The Mendip Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From 'top of the world', huge panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and Somerset levels, to stunning vistas through deep, forested combes. From the Chew Valley Lakes and natural nature reserves to the heritage and culture of the Cathedral City of Wells and the mysterious Glastonbury Tor and Abbey. Home to numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), and bordering some of Britain’s most important wetlands, The Mendip Hills has something for everyone, and awaits your discovery…

This unique landscape contains some of the oldest hills in Britain, formed at the same time as the Alps in Europe. It is one of Britain's richest and most fascinating sites of pre-history and archaeology. The Mendip Hills contain signs of some of the earliest human occupation in Britain, and are home to Neolithic henge monuments, Bronze-age barrows, Iron Age hill forts & evidence of extensive Roman occupation. Its network of hedgerows and dry stone walls are indicative of the eighteenth century fields of the Parliamentary Inclosures. There are many sites of special scientific interest (SSSI's), designated for their rare and important flora as well as the unique geology of the area, Cheddar Gorge and Caves being of particular note.

The highest point on the Mendips, Beacon Batch on the top of Blackdown, can give a feeling of true wilderness and isolation without ever being too far from civilisation. Wildlife abounds, watch as Kestrels dive into the heather to catch their prey and Buzzards circle high overhead on thermal air currents. From our base at The Cottage, Blackdown provides an ever-present back-drop, swathed in purple heather in the spring, and sometimes snow-capped in winter. Deer and wild ponies are silhouetted against wonderful summer sunsets…

Blackdown, the highest hill on the Mendips is a short distance from our base. This landmark affords remarkable 360 degree views across the Severn Estuary, and both Severn Bridges to Wales, across the Somerset Levels and Moors to the Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills, Chew Valley & Blagdon lakes and Cheddar Gorge.