Shepherd's Huts 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% (353)

Top-rated campgrounds

A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the beautiful Stour valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster.

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% (353)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Farrs Meadow

96%

(141)

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

A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster

2. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

3. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%

(20)

12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

4. Steam and Stars Luxury Glamping

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · England

Steam and Stars Luxury Glamping - a stylish and well equipped self contained shepherd's hut with a Scandinavian wood fired hot tub, and a chic vintage caravan with Laura Ashley décor which takes you back to the 1970’s for a fun and quirky stay. Lovely outdoor space with a firepit/BBQ. Set alongside the Quantock Hills with magnificently dark night skies. An ideal location for exploring the West Somerset Coast, Quantock Hills AONB and Exmoor. Overlooking the West Somerset Steam Railway with a viewing platform from which to watch the passing heritage trains and wildlife. Free WiFi & USB charging. Free on site parking. Free Electric Vehicle charging point (slow charge). Dogs welcome.

5. Hobby Farm

96%

(45)

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

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

6. Jordans Estate Glamping

100%

(41)

5 units · Glamping · Ilminster, Somerset, South West England

Two shepherds huts and a pair of pods set on a West Somerset estate close to the Somerset Levels and in sight of the Blackdown Hills

7. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%

(20)

3 units · Glamping · Salisbury, England

Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge

8. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%

(33)

5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England

Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset

9. Mill House Equestrian Centre

100%

(1)

4 units · Glamping · England

Rural & peaceful riverside hotel rooms, set in a private field surrounded by nature in the Somerset Countryside! An idyllic countryside getaway just 10 minutes from j26 of the M5. Toast marshmallows under the stars on your own outdoor fire-pit Choose from our Riverside Retreat, Sunset Shepherds Hut, or our a beautiful new units; Lakeside Lodge & Waterside Cabin.

10. Marshwood Farm Camping

100%

(53)

15 units · Tents, Glamping · Wiltshire, South West England

Quiet, family-friendly camping and glamping on a farm in rolling Wiltshire countryside

11. Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

95%

(10)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A well-connected family farm, near Honiton and the Jurassic Coast.

12. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

13. Shirehill Farm

100%

(5)

2 units · Glamping · Chippenham, England

Newly installed Shepherds huts in the Cotswolds. Outside kitchen with woodburning stove /oven, gas rings, Firepit, indoor and outdoor seating. Newly installed compost toilets and shower cubicle. Electric sockets and lighting in the huts. Both have double beds. A tipi allows flexible sleeping for families and larger groups. The farm is a wildlife lover’s paradise with woodland walks and bird spotting opportunities. Fancy a cooked breakfast? Buy farm-fresh eggs for a morning fry-up, and add seasonal vegetables to your evening barbecue from the farm or by picking up supplies in Marshfield (five minutes’ drive) – although you’re also spoilt for choice of welcoming pubs serving good food within a 5 minute drive.

14. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

15. Dreamhuts Retreat

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A pair of super-luxury shepherd's huts in the rural Culm Valley countryside, where good walks and welcoming pubs abound

16. Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

17. Cadora Woods Glamping

100%

(4)

5 units · Glamping · St Briavels, England

Hand-crafted shepherd's huts and yurts overlooking the Wye Valley.

18. Everdene Hut

1 unit · Glamping · England

Everdene Hut is a traditional shepherd’s hut on wheels located in a secluded location beside the pond at Laverstock which offers far reaching countryside views with a private space to enjoy the fire pit and star gazing. The hut has a cosy double bed, small table with stools and is heated by a wood burner, perfect for a relaxing comfortable stay. Rechargeable lanterns are provided and found in the washroom. There is a separate kitchen shed hut next to the Everdene Hut which has a generous supply of crockery, cutlery and pots and pans. A two-ring gas hob, kettle, barbecue, and fire pit are available for cooking. Water is provided in the hut kitchen. There is a shared washroom located at the farm (approximately 100m from the Hut) with a walk-in shower, WC and a small kitchen unit with a sink and draining board for washing up. The washroom also has a washing machine, tumble dryer plus a fridge with freezer compartment, trolleys and electricity for charging.

19. At Goathill Farm

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A lovely lakeside shepherd’s hut on a working farm in Dorset

20. The Exmoor Woodland Escape

100%

(28)

2 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A pair of charming self-contained shepherd’s huts on Exmoor – with hot tubs and views

Camper favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Shirehill Farm

100%

(5)

2 units · Glamping · Chippenham, England

Newly installed Shepherds huts in the Cotswolds. Outside kitchen with woodburning stove /oven, gas rings, Firepit, indoor and outdoor seating. Newly installed compost toilets and shower cubicle. Electric sockets and lighting in the huts. Both have double beds. A tipi allows flexible sleeping for families and larger groups. The farm is a wildlife lover’s paradise with woodland walks and bird spotting opportunities. Fancy a cooked breakfast? Buy farm-fresh eggs for a morning fry-up, and add seasonal vegetables to your evening barbecue from the farm or by picking up supplies in Marshfield (five minutes’ drive) – although you’re also spoilt for choice of welcoming pubs serving good food within a 5 minute drive.

Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

Dreamhuts Retreat

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A pair of super-luxury shepherd's huts in the rural Culm Valley countryside, where good walks and welcoming pubs abound

Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Cadora Woods Glamping

100%

(4)

5 units · Glamping · St Briavels, England

Hand-crafted shepherd's huts and yurts overlooking the Wye Valley.

Everdene Hut

1 unit · Glamping · England

Everdene Hut is a traditional shepherd’s hut on wheels located in a secluded location beside the pond at Laverstock which offers far reaching countryside views with a private space to enjoy the fire pit and star gazing. The hut has a cosy double bed, small table with stools and is heated by a wood burner, perfect for a relaxing comfortable stay. Rechargeable lanterns are provided and found in the washroom. There is a separate kitchen shed hut next to the Everdene Hut which has a generous supply of crockery, cutlery and pots and pans. A two-ring gas hob, kettle, barbecue, and fire pit are available for cooking. Water is provided in the hut kitchen. There is a shared washroom located at the farm (approximately 100m from the Hut) with a walk-in shower, WC and a small kitchen unit with a sink and draining board for washing up. The washroom also has a washing machine, tumble dryer plus a fridge with freezer compartment, trolleys and electricity for charging.

At Goathill Farm

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A lovely lakeside shepherd’s hut on a working farm in Dorset

The Exmoor Woodland Escape

100%

(28)

2 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A pair of charming self-contained shepherd’s huts on Exmoor – with hot tubs and views

Stories from the community

H

Helen

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

Lovely quiet location, with lots of thought gone into the accommodation.

J

Jake

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

Had an amazing time at Alison and Bear’s shepherds hut. Such a beautiful, peaceful location and a very cosy hut. Alison and Bear were very kind and helpful, guiding us to the hut when we arrived and they’d already lit the log burner and hot tub fire.

N

Noa

October 2025

2 nights at The Exmoor Woodland Escape

The hut is so pretty and cozy! The hut tub was perfect and Alison was so so nice, she took care of everything we needed. Beware that the road to the hut is muddy.

m

marty

September 2025

3 nights at At Goathill Farm

Great quiet, scenic site on the side of a lake, just idyllic. Had a wonderful time de-stressing and will definitely be back.

A

Annie

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Shirehill Farm

We had a really lovely stay in the Shepherds Hut, the location is so beautiful and peaceful. Lots of stunning walks nearby. Kitchen had all the cooking facilities you need and outdoor shower and toilets were very well maintained. Alison was very welcoming and extremely helpful. Thanks!

D

Dave

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop

M

Michele

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Abbey Home Farm

We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!

T

Tony

August 2025

2 nights at Lower Marlpits Farm Campsite

Lavender Lodge was well equipped with some lovely touches for your stay and comfortable. The deck and firepit face great views and watching the sunset was pretty special. The shower/toilet facilities are located nearby and always clean and tidy. The farm is in a great location with Sidmouth and Lyme Regis within an easy 20 minute drive. Sam was lovely and made sure I had all I needed.

J

Jane

July 2025

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

Wonderful shepherds hut, had everything we needed for our stay. Such a lovely peaceful setting, just what we wanted. Alison and her husband were helpful and informative. Would highly recommend the Happy Hare and would definitely return.

L

Lisa

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Steam and Stars Luxury Glamping

Absolutely magical stay! From the moment we arrived at Steam and Stars, everything was perfect. The hot tub was preheated and ready for us, which was very much needed after the Friday traffic. Nothing was too much trouble for our wonderful hosts, who truly went above and beyond. Our dogs were safe and free to roam, which made the stay even more relaxing. The property was spotless, with incredible attention to detail. We were delighted by the thoughtful extras, like cookies and cake on arrival. The facilities were easy to access and had everything we needed for a comfortable break. The views were stunning — we were lucky enough to see a steam train pass by, adding to the charm! Amazing wildlife all around made it feel like a true retreat. We can’t thank the hosts enough for their hospitality. A fantastic experience that we’ll definitely be recommending! Communication was brilliant throughout!

R

Rachel

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

We absolutely loved our stay at Alison’s place. It was so calm and peaceful, the shepherds hut was clean and comfy, and we especially loved the hot tub and the fire pit! Would definitely recommend for a quiet weekend away. It’s also well connected to local areas for exploring.

L

Louise

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

Beautiful setting, wonderfully equipped double hut. We had a wonderful weekend away celebrating our wedding anniversary and would highly recommend this accomodation. Loved the hot tub and the outdoor shower.

Jo

June 2025

2 nights at Oakhill Ponds

Beautiful location, we loved staying in the Shepherds Hut. Loads of thought has been put into the space, lovely individual garden with seating, hammocks, so nice to eat outside in the sunshine & to be able to use the outdoor hot tub after a swim. The spa was fab & swimming in the pond was tonic for the soul. Amanda & Rob were great hosts, & they have definitely achieved what they have set out to do - provide people with an incredible place to slow down, appreciate nature & reset. Thank you

J

Jimi

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

Beautiful hut and surroundings with very helpful owners. 100% recommended

J

Jamie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

Stunning little huts, super well designed and crafted to a level of quality rarely seen nowadays. Would very happily stay here for a month!

J

Jamie

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

We had an absolutely amazing time staying in the shepherds hut, the host was really friendly and helpful, the views and surroundings were incredible, would definitely stay again

A

Anthony

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

From.the moment we met the hosts at the site entrance, to the moment we left, what a unforgettable stay. Hosts ran us through everything we needed to know about the cabin and surrounding areas. My partner and I couldn't of picked a better place than here to relax and unwind. Waking up to Deer surrounding the cabin. This places is secluded and a perfect way to escape day to day life.

M

Michelle

March 2025

Weekend Trip to The Exmoor Woodland Escape

Had the most amazing weekend at the pleasant pheasant, stunning views, completely hidden away & secluded for ultimate privacy. We had the most enjoyable time and Alison & her husband were the perfect host, even had the cabin log fire going to have it all warm and cozy on our arrival as well as the hot tub which was AMAZING!. Will definitely be returning again soon!! Everything about our stay was 10/10! Thanks again xx

P

Peter

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

Lovely cosy shepherds huts with log burner and hot tub perfect for a chilled break

E

Ed

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Jordans Estate Glamping

This is a really wonderful place to stay. We met Rich shortly after arrival who was so friendly and welcoming, gave us a few hints and tips on getting the hot tub going among other things. The shepards huts are beautifully decorated with excellent facilities, all crockery is of premium quality and you can see the love and care that’s gone into creating them. Highly recommended place, thank you so much for letting us experience the hut

Dog-friendly getaways

Higher Roddon Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Wiveliscombe, England

Duncan and Alexis live here with their young family and we want to continue to improve the biodiversity of the farm alongside building a sustainable farm business incorporating luxury rural accommodation and grass-fed beef and lamb. We are lucky enough to have a wide variety of wildlife on our farm including tawny and barn owls, deer, buzzards, pheasants, swallows, bullfinches, fieldfares and numerous bats, butterflies and beetles! Take a look at our Wildlife page. We follow a grass-fed, low input, regenerative agriculture philosophy. This means that (apart from our bulls, rams and boars which have to be bought in to prevent in-breeding) all of our animals are born on the farm. They stay with their mothers’ as long as possible growing well on their mothers’ milk and our beautiful grass. Apart from our pigs, all of our animals are only fed grass from the farm or hay (from our species rich hay meadows) in winter. We believe this is more sustainable, gives us a minimal carbon footprint and provides our animals with the best possible lives.

Herdwick Hut

1 unit · Glamping · England

Herdwick Hut is a traditional shepherd’s hut in a private location at the end of the woodland walk which offers countryside views. The hut has a cosy double bed, table with stools and is heated by a wood burner. There is electric lighting and everything you need for a comfortable stay. The kitchen shed has a generous supply of crockery, cutlery and pots and pans. There is a two-ring electric hob, kettle, fridge, barbecue, and fire pit are available for cooking. Water is provided in the hut kitchen. There is a shared washroom located approximately 100m from the Hut up at the farm with a walk-in shower and WC. The washroom also has a small kitchen unit with a sink and draining board for washing up and there is a washing machine for guests to use.

Askr Grange

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Bridport, England

Camping and hot tub glamping with views all the way to the Jurassic Coast.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's Huts 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.