6 min readSummer is the perfect time for a break outside of the city, whether you opt to stay on site at a local attraction with the family or enjoy a peaceful countryside camping trip.
Bristol is surrounded by stunning countryside, dramatic coastline and some award-winning attractions just waiting for you to explore!
Holiday camps and attractions
Mendip View Lodges
Stay within the grounds of Wookey Hole Caves at the family-friendly Mendip View Lodges, where you can enjoy free entry to the attractions in the price of your stay. Each lodge has a range of comforts, from tea and coffee-making facilities to hot tubs.
Wookey Hole offers a fun day out for all ages, with mesmerising show caves, museums, soft play, crazy gold and even a 4D cinema. During the school holidays, there are additional activities and performances, including circus shows from Magique!
Image - Mendip View Lodges
Holiday Resort Unity
Take advantage of the attractions and facilities of Brean, with its Splash Water Park, Theme Park and indoor soft play centre. There's also an 18-hole golf course at Brean Golf Club, and scenic walks along Brean Down.
The four-star accommodation includes caravans, lodges, camping pods and cabins, with a range of accessible and dog-friendly options too.
All guests receive discounts for Brean Splash, Brean Play, Brean Theme Park and Brean Golf Club.
Image - Holiday Resort Unity
Avon Valley Adventure Park Camping
Open from May until the end of August, this award-winning campsite near Keynsham includes free entry to Avon Valley Adventure Park, where kids can meet friendly farm animals, explore Dinosaur Valley, bounce on massive air pillows, scale a climbing wall, ride a miniature railway or go off-road adventure in the 4 x 4 Mini Jeep Safari.
A range of pitches are available, including grass, pre-pitched safari tents and Nordic bell tents with private wood-fired hot tubs. Campervans and motorhomes are also welcome. The site is dog-friendly and allows fire pits.
Image - Avon Valley Adventure Park Camping
Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
Located just five minutes from the M5 motorway and a short distance from Bristol in the beautiful Mendip Hills, Mendip Basecamp is open from the May half term onwards during the school holidays, and is perfect for families, small groups and adventure-seekers.
Mendip Activity Centre is open seven days a week and boasts a wide range of activities, including tobogganing, climbing, abseiling, caving, kayaking, archery and frisbee golf. There's even a dry ski slope if you want to have a skiing or snowboarding lesson! During the summer months, the site also hosts regular live music at their Alpine Lodge.
You can camp where you like at this 'nearly wild' site, which has flushing toilets and hot showers. There are also fire pits available to rent, a toddler play area, a camp shop, a coffee lounge and a fully-licensed bar and cafe. You're also welcome to bring your dog along.
Image - Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
The Camp at The Wave
If you like the idea of waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore, book a stay in one of the furnished tents at The Wave, a large inland surfing lake just outside Bristol. During the day, head to the lake for swimming, surfing, or just relax outside the cafe and watch others ride the waves. Lessons are available for different levels of ability.
Tents sleep up to 8 people and are kitted out with comfortable beds, a kitchenette with hot water, a private toilet, fridge, and wood burner. There's a two-night minimum stay in the week and a three-night minimum stay over weekends. All of the tents are accessible via wheelchair, and there are two DDA-compliant tents which have a larger living area and a roll-under kitchenette. The Wave also offer adaptive surf sessions and lessons for those with additional needs.
For a more authentic camping experience, book an unfurnished bell tent next to the waves from only £80 a night.
Image - The Camp at The Wave
Old Down Country Park
Set in the beautiful grounds of Old Down Estate, the bell tents provide a unique outdoor UK staycation. With free park entry for the duration of your stay and 66 acres to explore, it’s the perfect hassle-free camping experience for a family adventure (where you can still enjoy some of life's little luxuries).
Each bell tent has solid pine beds with super coil spring mattresses, an indoor stove for cosy evenings and furnishings to create a relaxing, hassle-free camping experience. Plus, they all come with that all-important Wi-Fi access. They have on-site cabin toilets and showers with communal facilities for running water to wash up, fridge, electric kettle and microwave.
Included in your stay is free access to their Country Park. From beautiful gardens and woodlands full of blooming flowers and grand trees, to adventure play areas featuring a zip wire, jumping pillow and a giant draughts board. Old Down Country Park is also home to many different animals, including goats, alpacas and highland cows!
Old Down Estate also features an on-site spa, café and manor house where they host Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch.
Image - Old Down Estate Bell Tents
Rural getaways
Brook Lodge Farm Camping
This multi-award-winning campsite has been hosting visitors for over 45 years, with space for individual pitches and groups across two paddocks in a scenic spot close to the Mendip Hills.
The site has a modern shower, toilet & dishwashing facilities with hot water, baby changing facilities, fridge/freezers and microwaves, washing machine, free Wi-Fi, children's play area and a small shop. They have free maps for local walking routes, and the campsite is also within easy reach of Bristol and historic cities such as Wells and Bath if you decide to do any day trips.
Image - Brook Lodge Farm Camping
Warblers' Meadow
Get closer to nature with a stay in a boutique shepherd's hut nestled among the ponds at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. For an extra special experience, book a private safari, an exclusive Scott House Museum tour, a guided wildflower walk in spring, or a wild winter walk to see the wetlands in a whole new light.
Image - Warblers' Meadow shepherd's hut at WWT Slimbridge
Bucklegrove Holiday Park
Bring your own tent or caravan, or book a woodland cabin or luxury lodge with a hot tub if you want a more luxurious stay. For those using the camping or touring pitches, a toilet and shower block is available.
The holiday park has a heated, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor play area. There's also a games room and a toddlers' room to keep all ages entertained. The on-site restaurant is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a variety of local produce, including ales and cider.
Image - Bucklegrove Holiday Park
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