Two women and a girl are sitting in front of their tent on a family camping holiday in the Mendip Hills of Somerset. They are smiling and look relaxed.

When we’re wrapped up in woolly jumpers and thick socks in the depths of winter, our minds can turn to dreams of sunlit summer holidays full of fun and relaxation. You might be turning up the thermostat now, but it’s the perfect time to get adventurous and plan an affordable 2026 family holiday in Somerset!

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Why Should We Plan a 2026 Family Holiday in Somerset?

Big overseas trips come with big price tags, but Somerset offers something just as good closer to home. Get ready for scenic landscapes, outdoor experiences, wildlife, warm breezes over the hills and the surprise of discovering places you never knew were right on your doorstep.

If you’re looking for an immersive holiday packed with memory-making adventures, Basecamp Family Campsite near Bristol could be your perfect starting point!

What Makes Basecamp Special?

Basecamp is an off-grid family campsite in Somerset, offering huge outdoor spaces, adventure activities, microfestivals, excellent food and comfortable facilities. It’s only 30 minutes from Bristol, but feels quiet, scenic and nature-rich.

A sunset aerial view of Mendip Basecamp, a family campsite near Bristol in Somerset. A large field dotted with tents and camper vans is surrounded by woodland and far-reaching views.

Why Basecamp Works for Families

Basecamp is flexible, relaxed and ready for adventure. Join us for:

  • A welcoming atmosphere with smiling faces and vibrant outdoor living
  • Sunrises over rolling hills, birdsong, and ancient woodland full of wander-worthy paths
  • The nostalgic scents of fresh grass, barbecues and campfire smoke
  • Awesome adventures sure to make memories

Basecamp is open from May to September and offers a magical space to explore the outdoors and relax into the natural rhythms of holiday life.

What Kind of Camping Accommodation is Available?

Choose the Basecamp experience that suits your family best:

There are no electric hook-ups, but the essentials are covered:

  • Onsite WiFi
  • Phone charging stations
  • Warm showers and flushing loos
  • Communal washing-up facilities

What Will You Find Onsite at Basecamp?

Basecamp is the perfect combination of off-grid authenticity and relaxed comfort. Our campsite amenities feature:

  • Camp shop and cafe
  • Giant outdoor sandpit with natural play features
  • Covered play area
  • Free kids activities
  • Microfestival-style weekends in July and August, included in the booking price
  • Woodland paths, perfect for sun-dappled strolls
  • Plenty of space for games and family lounging
  • Bat-detecting at dusk and stargazing on clear nights
  • Mendip Activity Centre is only a short walk down the hill
Find More Information About Basecamp’s Facilities Here

Is Basecamp a Good Base for Exploring Somerset?

A mixed family group walks down a gently sloping, grassy footpath towards Cheddar Reservoir in the distance. There is a wide view of the Somerset Levels.

Yes! Basecamp is an excellent base for exploring Somerset as it’s close to Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Wookey Hole, Bristol and loads more, plus dozens of walking and cycling routes throughout the Mendip Hills.

What Makes Basecamp a Great Hub for a 2026 Family Holiday?

  • Close to Bristol, with great road connections
  • Easy access to local attractions
  • Knowledgeable staff with excellent recommendations
  • Huge outdoor spaces
  • A friendly community atmosphere

Nearby highlights include:

For information on local walks, cycling routes, scenic points of interest, local events, and Bristol’s urban attractions, check out:

Explore Food, Drink and Points of Interest in Our Local Guide Here

What Family Adventure Activities Are Available at Basecamp?

A boy triumphantly raises his arms as he skies down the all-weather dry ski slope at Mendip Activity Centre near Bristol. He is wearing a ski helmet, skis, boots and gloves.

Alongside the free Basecamp activities, there are over 30 adventure activities available at the nearby Mendip Activity Centre, just a short walk away. Activities include:

Adventure looks different for everyone, which is why our instructors provide a safe and nurturing environment that respects individual choice and capacities for risk, while providing tools to take yourself further than you ever thought possible.

Explore your boundaries and discover new thrills with Mendip Activity Centre’s wide range of outdoor activities!

What Are Basecamp’s Adventure Highlights for 2026?

A man and a woman paddleboard near Bristol's harbourfront. They are looking towards the Clifton Suspension Bridge further up the estuary. The sun is shining and you can see some of Bristol's famous colourful terrace houses on the right.

Whether you’re a little explorer or a seasoned seeker, there’s an adventure for everyone at Basecamp. With new activities and returning favourites, these immersive experiences are yours to discover!

This year, we’re looking forward to:

  • Bigger and better than ever play area: Our famous outdoor sand pit play area has expanded! With more space to play, boulders to climb and sand to dig, this perennial favourite gives imaginations loads of room to run wild.
  • Weekend microfestivals: If you’re interested in a summer festival atmosphere (without the frenetic late-night energy, overwhelming timetables, and expense), then join our mailing list today (scroll to the bottom of the main page) and be the first to find out about Basecamp’s eventful weekends throughout July and August!
  • New adventure activities at Mendip Activity Centre: Now’s your chance to get a new perspective on Somerset. Try Paddleboarding or Kayaking in Bristol Harbour, join a guided (dates announced soon) or self-led nature walk around Basecamp, or take the first step towards a new hobby with introductory courses for Rock Climbing, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing or Hill Walking.
  • The return of Kids Adventure Camps: After a successful first year in 2025, the screen-free Kids Adventure Camps are back with amazing value and exciting adventures! Easy to book and convenient for parents, children love their week of fully-catered, good, solid, nostalgic outdoor fun.

Top Tip: Popular sessions fill quickly in peak season! When planning a 2026 family holiday, we suggest pre-booking your activities to secure your preferred times. You can also join our mailing list (scroll to the bottom of the main page) to stay in the loop about upcoming events and new activities.

Discover Mendip’s Full Roster of Adventure Activities Here

FAQs About Planning a 2026 Family Holiday at Basecamp

Is Basecamp suitable for young children?


Yes. The site has large safe spaces, gentle trails, free children’s activities, and multiple play areas like the giant outdoor sandpit and the indoor play zone.

Do you allow campfires?


Of course! Campfires are an important part of a camping trip (how else do you toast those marshmallows?), so we offer firepits for hire for the length of your stay, or you can bring your own off-ground firepit.

Can beginners join adventure activity sessions?


Absolutely! No experience is required for Mendip Activity Centre’s adventure sessions.

Are Mendip Activity Centre’s adventure activities bookable onsite?


Yes, but booking in advance is recommended during the summer.

Are dogs allowed?


Yes, dogs are allowed in most accommodations, but we suggest checking before you book.

Check Out Our Full Basecamp FAQ Section Here

Ready to Plan a 2026 Family Holiday?

Basecamp gives families space to roam, time to reconnect and endless opportunities for adventure. If you want a holiday that is active, scenic, and full of discovery, Somerset is calling.

Check out our post on how to plan a camping holiday and have a look at an example 3-day Basecamp itinerary to get inspired for your perfect 2026 adventure. We would love to see you and your family this summer!

Book Your 2026 Basecamp Stay Today