Beach Camping in Mendip Hills AONB

Limestone bluffs, rocky plateaus, and grassy steppes blanket the landscapes of the Mendip Hills, providing plenty of scope for outdoor adventures. Hike beneath towering cliffs in the Cheddar Gorge, explore natural caves, and climb windswept tors for views that stretch as far as Wales. Camping is just as adventurous—pitch your tent at secluded campsites surrounded by nature or enjoy glamping in a bell tent or remote shepherd’s hut. The forests, lakes, and gorges are accessible year-round but bloom with wildflowers in spring and summer. Winter camping and hiking is possible with all-weather gear, although it’s best to leave the tent behind.

98% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

Limestone bluffs, rocky plateaus, and grassy steppes blanket the landscapes of the Mendip Hills, providing plenty of scope for outdoor adventures. Hike beneath towering cliffs in the Cheddar Gorge, explore natural caves, and climb windswept tors for views that stretch as far as Wales. Camping is just as adventurous—pitch your tent at secluded campsites surrounded by nature or enjoy glamping in a bell tent or remote shepherd’s hut. The forests, lakes, and gorges are accessible year-round but bloom with wildflowers in spring and summer. Winter camping and hiking is possible with all-weather gear, although it’s best to leave the tent behind.

98% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Walnut Farm Glamping

97%

(39)

8 units · Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.

2. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

3. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

4. Tipi Adventure

11 units · Glamping · Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, West Midlands

Tipis in a riverside meadow – all set up for group adventures

5. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

6. Hobby Farm

96%

(45)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

7. Haddon Copse Farm

99%

(49)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs

8. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

9. Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

98%

(121)

14 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

Adult-only camping amid the apple blossom of an award-winning cider orchard

10. West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

11. Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

100%

(21)

12 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Shepherd's huts and bell tents on the farm with a prime location between historic Dorchester and seaside Weymouth

12. Lower Keats Glamping

6 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

Luxury safari lodges in a prime Axe Valley locale, with the best of the West Country and Jurassic Coast to explore

Camper favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Haddon Copse Farm

99%

(49)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

98%

(121)

14 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

Adult-only camping amid the apple blossom of an award-winning cider orchard

West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

100%

(6)

6 units · Glamping · Wareham, Dorset, South West England

West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around. The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking. You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site. If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path. The local farm shop is a five-minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.

Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

100%

(21)

12 units · Glamping · Dorchester, England

Shepherd's huts and bell tents on the farm with a prime location between historic Dorchester and seaside Weymouth

Lower Keats Glamping

6 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

Luxury safari lodges in a prime Axe Valley locale, with the best of the West Country and Jurassic Coast to explore

Stories from the community

G

Geert

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Hobby Farm

Beautiful spot. Clean sanitair. On walking distance there is a really nice pub with excellent food.

S

Sam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

The most peaceful and beautiful stay with amazing amenities and cider! The location is incredible, but the merit really goes to the owners and their family who made my partner and I feel so incredibly welcomed during our star We cannot recommend to stay here enough and know we will definitely be visiting when the camping season starts :)

C

Chazza

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

Thank you for another wonderful weekend. A peaceful time spent camping in amongst the apple trees with delicious cider available in the cosy tasting room. Board games to play, Apple cake to munch and clean toilets and showers with plenty of hot water. Lovely family running the show as well. Perfect.

S

Sean

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Brig's Farm

Quiet, lovely place. Very off grid. Nice toilets and showers. Good recycling and bins. Great location.

S

Sam

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

The cider farm is incredibly beautiful and peaceful! If you are looking for a quiet and serene retreat this is the place to go :) The cider itself is so good and would highly recommend ‘hunny bubble’

J

Joana

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Walnut Farm Glamping

Amazing stay with beautiful views. The tent is equipped with everything you need and beds are comfortable. The environment is very calm and pizza night really is a success, not only the pizza's are very nice but you get to know the other people staying - amazing if you have kids as they start playing together. We had an amazing time and would definitely return and recommend the stay.

B

Bronwyn

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Coppet Hill

This campsite introduced me to 'quiet camping' - I was concerned that it could be 'too quiet' for my daughter, but the barn (which is fully equipped with games, tables/chairs, and a little shop/bar) provides a central place where everyone congregates throughout the day. Totally geared up for peace and quiet, being out in nature, yet some dedicated features not typically associated with camping (compost loo, fire pit, picnic table and water tap for each pitch was a dream!). And the hosts were friendly, full of fascinating facts and good conversation. Would highly recommend, I'm looking forward to heading back next year.

A

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

5 nights at Brig's Farm

My partner and I had an amazing long weekend staying at Mew's Farm. The views to the sea and surrounding hills are stunning. The campsite is surrounded by trees on one side (acting as a windbreak) and has all your camping needs close. The showers and pizza night were highlights! There is so much to see, do and explore, all within a short drive. A stunning part of the south West and well worth a visit

J

Joshua

August 2025

4 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Hardyes Countryside Camping

Great site and local knowledge from the host Chris. Amenities very clean and organised and a nice addition with optional baked goods for breakfast. Add in the walk to the local pub Highly recommend

S

Scott

August 2025

1 night at Brig's Farm

Lovely campsite with lots of space and freedom. We will be back!

M

Megan

August 2025

6 m Class A

3 nights at Hardyes Countryside Camping

Beautiful quiet spot. Chris gave us brilliant recommendations for the local area. We had a lovely stay. The view from nearby Hardys Monument and surrounding walk was fab!

S

Sophie

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

3 nights at Hardyes Countryside Camping

Lovely spot with lovely hosts! Very chilled out atmosphere and Chris was very knowledgeable about the local area. We enjoyed our stay 😊

C

Chris

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Brig's Farm

Laid back, very friendly, lovely views. Facilities all well kept (nice hand soap btw). Beautiful location and will be back!

A

Abby

August 2025

6 m Class B

5 nights at Hardyes Countryside Camping

Great campsite. Clean facilities. Christopher was lovely and friendly. Would recommend!

K

Kate

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hardyes Countryside Camping

Great views, relaxed vibe, phenomenal host and good restroom etc. As someone else said- the land can be very hard so pack extra strong tent pegs! (Advantage is then it’s nice and dry!)

L

Lauren

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Dorset Farm Camping @ Dewflock Farm

Lovely campsite, great facilities and close to the Jurassic coast. The cafe is lovely for a morning coffee too!

E

Eden

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cider Farm Orchard Campsite

This camp site was so lovely. It was really peaceful and felt nice and private as you have your own area. Everyone that worked there was very nice and we really enjoyed having a cider outside and playing the games they have available. There are also lots of supermarkets a reasonable close drive which was convenient. Toilets were good, shower was ok but they said they have new ones nearly finished. I would definitely recommend it here!

A

Alexandra

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hardyes Countryside Camping

We loved our little gateway for the weekend. Very easy to reach there, and Chris is a great host! Bathroom was clean and they also prepared bread and other breakfast items for guests at a very reasonable price. The area was very nice too, and we will definitely return.

S

SARAH

July 2025

Tent

With kids

7 nights at Hardyes Countryside Camping

We had a fantastic week camping at Hardyes countryside camping. Chris was really helpful in recommending some brilliant places for us to visit and the site was very welcoming with hot showers and space for the kids to play! Lovely home baked breakfast goodies on offer too and delivered to the tent! There were so many great places to visit we need to come back to see everything! Thank you Chris for a great holiday!

S

Simon

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Brig's Farm

The best campsite showers in the history of camping

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Mendip Hills AONB guide

Where to go

Cheddar and Around

Jagged cliffs and rocky ravines carve out the Cheddar Gorge, where explorers can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and caving. After taking in the AONB’s star attraction, hike up Black Down Hill for a view from the region’s highest point or cycle the scenic Strawberry Line. Don’t miss a visit to the town of Cheddar to sample Somerset’s famous cheese and cider.

Northeast Somerset & the Lakes

Sweeping gorges give way to forested valleys and lowland lakes in the northern part of the Mendip Hills. Enjoy nature walks, bird-watching, and lakeside picnics at the Chew Valley or Blagdon Lakes, or escape the crowds at a peaceful country campsite. To the north, the UNESCO city of Bath and the Cotswolds AONB are within day-trip distance.

South Mendip Hills

Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails traverse the southern stretch of the Mendip Hills. Adrenaline seekers should head to the Wookey Hole caves, where caving excursions incorporate abseils and Via Ferrata climbs. A short drive south, Glastonbury turns into a hippy haven each summer during the massive Glastonbury music festival, and the nearby Glastonbury Tor is both a historic landmark and a popular viewpoint.

West Mendip and the Somerset Coast

Winscombe is the gateway to the west Mendip Hills, home to some of the area’s lesser-explored hiking trails. Continue west to the coast, where sandy beaches, cliff-top walks, and lively seaside towns dot the shores of the Bristol Channel. Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-On-Sea, and Clevedon are Somerset’s flagship beach resorts, where summer campers have a choice of seafront camping grounds.