BEST one day in Mendips itinerary
I was first introduced to the Mendips when I was 18, and my first-year uni accommodation was called “Mendip Court”.
14 years later, and I’ve explored pretty much all of this underrated AONB in Somerset.
There’s a full Mendip hiking route (The Mendip Way) and plenty of small villages and hills to explore, but if you only have one day (perhaps as a day trip from Bristol?) here’s an easy itinerary that’ll help you see the highlights.
Morning: Cheddar Gorge and village (9:00–11:30)
Start your day in Cheddar, where England’s largest gorge cuts a deep limestone scar through the southern edge of the Mendips.
It’s best to drive in via the B3135 from the east – here, the road twists beneath dramatic cliffs.
There are multiple laybys where you can safely pull in for photos (aim for an early start to avoid the tour coaches that arrive later in the morning).
Park in the Riverside Inn Car Park – it’s cheaper than the council car park (Google Maps location)
From there, walk past the independent shops and cheese outlets — The Original Cheddar Cheese Company still uses traditional methods and offers small tastings if open.
Gough’s Cave, which dates back over two million years, is the most geologically impressive of the commercial caves.
If you want a quick breakfast or takeaway coffee, Lion Rock Tea Rooms opens early and has outdoor seating overlooking the gorge.
It’s worth strolling five minutes past the caves to see the quieter upper gorge before heading back!
Late morning: Wells (12:00–14:00)
Drive south to Wells — about 25 minutes from Cheddar — and head straight for the Union Street or Waitrose car parks, which both place you within easy walking distance of the centre.
Despite being England’s smallest city, Wells is dense with medieval and Gothic architecture.
The cathedral dates from the 12th century and remains the focal point of the city.
Entry is free, and inside you’ll find the famous scissor arches, one of the earliest surviving clocks in Europe and an enormous chapter house with a fan-vaulted ceiling.
Directly behind the cathedral is Vicars’ Close — a cobbled residential street that has been continuously inhabited since the 14th century.
It’s often missed by day-trippers but is worth the short detour on foot!
The Bishop’s Palace and its moat are adjacent, with public footpaths boasting a view even if you don’t go inside.
Afternoon: Ebbor Gorge or Wookey Hole viewpoint (14:15–15:30)
From Wells, it’s a 10-minute drive west to Ebbor Gorge, part of a National Nature Reserve that’s managed by Natural England.
It’s a quieter, more wild-feeling alternative to Cheddar.
There’s a free car park off Deerleap Lane, and the route begins just beyond the picnic benches.
The full walking loop takes around 90 minutes and involves steep steps and uneven woodland paths.
But for a short visit, you can take the flatter 15-minute out-and-back trail that leads directly to a viewpoint overlooking the Somerset Levels.
On a clear day, you can see Glastonbury Tor in the distance!
If you prefer to avoid any walking at all, drive a few minutes further west to Deer Leap viewpoint.
There’s a small pull-in on the side of the road and the view opens up just a few steps away. It’s especially striking in the late afternoon.
Neither location has facilities, so bring water or snacks from Wells if needed. The roads here are narrow but generally quiet, though worth taking slowly if unfamiliar with Somerset’s lanes!
Late afternoon: Priddy and the Mendip plateau (15:45–17:00)
From Ebbor Gorge, it’s a short drive uphill to the village of Priddy.
Set in the heart of the Mendip plateau, it’s surrounded by upland farmland, ancient tracks, and Bronze Age earthworks.
Park near the village green or the Queen Victoria Inn, a whitewashed pub with strong local character and low oak beams. This is a good place to grab a drink if you don’t plan to stop again before heading home.
Walk around the green and nearby lanes to spot features like dry-stone walls and sheep pastures that stretch uninterrupted to the horizon.
A short walk west takes you to Priddy Nine Barrows — a collection of burial mounds dating back to 2000 BCE. These are unfenced and unsigned, but clearly visible as low humps across the landscape.
The area around Priddy often hosts grazing Exmoor ponies or Belted Galloway cattle, depending on the season.
The land here is part of the wider Mendip Commons and open to public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
Light changes quickly on the plateau, especially in cooler months — it’s one of the few places in the Mendips where you get a true sense of isolation, even when close to the road.
Evening (optional dinner): Blagdon or Litton (17:30 onwards)
As the day winds down, you can make your way north or west depending on your route home. If you’re hungry, stop for dinner in one of the nearby villages with good-quality food pubs.
The Litton, just beside Litton Reservoir, has a landscaped garden and a solid menu, with vegetarian options and local cider. You’ll often need to book on weekends.
Alternatively, head towards Blagdon Lake and the A368.
The Ring o’ Bells pub in Compton Martin sits right beside the church and is a locals’ favourite, with an old flagstone floor and seasonal dishes.
If you’re not in a rush, stop at Blagdon Reservoir for a short walk.
Both options place you near larger roads for your onward journey, without having to double back.
