Historic Car Sporting Trials Weekend @ Wytch Wood

Something a bit different is taking place in the Wytch Wood Valley on 11th and 12th May.

 

One for the petrol heads, we are hosting a two-day motorsport event, run by the Historic Sporting Trials Association. During the event, specialist historic trial cars, mainly from the 1960s and ’70s will complete timed trials “sections” on the steep and slippery hillsides surrounding Blackmore Farm.

 

Historic Car Sporting Trials Weekend @ Wytch Wood

 

British motorsport, enthusiasts will travel from across the country to compete with their brilliant heritage cars.

 

What is a motorsport time trial?

 

A course will be created on the hills, split into multiple sections and marked out with coloured pegs in different areas. The event is not a race, as only one car will be on a section at any one time – but their overall time is important. The sections are designed to be challenging but achievable and test the skill of the driver on difficult terrain.

 

Specialist Trial Cars

 

Not just any car can compete in these particular trials.

 

Eligibility is very strict, and all cars must be constructed in accordance with the National Trials Formula for Sporting Trials cars. This governs things like engine, brakes, steering, axles and wheels. The classes are split into “Historic” cars from 1953-1970, and “Post Historic” cars constructed up to 1978.

 

Most trial cars are very different looking to a road cars – but you can see from the pictures there are some beautiful examples. This is a very friendly and informal sport, so you can usually get up close to the cars and meet the owners and drivers.

Historic Car Sporting Trials Weekend @ Wytch Wood
Historic Car Sporting Trials Weekend @ Wytch Wood
Historic Car Sporting Trials Weekend @ Wytch Wood

Can I get involved in this motorsport event?

 

If you are competing in the trials, you are very welcome to camp with us at Wytch Wood. If you are camping at Wytch Wood over the 11-12th May weekend, you are very welcome to come and watch the trials – there is no charge as a spectator.

 

Here is how you can enjoy a day of this sport safely:

    • You are welcome to spectate; there is no charge to watch a historic sporting trial.
    • Spectators MUST act responsibly and not put themselves or others at risk.
    • Young children must be under the control of a responsible adult.
    • Follow the trial on foot. Unauthorised vehicles are not permitted.
    • You must obey the marshal or official instruction, particularly on matters of safety.
    • Do not stand in a position where you could be struck by a vehicle, behind spinning wheels or in a position that can obscure the vision of the competitors or marshals.

 

Are you a motorsport fan?

 

If you are a fan of cars and motorsports, but can’t make it down for the Trials in May then why not check out some of the other motorsport and car days out in the area:

 

  • Haynes Motor Museum 
    Bursting with automobiles of all shapes and sizes, you can check out over 300 cars and bikes on display and changing exhibitions all the time. With loads of indoor fun including junior go-karts and different play and activity areas you can keep dry and have fun. There is also an outdoor kart track for older petrolheads!
  • Smeatharpe Stadium
    Wytch Wood is around 20 miles from Smeatharpe Stadium which holds stock car and banger racing throughout the year.

 

We’ll be adding to our travel guide – are there any indoor days out in South Somerset, West Dorset or East Devon that you’d recommend?

 

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more updates.

 

Our aim at Wytch Wood is to bring diversity, sustainability and flexibility to camping and glamping, making it possible for us to offer an alternative experience of camping to our guests.

 

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside we have in Somerset, so we are making larger, more private pitches for you.

 

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  Excellent  
    
 Based on 85 reviews 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Liam Turner-Vos 
 
 
 Liam Turner-Vos 
 
26 January 2024
 
 
  
This place is really amazing. Beautiful quiet campsite with individual character pitches. I took my boys and they loved it. Booked again for another visit for 2024 and will probably become a traditional for us to visit.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Donna Orman 
 
 
 Donna Orman 
 
16 September 2023
 
 
  
Amazing stay. Wonderful camp site, well managed, with great atmosphere.  Left very relaxed. Pizza was an added treat.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Phoebe Chambers 
 
 
 Phoebe Chambers 
 
15 September 2023
 
 
  
We thoroughly had a fantastic time staying at Wytch Wood. It was obvious from the get go that a lot of thought, love and effort has gone into creating this beautiful campsite, with a conscientious approach to nature.

We love how each pitch has their own complementary fire pit, handmade table and chairs and even a trug full of logs free of charge as you arrive - something you rarely get on other campsites! We stayed at Toby's Double pitch which is right next to the stream on the edge of the woodland, but still gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Falling asleep next to the sound of running water was absolute bliss... as was seeing an eel in the stream and waking up to owls hooting, horses neighing away in the distance and serene birdsong.

All of the pitches are generously spaced out so you get plenty of privacy without feeling like you're too penned in. We even had our own compost loo which was super convenient and clean and tidy. The showers were simple yet a great set up with complimentary Faith in Nature shampoo and conditioner - again, an offering you rarely get on other campsites.

They have thought of everything essential you need here - at the entrance to the site there are plug sockets to charge devices and a makeshift shop selling local beers/ciders/snacks and most necessities you might have forgotten to pack - all with an honesty box to contribute to. The homemade Pizzas we had on Saturday were epic! We were also really grateful to be given some homemade apple and elderberry crumble made by one of the ladies running it - it was really thoughtful and kind of her. They were friendly, relaxed and always easy to find if we needed anything. Walking around you can see all the new trees they have planted including figs and apple trees which we thought was very forward thinking. There was a lovely well looked after herb bed too.

If you are looking for all this, at excellent value for money and in an incredible setting nearby to lots of lovely villages and beaches, then you really must go here. Thank you for a wonderful stay - we hope to come back in the future. Phoebe and Mel x
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Anca Alias 
 
 
 Anca Alias 
 
1 September 2023
 
 
  
A really nice place with a lot of activities and communal spaces with different vibes to chill or play board games or read a book and relax. Family friendly with lots of space for kids to play. Fantastic pizza and they also have coffee, croissants and more, in the morning. The owner was lovely and very helpful.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Lucy Oates 
 
 
 Lucy Oates 
 
31 August 2023
 
 
  
This is the perfect campsite- we stayed for 4 nights and would have stayed longer if we could! The pitches are really spaced out, so it feels peaceful and private. Great countryside views. We appreciated the private composting loo for each pitch. The honesty shop served us very well, we loved having a campfire every night with toasted marshmallows :) the local area is beautiful too.

The campsite owner is super helpful and welcoming. We also enjoyed chatting to Jonny who was the cleaner while we were there, very nice guy. We would love to come back one day and will be recommending to family/friends.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Jacqueline Dangerfield 
 
 
 Jacqueline Dangerfield 
 
31 August 2023
 
 
  
Absolutely wonderful experience amazing vibes and everyone was so nice . Loved the facilities
  
 
  
 
 
 
 KPM 
 
 
 KPM 
 
27 August 2023
 
 
  
Family of 5 (3 children aged 9,7,4) and our first time camping/glamping.  Wytch wood was a fabulous site with everything we could have possibly needed and all very comfortable. We rented a bell tent and it was spacious, set up brilliantly and the beds were comfy and cozy.  We had the best time and Elise was an incredible host.  Thank you for a magical time!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Matt White (MattWPBS) 
 
 
 Matt White (MattWPBS) 
 
25 August 2023
 
 
  
Only spent one night here, but already planning to come back next year for longer! Stayed on pitch 7 (Toby's Double), and was able to string my hammock tent up between two sturdy trees. I think this is one of the smaller pitches here, but even so it's fully equipped with table and benches, firepit and your own composting loo.

The rest of the site is glorious as well, there's showers up the top, and a great little communal area with charging, a community fridge/freezer, and an honesty shop with local products (try the gelato and the kombucha). In the morning there's fresh coffee available from Elise, and two nights a week they fire up the pizza oven(!). The best bit though? There's a babbling brook that runs through the bottom of the site.

Despite all the facilities, the low number of pitches and separation between them allows this to feel nearly like wild camping in terms of closeness to nature. Heavily recommend Wytch Wood!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Sebastian Janik 
 
 
 Sebastian Janik 
 
23 August 2023
 
 
  
Super miejsce dla osób ceniących sobie ciszę i spokój, sklepik na miejscu z najpotrzebniejszymi artykulami, lodówka, można kupić kawę i ciastko. Gry planszowe. Cena do jakości uczciwa. Właścicielka bardzo miła i uprzejma.