Whoop whoop, we're really excited!  We have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor, in recognition of consistently superior service. Yay!  Huge thanks to all our wonderful customers, particularly those who have left such lovely reviews on Trip Advisor, it really does mean a lot.  We recognise that life doesn't always run smoothly and that problems will inevitably occur, but urge you to speak to us if you find anything about Sparkhayes campsite or the service you've received to be below par.

Here's the official blurb: "With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers”, said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travellers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”
 
The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Thanks so much everyone.

Greetings!  We’re often asked if we’re close to the South West Coast Path and yes indeed we are very close to this glorious national trail. Where the trail winds around Porlock Bay, between Bossington and Porlock Weir, it bows inland towards the village and leads to a footpath up Sparkhayes Lane.  Walkers pass four fields and some houses before reaching Sparkhayes camp site, it couldn’t be more convenient and, beyond us, the shops, pubs and local amenities are only a stone’s throw away.

Today we’re publicising one of many brave souls who take on the challenge of the South West Coast Path in the name of charity.  Pauline Beloni is hiking the trail solo to raise money for young carers – young people who provide care for a family member, often at a level of responsibility that is usually associated with adults.  When Pauline was young, she cared for her mum who was terminally ill with cancer and had also broken her back. Sadly, she died on Pauline’s 13th birthday.  Looking after her was very important to Pauline but she also longed to have the opportunity to be a child and have time to play. She didn’t know she was a young carer and never got the opportunity to meet others in her situation.  

Taking to the Coast Path to raise awareness of young carer’s isolation is a fantastically positive step (or several thousand!).  On 30 May 2016, Pauline will depart from Minehead on a solo hike to The Lizard. The hike covers 300 miles and will be completed in four weeks, during which she will be carrying a backpack weighing approximately 15kg as she will be camping out.  Hiking this distance along the path is equivalent to ascending Everest twice..!

As well as the physical challenge this represents, she will be sharing her story along the path to raise awareness of the issues young carers face (see her blog).  This will be mentally challenging – young carers carry burdens into adulthood and the best way to lighten those burdens is to help them now.  If you feel able to donate to Pauline’s cause, please see her fundraising page.  You might also be able to offer her words of encouragement when she pauses briefly at Sparkhayes or be able to help her spread the word about her hike.  We’re all wishing you the best of luck here at Sparkhayes Pauline!

​Greetings!  What a busy time we’ve had lately here in sunny Porlock Vale.  Yes the weather has been improving and we’ve welcomed campers familiar and new to a host of events.  The Somerset Stages Rally passed with a thrilling cacophony of squealing tyres and champagne corks have popped in celebration of the official launch of the Porlock Bay Oyster Company; we send our congratulations to the organisers who have pulled together this fantastic community initiative.  Locally-grown oysters can now be found on the menus of many local pubs and restaurants and are for sale in various retailers, see the group’s website for more details: http://www.porlockbayoysters.co.uk.  Porlock Bay oysters would make a very luxurious addition to your camping menu and are not only incredibly fresh, plucked from the sea only a mile hence, but are also quick and easy to cook (if you’re not brave enough to guzzle them raw..!).

We’ve welcomed back Claire Hill and co, who were kind enough to send us this photo of the campsite (so glad you enjoyed your stay Claire!).  And we’ve come across a fantastic song, which features the infamous Porlock Hill.  We love it’s catchy rhythm, we hope you do too..!  

Looking ahead, on Sunday 29 May the camp site will be over-run with ducks - of the plastic variety!    From 2-5pm, there’ll be much entertainment as our annual Duck Race takes place, with race-goers enjoying the challenge of, firstly, naming their ducks, and then urging them to victory in one of the ten races.  Refreshments include a barbecue and licensed bar and this really is a fantastically fun event for the whole family.  Come and have a quacking good time *groan, sorry* :)