Mendip Hills

Mendip hills The Mendip Hills covering 198 sq kms is recognised as one of England's most attractive landscapes. The area rises up from the Somerset Levels providing dramatic views of the Severn Estuary and across Somerset.

Located to the south of Bristol, the area includes the lakes of the Chew Valley and the western and central parts of the limestone ridge known as the Mendip Hills. The limestone landscape Cheddar Gorge includes an open windswept plateau, wooded combes, steeply cut gorges and flower rich valleys.

The area was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972.