Est. 1985

About Us

Mendip Activity Centre has been running outdoor adventures in the Somerset hills for nearly 40 years. We're a family-run centre committed to making the outdoors accessible, exciting, and safe for everyone.

1985
Year founded
40+
Activities
100k+
Visitors each year
AONB
Mendip Hills

Our story

Founded in 1985, Mendip Activity Centre started as a small outdoor pursuits school in the heart of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Almost four decades later we are one of the south-west's leading activity centres, welcoming families, schools, and corporate groups from across the UK.

Everything we do is rooted in a simple belief: time outdoors — away from screens, challenges met face-to-face — makes people happier and more resilient. Our instructors are here to make that happen safely, professionally, and with a lot of fun along the way.

Our mission

To make high-quality outdoor adventures accessible to everyone — whatever your age, ability, or experience level.

We believe that outdoor adventure is not a luxury. It is how people grow. We are committed to keeping our prices fair, our sessions well-staffed, and our equipment up to date.

Our locations

All activities take place within the Mendip Hills AONB, Somerset.

Main centre

Mendip Activity Centre

Our main site houses the ski slope, toboggan run, climbing walls, archery ranges, and most of our land and target sports.

Watersports

Reservoir & rivers

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding take place at local reservoirs and river sites within 20 minutes of the main centre.

Rocksports

Cheddar Gorge & caves

Caving, climbing, and gorge walking sessions are run at sites in and around Cheddar Gorge, one of the UK's most dramatic landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Most activities require advance booking as spaces are limited. A few pay-and-play activities (disc golf, orienteering, nature trail) can be booked on the day subject to availability, but we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot.
We run activities for ages 6 and upwards. Some activities have higher minimum ages — these are shown on each activity page. There is no upper age limit for most activities; we welcome participants of all ages.
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting muddy. Sturdy shoes or trainers for most activities. We provide helmets, harnesses, and wetsuits (where needed). Specific kit requirements are listed on each activity page.
Please see our Cancellation Policy for full details. In general, we offer full refunds for cancellations made more than 48 hours before the session, and alternative dates for later cancellations.
Most activities run in all weathers — light rain does not stop play! We only cancel or modify sessions if conditions are genuinely unsafe (lightning, high winds, flooding). If we cancel, you will receive a full refund or alternative date.