Mendip Basecamp

Fancy having the freedom to explore ancient woodland by day and settle in next to an open fire by night (but with the added bonus of hot showers and flushing loos)? Make Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre your next spot for a getaway and all of the above shall be at your fingertips.

This hidden park has an off-grid feel and it's a top choice for folk who like to keep moving: it’s got an outdoor activity centre a five-minute walk away with rock climbing, caving, skiing, tobogganing, frisbee golf, abseiling, archery, rifle shooting, bushcraft, mountain biking and axe throwing on offer (for an extra fee).

All this plus 100 acres of land on site means outdoor playtimes, family ball games or just chilling out with a book on the grass are possible. That said, a leisure centre with a gym and indoor pool is under five minutes’ drive if you're in need of indoor activities.

Back at the park, food and drinks are on hand at the pop-up tavern, which serves up local ciders and ales along with pizzas, loaded fries and jacket potatoes every evening (it's also the place for hot drinks and a full English brekkie on a Sunday morning). A 24-hour garage and well-stocked shop are 10 minutes away by car for those who need to sort snacks and self-catering food.

A quick heads up if you’re planning on staying at the site: your tent or campervan needs to be under 2.7 metres high and no caravans or motorhomes are permitted because of access restrictions. Basecamp is accessed via a rural track which is driven at guests' own risk.