About Mendip
Established in 1987, Mendip Adventure has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most respected outdoor activity providers. From our flagship 250-acre site in the heart of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, we’ve been shaping adventurers and outdoor leaders for almost four decades.
Our unique site includes an indoor residential centre, two canvas villages, a private rocksport quarry, snowsport slopes, woodland training areas and our very own cave system. It’s the ultimate classroom for anyone serious about a career in the outdoors.
Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training is the home of the industr-yleading Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) course – an intensive, career-shaping programme. It’s built from the ground up using everything we’ve learned since our first trainee joined us back in 1995.
Our training isn’t just about qualifications – it’s about mentorship, progression and community. Every graduate joins a family that includes Mendip Activity Centre, Mendip Basecamp, YHA Cheddar, SUP Bristol, and the Mendip Access Adventure Foundation – a family committed to inspiring everyone, everywhere, to make time for adventure.
If you’re ready to turn your passion into your profession, this is where your journey begins.
David Eddins
Managing Director, Mendip Adventure
Mendip Life
There’s no better place to base your training than Mendip Activity Centre in the heart of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. 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.)
