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Basecamp Local Area Guide

Discover adventures nearby and further afield, plus useful information about food, drink and shopping options in our handy local area guide. If you would like to find out what's available to eat and drink onsite at Basecamp, please click here.


Explore Somerset's Top Attractions

Basecamp is the perfect campsite to explore the top attractions of Somerset, including Bristol, Bath and Cheddar. Here are our top recommendations for discovering the area.

Things to do in Bristol

Bristol is a thriving, creative city with great people and friendly vibes. Discover thought-provoking street art, impressive architecture and engineering, unique family activities and excellent local makers and artisans.

A woman stands in a courtyard in Bristol beside a large Banksy graffiti work depicting a version of the Girl With a Pearl Earring painting. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol spans the estuary with hot air balloons in the sky behind. A historic tall ship moored at Bristol Harbourside. A boy looks up at a display wall at We The Curious in Bristol, a science attraction for families. Psychedelic glowing mushrooms at Wake The Tiger, Bristol. Two elephants walking side by side at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. The Upside Down House in Bristol optical illusion attraction. An adult points at a jet plane at the Aerospace Museum in Bristol.

How to get to Bristol

Bristol is approximately a 30-minute drive from the campsite. You can also park at Weston-super-Mare or Yatton to catch the train, or stop in Congresbury and hop on the direct bus. Tap here to find out more.

Check out Visit Bristol for more ideas.

Things to do in Bath

Bath is an elegant, multi-faceted city with something for the whole family. From refined relaxation to head-scratching treasure hunts, unique museums and wildlife experiences, discover the hidden gems of Bath on your next city adventure

The Roman Baths in Bath, a stone-built pool surrounded by a colonnade. The rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa with historic buildings on the skyline. Clueniversity of Magic outdoor escape room in Bath. Sally Lunn's Kitchen Museum in Bath with historic baking implements. An owl perches on a boy's gloved arm at the Bird of Prey Project. A woman and girl on a treasure hunt spy mission trail in Bath. An overhead view of the Beazer Maze in Bath. Go Quest Adventures phone-based quest over Pulteney Bridge in Bath.

How to Get to Bath

Bath is approximately a 1-hour drive from the campsite. Alternatively, you can park in Weston-super-Mare or Yatton and catch the train, or check out the buses that run from Churchill. Tap here to find out more.

Check out Visit Bath for more ideas

Things to do in Cheddar

Cheddar is an adventurer's paradise! Home to Cheddar Gorge, one of England's most impressive natural features, this little village in North Somerset is a must-visit. Sample locally made cheeses, learn about Cheddar's prehistory and discover incredible views of the Mendip Hills on a magical walk around the Gorge.

An overhead view of the iconic s-bend road through Cheddar Gorge. Children on a treasure trail in front of a historical fountain in Cheddar. A cheesemaker preparing samples at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. Cheddar Reservoir with the Mendip Hills in the background. A child beside a cave bear skeleton at the Museum of Prehistory in Cheddar. A colourful nautically-themed indoor soft play area in Cheddar. A crazy golf course surrounded by trees with the hills of Cheddar behind. A group walking down a grassy slope towards the village of Cheddar.

Did You Know?

Mendip also operates YHA Cheddar - perfect for families and large groups, including school residentials. Find out more about YHA Cheddar here

How to Get to Cheddar

Cheddar is about a 20-minute drive from our campsite. You can also hop on the Strawberry Line in Winscombe and cycle or walk, stopping at historic Axbridge for a snack on the way. Tap here to find out more.

Check out Visit Somerset for more things to do in Cheddar.

Proud of Our Local Pubs

We're spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby pub options - from chocolate box perfection to gastro-pub treats, sample the award-winning flavours of Somerset at one-of-a-kind local establishments. Highlights include The Crown's wonderful pub garden, The Railway's unmatched cider selection, The Woodborough's epic Full English breakfast and The Swan's cosy Sunday roast dinners!

The Crown Inn, Churchill - an old stone pub with flower baskets and a small garden. The Railway Inn, Sandford - a stone pub with an oak-framed extension and patio. The Swan Inn, Rowberrow - a half-timbered pub with a paved patio. The Woodborough Inn, Winscombe - a white-rendered pub with a flower-draped pergola.

Getting Around

Make all or part of your local explorations car-free! Basecamp is a campsite near Bristol and Bath, with nearby access to public transit and cycle paths. Avoid parking in the city with park and ride facilities near train and bus stops in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Yatton and Congresbury. Alternatively, craft your own bicycle adventure on the National Cycle Network and see where two wheels can take you next.

First Bus services run across Bristol, Bath and the West. The Falcon bus connects Bristol and the South West. Great Western Railway trains serve Somerset. A cyclist on the National Cycle Network in South West England.

Takeaways, Groceries and Essentials

You can find convenience shops, groceries and takeaways within a few minutes' walk or drive of Basecamp, plus large supermarkets in nearby Weston-super-mare. Find out more in our Basecamp Guide


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Basecamp is a family-run campsite in the heart of the beautiful Mendip Hills, just outside Bristol, five minutes from the M5. Surrounded by ancient woodland, our spacious campsite is perfect for families, small groups and adventurers.

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