Camping in Bradley Cross

Bradley Cross sits right on the edge of the Mendip Hills, and the limestone plateau around it offers some appealing spots for a night under canvas, though it is worth remembering that wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, including here, so pitching up on open Mendip grassland or in the gorge itself is not an option without asking first. Fortunately there are legitimate alternatives close by: working farms in and around Bradley Cross and Cheddar offer campsites and glamping pitches, often with views across the gorge or out towards the Somerset Levels, and a number of these have been carved out of old orchards, paddocks or farmyards rather than purpose-built holiday parks, giving them a more rustic, low-key feel.

The terrain here is a mix of exposed limestone plateau, dry valleys and steep wooded combes, so pitches tend to be more sheltered in the valleys below the hamlet and more open and breezy on the higher ground, which is worth bearing in mind when choosing a site, particularly for tents rather than campervans or motorhomes. Late spring through to early autumn is generally the best window to camp here, when the Mendip grassland is at its best, days are long enough for a proper walk along the gorge or over the hills, and the ground has had a chance to dry out after winter; the exposed hilltop position means conditions can turn quickly and are best avoided in poor weather, particularly for tent camping rather than a static caravan or glamping pod.

For those who would rather not pitch a tent, glamping options in the area range from simple bell tents and shepherd's huts to more comfortable pods with proper beds and heating, giving a taste of the outdoors without needing much kit. Whichever way you choose to stay, Bradley Cross's position above Cheddar means you are never far from the gorge, the caves or a decent country pub at the end of the day, and the quiet lanes around the hamlet make for good early-morning or evening walks straight from your pitch.