Welcome to our website giving general information about our CL. Like many other farm based CLs, we have diversified into the tourism industry to help reduce the impact of the massive overheads created by various bureaucratic agencies. Having toured ourselves, we understand a little about what makes a site attractive. If one word can be used, it is 'tranquility'.
At Rose Coombe Farm we have attempted to create a simple farm CL away from the hustle and bustle of town and road noise intrusion. Some may find it too quiet. For those, there are several towns and attractions within easy reach. The A3052 up the road half a mile leads to the World Heritage Coastline towns of Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Seaton, Sidmouth and Exmouth to list but a few. The A35 (just four miles away) opens up fast access to Dorchester (Hardy country) and Exeter.
As you can see from the photographs above, the site is at the lower end of a large field where the terrain descends towards the Axe valley. Because of its relatively sheltered position, guests are not exposed to the high winds and associated weather of those sites with the 'far reaching panoramic views'. Of course we have views, we are in the countryside. But we do not claim to have views that stretch for miles because we are not on the top of a hill. (Nor are we vulnerable to rain sodden pitches like those in the Axe valley flood plains where the water table is high. In any event, heavy rain on sodden turf is only really a problem around Easter or in the event of summer time flash rainstorms!)
Earlier we mentioned the term 'tranquility'. Such a state is of course relative. We have wildlife in abundance with many pheasants, foxes, badgers, deer, rabbits and birds of prey. Yes, some of those listed are vermin to us as farmers, but they do make up the natural landscape.
Depending upon when you visit, there will be various farm animals and farm activities talking place. Some guests particularly like the Easter period as they can witness the ongoing lambing period and see nature in a real 'reality' context! Not a jungle, but life nevertheless! We are a working farm and you may see a variety of animals. If there are sheep or cattle in the field adjacent to the CL site, you will witness 'One Man and his Dog' doing the regular party piece!
The following information is provided to help you make your decision when looking at our CL. We do not run a holiday camp or a boot camp. We do attempt to set out all the information that guests should have to make their stay and that of other guests comfortable and enjoyable.
Booking your Pitch: Is very easy. Once you have determined your dates, telephone us on 01297 443377. Bookings are made in two ways. If your intended stay is very soon to the telephone call, then provided there is space, you simply arrive, we welcome you and you pay your fees. If your booking is made in advance, as most are, after confirming availablility, we send you further information similar to that which can be found on this website along with booking forms that detail your reservation. After you have checked the details, you confirm your booking by returning the top copy of the booking form along with the appropriate payment. You will need to confirm the booking within ten days of making the reservation..
Cancellations: Providing we receive written cancellation a minimum of two weeks prior to your arrival, we will refund your payment in full. Cancellations made up to two weeks prior to arrival and/or during your stay will only be refunded if we are able to re-sell your pitch. All bookings must be honoured.
Location: Turn off the A3052 at Rousdon (by War Memorial) signposted to Combpyne. You need to drive through the small crossroads on edge of village to leave Rousdon. Rose Coombe Farm is approximately half mile on right just past the Compbyne village name plate.
Caution: If you travel along Trinity Hill from the A35 you will see a turning signposting Combpyne. Ignore this junction, continue until you reach the A3052. Turn right towards Rousdon where you will find the Petrol Garage, War Memorial and further direction sign to Combpyne.
Access: Upon arrival, sweep wide as you turn into the main entrance. This means driving off the concrete and onto the hard area immediately adjacent to the road and concrete drive. This is necessary to make your entry onto the site easy (see site plan and photograph). The gate is very wide so there is no need to worry!
Site Plan
Electrical Hook-up: Electrical hook-up pitches are on the right (3) and left (2+1) as you enter. (see site plan). NB. ALWAYS PUSH YOUR CONNECTING SOCKET HOME FULLY to avoid shorting out! These outlets provide a 10amp maximum supply. Electrical appliances should be caravan rated with total consumption drawing no more than 2.2 Kw (2200 watts) MAXIMUM. (NB. A standard domestic kettle draws between 2.2 and 3 Kw!)
Awnings/WC tents: All awnings are free, or to put it another way, included in the price. If you use a second canvas structure, there is a small charge..
Groundsheets: Please lift every third day for a day. Despite manufacturer's claims, even 'breathable' sheets result in serious damage!
Dogs: Your dogs are very welcome but on leads please. Please exercise in the adjacent field where there is no need for 'scooping the poo'! Farm ivestock in the adjacent field will not be bothered providing your pets are on leads. Please do not let your dog foul the caravan pitches.
Public Footpaths: There are many in the area with some covering parts of the World Heritage Coastline. You can access one of the connecting footpaths just 300 metres from the site. Some guests like to walk part of the World Heritage Coastline footpath between Axmouth and Lyme Regis. Public bus services can transport you to either starting point and then return you to Rousdon when you've completed your walk. We try to keep an up to date local timetable in the information pack kept at the Farm House.
Public Transport: A regular bus service supports the community though frequency is seasonaly determined. Rose Coombe Farm is approximately half a mile from the A3052 at Rousdon along which the local buses run. The bus stop shelter has the usual bus timetable and we attempt to keep a copy in the information pack available at the Farm House. The nearest railway station is Axminster serving Exeter to the west and Waterloo.
Health and Safety: As a family and as a business we have to be safety conscious. Farms can be hazardous where common sense and personal hygiene are not applied. If you come into contact with any farm animals, you MUST take appropriate steps to cleanse yourselves. Please remember that gates and fences are designed to contain farm animals so some parts of such structures may, if not respected, injure you.
Children are very welcome and can enjoy the freedom of open space with the absence of motor traffic. This means that children can play safely. If games that need bigger spaces are to be played, the adjacent field can be used. Please instruct you children on the importance on not climbing gates and fences. These can break and may result in injury.
Shop: Rousdon Petrol Station and Stores carry a wide range of food commodities, consumables / newspapers and magazines as well as Off-License liquid refreshments. Being only half a mile away, it's a good brisk (or relaxed) walk before breakfast!
Local Towns and large villages:
| Lyme Regis | Famous old fishing port ('French Lieutenant's Woman') with one sandy and one shingle beach. Fishing trips, Diving, harbour etc. Dinosaurland. Co-op & Woolies. Superb launching facilities for boats of all types. Local Medical Centre half way between Lyme Regis and Uplyme Tel. 01297 445777. | 3 m |
| Seaton | Victorian and Edwardian resort. Shingle beach with long promenade. Tramway along Axe & Coly vales to Colyford and Colyton. Co-op & Woolies. | 3 m |
| Beer | Old (small) fishing port ('Smugglers Cove') with shingle beach. Beer Quarry Caves, local Lace based on the Flemish traditional style given Royal approval when Queen Victoria had her wedding dress made in Beer. Pecorama is probably one of the safest young children adventure parks around with the model (and ride-on) railways quite superb! Useful to visit Branscombe at same time providing you make it a full day out. | 5/6 m |
| Axminster | Saxon market town (Thursday with livestock prior to F&M) famous for its (Axminster) carpets since 1755. Factory visits by appointment. Tesco store. Co-op. Large Veterinary practice/hospital telephone 01297 630500. | 5 m |
| Axmouth | Small seventh century village east of River Axe half mile from Seaton. Originally a smuggling centre, it developed in the 18th century into a busy port. Axmouth to Lyme Regis coastal walk ('undercliff walk') along World Heritage Coastline (see below for more info'). Axe Golf Club. Tramway. | 2/3 m |
| Honiton | Old market town (Tuesday & Sat'). Lace workshops. Tesco. Many Antiques shops. | 11 m |
| Taunton | Large market town (Saturday with livestock) carrying all major shops etc. Home of Somerset Cricket. | 16 m |
| Exeter | City with usual amenities. Very easy access opening up gateway to anywhere in South West. | 17 m |
| Yeovil | Market town (Friday with livestock). Most chain stores and industrial estates. | 16 m |
| Dorchester | Large 'Duchy of Cornwall' town in 'Hardy' country. Prince Charles Poundbury village built on 'byegone' theme. Worth a visit and then make your mind up - does it work? | 18 m |
| Chard | Medium size town 7 miles inland from Axminster. Home of powered flight! Good Alternative Medicine Centre! | 12 m |
Public Houses and Restaurants: As with all communities, there are several choices particulary of Restaurants. Sadly, Public Houses in the countryside have been in decline for many years.
In Rousdon (half a mile up the road), there is the community Social Club which welcomes visitors. Also in Rousdon., The Dower House Hotel provdes restaurant and bar facilities to non-residents.
All the towns have a good choice or Public Houses though one with which we are more familiar with is the ('Famous') Hunters Lodge Inn at Raymonds Hill, just at the top of the Axminster by-pass. The restaurant food is generally good trustworthy fare with few likely to be disappointed.
A little closer is the Yeoman's Acre restaurant in Colyford, approximately three miles west on the A3052. A little bit more intimate with a menu to match.
In Axminster, there is a Chinese Restaurant (Golden House) open usually from 5.00pm and able to do the usual 'take-aways'. We keep a 'take-home' menu in the information pack at the farm house.
If Italian is your preference, then Rossinis in Harbour Road at Seaton is worth a telephone call. Again, good food with an abundance of fish dishes. We also keep a take home menu at the Farm House.
A traditional pub called The Pilot Boat at Lyme Regis also serves a very good range of food and draught Guinness!
Domestic waste: We have attempted to combine eco-friendliness with waste management. This has resulted in a collection of bins and hanging sacks for your waste packaging. Please sort your waste into the glass bottles, plastic bottles, drinks cans, newspaper and 'other - household waste' categories when depositing materials at the collection point.
'Other' categories of waste products should be placed inside plastic carrier bags or purpose made refuse sacks prior to being put in the green bins. Please do not empty domestic waste directly into the 'other categories' household waste bin. We have to sort waste daily when we are busy! The 'other categories'
Household Waste bins are green.
The Paper bin is metal galvanised, and bottles, plastic bottles and cans go
into hanging sacks. All are labelled. Barbecue waste should be allowed to
cool, then put in carrier bags and placed in the green Household Waste bins.
Religion: The local Combpyne Church of St. Mary is Church of England denomination. Visitors and worshippers are always welcome. The local towns have places of worship covering most religious denominations.
Information
Pack: We have a collection of local
(Devon/Dorset) leaflets on places of interest at the Farm House. Please call
in to borrow this for a couple of days. Ask us about local events that take
place during the summer. The pack also contains a local bus time table.
