This article was updated on 6th June 2025 after the award ceremony took place.

Mendip Basecamp, our family adventure campsite set in the heart of the Mendip Hills, was announced as Silver winner at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, in the coveted category of Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year. This means that Mendip Basecamp is officially the second-best campsite in the country.

The annual awards celebrate the very best of England’s tourism industry, recognising quality, innovation, and outstanding customer service. Mendip Basecamp was one of just three finalists in its category, selected from over 1,800 initial entries submitted through 21 local competitions across the country.

Happy Families on their Camping Holiday at a Visit England Award Winning Campsite

Recognising the best of England’s Tourism Industry

Andrew Stokes, Director at VisitEngland, said: “These annual Awards are an opportunity to applaud and showcase the businesses and individuals who provide outstanding customer service and continuously improve their products and offer for visitors. From a captivating science museum in Merseyside to a fully accessible hotel in Bournemouth, from cow cuddling on a farm in Yorkshire to fine dining in Lancashire, this year’s winners show just how varied and diverse our industry is and what makes it great. Competition this year was fierce, reflecting the excellence evident across each category and I congratulate all the 2025 winners.”

Founded in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendip Basecamp was born out of challenge and necessity, created to offer families a safe, outdoor place to reconnect during uncertain times. Five years on, it has grown into one of the South West’s most popular family holiday destinations. Basecamp is off-grid, dog-friendly and campfires are encouraged, with the surrounding Mendip Hills bursting with nature and Mendip magic.

Disconnect from Technology and Plug Into Adventure

As part of the wider Mendip Adventure group, Basecamp gives guests the chance to disconnect from technology and plug into over 20 adventurous activities from Rock Climbing to Archery, Caving to Paddleboarding, Skiing to Tobogganing—all led by passionate, qualified instructors. With its flexible, pitch-where-you-like setup and regular themed weekends, festivals and free entertainment, it has become a go-to base for families, friends and first-timers looking to explore the outdoors.

David Eddins, Managing Director of Mendip Adventure, said: “Winning Silver at the Visit England Awards is a huge honour and a proud moment for our whole team. Mendip Basecamp started as a modest idea during lockdown – to give people a place to feel free, to reconnect with each other and with nature. We’ve grown it into something really special. Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire everyone, everywhere to make time for adventure. This recognition tells us we’re doing just that – and we’re only getting started.”

George Combe, Marketing Manager of Mendip Adventure, said: “We are humbled and honoured to have won Silver at the Visit England Awards. Mendip Basecamp started as a small project to provide families with a safe place to adventure during covid – and now we’ve been recognised on the national level; this award is a nod to the hard work of our entire team, the support of our wonderful guests and an appreciation of the extraordinary landscape we get to call home. The Mendip Hills are a hidden treasure in the heart of Somerset, and we’re lucky to be able to share them.”

Family Campsite in the South West With Beach Views over to South Wales

Looking for an adventurous escape? Book a Basecamp camping trip now!