Ebborways Farm Bed & Breakfast

There is a refreshingly relaxed and old-school atmosphere here at Ebboways Farm campsite, an atmosphere that harks back to the days gone by of unfussy, “real” camping, with paired backed facilities and a wonderfully distinct lack of modern intrusions. On arrival, a warm welcome awaits you from the owners - who also run a B&B on the old farm site - and you can pitch anywhere you fancy in the long, wildflower-strewn grass. The campsite spans across 7 acres and the grassy areas are interspersed with woodland copses and pretty glades.

All are welcome; tents, caravans and campervans; this is camping as it used to be, with no set pitches, no showers, no electricity, no wifi - and it is all part of the charm of the place. Campfires are actively encouraged and wood can be bought onsite. Come here for a digital detox, to get back to nature and enjoy the gorgeous surrounding views. The campsite has composting toilets and taps providing drinking water, but otherwise, this is as close to wild camping as you are able to get - without actually breaking any rules of pitching randomly in someone’s field. It’s rather magical.

Ebborways Farm is in an enviable location, situated in the village of Priddy and nestled into the heart of the extraordinarily beautiful Mendip Hills in Somerset; an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is hard to believe you are only 40 minutes from Bristol here, the city feels a million miles away. The limestone hills of the Mendips are one of England’s most special and attractive places, with Chew Valley lake and a stunning landscape of steep slopes, spectacular gorges and grasslands full of flowers and wildlife. Beneath the hills are the world-renowned Mendip Caves - Cheddar and Wookey Hole caves being the most famous attractions and accessible for all; the more tricky-to-reach caverns are popular with serious cavers looking for a challenge. Overground, the top of the hills provide stunning views across to Wales, the Quantock Hills and Glastonbury Tor; the latter being known as one of the most spiritual places in England as well as the site of the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

And talking of festivals, Ebborways Farm is a great place to stay if you are planning on attending a festival in the area; it is one of the allocated campsites for the Priddy Folk Festival held annually in mid-July. Other local festivals include the Top of the Gorge Festival, the Priddy Funday and Craft Fair and the Guy Fawkes Illuminated Carnival.

The campsite is a tranquil getaway. It is quiet, and relaxed and provides uninterrupted views across the beautiful Somerset hills. In the evenings, wind down around a campfire with friends and family, watch the sunset and get back to proper laid-back outdoor living. Or wander into the village of Priddy to the excellent Queen Victoria Inn for a meal cooked with local produce and sample some of the delicious ciders on offer (you are in Somerset, after all, it would be rude not to). This informal and back-to-basics campsite is a true gem in the Mendip Hills; the sense of space and freedom and uncomplicated living makes for a beautiful holiday.