Mendip Basecamp, an off-grid campsite located in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, has been named a national finalist in the 2025 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The site, which offers outdoor accommodation and a wide range of activities, is competing in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category.
It is one of only three finalists chosen from more than 1,800 entries submitted through 21 regional competitions, according to WalesOnline.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the recognition underscores the growing consumer interest in experience-based, adventure-driven camping options that blend low-impact, rustic accommodations with high-quality recreational programming.
The model adopted by Mendip Basecamp reflects a broader trend in the sector where properties that prioritize guest engagement and immersive activities are increasingly being rewarded by both visitors and industry bodies.
David Eddins, managing director of Mendip Adventure, described the honor as a milestone for the team and their vision.
“Being named a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards is a huge honour and a proud moment for our team. Mendip Basecamp started as a bold idea during lockdown—to give people a place to feel free and reconnect with each other and nature,” Eddins said.
The basecamp offers non-electric camping pitches as well as pre-pitched options including Nomadic Bell Tents and Glamphouse safari tents.
While traditional amenities such as electric hook-ups are absent, guests have access to shared toilet and shower facilities, USB charging points, a camp café, and an onsite shop offering local produce and camping essentials.
From an operational standpoint, the site has positioned itself as a hybrid between a traditional campsite and a full-scale outdoor adventure center.
The adjacent Mendip Activity Centre—independently owned and operated—offers guests access to over 20 activities ranging from canoeing and climbing to archery and dry slope skiing. This dual-model approach not only enhances the guest experience but also extends dwell time and per capita spend.
Operators interested in diversification may view this model as a case study in maximizing land use and delivering value-added services.
By integrating adventure activities, Mendip Basecamp has tapped into the rising demand for multi-generational family travel and outdoor education experiences.
“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,” Eddins added.
Evening programming is another area where Mendip Basecamp extends its value proposition. Live music, storytelling sessions, and circus skills workshops serve not only as entertainment but as community-building experiences, reinforcing the family-oriented branding and encouraging repeat visitation.
The site operates seasonally from May to September, aligning with school holidays and peak leisure travel periods. Pricing is structured to be accessible, with off-peak rates for camping starting at £11 per adult and family rental tents ranging from £75 to £95 per night, depending on the unit and season.
For campground and holiday park owners, Mendip Basecamp’s recognition by VisitEngland highlights how innovative, experience-driven offerings are resonating with both guests and award bodies.
It also emphasizes the value of adaptable infrastructure that supports both low-cost and premium stay options, creating pathways to attract a broader demographic.
As the outdoor hospitality sector continues to evolve post-pandemic, sites like Mendip Basecamp illustrate the potential of combining traditional camping with curated, instructor-led outdoor experiences to generate both revenue and recognition.
Operators seeking to enhance guest satisfaction and build brand loyalty may find inspiration in this approach, particularly as consumer preferences continue to shift toward experiential travel and meaningful connections with nature.