About Mendip Activity Centre
Established in 1987, Mendip has grown into the biggest and most reputable outdoor activity provider in the South West.
Our unique 250-acre site nestled in the heart of the Mendip Hills includes an indoor residential centre, two canvas villages, private rocksport quarry, unique snowsport slopes and our very own cave system. There's easy access to everything the Mendip Hills has to offer.
Our unrivalled success is largely due to the reputation and experience of our instructors – who we believe are the best in the business. Our pioneering approach to instructor training has evolved since we launched our industry-first training programme in 1995. Subsequently, we’ve built our business and our hard-earned reputation on the back of our successful training programme.
We know how tough it is to get started in the outdoor industry, and it’s even tougher to secure stable, year-round work, which is why we’ve developed this training programme from the ground up, applying everything we’ve learned over the last 30 years.
If you’re aiming for a rewarding career as an outdoor professional, this is the course for you.
David Eddins
Managing Director
Mendip Life
There’s no better place to base your training than Mendip Activity Centre in the heart of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We asked our staff team why they love living and working here. Here's what they told us:
Cheddar Gorge. An outdoor enthusiasts dream - you can run around the gorge, cycle through it or climb up the supreme limestone cliffs...all complete with epic views.
Cycling. Something for everyone on two wheels - whether you fancy an amble down the Strawberry Line, a long road ride or some thrilling trails around Rowberrow Warren and Blackdown.
Access. We are so close to Devon and Cornwall as well as National Parks Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons and Exmoor. An hour away from the International White Water Centre and great road, rail and plane links.
Going underground. People travel from all over the UK to explore the caves of the Mendips! The geology is something to behold. The first time you enter Swildons is incredibly special.
Coastal Walks. There’s some awesome coastal walks around the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare, as well as some lovely hidden climbing and some ace BBQ spots.
Bristol. Bristol is one of the coolest cities in the UK. The home of Banksy, a creative, independent city with ace nightlife, a buzzing music scene, unique festivals, great restaurants and bars. There are 24-hour buses to and from the Mendips!
Climbing centres. We are spoilt for choice with five indoor climbing centres in Bristol!
Rare limestone grasslands. On our land at Mendip Activity Centre and across the Mendips, there are some superb and rare beautiful limestone grasslands.
Glastonbury Tor. It can be seen for miles around and is above the home of a certain festival. We highly recommend this for the best views of the somerset levels.
Clevedon Marine Lake. Clevedon is a wonderful coastal town and the marine lake is a favourite for our instructors for outdoor swimming, paddling and paddleboarding.
Cider. Somerset is cider land. If the wind is blowing in the right direction, you can smell the cider brewing at Thatchers. The Railway Inn and The Crown are local pubs a short walk away (with plenty of cider, ales and soft drinks.)
