Doniford Bay - days out & what have I done?!!

TraceyB_2

Have booked a Sun holiday (the last time round not the one out at the mo!) for Doniford Bay in June - and have been reading some bad reviews!:eek:

I usually look up reviews etc before we book but just didnt bother this time and am now slightly worried that not only have I booked an awful site but that I have actually upgraded into a chalet - and the majority of the bad reviews are from people that stayed in chalets - the good ones are from people that stayed in caravans!

We have been on loads of Sun holidays so I know that you arent necessarily going to get top notch accommodation (although we have been really lucky on some hols) but as we are taking my Mum (who has emphasema) I upgraded to try to get the best we could. Now wishing I hadnt bothered paying the upgrade and just taking my chances with a caravan.

Has anyone else been to Doniford Bay that can put my mind at rest or confirm the reviews I've been reading?!

Also, have a 3 year old DD and am looking at places to go - have so far found Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, The Big Sheep & Wooky Hall - has anyone been to these or know of any other days out we could have?

Thanks in advance for any words of reassurance/more bad reviews/ideas on days out

Apologies for going on!:rolleyes:

inspector_monkfish

not Doniford Bay ???:eek:

TraceyB_2

Please - it cant be that bad - can it?

ajgrist

we have been to doniford bay 3 times in the last few years and we have booked again this year. we have had the best holidays at doniford bay. we always stay in the 4 bedroomed chalets, they are in need of redecorating but have been clean and presentable. any complaints we have had, have always been dealt with promptly.

TraceyB_2

Thanks for that ajgrist - at last something positive!

I know that we all have different expectations (I certainly never book Sun holidays expecting The Ritz and have only ever been suprised at the lovely places we have stayed) and that more people tend to post reviews if they had a bad experience but there is a lot of negative posts regarding Doniford Bay - if we weren't taking my Mum I probably wouldnt be so worried!

Any suggestions on days out?

ajgrist

we went on the train which is just up the road, The West Somerset Railway which takes you into minehead. It's an old fashioned train, a good day out.

TraceyB_2

Thanks again - will have a look at that.

jebervic

West Somerset Railway will take you to Minehead, obviously this offers a great day out at Butlins, they have a great little funfair aime at 2-6 yer olds, also there is a really good indoor pool, your 3 year would love it.

The railway also stops at Dunster and Watchet, Dunster has a castle run y the National Trust, Wtchet is a really interesting seaside resort (not amusement arcades) just quaint harbour and village shops with a couple of very small museums).

spaceman5

i would totally agree with jebervic, for a child as young as yours the best option would be a day trip to minehead/Butlins, they will charge you to get in but everything else is pretty much free, apart from the obvious, food/drink and the odd ride, i may be biased as i used to work there for 8 years, but for a child so young in that location then butlins is by far the best option unless you want to travel a fair few miles, the only thing i have not done, which i have wanted to, and still may do as i still live only 20 miles from minehead, is try the steam railway apparantly it is lovely, and runs from minehead to bishops lydeard just outside taunton(the main shopping place in that part of the country), i am sure you will have a great time, as this part of the country is lovely, i love it and i am from up north originally, somewhere else with lovely views, but anyway, as long as your chalet is clean, i am sure you are like most people and use it just as a base, Dave

susieb

We have been to doniford, the pool is good, theres a lovely stream nearby, the beach at minehaed is also good. We stayed in a caravan, on the beach front and it was good, chalets near the fun works looked awful.
The big sheep is a long way on minor roads, not good with car sick kids LOL
theres a reservior nearby, cant remember its name, we went there and had a lovely time, there was shop and picnic stuff and small play area. We also went to an apple cider farm whcih also had a play area, that was close as well.

claire21

We have a static caravan between watchet and blue anchor and we love it there!

Our children are 6,7 & 8 now but we have been going for many years.

Tropiquaria is just up the road and is superb for children, try and find some discount vouchers. You can pay to return in 7 days or £1, this may be worthwhile as its so close to where you are staying. We go there everytime we are down that way.
http://www.tropiquaria.co.uk/

Watchet harbour is nice for a stroll round, kids sit fishing with crab lines with bacon as bait.

Our site along the coast road has its own access down to the beach and we spend hours collecting fossills and looking in rock pools. (this is the best bit about it or us)

The trains run most hours but not all of them are steam trains so make sure you get the right times for a good train. - I think you can use Tesco Clubcard vouchers now for tickets.

Dunster Castle National Trust - again look for vouchers - may be a bit boring for a 3 year old but on certain dates they run special days ie a treasure trail for children. On the opposite side to the turning up to the castle is Dunster Beach - just a small car park but 6 steps and you are on the beach. Little van selling food and seaside toys.

Butlins in Minehead - look for vouchers - there use to be some on the pay and display car parking tickets.

In Minehead if you want to eat - go to The Hairy Dog - lovely play area and good food. Its up the main street leading up from the beach where the crazy golf is.

http://www.thehairydog.co.uk/


Coombe Matin Wildlife/Dinosaur Park.
Its quite a little way away rom you, we went when my youngest was in a buggy - be warned - its on the side of a hill and we were so tired pushing her up and down, quite a struggle.

Wookey Hole is near me, so again a bit of a trip for you. Again when you go into the cave you have to leave the buggy and walk back for it afterwards.

Linton and Lynmouth are a little way from you but could make a nice day out. A gorge walk with water cannons (buggy may be a bit awarkward), the cliff railway etc.


You will have a great time.

Once again Tropiquaria gets my vote.

PS At Watchet harbour is a small tourist info office, wher you can get leaflets that will probably have 50P off vouchers if you can't find any better deals.