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Having looked in on the site last year, and after reading other reviews we thought we’d give it a go. Very laid back arrival, you just arrive, pick your spot and pitch. The site owner wanders around twice daily and collects any fees.
The single block of facilities are to say the least a “little tired”, although clean, and if you pick your time carefully very quiet. The site consists of two fairly level fields, which to all intents and purposes are right in the middle of the lovely Somerset village of Porlock.
There are quite a few pubs and restaurants in the village offering everything from bar snacks to high quality local fare. The village also has a small supermarket and a hardware/camping supplies shop all within an easy 5 minute walk from the site.
On arrival (Saturday) we had a good choice of pitches, and found the site to be very quiet in the evenings, pretty ideal. However on Monday after a very good meal at the Top-Ship we returned to find a large group of 4 man tents pitched very close, their cars almost on top of our guys. This tainted the rest of our stay.
That laid back “pitch where you want approach” is all well and good, but when unreasonable, somewhat rowdy groups arrive it lets what could be an ideally situated little gem of a site down. If you are back packing the Coastal path and need an overnight stay it’s ideal, if you want guaranteed peace and quiet perhaps not. Would I go back, in a motor home yes, in a tent no I’m sorry to say.
We spent a week in Exmoor during a very wet November and were unable to find any open campsites due to the weather.
After a few nights of wild camping, we desperately needed a shower and so after asking around in Porlock, were directed to this site.
Not only had this campsite closed for the winter but the owner was in the middle of trying to sort out blocked drains and a burst water pipe on the site.
Despite this, he let us camp free of charge for several nights and let us use all the facilities including the showers once the water had been sorted out!
We couldn't thank him enough for his kindness and would love to go back when the site is actually open as Porlock is such a lovely place and this campsite is in a great location.
Just returned from here having spent 4 nights. Sparkhayes is a really quiet, friendly site with a mix of families, older couples and friendly old bikers! Walk into Porlock in minutes. Phil the proprietor is really helpful and relaxed- it rained on the morning of your last day and there was none of the usual 'off site by 12' stuff. He invited us to stay and let the canvas dry off.
The single sex bathroom facilities are basic, but clean. Loo roll, handwash, paper towels never ran out. Small showers, not for the modest as the only way to access clothes/towels is to come out of the cubicle! But the water was hot and temp/power adjustable which is a pleasant change.
Fridge/freezer and washer/drier available - use payable by honesty box. Washing up facilities can get busy, but washing up liquid provided. Pay phone. There are plugs in shower block/washing up area where people seem to charge lamps/phones etc, all very trusting.
The most wonderful bit about this site is the location. Porlock hill behind you, Bossington and I think Selworthy Beacon to the right of you, the sea in front and Wales in the distance. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The rear wall (furthest from the sea) is not that attractive with a collection of camping debris, but just don't look at it!
Pitch where you want, lots of springy grassy space for the kids to play. Hook-up is available, but is limited to the rear end of the site. I think I would be tempted to do 'real' camping to enable me to camp in some of the more secluded corners of the 2 fields. If you camp on the Bossington side(RHS as you face the sea), you get the evening sun.
Nice park for kids in Porlock, up road to R of church. 5-10mins walk max.
We have just got back from a lovely holiday staying at Sparkhayes Camping Site.Initially we were just staying a couple of nights then moving on into Devon and then Cornwell.We enjoyed Porlock and the site so much we stayed for a week!The site is quiet. Clean and relaxed.Choose your spot, pitch your tent and enjoy your stay. Phil the owner will collect your fees when he sees you. There`s even an honesty box for the use of the fridge/freezer.
Porlock offers everything you need.Pubs,shops etc.A lovely little place.
A good walking and cycle area although very hilly.
There is a beach a 15 minute walk away but it is all rock.
Sparkhayes campsite, owned and run by the delightful Mr.P.Weaver is how campsites should be, it has everything you need and is a very relaxed place to be. The shower block and toilets are clean and there is also washing facilities in the same block. Porlock village is just a stone throw from site and hosts a few delightful shops, pubs and restaurants, the nearest pub being the Royal oak who's back door is about 20 meters from the campsite gate! A must do whilst in Porlock is venture up the infamous Porlock hill which has a gradient of 1 in 4 and rewards you with spectacular views of the Bristol channel and Wales. I have been to Sparkhayes twice now with my wife and four children and the second time I took my cousin,her husband and three children along with us and they will also be returning, this has to be the best camp site I have ever been to.
This award winning Adults Only campsite has a working 17th century watermill in a peaceful wooded valley within the Exmoor National Park. Grass and hardstanding pitches, all set beside the River Exe or the sparkling mill stream, with electric, water, drainage, and TV hook-ups. A leisurely stroll up to a weir, and an area where dogs may run free and splash in the river.
Facilities include the beautiful dog walk, free wifi, fishing, modern toilet and shower block, dog wash, working watermill (tours on most Sunday mornings), salmon pass on the weir, shop, bus service, and excellent pubs in the locality. The site has beautiful views, an abundance of wildlife and many footpaths leading directly to the Exmoor woodlands and rivers. Find out more here
Lovely campsite my family have been coming here since 1999 and we love it. Facilities basic but clean and everything you need. The warden is most welcoming, relaxed and very friendly. The village of Porlock is beautiful,peaceful and has everything you need without having to travel.We will be returning again this year and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else!
Lovely campsite. Basic facilities e.G. Shower, toilet, laundry and wash up. They have a kettle and washing up liquid! 2 Large fields so you just pitch anywhere, no set pitch sizes. We just turned up and pitched and the guy didn't even come around to collect the fees until the next morning! Very relaxing.
Porlock is a lovely little village. Chippy, pubs and even a hardware store in case you need extra supplies! We found a lovely pub called the ship inn which had a children's play area out the back.
We went to Butlins in Minehead which is just down the road. We had a lovely time.
Very nice laid back site - we'll definitely consider going back next time we're in the area.
There was plenty of space for our group of three tents and three cars when we arrived Friday evening. The proprietor was very friendly and helpful.
The facilities are basic but perfectly good, and it's so cheap you can't complain (it was £6 per adult per night when we went). You get toilets, showers, washing up area, laundry room, fridge/freezer.
The site is right next to the quaint Porlock village which has plenty of interesting shops and pubs. The pebble beach is about 20 minutes away on foot and is good for coastal walks.
I especially liked the particularly lush green grass, and the ground itself was perfect for pitching a tent on.
My other half and I (and our dog) have just spent 12 nights at this campsite. We were only going away for a week but the weather and campsite were so brilliant we decided to stay on. The main purpose of our stay was to continue our SW Coast Path walk for which it is in an ideal location (there were many others doing it), with buses passing through the village towards Minehead (the start) and Lynmouth the other way, which enabled us to only have to walk one way for some parts. I'm only sorry that we will be moving on from this area now to continue the walk and may not have an excuse to stay here again.
Although there are only two showers in each block and I could see this being a problem at peak times, we didn't have a problem when we were there. The showers and toilets are kept exceptionally clean. The owner is a very useful source of information about the weather, walking,local facilities, etc and more or less leaves you to your own devices.
The village of Porlock itself is very pretty although it has some quite heavy traffic passing through, being a main trunk route. That said, we didn't notice any traffic noise from the campsite. With two supermarkets opening early until late (Costcutter being my favourite, selling local produce), a butchers, pharmacy, pet shop, fish & chip shop, hardware store selling camping equipment, a museum, etc there is virtually all you need locally to survive.
All in all, we had a brilliant holiday here and would highly recommend it to others.
A fantastic little campsite located in the wonderful Exmoor, and has everything one could need!
Having visited with a group of ten friends for four nights, we all have come away missing Porlock greatly, and found it a perfect relaxing break from our studying lives! The surrounding scenery is something truly wonderful, and the nearby pebble beach is worth a visit, with its interesting bunkers and green hills adjacent.
The village of Porlock is well connected for those who wish to visit the surrounding towns (like minehead) and nature parks. The village also has a number of charming pubs and restaurants and a play area, and a hardware store that can supply you with the much-needed cutlery! The campsite owner is friendly, helpful and clearly sets out the rules upon arrival.
The facilities are good, and everything works. Basically, the campsite had all we needed! Would definitely recommend!
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Common Questions
Is Sparkhayes Camping Site child friendly? YES, it accepts children View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Sparkhayes Camping Site? There is a shop within 1 mile View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
No Caravans 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
No Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
No Baby Changing 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
No Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
No Wifi Access 
Shop <1 mile 
Bar <1 mile 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
No Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <5 miles 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <1 mile 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
Beach <1 mile 
Watersports <10 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring <5 miles 
Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
Having looked in on the site last year, and after reading other reviews we thought we’d give it a go. Very laid back arrival, you just arrive, pick your spot and pitch. The site owner wanders around twice daily and collects any fees. 
