Old Age Travellers in Glastonbury

Old Oaks Touring Park

We set off at about 12.00 on the glorious 1st of June, the weather had been good all week and we were keeping our fingers crossed that it would remain that way.  The journey via the M5 was unremarkable and we found the site quite easily despite the printers directions being wrong!  On entering the site we reported to Reception and received a friendly welcome and were directed to our pitch which had its own EWW which was the first time we had experienced this luxury!  This required the short hose which connected directly to the water inlet and fortunately our hose connections were perfect.  We were not sure whether the water would cut off when the tank was full, however, we soon found out that it did not as there was a small flood when it overflowed into the van.  The carpets were wet and had to be lifted and laid outside to dry.  This drama overcome it was time for a cup of tea and a look around our part of the site.  Cue drama number two, I managed to tread in some dog's mess left by a previous tenant of the site on inspection there were several lumps, so it was off to Reception to inform them.  Tony came straight up and cleared it away, he was none too pleased either!  

The facilities block was very new and had everything you could wish for, microwave, indoor washing up sinks with drainers, iron & ironing board, freezer, washing machine/dryer and even a separate machine for washing dogs bedding!  There were separate shower rooms with toilet, shower, basin mirror, seat etc all new and tastefully decorated.  The toilet area had more showers and hand basins with high speed hand dryers and hair dryers. Each basin and sink had its own hand towel.  The hot water was actually hot unlike Heligan, all in all a blueprint for all campsite facilities.

After our cuppa we went for a stroll around the site where we met the Chester the labradoodle (standard poodle/Labrador) he was huge!  The site was beautifully laid out and cared for with lots of hedges and grassy areas.  The site is not cheap and this was reflected in the quality of the caravans 4 x 4's, motorhomes etc.  there were some very impressive set ups and a good choice of 4 x 4's to inspect!

After pizza and some tele we made up the beds and settled down for the night, unfortunately some improvisation was required as I had forgotten to bring my nightie and I also had forgotten the sleeping tablets.  As on our last trip sleep was elusive for me and it was a long night.

The next morning I discovered I had also forgotten one of my tablets, not doing very well up to now! We had a leisurely breakfast of bacon and egg and went for a walk around the fishing lake and woodland walk, very beautifully done and immaculately kept as well as being very environmentally friendly.  After lunch we attempted to walk to the Tor through the fields, it was a very steep climb with spectacular views but it was a hot afternoon and we didn't seem to be making much progress so we made our way back down and had a cup of tea.  Once again sleep was difficult for us both and a cup of tea was brewed at 3.00 a.m.!  I eventually got some sleep about 5.00 and as a consequence it was a slow start, however, we had ordered croissants which were delicious and a real treat.

We were determined to get to the Tor so the next afternoon we took a different route along a proper lane, it was very steep and for a moment I thought I would have to give in, but we kept going and were rewarded by a spectacular view of the Tor at the end of the lane.  We came back the same way and found Gog and Magog, two ancient oak trees with magical powers after which the campsite is named.

We had ordered fish and chips for tea and I went down to collect at 6.30, they weren't spectacular but at least saved me cooking.   At last we both had a good nights sleep and after a leisurely breakfast we packed up and headed for home at about 10.30.  We managed to take a wrong turn and ended up in Wells and had to re-trace our steps but arrived home about 1.00 with no further mishaps.

A good trip we would have liked to explore a little more, but there was no public transport easily available and the minibus service was not very flexible for us.  Also there was no pub within walking distance which was disappointing.  We would stay there again, however, and be a little more prepared.