The perfect adventure weekend at Mendip Basecamp, Somerset

*Thanks to Mendip Basecamp for inviting us to stay for 2 nights in exchange for an honest review. This was an unpaid press trip and all words are my own. 

If you are looking for off-grid, back-to-basics camping in a truly fantastic location that still has everything you need and more than you need to check out Mendip Basecamp in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. Surrounded by ancient woodland which waiting to be explored, this very spacious campsite is perfect for families looking to get away and enjoy the simple things this summer.

This family-run campsite may be off-grid but still has plenty of hot showers and clean toliets as well as a well-equipped camp shop with a big sand pit for children to play in, along with a cosy country lodge on-site only a few minutes walk through the woods, which serves up hearty meals and offers family-friendly live music on the weekends along with a big fire pit perfect for smores. 

But don't worry if camping isn't your thing, they also offer private bunkhouse accommodation that is perfect for families and groups with bunk beds and private bathrooms and is fully heated. My boys and I recently stayed two nights at Mendip Basecamp and if you are not already sold on it here is what we loved about it.

Firstly the setting is amazing, with stunning views across the Mendip Hills, access to the countryside from the campsite and plenty of woodland to explore on-site. The check-in process was easy (as was check-out) and the staff were friendly and helpful and they all seemed to really enjoy working at Mendip.

Mendip Basecamp is also on the same site as Mendip Activity Centre which offers a huge amount of outdoor adventure activities and has something for everyone such as rock climbing, kayaking, bush craft and caving to mention a few, although I would just point out many have a minium age of 8 yrs for group activities and 6yrs old if you book as a private session although Tobaganning, frisbee golf an Orienteering are suitable for all ages and I would advise booking activities in advance as they are very popular and can fill up quickly.

We really enjoyed the Toboganning

The lodge which is only a short walk away from basecamp is a great hub as there is a cafe that serves food all day including a lovely outdoor seating (as well as indoor for those rainy days), with fresh coffee to pizza and pies as well as opting for a pint in the evening while watching live music. There was a band on while we stayed and if you are going to come and watch the band I would recommend coming early to secure a seat as the live music evenings are very popular. 

Most of the activities are on-site with a few off site although we found everything very easy to navigate. My boys and I absolutely loved the toboganning on the dry slope, something I've not done for years and it was a blast! We also really like the self-guided orinteering which is great for topping up your map skills! The staff gave us some tips on navigating the map and off we went to explore the surrounding woodlands and find the stamps to complete our map. 

We also tried frisbee golf for the first time and it was so much fun and suitable for all ages and abilities and it takes around 1-2hrs, through woodland and countryside. It's £5 for children (under 6yrs old play free) and £7 for parents, making it a fun budget friendly activity. My boys where also keen to try out Air rifles or axe throwing as we had at one time or another done all the other activities on offer at other locations but we hadn't done either of those. We ended up doing air rifles as the timing of that session worked better for our schedule and I really didn't know what to expect, as I personally don't like guns but since watching the Air Rifles at the Olympics last year that kids wanted to give it a go. The session leader was fantastic, it was very controlled, lot's of family friendly games & target practice. 

During out time at Mendip Basecamp I also noticed how clean the facilities where and there are plenty of warm showers and toliets on site. There is also plenty to do without the pressure of taking part in additional activities or those with much younger children such as the large sandpit and woodlands as well as hikes in and around the centre. I would definitely recommend Mendip Basecamp for those who are looking to slow down, reconnect with friends, family and nature and have fun camping.