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Petruth Paddocks

99%
·
· Somerset, Somerset, England
30 acres hosted by Petruth P.
9 motorhome/tent pitches
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Best all-round: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Best in South West England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Petruth is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Easy-going camping for all, just a stroll away from famous Cheddar Gorge

Following it’s 2005 appearance in the television series Seven Natural Wonders, the craggy cliffs and dazzling caves of Cheddar Gorge were voted the second greatest natural wonder in the UK, and it doesn’t take an expert to see why. As you follow the windy riverbed road along the former route of the Cheddar Yeo, steep green slopes carve ever deeper before you and one can’t help but wonder how it looked with water thundering through. In fact, the river does still flow, now far beneath the surface, and its handy work has continued below ground, carving out spectacular caves and narrow limestone tunnels. It’s not until you reach the village itself that the water reappears, slithering away from the beautiful Mendip Hills. It is here, on the doorsteps of Cheddar Village, that Petruth Paddocks can be found and its open grassy meadows beckon any would-be camper inside.

Down a track to the wooden gateway, campers, glampers and caravan towers alike arrive directly into a large open field, fronted by a small white reception tent and a pair of picnic benches. After a chat with easy-going Jules, the site becomes your own and it’s entirely up to you where you pitch. Chose from the plentiful space before you, with two pre-pitched tipis at the rear of the field, or head through a gate into the next-door meadow, aptly described as the ‘chill-out field’. At its centre, a dilapidated landrover has become every child’s playground, saddling up in the drivers seat or clambering on the bonnet, while to one side a horse paddock nudges the edge of the campsite, another distraction for playful children.

The relaxed, pitch-where-you-like, attitude continues through the rest of the site, which rightfully prides itself on a laid back philosophy and welcoming atmosphere for all. Music is welcome, balls can be kicked around, and campfires are very much encouraged, with a quad bike humming around the site each evening offering more firewood and kindling to those in need. Don’t be surprised when the trailer comes past with as many children as logs on the back – the quad is a popular ride with the little ones!

In the centre of the site, by the gate between the different fields, simple sanitary facilities are provided. Hot showers are housed in spacious cabins, so there’s plenty of space to hang your clothes, with an adjacent toilet block on one side and washing up sinks on the other. There are also a number of drinking water taps dotted around the site.

From your pitch head by foot, bike or car into the surrounding area, stopping at reception to grab some info and brochures. By foot, it is Cheddar that beckons, with a collection of good eateries and the gateway back into the gorge. Those on two wheels should follow the Strawberry Line, an excellent cycle route that starts within meters of the campsite. Taking the car offers plenty to see and do, whether it be historic Wells' magnificent cathedral, Glastonbury Tor or the beautiful beaches of northern Somerset.

These spacious pitches are flexible according to your needs. There are hot showers in spacious cabins and toilets located in the main field. Drinking water is available from numerous taps throughout the campsite.  Dogs are welcome with an additional charge of £3 (you can book these from the extras menu). Campfires are encouraged and fire pits hired for £2 per night, logs purchased for £6, kindling for £2 and £1 for paper and fire-lighters. Please do not bring your own firewood as we need to know what's being burnt. If you wish to venture from the campsite and visit Cheddar Village or Cheddar Gorge be sure to pick up a brochure at the reception.
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99%
87 Ratings · 165 reviews
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Kristy F.recommends
August 4, 2023
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
One to remember! :)
Upon arrival we knew we had arrived somewhere wonderful. We were greeted by lovely Eric a young friendly employee who guided us to the office and Gave us a very detailed explanation of how things worked around camp. From there it was smooth sailing. Peter the owner and captain of the ship told us the history of the place and made us feel at home. While being guided by Eric in his caddy (with his extremely skilful driving) we were shown the well laid out and accessible food van and very clean, spacious and inclusive shower and toilet facilities. The site was friendly, familial, fun and free. Being within walking distance from Cheddar, makes an easy fun touristy day out. And of course a great place for climbers if they want to access the Gorge. We had a great time and we will definitely be back. Amber & Kristy
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Stella ?.recommends
June 12, 2023
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
Excellent facilities and amazing location! Walkable distance to Cheddar and very close to Glastonbury, Wells and Wookey Hole which I recommend visiting while you're there too. The staff were all super friendly. We were welcomed by Keith who helped us to find the perfect spot in the quiet field (highly recommend for singles/couples) but there is also a bigger (and much busier) field for families which had lots of space for kids to run around in. There is a breakfast van which is great for your morning coffee fix and I think they do pizza in the evenings sometimes too. The little shop was really handy, especially for grabbing a couple of ciders without needing to leave the site! There were plenty of toilets and showers which were all very clean. The showers were quite temperamental changing from hot to cold. We only stayed one night but wished we'd stayed longer!
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Karen H.recommends
June 2, 2023
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
Beautiful scenery, clean and very friendly atmosphere. The only disappointing thing was we were told no EHU available but we saw several EHU vacant during our two night stay
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Liz B.recommends
October 3, 2022
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
Great central location, staff were very cheery and helpful. Showers were AWESOME! As a woman travelling alone it also felt very safe and secure.
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Amber N.recommends
October 3, 2022
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
Easily the best well-organised campsite I've ever been to with the friendliest owners. Very close to Cheddar itself and right next door to a brewery. 100% will be returning.
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Jeni C.recommends
September 5, 2022
Non-Electric Grass Pitch
Great option for couples
What a great site. Brilliant facilities, super friendly staff and in a great location. We had a big area to ourselves and found that it was very peaceful
Location
Somerset, 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 Petruth P.Joined in March 2017
From the host
Petruth Paddocks is a relaxing campsite where anyone can visit and feel immediately at home. A live-and-let-live place where there are refreshingly few rules, kids can be kids, campfires are encouraged, music and bad singing are not a problem and people feel free to wander round making new friends. Petruth Paddock is on the doorstep of Cheddar Village and Cheddar Gorge – voted the second greatest natural wonder in the UK. Cheddar Gorge is packed with tons of activities such as rock climbing, abseiling and exploring the caves and learning about the heritage and history of this fascinating natural feature.
Nearby attractions

It's a five minute walk into Cheddar and a 15-20 minute walk to the start of the gorge (01934 742343). Here activities include rock-climbing and abseiling on the gorge cliffs, exploring the caves and the Wookey Hole or learning about the heritage and history of this fascinating natural feature. Those on bikes should visit by following The Strawberry Line, an excellent cycle route following the old railway network. Walk the Droves, adjacent to the site, or head into the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (01761 462338). Those taking the car will find the cities of Bath and Bristol are both 45 minutes away, though if you do head in this direction, walking Brean Down (01452 814213) and visiting Berrow Beach should also be high on the list. Wells (01749 671770) city is closer than its more famous neighbours and a rather undiscovered gem, with an intriguing history and beautiful cathedral (01749 674483). Glastonbury is also close by, with original, quirky shops, along with the famous Abbey (01458 832267) and Glastonbury Tor (01934 844518).

Food and drink

The Café opposite the monument in Cheddar serves delicious hot food, cakes, teas and coffees. Pub-wise, The White Hart (01934 741261) in the Gorge has a dog-friendly beer garden and offers discounts to Petruth Paddocks campers. The Rodney Stoke (01749 870209) on the Wells Road is good for big parties, with great views across The Levels, a large garden and play area. The Riverside (01934 742452) with adjacent car park and beer garden is also a good choice, located at the beginning of the road to the Gorge in Cheddar. There are also Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants in the village. Two nearby supermarkets are on hand: Tesco Express, at the end of the footpath into the village, and the larger Budgens (01934 744546) nearer to the campsite. If you are walking, it is on the road into Cheddar before the turning to the Gorge, down a short road to the right.

Video
https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1kbN0nLBo0
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