Camping in Churchill

Churchill's setting on the western edge of the Mendip Hills, with Dolebury Warren rising above the village and Burrington Combe and Cheddar Gorge close by, puts it within reach of some of Somerset's best campsite country. As everywhere in England, wild camping is illegal without the landowner's permission, so plan on a proper campsite or a farm pitch rather than pitching up on the hillfort or along the ridge, however tempting the views. The Mendips are limestone upland, so the terrain is drier underfoot than much of Somerset even after rain, though the ground can still be uneven and rocky in places — sturdy pegs and a good groundsheet are worth packing.

Most campsites in this pocket of North Somerset are small, family-run affairs rather than big holiday parks, often on working farms with fields backing onto the hills or the Strawberry Line trail. That makes the area popular with walkers and cyclists looking for a simple, quiet base rather than an entertainment-heavy family park, though there are larger sites with more facilities a short drive away towards Cheddar and the coast. Booking ahead is sensible in summer, particularly for anything within easy striking distance of Cheddar Gorge, which draws visitors from across the South West.

Late spring through early autumn is the best window for camping around Churchill: the ground is driest, the days are long enough for a full walk up onto the hills and back, and the gorges and show caves are at their most rewarding. Spring brings bluebells and new lambs to the surrounding farmland, while a September or early October trip usually means quieter trails and cooler walking weather without losing much daylight. If you'd rather skip the tent altogether, glamping options in the wider Mendips area — shepherd's huts, pods and the occasional yurt — offer the same hillside setting with a proper bed and, often, a wood-burning stove for the cooler months.