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The Paddocks

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· Cheddar, Somerset, England
1 acre hosted by Miriam B.
5 tent pitches
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Miriam is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Best tent sites: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Adults-only camping on a simple Somerset site, just two miles from Cheddar Gorge

When you think of Somerset your mind likely conjures up images of cider and folk music, the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels, Cheddar cheese and strawberries. That’s right — strawberries. And if you don’t think of that juicy red fruit, perhaps you should. The Cheddar Valley has been supplying the nation with strawberries for generations, and while not all of the strawberry fields have survived, there are still plenty of places to pick up a punnet or two. The village of Draycott at the foot of the Mendip Hills is one such place. It also has a pub named The Strawberry Special, an annual Strawberry Fayre, and a lovely little campsite in a former strawberry field.

The Paddocks is a tiny campsite that’s almost as sweet as the fruit that once grew there. There are just four pitches here and, as it’s for adults only, there’s a natural calm about the place. It’s a great spot for couples to enjoy a relaxing and romantic break in rural surroundings or for small groups of friends to get together, with exclusive hire a viable option. You can walk from the site out into the Mendips, with beautiful views from Draycott Sleights in one direction and Cheddar with its famous gorge in the other. It’s just two miles from site and arriving on foot is a great way to get there.

Walkers, cyclists and confident campers will like this place the most as it’s fairly back to basics with off-grid pitches, off-pitch parking, and simple facilities. But there are some creature comforts that make it more than just a field with nice views and a great location. There’s an open-sided barn at the bottom of the gently sloping camping paddock which houses washing-up sinks, seating, and a log burner, which means you can warm yourself by the fire even in the pouring rain. And the shower room deserves a mention, too; it’s modern, clean, and warmed by a heated floor.

Although it’s a small and relatively simple site, you could park up on day one and not go near your car again for the duration of your stay. Cider and strawberries are a short walk down the road at The Cider Barn, which is flanked by fruit and veg sellers. You’re on the edge of The Mendips and it’s a short hike up the hill for views of The Somerset Levels. A walk in one direction takes you to Cheddar, in the other and you’ll reach Priddy, well-known for its annual folk festival in summer. And, if you do want to go further, Britain’s smallest city, Wells, and the caves at Wookey Hole are just seven miles away. Medieval Axbridge is even closer and even the seaside at Weston-Super-Mare is less than 20 miles away.

We are a quiet, countryside Adults-only (18+) site. Each pitch is approximately 4 metres wide, so it can suit a variety of different size tents, however please note we only allow 2 people per pitch. The site boasts two separate toilets with WC and basins. There is lots of space and privacy, with open views across the Somerset Levels and beyond. You are welcome to use our cosy barn which is equipped with a log-burner and a fire-pit, in addition to washing up facilities with hot and cold water. You may purchase your own firepit / BBQ at a supplement, all we ask is for you to raise it up to keep it off the grass.
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31 Ratings · 27 reviews
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Stephen W.recommends
September 3, 2023
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
Miriam and Geoff are fantastic hosts very friendly and helpfull with locations to visit and walks. The campsites facilities are extremely clean and well maintained with everything you need to make the experience more enjoyable. Great views of cheddar front pitch.
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Alison M.recommends
September 1, 2023
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
Great campsite
Miriam has thought of everything. Peaceful beautiful views great location fabulous shower/toilet room and very clean. The covered kitchen lounge area a fabulous addition which saved us on a very wet morning. Every campsite should have one! Cannot recommend this campsite enough- we will be back!
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Alice J.recommends
August 27, 2023
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
Miriam has been amazing, such a lovely host and the cutest dog :) would definitely recommend!
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Elana L.recommends
August 16, 2023
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
Fabulous stay!!
Miriam was an amazing host, she made every effort to make sure we were comortable and confident about all the facilities in her lovely camping site. Site had beautiful views, a very clean shower with hot water and two toilets as well as a little communal 'chill' area where there was a kettle, fridge and a fire with sofas which was lovely on a night where we didnt want to be out and about. Site is a decent walking distance to main town cheddar (about 30mins, flat walk) and 5-10 mins from the Cider Barn (which I would highly recommend! very sweet place with good cider and a pool table etc). Will definetley be returning if I find myself near by again!
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Martyn W.recommends
May 16, 2023
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
Beautiful, peaceful location with excellent hosts.
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Daniel J.recommends
September 25, 2022
Grass pitch Adults Only (18+)
The site was in a beautiful setting, great views. Miriam and her husband were lovely, very friendly and helpful. The facilities are extremely good, especially the open barn, really good to have had some where other than the tent when it rained for 24 hours! We loved the feeling of being miles from anywhere, despite only being a short walk to the village.
Location
Cheddar, Somerset, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Miriam B.Joined in July 2021
From the host
We are a quiet, countryside Adults-only (18+) campsite on a simple Somerset plot, just two miles from Cheddar Gorge
Nearby attractions
The site is just two miles away from Cheddar with the famous Cheddar Gorge (01278 751874), caves, shops and eateries and it is a pleasant walk to get there. The site is on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a beautiful place to walk with the West Mendip Way passing site, just a few hundred yards away, and Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve nearby. From the hills above the site views are over the Somerset Levels and as far as the Welsh hills and Bristol Channel to the West, the Quantocks and Blackdown Hills to the South. The villages of Wedmore and Priddy, famous for its folk festival, are about four miles from the site and medieval Axbridge is a little further but worth a visit.
Food and drink
There are lots of farmer's outlets selling strawberries and fresh market produce, just a short walking distance away. The Strawberry Special (01934 742177) and The Cider Barn (01934 741837) are both within a mile of site and, only slightly further away (two miles from the site), is The Rodney Stoke Inn (01749 870209) with a restaurant. Cheddar has many good pubs and restaurants and further away is Wells with many pubs and restaurants to chose from too. In the nearby village of Priddy choose from the Queen Victoria (01749 676385) pub and Hunters Lodge (01749 676385), well known to cavers and walkers alike. In Wedmore, The Swan (01934 710337) is recommended.
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