Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland.jpg" alt="Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119330" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Ancient-Woodland-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Located in 250 acres of ancient woodland in the stunning Mendip Hills National Landscape,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.mendip.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Activity Centre</a> near the village of Churchill in Somerset, is one of the best outdoor adventure centres in the UK.  The award-winning centre, which was established in 1987, offers over 20 exciting outdoor activities for beginners and enthusiasts of all ages, both here and at nearby satellite sites including SUP Bristol in the centre of the city. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4.jpg" alt="Frisbee Golf Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Frisbee-Golf-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Frisbee Golf</figcaption></figure>



<p>From skiing to abseiling, axe throwing and archery to frisbee golf, each activity designed to challenge and inspire – and it&#8217;s brilliant fun. Come for the day or camp a while at the <a href="http://www.mendipbasecamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Basecamp</a>. Think of it as Somerset&#8217;s version of Centre Parcs (but better value).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Set high on a wooded hillside, with views across to the Mendip Hills and the Brecon Beacons, a Swiss chalet HQ with Alpine Lounge café, and ski and snowboarding slopes running alongside, you could imagine you&#8217;re in the foothills of The Alps.  The setting is truly beautiful. As you walk up through the ancient woodland, you see kids building dens, cycling, walking, discovering nature, having fun – this is what childhood should be about. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-offer">WHAT&#8217;S ON OFFER</h2>



<p>Take your pick, there over 20 activities. Abseiling and rock climbing in Sandford Quarry.  A game of frisbee golf around an 18-hole course on meadows and into the woods. Tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding in the height of summer. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling.jpg" alt="Archery Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119331" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Abseiling-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Archery and air rifles shooting, with expert safe instruction. Nerf and gel blaster battles in Hanger 51. Paddle around on SUPs and kayaks over in Bristol Harbour. The more <a href="https://mendip.me/book/advanced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced, one-day courses</a> for adults in hill skills, rock climbing and watersports sound good. Everything&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mendip.co.uk/activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bookable online</a>.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2.jpg" alt="Archery Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119332" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Archery-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>By the way, the instructors and other staff are very clued up about the wildlife – there are some Peregrine falcons, we hear&nbsp;– and have loads of fascinating info at their fingertips.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing.jpg" alt="Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Tobogganing-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s plenty of other stuff to do. Criss-crossed with paths for walking and cycling, follow a nature trail with brass rubbings and QR codes and an orienteering course. </p>



<p>Coming soon: a 2-acre lake with a beach for swimming and water sports (watch this space).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-camps">SUMMER CAMPS</h2>



<p>Kids will be so busy climbing, paddling, exploring and laughing that they won’t miss their phones at all at the <a href="https://www.mendip.co.uk/adventure-camps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids Adventure Summer Camps</a>: for ages 8–15, six nights residential, with dates between Sat 26 July – Sat 15 Aug.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-camping-with-festival-vibes">CAMPING WITH FESTIVAL VIBES </h2>



<p>Pitch your tent – or rock up to a rented one if there&#8217;s a large group of you – for a night, a few days or more on top of the world AKA <a href="http://www.mendipbasecamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Basecamp</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone.jpg" alt="Mendip Basecamp, Mendip Activity Centre" class="wp-image-119327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Basecamp-Sunset-drone-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The centre‘s off-grid campsite in four huge fields has hot showers, flushing loos,  café-bar, pop-up shop, USB charging and fast WiFi (yes, I know!). Open from May to August, it&#8217;s super relaxed; choose your own spot, have a campfire, and check out when it suits you (no 7am alarm calls here). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1.jpg" alt="Mendip Basecamp, Mendip Activity Centre Somerset" class="wp-image-119328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/07/Mendip-Tipi-Area-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With a giant sandpit, play area, games, summer pop-ups – from circus skills and nature workshops to live bands – a free orienteering course, and space to kick a football around, there&#8217;s plenty to do. The <a href="https://mendipbasecamp.com/festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Mini Fests</a> – six relaxed, family-friendly festival weekends in July and August just for campers&nbsp;– sounds especially fab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Anyone of almost any age, who wants to have an adventure. Book one – or two – activities, throw in some den building, a nature trail or cycle ride, bring a picnic or eat in the Alpine Lounge café and you&#8217;ve got yourself a brilliant family day out. Family camping weekends, with live music over the summer at the <a href="https://mendipbasecamp.com/festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Mini Fests</a>. Dogs are welcome.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> We reckon even diehard stick-in-the-muds won&#8217;t be able to resist the fun.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Great value. Frisbee golf from £6/person; tobogganing from £7/person; skiing from £14; archery from £24/person; rock climbing from £33/person. Camping from £7/person/night (own tent).</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.mendip.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendip Activity Centre</a>, Lyncombe Drive, Sandford, Churchill, Winscombe , Somerset BS25 5PQ.</em></strong> <em>01934 834877.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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Review: Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill

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