A mixed group of adults and children sit in folding camp chairs, looking in the tent towards the viewer. The doorway of the tent frames the image; there is green grass and trees and everyone is smiling.

With its wide-open spaces, wildlife-rich woodlands, and skies perfect for stargazing, Mendip Basecamp family campsite in Somerset is one of the best places to unplug and rediscover the simple joys of nature and adventure together. To inspire your next escape, we’ve put together a 3-day family camping itinerary that reflects real-life holiday experiences at Basecamp.

To help illustrate the itinerary, we gave three families disposable cameras to document their adventure holidays. What came back was magical – grainy, joy-filled snapshots full of marshmallow-toasting, adventure activities and barefoot fun that show exactly what makes Basecamp camping trips so special: relaxed, unfiltered family time out in nature.

Whether you’re seasoned campers or new to the experience, this itinerary will give you a taste of what’s possible in just one long weekend in the great outdoors.

Summary

  • A family‑friendly 3‑day itinerary based at Mendip Basecamp, combining onsite adventure activities with nature walks and local food stops.
  • Includes Kayaking, Archery, Tobogganing, stargazing, and free onsite entertainment like storytelling and live music.
  • Perfect for families wanting a mix of adventure and downtime, with flexible options for all ages and energy levels.
  • Located in the Mendip Hills near Bristol and Bath, with easy access to scenic walks, local pubs, and Somerset attractions.
A close view of a campfire in a firepit named 'Hearthur'. Someone is holding a toasting fork with a marshmallow speared on it over the flames.

Table of Contents

Your 3-Day Family Camping Itinerary at a Glance

  • Trip length: 3 days
  • Destination: Basecamp in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, near Bristol and Bath
  • Activity level: Moderate, but can be adapted to your preferences
  • Highlights: A mix of self-led and instructor-led activities, including Kayaking, Archery, Tobogganing and more
  • Best time to go: Basecamp is open on weekends and throughout the school holidays from May to September
  • Why you’ll love this trip: A great blend of relaxation and adventure for families, surrounded by Somerset’s stunning countryside, and a rare chance to disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other

Day 1 – Arrive, Explore, and Settle Into Basecamp

A boy and a girl explore a giant outdoor sandpit at a family adventure campsite. there is a large tree in the background and the sandpit is framed by large boulders.

Arrival and Check-in

  • If you’re bringing your tent, check-in is from 2 pm
  • If you’re staying in a pre-pitched tent, check-in is from 4 pm
  • If you haven’t booked any adventure activities yet, check the Mendip website or speak to someone at reception and book your activities
  • Let the kids burn off some energy and explore the on-site giant sandpit while you set up

Mid-Afternoon Snack

  • The Pavilion at Basecamp
    • Offers barista coffee and freshly cooked meals and snacks like breakfast rolls, pizzas and paninis, plus fries and pastries
    • Locally-sourced cider, beer, soft drinks, juice, and delicious ice cream

Afternoon Adventures

A Frisbee Golf basket in the woods, dappled by sunlight.
  • Frisbee Golf
    • On-site self-led activity through the woodland and rolling fields, and includes a free Yeti hunt
  • Orienteering
    • Free on-site self-guided map and stamp hunt to explore the woodland – a great way to get familiar with the site

Evening

  • Cook a campsite meal together
  • Light the campfire and toast marshmallows
  • Friday evenings usually offer free live music or Storytelling
  • Rent a bat detector at the Pavilion and track their darting movements as they chase down that evening’s meal (find out how in the Basecamp guide)

Day 2 – Water Sports, Target Sports and Stargazing

A woman is smiling after taking her turn learning how to use an Air Rifle as part of a 3-day family camping itinerary.

Morning

Lunch

  • Stop by Puxton Farm Shop on your way back and pick up some tasty treats for a campsite picnic
  • Refresh yourselves with ice cream and cold drinks from the Pavilion

Afternoon

Two boys and two men are trying Axe Throwing while on a family camping holiday.

Evening

  • Go out for a meal at The Railway Inn, featuring local produce and Thatcher’s Cider
  • Or barbecue up a feast at the campsite (the camp shop sells burgers, sausages, halloumi and more)
  • If it’s Saturday, bop along to free live acoustic music at the Pavilion
  • On clear nights, try a little stargazing

Day 3 – One More Adventure Before You Head Home

Two girls are sitting down in a canoe in the giant outdoor sandpit, settling in and exploring at the start of their 3 day family camping itinerary.

There’s no set check-out time at Basecamp, so you can make the most of the last day of your holiday!

Morning

  • Have a DIY breakfast or sample the Pavilion’s breakfast rolls, pastries and coffee
  • Take the children Tobogganing
  • Try a free Circus Skills session on Sunday mornings near the Pavilion

Lunch

  • The Alpine Lounge (a few minutes’ walk down the hill) offers paninis, jacket potatoes, fries and pizzas, as well as kids’ menu items

Afternoon

  • If you have time, try another adventure activity before heading home, like Caving or Rock Climbing in the quarry

Best Nature Walks Near Mendip Basecamp

Don’t miss the chance to venture out on a walk or two! If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several footpaths right from the campsite and some beautiful nearby spots.

  • Ebbor Gorge: A magical, mini alternative to Cheddar, about 30 minutes’ drive from Basecamp
  • Cheddar Reservoir: Peaceful, scenic, and great for picnics, a 15-20 minute drive from Basecamp
  • Strawberry Line: A flat, traffic-free trail ideal for bikes. From Basecamp, you can cycle 20 minutes to the nearest trail entrance, or drive to Winscombe and use a car park there as your base.
  • King’s Wood: A lovely woodland with natural play spaces ready to explore, 15 minutes’ drive from Basecamp.
  • On-site trails: Acres of Mendip countryside to roam, no car needed!

You can also have a look at the Mendip Hills National Landscape website for some more walking inspiration!

How to Personalise Your 3-Day Family Camping Itinerary

A father and son smile for the camera while standing in front of a tent. There are other cars and tents in the background, and the campsite is surrounded with mature trees.

Amp up the adrenaline or keep it calm – it’s your trip! With so much available to try, it can be a little overwhelming to keep your holiday both interesting and relaxing. Here are some ideas that can help you personalise your 3-day family camping itinerary:

  • Pick an activity theme: Rock Sports? Water Sports? Target Sports? A little bit of everything? With several activities available under each category, plus loads more, your family could get familiar with a specific environment or have a taste of each one.
  • Give yourself a cooking break: Plan a night where you can leave the cooking alone and experience the luxury of having someone else do that for you. Choose a local pub or restaurant like The Railway Inn or The Woodborough, or keep it close with onsite options from the Pavilion or the Alpine Lounge.
  • Build in some downtime: Remember – you’re going on holiday! It can be tempting to cram your days with end-to-end excitement, but make sure to appreciate the downtime as well so you can fully immerse yourselves in holiday mode.
  • Make use of local resources: Use the Visit Somerset and Discover Cheddar websites to help plan your local adventures, from famous attractions to hidden gems.

Find more tips about planning your next family camping holiday here and learn more about packing for a camping trip here.

Handy Tips for Family Camping in Somerset

A computer screen shows the Tobogganing activity at Mendip Activity Centre as part of a 3 day family camping itinerary.

You can also check out the Basecamp guide for more information about free activities and what’s available onsite and locally.

Why Families Love This Itinerary

  • Adventure without the faff: Most activities are onsite or minutes away, so you spend more time playing and less time driving.
  • Flexible for all ages: From toddlers in the sandpit to teens on the water, every family member finds something they love.
  • Real downtime built in: Campfires, stargazing, woodland walks and lazy breakfasts balance the high‑energy moments.
  • Food options for every mood: Cook together, grab a pizza from the Pavilion, or head to a local pub. No pressure to self‑cater every meal!
  • A proper digital detox: With acres of countryside, free activities and nature everywhere, families naturally switch off and reconnect.
  • A true Somerset experience: Local produce, Mendip landscapes, wildlife, and friendly onsite staff make it feel like a proper UK adventure holiday.

Ready to Book Your Family Camping Adventure?

A young blonde-haired child on a bicycle smiles as he covers his eyes against the sun. Another child to the left of the image also smiles; there are camping tents and cars in the background.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable family holiday in the UK, Somerset delivers adventure in spades. This 3-day family camping itinerary is just a starting point; feel free to tailor it to your own family’s interests and pace.

Whether you want high-adrenaline adventure, slow-paced nature walks, or a bit of both, you’ll find it here at Basecamp.

Book Your Off-Grid Family Camping Adventure Now

There were so many great photos, it was hard to pick just a few for this post! Check out the gallery below and get in the mood for screen-free adventures.

A brown and white terrier type dog sits patiently to have its photo taken. There are two tents in the background; it's a dog-friendly campsite.
A woman and two boys at a campsite sit in folding chairs at a camping table. Two of them are playing chess while the third looks on.
Two girls take advantage of the free activities as part of a 3 day family camping itinerary. They crouch inside a small teepee next to a pretend campfire and are smiling.
People congregate around a lit campfire at a campsite, relaxing in folding chairs or standing around and chatting.
Two women are smiling and relaxing around a folding camp table with drinks.
Two boys sit on a wooden bench on a patio, sipping slushies in the sunshine.
A girl holds a racquet, ready to play a game of swingball that her family brought along to help fill the downtime on their 3 day family camping trip.
A man wearing a hat stands at a table, cooking something on a gas stove. He is in a grassy camping field; there is a tent behind him and to the left there is a small brown and white dog lying in the grass.
Two boys are washing dishes at the campsite's facilities. They look very happy as the sun streams in the open sides of the washing-up station.

Camping Itinerary FAQ

What can families do on a 3‑day camping trip at Mendip Basecamp?
A mix of adventure activities at nearby Mendip Activity Centre, free entertainment, and nature walks straight from the campsite.

Is this 3-day family camping itinerary suitable for young children?
Yes. Basecamp has a giant sandpit, covered play area, gentle walking trails and low‑pressure activities suitable for younger kids.

Do we need to book activities in advance?
Yes, booking activities ahead of time is recommended to avoid missing out on popular sessions like kayaking, archery and caving.

Are there food options on-site?
The Pavilion at the campsite and Alpine Lounge at Mendip Activity Centre offer breakfast rolls, pastries, pizzas, paninis, fries, kids’ meals and drinks. You can also barbecue or visit local pubs like The Railway Inn in nearby Sandford.

What nature walks are nearby?
Families can explore Ebbor Gorge, Cheddar Reservoir, the Strawberry Line, King’s Wood, or simply roam Basecamp’s acres of countryside.

Is Basecamp good for a first‑time family camping trip?
Yes: with pre‑pitched tents, onsite food, free activities and friendly staff, it’s ideal for beginners who want a simple, low‑stress camping experience.