Best campsites for surfing 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. 

97% (195)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

8. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

12. 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.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£100
 / night
Long Beach the American School Bus!

14. Long Beach the American School Bus!

2 units · Glamping · Cheddar, Somerset, South West England
Long Beach School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled (and Insta-worthy!) stay on a welcoming free-range Somerset campsite full of fun and adventure. Freshly retired from the highways of California, 'Long Beach' is an iconic American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat. Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!) Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue. With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug. There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove. You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you! When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too. Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day. Parked at Petruth Paddocks, your cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for a fabulous stay. Things to note; Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted. Facilities Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, loo, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs. Acres of Beautiful and fun Camping with a huge Premier pitch for Long Beach! A Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and of course our old friend Mr Landy - an original Land Rover. There are picnic benches for parents sit nearby and keep an eye on toddlers. The great coffee shack ensures you get your caffeine hit as well as tea, hot chocs, iced coffee, iced tea and milkshakes. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! Waste disposal and recycling facility. In the Village and nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away plenty of local stores and farm shops as well as all the main supermarket chains In the area; Buses, bike & E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole, RSPB & Nature Reserves, an Animal Park, Landscaped Gardens, Culture & Historical Landmarks Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse and Alpaca Riding and Trekking, Activity Centre, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Zoo, a Steam Railway, Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboots, Local Market, Cakery, Woodworking, Softplay, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£195
 / night

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. 

97% (195)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

8. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
West Holme Glamping, Wareham,Dorset

12. 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.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£100
 / night
Long Beach the American School Bus!

14. Long Beach the American School Bus!

2 units · Glamping · Cheddar, Somerset, South West England
Long Beach School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled (and Insta-worthy!) stay on a welcoming free-range Somerset campsite full of fun and adventure. Freshly retired from the highways of California, 'Long Beach' is an iconic American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat. Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!) Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue. With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug. There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove. You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you! When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too. Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day. Parked at Petruth Paddocks, your cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for a fabulous stay. Things to note; Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted. Facilities Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, loo, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs. Acres of Beautiful and fun Camping with a huge Premier pitch for Long Beach! A Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and of course our old friend Mr Landy - an original Land Rover. There are picnic benches for parents sit nearby and keep an eye on toddlers. The great coffee shack ensures you get your caffeine hit as well as tea, hot chocs, iced coffee, iced tea and milkshakes. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! Waste disposal and recycling facility. In the Village and nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away plenty of local stores and farm shops as well as all the main supermarket chains In the area; Buses, bike & E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole, RSPB & Nature Reserves, an Animal Park, Landscaped Gardens, Culture & Historical Landmarks Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse and Alpaca Riding and Trekking, Activity Centre, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Zoo, a Steam Railway, Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboots, Local Market, Cakery, Woodworking, Softplay, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£195
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Mendip Hills AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Best campsites for surfing 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.