Best campsites for the Mendip Hills AONB
Here is our pick of the Alan Rogers Assessors, expert-recommended campsites for the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is a dramatic landscape of sheer gorges, rocky spurs and the lakes of the Chew Valley. Notable highlights include the Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge. Running inland from the Bristol Channel, the limestone hills of the Mendips climb to 300 metres before dropping to the Somerset Levels. The gorges create a unique habitat, and rare flora clings to the cliff face.
Up on the austere plateau around Priddy and Charterhouse, the rugged hilltops are scattered with timeless drystone walls, long disused mines and ancient remains from centuries past. Remnants from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman period are common.
Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has two National Nature Reserves, numerous sites of Special Scientific Interest and is a prominent caving centre. Lower areas of the AONB feature rich grasslands, wooded valleys and valuable farmland: this is traditional sheep farming country and the Priddy Sheep Fair is still held, despite dairy farming being the primary agricultural activity.
Top Mendip Hills AONB Camping Options
Cheddar Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is situated on the very edge of Cheddar Village and boasts magnificent views of the Mendips and surrounding countryside - an absolute walker's paradise. Amenities in the village include a variety of shops, pubs and takeaways. Cheddar Caves and Gorge and the famous Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company are all within easy walking distance of the site. With Wookey Hole Caves and Mill and England's smallest city of Wells just a short drive away, you are sure to have plenty to see and do during your stay. The site has 68 grass or hardstanding pitches all with 16 amp electricity.
A small and secluded garden site for adults only, Bath Chew Valley has been developed with much tender love and care by the Betton family, who are rightly proud of their David Bellamy Gold award. Hardstanding pitches are sited amongst colourful beds of flowers, shrubs and trees. Cars are tucked away on the nearby car park, providing a tranquil and restful atmosphere. An area of woodland is adjacent with an enclosed dog walking area called Puppies’ Parade. The warden will assist you in placing your caravan.
Within easy walking distance of Cheddar village, this is an adult only (over 18 yrs) park. A compact site, there are 65 pitches, mostly on level grass, with 40 electricity hook-ups (16A) and 35 gravel hardstandings. A separate area for 20 tents is on the river bank, with its own toilet facilities. Ten caravan holiday homes are now also available to rent. Reception keeps basic supplies and gas cylinders. Cream teas are available (which you prepare yourself) and profits go to charity. Note: the site access is over a fairly narrow bridge with low stone walls, passable for double-axle caravans, but more difficult for very large motorhomes.
Bucklegrove is set right in the heart of Somerset on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills and close to the tourist attractions of Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole and Wells. There are 110 individually marked and numbered touring and tenting pitches, most of which have 10A electricity connections. The site is made up of the Grove, a level and terraced field, joined by a woodland walk to the lower field. There is also a summer camping meadow just for tents (no electricity here), with plenty of space and great views. The play area (for under 14s) has a safety surface and includes a multiplay unit, slide and spring riders.
Wells Touring Park is a long established, family owned, restful touring park in the heart of the beautiful Somerset countryside. This tranquil, adults only touring caravan park offers a relaxed atmosphere and a warm friendly welcome. An award winning 5-Star park with superb facilities. Offering 60 hard standing pitches, 12 grass pitches (some seasonal), suitable for caravans, motorhomes, RV's and trailer tents. Lodges & cottages available for sale or rent.
Purn Holiday Park is located close to the popular resort of Weston-super-Mare, and is easily accessed from the M5 motorway. Touring pitches are of a good size and are all equipped with electricity (13A is available for a supplement). A number of hardstandings are available. Many pitches are occupied by mobile homes (available to rent). Leisure amenities include a swimming pool, children’s play area and an amusement arcade. Fishing is popular on the River Axe which runs past the rear of the site and is free of charge (a national rod licence must be held). Kingfishers can often be seen here.
West End Farm is situated close to the M5 motorway yet in a quiet position. It is set in ten acres and offers a true country setting. There are 75 touring pitches, all with 10 amp electricity, of which 20 are fully serviced. All serviced pitches benefit from having hardstanding. A separate field caters for 30 tents. The site is open all year round and has tarmac roadways with lighting throughout the site. There is a lack of shade from trees but as a result there are open views. With good public transport links, cycle tracks and footpaths this site provides a base from which to explore this fascinating area.