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Climbing

2 hour rock climbing session in Sandford Quarry.

How does it work?

This is an outdoor climbing session on a real rock face! We'll show you how to put on your safety equipment. You'll then learn how to tie into the rope and safely look after your climbing partners through a process called belaying. Then, under the careful supervision of our highly qualified instructors you'll take it in turns to belay and climb. No previous experience is required! The sense of achievement, exhilaration and confidence you'll gain from this experience cannot be beaten. An unforgettable experience to share with your family or friends.

How many climbs will we do?

Every session is different and depends on the weather, the group and your previous experience. Outdoor climbing on a real limestone rock face is slightly different to indoor climbing; we'll ensure you're involved the whole time, belaying, bouldering, and climbing. On these longer climbing sessions, you'll get a chance to really develop your skills. Our instructors will aim to ensure everyone experiences between four and six epic rock climbs!

Who are these activities for?

These activities are suitable for anyone aged eight or over. You have the option to book individual spaces on this session or, if no spaces have sold, you can book the session exclusively for your group of up to 10 people by selecting the "Private group" option. If you book the session excluisvely we can relax the age restriction and you can bring children aged six or seven. If you have anyone under eight in your group at least one adult must take part.

How do we get to the activity location?

This session takes place in Sandford Quarry, our beautiful disused limestone quarry a few minutes drive from the main centre. This is the perfect venue for outdoor rock climbing, but like most outdoor locations the facilities are basic and there are no toilets. You are welcome to drive into the quarry but the access track is uneven so please drive slowly and take care as you drive into the quarry at your own risk. If you prefer to park on Quarry Road and walk up to the quarry please park courteously and do not block driveways. If you are staying with us in the campsite the walk down into the quarry is stunning and this map shows the route . Our instructor will be waiting for you on the lowest tier of the quarry in the area pinned on google maps here

FAQ's

As an outdoor activity centre, we go ahead whatever the weather! The only exception to this rule is lightning directly overhead, which we monitor very closely and rarely stops play for more than a few minutes. 


Make sure you bring a change of clothes if it's raining, wrap up warm if it's windy, and drink plenty of fluids if it's hot. Make an adventure of it!

Yes! You may use your voucher on the activity that it is valid for.  Don't forget to enter both the Security Code and the Voucher Code.


Alternatively, all vouchers can be used for the value paid for them against any of our activities.

We will need a completed copy of our medical declaration. Where possible please print it out and bring it with you. We will have copies available on site.

Well behaved dogs are welcome to join you onsite however unfortunately, they can't join you on any of our activity sessions other than frisbee golf. 


If you are bringing a dog with you, one of your party will have to not take part in the activity session to stay with the dog.


Yes! We deliver a wide range of outdoor education and outdoor adventure sessions to schools and private groups. We'd love to work with you and help your group to achieve their goals.


If you are enquiring for an educational or school group, please take a look at our dedicated webpage: https://www.mendip.co.uk/education


If you are enquiring for an organised youth group, please click here: https://www.mendip.co.uk/youthgroups

The majority of our activities are suitable for a Stag or Hen group, yes! If you find an activity on a time and date that suits you, you are able to book for an exclusive group which means it will just be your group with the instructor. Please pop a note in the notes box to let us know if it's a stag or hen do.


If your group is larger than our group sizes or if you are looking for a more bespoke package, check out our Stag and Hen webpage here - www.mendip.co.uk/stagandhen


Climbing and abseiling sessions take place in Sandford Quarry, our beautiful disused limestone quarry a few minutes drive from the main centre. This is the perfect venue for outdoor rock climbing, but like most outdoor locations the facilities are basic and there are no toilets.

You are welcome to drive into the quarry but the access track is uneven so please drive slowly and take care as you drive into the quarry at your own risk. If you prefer to park on Quarry Road and walk up to the quarry please park courteously and do not block driveways.

If you are staying with us in the campsite the walk down into the quarry is stunning and this map shows the route. Please allow 30 minutes for this walk. 

Our instructor will be waiting for you on the lowest tier of the quarry in the area pinned on google maps here.

Climbing and abseiling sessions take place in Sandford Quarry, our beautiful disused limestone quarry. 


This is the perfect venue for outdoor rock climbing, but like most outdoor locations the facilities are basic.


Throughout the summer months, we have portaloos to use. Mendip Activity Centre is a 5-minute drive away if you need toilets or refreshments but we recommend coming prepared.

Our instructors will never force you to do something you are not comfortable with. 


They are the best in the industry and know how to help you overcome your fears. They will give you the confidence and support to step just outside your comfort zone and try. You'll be surprised what you can achieve with the right coaching!

Click here for a Google maps link. 


What3Words: innovator.teachers.picture 


Sandford Quarry is our private rocksport quarry which is just a 5 minute drive from our Main Activity Centre. Access is by first turning into Quarry Road in Winscombe, nearest postcode, BS25 5RN.  Please do not park on Quarry Road. 


Drive up Quarry Road for about 100m and then, enter the gates on your left. Follow the track into the quarry. You will see our vehicles and instructors. Please drive carefully and slowly, the track is uneven and bumpy in places. 


If you are walking from Mendip Basecamp, please allow 30 minutes. 


Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.

General FAQ's

Tobogganing: Ages 4+ (Over 12s can take part in exclusive bookings)

Skiing: Ages 5+(Under 8s must book Minis sessions)

Snowboarding: Ages 8+ (with at least size 2 feet and 1.2m tall)

Frisbee Golf & Orienteering: No age restriction. Under 6's play for free


Outdoor activity sessions are run in two different ways.

Individual spaces: Ages 8+

If you are booking individual spaces on an activity session, the minimum age for most activities is 8. 


Exclusive sessions: Ages 6+

If you book the session exclusively, we can relax our age restriction to include children aged 6 or 7. At least one adult must take part and be included in the group if there is anyone taking part is under the age of 8.  

As an outdoor activity centre, we go ahead whatever the weather! The only exception to this rule is lightning directly overhead, which we monitor very closely and rarely stops play for more than a few minutes. 


Make sure you bring a change of clothes if it's raining, wrap up warm if it's windy, and drink plenty of fluids if it's hot. Make an adventure of it!

Yes! All of our activity sites have plenty of parking onsite; parking is free of charge.


We strongly encourage car sharing and sustainable forms of travel. Read more here.

At Mendip Activity Centre, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to challenge themselves and undertake adventurous activities.


If you think you'll need additional support during your experience with us, it’s important that you let us know prior to booking an activity.  All our activities have varying degrees of physical and mental challenge to them and some require a small level of fitness. All our instructors hold first aid qualifications but are not always qualified to assess the capacity of participants who may require additional support


Venues:

Our main centre is lift-accessible. The paths leading to our onsite activities can be fairly muddy and uneven. Pushchairs/wheelchairs/mobility scooters may struggle depending on what part of the site they are trying to access. 


We'd strongly recommend reading our full accessibility statement here: www.mendip.co.uk/accessibility

You will receive a confirmation email from us once your booking has been made. Sometimes this email can end up in your junk folder, so please check there first if you can't find it. 


If you can't find a confirmation email, your online booking may not have been fully completed - please check whether the session you were trying to book is still available online. If it is, please try to make the booking again. If it's not, please contact us so that we can check what's happened.

Mendip Activity Centre, Mendip Lodge and Mendip Basecamp are all cashless. 


We accept all major credit and debit cards.


Yes!

Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of providing outdoor education and adventure opportunities to schools.

We believe that school residentials provide young people with unrivalled opportunities and educational experiences gained through adventure. We will help design a week that fits your group's goals, desires and aims.


For full information on our year-round residential options, please visit our residential website by clicking here.


Alternatively, you can email info@mendip.co.uk with your enquiry.

Yes! Whatever your size, scale or budget, we offer bespoke team away days. 

Take a look here for more info -https://www.mendip.co.uk/corporate 

Yes! Most of our activities are perfect for groups and parties.


You can choose to book the session as an exclusive group session, just for you and your friends. These make great action parties!  You can also book the toboggan slope privately just for your group.


We are currently renovating our party room so do not currently offer a party package that includes food.  You are more than welcome to bring your group to the Alpine Lounge or Mendip Lodge and order from the menu.


Our public opening times are kept up to date here: 

https://www.mendip.co.uk/about-mendip


If in doubt, all activities can be booked in advance at mendip.me/book 


We are open to private education groups, corporate groups, youth groups outside of these times.
Education enquiries here: www.mendip.co.uk/education

Corporate enquiries here: www.mendip.co.uk/corporate

Youth group enquiries here: www.mendip.co.uk/youthgroups






Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a very popular activity and, especially during peak times, we have very little flexibility in being able to push your start time back. Where possible, we will get you onto the toboggan slope as soon as possible once you arrive. We will try to be as accommodating as possible and if there is availability later in the day, we will move your session to a later start time however please be aware that this is not always possible. 


Frisbee golf or recreational snowsports

We are likely to be able to change your start time at arrival as long as it is within our opening hours and on the same day.


Private session
We will start whenever you arrive but we are unlikely to be able to overrun.


Individual spaces on a session

We will do our best to fit you into the session at a point that does not disrupt it too much for other participants. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we're sorry but it is very unlikely we will be able to fit you into the session due to missing the safety and equipment briefing and kit up.


Let us know you cannot make your session, or request an amendment: 

Please email hello@mendip.co.uk



Our cancellation and amendment terms can be viewed here: https://www.mendip.co.uk/termsandconditions

Yes, the Alpine Lounge is open the majority of the time we have activities scheduled!


Check out our website https://www.alpinelounge.co.uk/ for the current opening times and to view the menu.


We do no accept bookings for the cafe, it is walk in only. There is plenty of space so you will not struggle to find somewhere to sit.


Well behaved dogs are welcome to join you onsite including in our cafe, the Alpine Lounge.


However, unfortunately, they can't join you on any of our activity sessions other than frisbee golf. If you are bringing a dog with you, one of your party will have to not take part in the activity session to stay with the dog.

Email hello@mendip.co.uk or visit mendip.co.uk/support to contact us.