Bicknam

On arrival, the entrance is a very tight short steep slope, so be warned and maybe advise them if you are a large rig.  The Welcome pack was a huge bundle of tourist info leaflets, which to be honest we didn't read and just got in the way, but I guess some people find them useful.  The site was not at all pretty and you are next to a school which makes leaving or arriving at school start/finish time even more difficult.  The owners were not the friendliest, but turns out Mr Targett was very ill, so that may explain it.  We did manage to park up ok and got out ok, but it was very tight and parked cars had to be moved.  The CDP is in the island on their driveway up the slope which is a bit unusual and difficult to spot, but we were both told exactly where it was and how to use the side path in case their electronic gates were shut. This aside, we had a lovely time visiting our friends.  It was the first time we took our dogs to Bath and I was surprised how many parks there are in the city itself, and the site is right by the cotswold way which was lovely.  So much beautiful scenery so close to the city.  We also walked along the river and sampled the pub.  In fact we sampled several pubs whilst we were in the area and all were excellent.  The local area Weston had a tesco express as well as some other useful shops, pubs and takeaways. On the plus side we never used the car once as its only a couple of miles to the city and we enjoyed the walk. If it had rained, it may have been a different story, but there are bus stops nearby.  Would we go back....yes to Bath, but no to Bicknam...sorry.  There are other sites around that have easier access and look nicer.  

Response from club:
They’ve stated that the entrance is a very tight on a short steep slope. Yes it is steep for 10 year olds but is 11ft wide at the narrowest point, which double axel caravans and even small American motorhomes find acceptable. The welcome pack contains an abundance of local information, including bus timetables, maps etc. Which is generally welcomed by 99% of our customers, however this is not compulsory. We have a reputation for being very friendly and welcoming. On this occasion I (Merv) was very ill in bed. As this caravaner was having difficulty siting his unit, I decided to go down and assist my wife. We are disappointed that these members were not happy with the service and facilities we provide as we go to great lengths to make sure everyone starts their holiday ‘on the right’ foot. This is supported by the great members and repeat bookings.

Merv and Lyn Targett.

 

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The site itself is rather untidy and was very muddy as it is on the side of a hill and drainage of the grassed areas is not good. I did not find Mrs Targett at all friendly, suffice to say that on the 2 occasions I spoke to her she was somewhat sarcastic, as it seems I had not followed the precise instructions for booking in on arrival. There are many signs across the site, but not one with directions to the point for disposal of toilet waste. One particularly strangely worded sign at the end of the site says "Do not remove any items from this field ". Undoubtedly the best aspect of the site is that it is close to Bath.

Response from club:

We would like to put the facts as we see them. On arrival caravaners will see a sign asking ‘New Arrivals Stop Here’ not to site themselves, but to come to our home to book in and pay etc. Unfortunately this particular caravaner ignored this sign and sited themselves. They did not come to our home to book in. Generally we do a welcome presentation and walk down to the CL showing them all of the facilities we offer alongside an information pack which includes bus times, maps etc. The next morning we were working in our hay barn situated some way from the CL and our home. Lyn saw a gentleman with a dog whom she didn’t recognise and enquired if she could help him, she discovered that this was the caravaner who had arrived the day before. When she pointed out the usual procedure on arrival he seemed aggressive and said that he was paying us money and that it was our place to go and see him. Lyn also asked him to come to the house and book in. Two days later he came up demanding to know where the CDP was, not at all friendly and still would not book in and made no attempt to pay the outstanding amount. A couple of days later his wife came and paid the outstanding amount while commenting on the rubbish left on the highway waiting for collection by the council that day. We are open all year round and have an access road running through the site and all positions are hard standings. Therefore no need for anyone to go on the grass during bad weather. We have been open since 1990 and have met many friendly caravaners who come back time and time again. Unfortunately this gentleman did not wish to confirm and was rude to me and my wife who was deeply upset by his arrogant attitude.

Merv and Lyn Targett

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Although we had already received some details regarding bath from Merv and Lyn, the welcome pack on our arrival was fantastic and had all the necessary details. It's a very peaceful site considering it's close proximity to the city centre,about a 2 mile walk though there are bus stops close by as well. Although not great views from the site itself, you don't have to go far to see the beautiful countryside; the cotswold way is very close as is the bath to bristol cycle path.  We'll definitely be back here again.

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What a first class welcome to this site. The info pack is excellent. We arrived after five pm and the info pack was waiting for us. Bus timetables, every leaflet you could think of for Bath,Bristol etc. No need to find tourist information. Merv and lynn had already done it for us. Very quiet site even though it is on the edge of Bath. Excellent bus services , no need to go out in the motor caravan. So much to see in bath. We will be back.

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Just spent a very pleasant weekend at Bicknam in order to visit Bath. The site itself may not be the prettiest CL in the book, (although it's not bad!), but the welcome from Merv is second to none! Pitches are slabbed with grassed areas in between and are reasonably flat. We were able to level on the jockey wheel. Each pitch has its own water and EHU. Local service bus to Bath runs close by and Newbridge Park and Ride is a 10min walk - but remember to allow 15mins to walk back as it's uphill..! For the energetic there is a very pleasant 2 mile walk along the river into Bath. Shops and chippy are about a half mile from the site at Weston. The Boathouse pub is near the Newbridge Park and Ride and is at the end (or start) of the walk along the river and is a very pleasant hostelry overlooking the river. It can get busy so best to book if eating. Food is good and not too expensive. All in all, Bicknam is a great base for exploring Bath and we have already booked a weekend for the Xmas markets in November!

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This is an ideal site from which to visit the city of Bath.  We received a friendly welcome from Merv who gave us a comprehensive information pack.  It's a quiet site just 2 miles from Bath city centre and just within the city boundary.  Not the smartest site that I've stayed on but it was quiet and relaxing and the essential facilities were all in good working order.  The bus stop to take you into town is about 200m away or you can go a little further (c.800m) to the park and ride where parking is free and catch more frequent buses to the city.  The local shops at Weston are about 600m away and will provide your basic essentials.  The Panda takeaway serves Chinese & Thai food and also fish and chips.  It's a very average establishment, adequate but not great.  The Boathouse next to the park and ride is an excellent pub.  It's position on the river is very pleasant which makes sitting out very attractive.  The Brains beer is well kept and the short menu offers quality food at reasonable prices. I'm sure that we will stay with Merv & Lyn next time we visit Bath.

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A gem of a site, quietly tucked away on the Western fringe of Bath. Astonishing welcome pack, great veg for sale.  Water and electricity are per pitch. Easy bus access the the centre, or a pleasant 40 min walk.  We love the fact that you can quickly access the many local walks in the glorious hills around the city.  

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If you have your own facilities and are happy with a certified location, then I can highly recommend the site in Penn Hill road, Bath. Merv and Lyn are the perfect hosts, and will go out of their way to help with anything you need. A welcome pack is presented on your arrival that contains loads of information. There are multiple buses nearby (the number 1 just a few hundred yards up the road), and beautiful countryside walks on the doorstep. Each level pitch has its own electric and fresh water supply.  There is a grey waste point at one end of the pitches, and a black waste a few yards up the slope to Merv and Lyn's home. A very quiet and relaxing place to stay, and just a 10-15 minute bus ride into the centre of Bath. If you are in Bath late and get a taxi back, this is under a tenner. The icing on the cake is the very reasonable charge to stay here! I have stayed here a lot, and will always return when visiting Bath. Thank you Merv and Lyn! Martin.

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Just had our second visit to this site. Yet again Merv' was extremely helpful; great welcome pack and always available to assist. A basic CL but just how they should be as far as we are concerned, a busy one also but with the Xmas market in full flow we expected that. Great for cycling - we did almost 50 miles, nearly all on dedicated cycle tracks - shear luxury! Good bus links into Bath itself - and yes we would return. Thank you.

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Easy to find using directions from CC book.  Small site but plenty of space (hardstanding).  Very friendly welcome from Merv and the most comprehensive info pack ever received.  Good water and disposal points and rubbish recycling.  Regular buses close by to Bath (beautiful city) and not far from Riverside cycle track to Bath and Bath/Bristol Railway cycle track.  Pub by Park and Ride at Newbridge Road or in village at Weston.  Would definitely return and thanks for such a warm welcome.

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