About

Mendip Activity Centre is a family-run outdoor adventure provider, established in 1987 and based in the beautiful Mendip Hills National Landscape. We offer groups adventurous experiences in the outdoors. We have more than 30 activities to choose from, group accommodation, catering and meeting spaces all available through one experienced provider. 

From our Mission Impossible team activity to Rock Climbing in our private quarry, Caving beneath the Mendip Hills to Skiing, Tobogganing, Archery, Axe Throwing and Kayaking, our qualified instructors make real outdoor adventure accessible to beginners as well as experienced participants. 

Groups can stay at Mendip Lodge, in the heart of our 250-acre activity centre, at YHA Cheddar, within walking distance of Cheddar Gorge, or even in canvas accommodation in Mendip Basecamp, our campsite.  

Our location also makes us a strong addition to itineraries covering Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the wider South West, with Bristol Airport, the M5 and major rail connections nearby.

Key selling points for groups

• More than 30 outdoor activities, with programmes adapted to each group’s age, ability, aims and appetite for adventure. 

• A half-day minimum is advised on site. Groups usually stay for a full day. 

• One provider for accommodation, activities, catering and meeting facilities, making residential and multi-day visits straightforward to organise. 

• Mendip Lodge offers exclusive group accommodation for up to 86 people across 15 en-suite bedrooms. Facilities include an accessible ground-floor room, lounge-bar, dining room, dedicated car park, fast Wi-Fi and full catering. 

• YHA Cheddar sleeps up to 59 people across two buildings. The Main Building sleeps 38 and the Barton Building sleeps 21, allowing groups to book one building or both. It has 15 bedrooms, a mixture of en-suite and individual bathrooms, an accessible room, lounge, dining room, garden, cycle storage and a dedicated car park. 

• Self-catered and catered options are available at YHA Cheddar. 

• Exclusive hire is available at both Mendip Lodge and YHA Cheddar. 

• Free meeting-room hire is included with corporate activity bookings at Mendip Activity Centre. The Alpine Lounge function space can accommodate up to 60 people seated or 100 people in a mixed seated and standing layout. 

• Bespoke half-day, full-day and residential programmes are available, with accessible and inclusive activity options. 

• A distinctive setting within a 250-acre woodland estate in the Mendip Hills National Landscape. 

• Conveniently positioned for itineraries including Cheddar Gorge, Bristol, Bath, Wells, Weston-super-Mare and the Somerset countryside.

Useful information for travel trade

Group booking procedures 

• Groups have a dedicated enquiry process through Mendip Adventure. Enquiries can be submitted through the group forms on the website or via email/phone.The Mendip team works with organisers to build a programme around their group size, dates, accommodation requirements, catering needs and preferred activities.

Group sizes and event capacity

Group sizes depend on the product:

• Bespoke activity days are generally available from around five people, with some experiences available for four or more. 

• The Mission Impossible team challenge can accommodate groups from five to more than 100. 

• Mendip Lodge is available on an exclusive-hire basis, with enquiries accepted from eight people and a maximum capacity of 86. 

• At YHA Cheddar, groups can exclusively hire the 21-bed Barton Building, the 38-bed Main Building or both buildings for a combined capacity of 59. 

• Meeting facilities can accommodate 60 seated or up to 100 in a mixed seated and standing layout. 

Coach access and parking 

• Mendip Activity Centre and Mendip Lodge are at Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ. There is on-site parking, with a dedicated car park directly opposite Mendip Lodge.
• YHA Cheddar is at Hillfield, Cheddar, BS27 3HN and also has a dedicated car park. Coach access, turning, drop-off and parking requirements should be agreed in advance for each venue and vehicle size.

Sustainability policy: Mendip.co.uk/sustainability

Product development and partnerships

Experience of working with local companies including Thatchers Cider for their tours and their pub The Railway Inn, as well as Cadbury House Hotel.

Accessibility 

Mendip believes in making adventure accessible to all. Many activities can be adapted for additional needs, and Mendip has worked hard to make as much of their site accessible to spectators too, including the cafe and snowsport viewing areas. 

• Accessible toilets
• A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available
• Emergency alarm with flashing lights, in addition to an audible alarm
• Parking within 50 metres of main entrance, and step-free route to entrance
• Step-free main entrance
• Disability awareness training is provided for staff
• Enclosed outdoor area for customer use