North Hill

North Hill sits on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, the band of limestone high ground that runs across north Somerset between the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels. This part of the Mendips rises gently above the cathedral city of Wells, giving views south across the Levels towards Glastonbury Tor on a clear day, and the ground beneath is riddled with the same cave systems and gorges that make the wider plateau famous. It is a landscape of dry stone walls, sheep pasture, beech hangers and the odd disused quarry, more workaday than picture-postcard, but with genuine wild country only a short drive away.

Because North Hill is a small, quiet corner rather than a destination in its own right, most visitors use it as a peaceful base for exploring the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that surrounds it. Wells, England's smallest city, is close by with its medieval cathedral and Bishop's Palace, while Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole and the nature reserves of Ebbor Gorge and Priddy are all within a short drive. Expect narrow lanes, limited street lighting after dark, and the kind of rural hush that makes this stretch of Somerset popular with walkers and cavers rather than crowds.

Top things to do near North Hill

The surrounding Mendip Hills pack in a surprising amount for such a compact area, from show caves to one of the best gorges in the country.

• Wells Cathedral — the centrepiece of England's smallest city, with its famous scissor arches and medieval West Front, is a short drive from North Hill.
• Cheddar Gorge — Britain's largest gorge, with limestone cliffs up to 137 metres high, show caves including Gough's Cave, and a clifftop walking trail with sweeping views over the Levels.
• Wookey Hole Caves — a show cave system carved by the River Axe on the edge of the Mendips, with chambers open to visitors year-round.
• Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve — a steep, wooded limestone gorge managed by Natural England, with waymarked trails and viewpoints over the Somerset Levels.
• Priddy — the highest village on the Mendips, known for its ancient Priddy Circles earthworks, its village green pound, and as a gateway to Mendip caving country.
• Glastonbury Tor — the striking tower-topped hill visible from high points across the Mendips, a National Trust site and one of Somerset's most recognisable landmarks.

Getting to North Hill

The Mendip Hills around North Hill are best reached by car. The A39 and A371 connect Wells with Cheddar, Glastonbury and the wider Somerset road network, and the M5 motorway (via Bristol or Taunton) is within reasonable reach for longer journeys. The nearest mainline railway stations are at Castle Cary, Bridgwater and Bristol Temple Meads, none of which are on North Hill's doorstep, so a car is the practical way to explore this part of the Mendips. Roads on the hill itself are typically narrow, so allow extra time and take care on bends and passing places.

Best time to visit North Hill

Spring and early summer bring wildflowers to the limestone grassland and lighter evenings for walking the Mendip ridgeline. Summer is the busiest period for the show caves and Cheddar Gorge, so early starts help avoid queues. Autumn brings good colour in the beech woods around Ebbor Gorge and Priddy, while winter is quieter still, best suited to shorter daytime walks and the region's cosy pubs; some minor lanes can be exposed in bad weather, so it is worth checking conditions before setting out.

Where to stay near North Hill

Wells and the surrounding Mendip villages offer a mix of country inns, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering cottages, with camping and glamping sites scattered across the plateau towards Priddy and Cheddar. Choosing a base in or around Wells puts North Hill, the cathedral city and the Mendip AONB's main attractions all within easy striking distance.

Food and drink near North Hill

Wells has a good spread of independent cafes, pubs and restaurants around its market place and cathedral green, while Mendip villages such as Priddy and Cheddar have traditional pubs serving local ales and hearty food after a day on the hills. Options directly on North Hill itself are limited, so most visitors head into Wells or the nearby villages for meals.