 1841 and 1875 the area was known for its Lime Kiln which produced Slaked Lime. This product could be used in both the agricultural and building industries. Slaked lime was used on farm land to break down heavy clay soils and neutralise the acidic land. In building it was used as a white-wash, and as lime putty. When the slaked lime was mixed with sand it formed mortar and plaster. Most of the traditional buildings in this area would have had lime used in their construction, a superior product to modern cements in that it allowed the building to breathe .
The Holman Clavel Inn has been a feature of Culmhead since the fifteen hundreds. Andrew Green notes in his book 'Ghosts of Today' That it is perhaps haunted. Extracts from his book can be found at www.mystical-www.co.uk where he notes: "About 600 years old this former hostelry for monks on their way to Glastonbury is well-known for its skittle alley and 'Charlie' the ghost. Knowing nothing about the haunting, guests have been woken in the early hours by the sound of skittles being played, though, of course, the alley is empty and locked at the time. Mysterious and inexplicable crashes have been heard and objects frequently vanish of their own accord. The ghost, seen only three times since 1970, is that of a monk 'with a long, flowing white robe' standing near a wash basin in one of the bedrooms."


(top)

Gary and Rachel Todd took ownership of Holly Bush Park in March 2003 after having stayed at the site countless times as guests. Whilst on holiday at the park in 2002 they learned that the previous owners, Cindy and Tony, planned to sell the site in order to retire. The lure of owning and running their favorite holiday destination proved to be too great a temptation and the couple made a successful offer for the park.
Gary and Rachel are from Newcastle in the North East of England but have a strong local connection in the form of Rachel's sister who has lived in Taunton for many years.
Gary and Rachel enjoy the countryside and the opportunity to spend time with their pets which include rabbits, guinea pigs and their inseparable dogs Obi and Vader.
Gary is a nurse at Taunton General hospital as well as the sites co-owner which makes for a busy life. He is very keen on movies, especially the Star Wars saga and is a devout Newcastle United fan. Gary gave up his season ticket in order to make the move to Taunton, a massive wrench but one he will surely not regret given the chance to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Rachel is a great lover of animals. In her spare time she is a trustee of the Rabbit Welfare Fund, a charity which attempts to educate and assist in the care of rabbits throughout the UK. Rachel has Holly Bush Park's future as a quiet caravan retreat firmly at heart and is relishing the opportunity to provide a fantastic service for years to come.


"Hello, we are the new owners of Holly Bush Park, we fell in love with the area and the site 4 years ago when we first came here on holiday! We would be delighted to welcome you to Holly Bush, and look forward to meeting you soon."
Gary and Rachel Todd.

Holly Bush Park- Directions from the North (top)

Holly Bush Park is extremely easy to find with good road approaches from all directions.
Taunton is accessible from the North via the M5. From the North West this is via the M6 and from the North East and East Midlands it is best reached via the M1/A42/M42.
Try searching for your exact route by using MultiMap.
FROM M5 (Taunton)
Exit at Junction 25.
Follow the signs to Taunton on the dual carriageway.
At first traffic lights turn LEFT, following the signs to CORFE and the RACECOURSE (B3170).
Go through Corfe village and after 3½ miles (approx) turn RIGHT at crossroads (signposted WELLINGTON) onto unclassified road.
Do not turn off for a further ½ mile (approx).
At T Junction, turn RIGHT.
Pass the Homan Clavel Inn on your left and enter HOLLY BUSH PARK on your left within 100 yds. Welcome!



Holly Bush Park- Directions from the South (top)

Holly Bush Park is extremely easy to find with good road approaches from all directions.
Taunton is accessible from the South and London via the A303, A30 and A35.
Try searching for your exact route by using MultiMap.
FROM A303 (southbound)
Follow signs to SOUTH WEST/HONITON until reaching the HORTON CROSS ROUNDABOUT (near Ilminster).
STAY ON A303 for a further 5 miles looking out for the EAGLE TAVERN on your right
At the Eagle Tavern turn RIGHT signposted Taunton.
Keep straight on this unclassified road for 4 ½ miles until reaching the crossroads with the B3170.
CROSS STRAIGHT OVER and do not turn off for ½ mile.
At T Junction, turn RIGHT.
Pass the Homan Clavel Inn on your left and enter HOLLY BUSH PARK on your left within 100 yds. Welcome!

FROM A303 (northbound)
Follow signs marked HONITON/LONDON passing Stopgate Garage on the left.
Take the left onto B3170 signposted CORFE/TAUNTON.
Keep straight on this road for 3 miles and bear LEFT.
Keep straight on this unclassified road for ½ mile
Passing the Holman Clavel Inn on your left and enter HOLLY BUSH PARK on your left within 100 yds. Welcome!

Surrounding Towns and Cities (top)

Should you wish to use Holly Bush Park as a base to explore the South West here are some details of nearby places of interest. Taunton is the county town of Somerset. It has a fine tradition as a market town, a cattle and crop farming area and of course a cider producer. The town's cattle market is still one of the largest in the country and Taunton has a wealth of stores offering good local produce. The Town centre has had significant investment over the last ten years and is host to most of the countries major store chains. Taunton has a number of fine bars, pubs and cafes as well as out of town retail parks, restauraunts and the Odeon Cinema.
Wellington to the west of Taunton is a smaller town offering a range of more specialised shops. Nonetheless Wellington is a pleasant town to visit offering a more relaxed alternative to the hustle and bustle of Taunton.
Exeter is the regional capital of the South West and is popular with tourists because of its diveristy of attractions. Probably the most unusual of these are the famous underground passages, originally used in the 14th century to pipe fresh water to the town. These passages can be explored via guided tour where the full history will be revealed in all its glory. Exeter is close to the sea and the new quays provide a vibrant area with shops, restaurants and water sports to be enjoyed.
Bath is of course famous for its Roman baths and pump room and has some of the UK's finest architecture. Close to the Cotswolds the area is ideal for those wanting to explore further than the Mendips. The city sits on the River Avon, looked upon by the Abbey's towers and is a historians dream with over 40 museums.


Walks near Holly Bush Park (top)

There are some fantastic walks for two legged and four legged explorers.
Holly Bush Park is situated opposite an area of Forestry Commission Land, so it is easy to go for a walk in the woods without the need to jump into the car. Very close also are National Trust sites, such as Wellington Monument, which offers a place of interest also. Towering above Wellington on the highest point of the Blackdown Hills, known as Staple Hill, is The Wellington Monument Illuminated at night, it commemorates the Duke of Wellington, the victor of the Battle of Waterloo, who took his title from the town.
There is something for every type of walker, whether you want a short circular route, or a more demanding challenge, like the National Deer Park in Duster. There are numerous leaflets produced by the district councils available in the site shop and many books available which can suggest routes and day trips.
Wildlife & bird watching The local countryside is abundant with both wildlife and birds, as the County having over 30 nature reserves. Just opposite Holly bush in the woods you maybe lucky enough to spot some deer! Foxes, badgers, bats and numerous varieties of birds including buzzards and kestrels may also be seen. The R.S.P.B have a reserve at West Sedgemoor. Other reserves, woodland, coastal areas and numerous reservoirs are rich in birdlife including Blagdon reservoir witch is within walking distance of Holly Bush.
For more information contact:
Somerset Wildlife Trust, Fyne Court, Broomfield, Bridgwater TA5 2EQ 01823 451587


Sport and Sporting Facilities (top)

Sports Centres and Swimming Pools
There are a number of sporting facilities close to Holly Bush Park. The following local authority facilities are within a short drive of the site.
Castle Sports Centre - Wellington Rd, Taunton, TA1 5AU 01823 322934
Blackbrook Pavilion - Blackbrook Way, Taunton, TA1 2RW 01823 333435
Taunton Swimming Pool - Station Rd, Taunton, TA1 1NN 01823 284108
St. James St Swimming Pool - St. James St, Taunton, TA1 1JH 01823 350100
Cycling
There are many opportunities for cycling in Somerset, and given the location of Holly Bush Park it is easy to get to the Quantocks, the Mendips, the Blackdown Hills and the forests of Exmoor from here.

Golf Courses and Driving Ranges
Holly Bush Park could serve as the ideal base for the touring golfer. The area lends itself to beautiful undulating courses with enough variation to keep even the most demanding golfer satisfied. Close by is a wonderful driving range facility for the amateurs or novices to perfect their swing before tackling the full 18 holes at either of the nearest courses!
Swingrite Golf Range - Haydon Lane Haydon, Taunton, TA3 5AB 01823 442600
Taunton Vale Golf Club - Creech Heathfield, Taunton,TA3 5EY 01823 412220
Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club - Corfe, Taunton TA3 7BY 01823 421537

Fishing
Holly Bush Park is conveniently located for course fishing in rivers, ponds, drains and canals, and for fly fishing in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Sea fishing is also available at Bridgwater Bay. There are several tackle shops in Taunton who can help you get started.. Course fishing is controlled by the Taunton Angling Association, who can be contacted on 01823 282 528. There are also some privately owned course fisheries in the area:
Frogs Lane, Durston – 07771 993 135
Langford Lakes, Wellington – 01823 400 476
For fly fishing contact the Taunton Fly Fishing Association on 01460 65977

Cimbing
Set in the Mendip Hills area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Cheddar Gorge offers the best opportunity not just for climbing but also caving and abseiling. More information to follow for experienced climbers.

Riding
Information coming soon.

Spectator Sports
Should you enjoy watching sport rather than take part then you could have a day out at the nearby racecourse, catch a game of rugby or spend a lazy Sunday watching Cricket. If you are football mad then catch a Taunton F.C or Somerset's first Football League club in Yeovil.
Taunton Town F.C - Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, TA1 2HG 01823 278191
Yeovil Town F.C - Huish Park Stadium, Lufton Way, Yeovil, BA22 8YF 01935 423662
Taunton Racecourse - Orchard Portman, Taunton, TA3 7BL 01823 325035
Taunton RFC - Hyde Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, TA2 8BU 01823 336363
Taunton Deane Cricket Club Pavilion Convent Fld, Vivary Park, Taunton, TA1 3PY 01823 276151

Local Attractions (top)

There are some fantastic attractions to visit in the South West. Below are a few of our favourites. Some more local than others but all worth the effort we hope you agree. For more exhaustive details of all the regions attractions visit the Holly Bush Park shop.

Sheppy's Cider is set amongst 42 acres of cider apple orchards. The 370 acre farm produces some of the regions finest cider as well as apple juice and other local produce with an apple edge such as cider apple cheeses. The farm has a museum along with picnic area and liscenced tea room. Visit them at www.sheppyscider.com

The Cheddar Caves and gorge is a site of special scientific interest having been created from ice age river beds. Visit their site at www.cheddarcaves.co.uk

Dunster famous for its Norman Castle remains and 13th Century gatehouse, has a lot to offer. Its vast parks and gardend owned by the National Trust provide areas of outstanding beauty. Dunster also houses a working water mill built in the 18th Century and still working today providing flour available from its store.

The Coates Willows and Wetlands is a family run business making baskets and other willow goods. They have been growing willow in Somerset since 1819 and provide free entry to their basket museum. The surrounding area also has a number of fine walks and upon your return you can seek refreshment in the tea rooms. Visit their site at www.coates-willowbaskets.co.uk

Useful Links (top)

Not enough links in the other what to do sections?! Here are some links to other sites you may find useful when planning your stay at Holly Bush Park.
www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk Useful information about the towns facilities and shopping including virtual tours.
www.taunton-life.com Taunton-Life is the online home for the people of Taunton
www.nationaltrust.org/stourhead Stourhead National Trust
www.celebratingsomerset.com For ideas of things to do in 2003.
Should you prefer to speak to someone in person or would like to receive brochures through the post we can recommend:
The Tourist Information Centre
The Library
Paul St
Taunton
01823 336344
email

Perhaps Not So Useful Links
Here are some links to sites which may not help you plan your trip to Holly Bush Park but may interest you all the same!
Newcastle United's official site
Very good Newcastle United fan site