Summary
- Mendip Basecamp is an affordable Centre Parcs alternative in Somerset, offering flexible woodland family breaks near Bristol and Bath.
- Families can enjoy outdoor adventures, relaxed camping, and festival‑style experiences at a fraction of resort prices.
- With free activities and easy access to Somerset’s attractions, Mendip Basecamp is ideal for nature‑loving families seeking freedom and affordability.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Find Your Perfect Family Holiday Destination
- What is Centre Parcs?
- What is Mendip Basecamp?
- Price Comparison: Centre Parcs Alternative
- How Does Centre Parcs Compare to Mendip Basecamp?
- Who Should Choose Centre Parcs?
- Who Should Choose Basecamp?
- The Verdict
- Centre Parcs Alternative FAQ
Find Your Perfect Family Holiday Destination
Centre Parcs holiday villages are some of the UK’s most popular destinations, known for woodland settings, family-friendly accommodation, and a wide range of activities. However, for families seeking a flexible, affordable, and laid-back option, there are excellent Centre Parcs alternatives worth considering.
A Centre Parcs Alternative: Woodland Escapes for Adventurers and Nature Lovers
Mendip Basecamp, located in the Mendip Hills near Bristol and Bath, offers a different kind of woodland escape. It combines outdoor adventure, relaxed family camping, and festival-style experiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional holiday resorts.
Find out how Centre Parcs holidays compare to Mendip Basecamp family trips, and get excited for your next big adventure!
What is Centre Parcs?
Centre Parcs holiday villages provide self-catering lodges, indoor and outdoor activities, and restaurants, all designed with everything guests need on-site. The closest location to Somerset is Longleat Forest, Wiltshire. Many families choose Centre Parcs for its convenience and variety, but prices can be high.
What is Mendip Basecamp?
Mendip Basecamp, a part of Mendip Adventure, is an independently owned, off-grid family campsite offering affordability and flexibility in a scenic woodland setting. It’s located near Bristol and Bath, with easy access to the M5 and London, on the other side of the Mendip Hills from Centre Parcs Longleat.
Guests can try free campsite activities and adventure experiences 5 minutes away at Mendip Activity Centre, and take advantage of easy access to nearby attractions on foot or by car, bus, or bicycle. Visitors have described Basecamp as an excellent-value alternative to Centre Parcs holidays.
Price Comparison: Centre Parcs Alternative
With Centre Parcs holiday villages and alternative family holiday destinations available, you can decide how to prioritise your holiday budget and get the most out of your getaway.
Prices are accurate as of June 2026.
Centre Parcs 2026 Summer Prices
3‑night stays in July or August (Thursday to Sunday) start from approximately £699 for two adults or £1,199 for a family of four.
Basecamp 2026 Summer Prices
3‑night stays (Thursday to Sunday) start from £96 for two adults or £150 for a family of four.
Alternative pre-pitched tent options for the same duration include bunk tents (£240), bell tents (£260), and safari tents (£315), all of which sleep up to 6 people. The savings can amount to hundreds of pounds while still enjoying a memorable woodland holiday.
How Does Centre Parcs Compare to Mendip Basecamp?
Both Centre Parcs and Mendip Basecamp offer woodland family holidays, but they cater to different preferences. The comparison below outlines what each destination provides.
Accommodation
Centre Parcs
Centre Parcs’ self-catering lodges range from basic to premium. They are comfortable and private, designed to encourage guests to spend time on site. Parking is usually separate from the lodges, with upgrades available for proximity.
Basecamp
Accommodation options at Basecamp include camping pitches, bell tents, safari tents and bunk tents. There are no assigned pitches, so guests can set up campervans or tents wherever they like and park near their tent. The focus is on simple, comfortable stays that encourage time outdoors.
Atmosphere
Centre Parcs
They offer an organised holiday village experience with restaurants, shops, and activities in a self-contained site. Each village follows a similar layout, with differences mainly in location.
Basecamp
Set on a quiet hilltop in the Mendip Hills, Basecamp provides a peaceful environment where families can slow down and reconnect. Fairy lights, flags, and weekend Mini Fests create a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere.
Activities and Adventures
Centre Parcs
Centre Parcs guests can choose from a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including swimming, cycling, and workshops. Many activities incur additional costs and often take place in standardised, manicured settings.
Basecamp
Outdoor adventure is central to the Basecamp experience. Guests can join free campsite activities like live music or Circus Skills, play in the giant sandpit, or book adventures at Mendip Activity Centre, where qualified instructors lead sessions like Rock Climbing, Caving, and Kayaking in real outdoor environments.
Flexibility
Centre Parcs
Centre Parcs typically offers fixed bookings of 3, 4, or 7 nights, which can limit spontaneity.
Basecamp
Basecamp welcomes flexible stays without strict booking patterns. Guests can choose their own length of stay, and camping pitches have no set check‑out time.
Facilities
Centre Parcs
Their holiday lodges include kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and Wi‑Fi. On-site facilities feature restaurants, pubs and shops.
Basecamp
Basecamp’s facilities and amenities include campfire pits, indoor and outdoor play areas, hot showers, flushing toilets, water points, USB charging, a campsite shop and cafe, and free Wi‑Fi. Guests can park by their tents and visit the camp cafe or nearby pubs and restaurants for local food.
Location and Exploring the Area
Centre Parcs
Most Centre Parcs guests stay on site, as villages are self‑contained and often located away from towns. Exploring beyond the resort can be limited. They are often located in places with little to no access to public footpaths.
Basecamp
Basecamp is perfectly placed for exploring Somerset’s highlights, including Cheddar Gorge, Wells, Bristol, Bath, and the Mendip Hills. Families can combine outdoor adventure with sightseeing and local food experiences. Plus, public footpaths right on your doorstep add some extra freedom and adventure to your holiday.
Who Should Choose Centre Parcs?
Centre Parcs suits families who prefer a resort-style holiday, a wide range of facilities, and organised activities. People often choose Centre Parcs because it’s a one-stop shop for self-catered short breaks, and it’s ideal for those who prefer a structured experience.
Who Should Choose Basecamp?
Mendip Basecamp is perfect for families who want an affordable, flexible, and adventure-focused break. It appeals to those who enjoy camping, outdoor living, and exploring Somerset’s attractions while appreciating a relaxed, independent atmosphere.
The Verdict
Both Centre Parcs and Basecamp offer memorable family breaks in beautiful woodland settings. The choice depends on the type of holiday you want. If you prefer a resort-style experience with organised activities, Centre Parcs is a popular option.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and adventure-driven escape, Mendip Basecamp is a refreshing, authentic alternative that proves you don’t need to spend thousands to create unforgettable family memories.
Centre Parcs Alternative FAQ
What is Mendip Basecamp?
Mendip Basecamp is an off‑grid family campsite in the Mendip Hills near Bristol and Bath, offering flexible stays, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed woodland setting. It’s a low‑cost alternative to resort holidays, with free on‑site activities and access to Mendip Activity Centre for adventures like Rock Climbing, Caving, and Kayaking.
How much does a Mendip Basecamp holiday cost?
3‑night stays in July or August start from £96 for two adults or £150 for a family of four*, making it an affordable option for families who want to spend time outdoors without breaking the bank.
*Prices accurate as of June 2026
Who is Mendip Basecamp best suited for?
Families who want an affordable, flexible, and adventure‑focused break in nature. It’s ideal for those who enjoy camping, outdoor living, and exploring Somerset’s attractions in a relaxed, independent setting.
What is Centre Parcs?
Centre Parcs holiday villages provide self‑catering lodges, restaurants, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities in woodland settings. The nearest location to Somerset is Longleat Forest, known for its convenience and variety.
Who Should Choose a Centre Parcs holiday?
Centre Parcs suits families who prefer a resort‑style holiday with structured activities, on‑site facilities, and a self‑contained environment.
How much does a Centre Parcs holiday cost?
A 3‑night stay in July or August at Longleat Forest typically costs around £699 for two adults or £1,199 for a family of four*, before adding activities and meals.
*Prices accurate as of June 2026
Where is Mendip Basecamp located?
Mendip Basecamp sits on a quiet hilltop in the Mendip Hills, close to Cheddar Gorge, Wells, Bristol, and Bath. It’s easily accessible from the M5 and London, with public footpaths directly from the site.
What activities are available at Mendip Basecamp?
Guests can enjoy free campsite activities such as Circus Skills and weekend Mini Fests, or book adventures at Mendip Activity Centre, all led by qualified instructors in real outdoor environments.
What facilities does Mendip Basecamp offer?
Facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets, water points, USB charging, free Wi‑Fi, and a campsite shop and café. Guests can park next to their tents and visit nearby pubs and restaurants for local food.
How flexible are bookings at Mendip Basecamp?
Unlike Centre Parcs, which offers fixed 3‑, 4‑, or 7‑night stays, Basecamp allows flexible bookings with no set check‑out time for camping pitches.