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CAVING IN SOMERSET
Go Caving in Somerset with Mendip Activity Centre
Plunge into the depths of the Mendip Hills National Landscape for a spectacular underground experience! Caving is a great adventure, where you crawl, climb, slide and squeeze through caves rich in human and geologic history to discover magnificent natural features.
When approached with expert instruction, caves are amazing places to discover and they provide a truly unique adventure for everyone from beginners to underground enthusiasts.
There is a cave to suit every ability level and most caves have spacious chambers and incredible natural features to explore! Experienced instructors ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way, and help you create the best version of your own personal adventure.
Sanford Levy was first discovered during mining operations. It was used as a secret weapons base during World War II. The story goes that a young local boy stumbled upon it and had to be sworn to secrecy under the Official Secrets Act!
Located about 15 minutes walk from reception at Mendip Activity Centre, Sandford Levy welcomes cavers of all abilities and is the perfect trip for first-timers and families.
Sprinkled with beautiful natural features like gour pools, calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites, visitors get a first-hand glimpse into geologic and human history.
Approximately a 15-minute drive from Mendip Activity Centre, Goatchurch Cavern in Burrington Combe is a stalwart of Somerset caving.
Located in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, it has associations with prehistoric people, including witches, and is another great cave trip for beginners.
Goatchurch Cavern is home to notable natural features and endless opportunities for discovery, plus the Mendip Hills are the closest caving destination to Bristol and London for easy access to a unique outdoor adventure.
Located in Priddy, Swildon’s Hole is the longest cave in the Mendip Hills. It’s also the site of Britain’s first cave diving attempt in 1934! Guided by your instructor, winding passages formed by water over millions of years take you through impressive chambers and bring you face-to-face with spectacular natural features like fossils and waterfalls.
Swildon’s Hole is a challenging advanced cave and you will get wet so we suggest trying a Caving session in Goatchurch Cavern first if you haven’t caved before.
Swildon's Hole sessions run occasionally throughout the year. Join our caving email list to know first about new caving sessions and future events.
According to Somerset legend, the Devil himself shaped the Mendip Hills when he carved up previously smooth fields into the rolling, rugged, gorge-streaked landscape of today. He flung earth from Cheddar Gorge into great piles that became Brent Knoll, as well as Flat Holm and Steep Holm out in the Bristol Channel.
Thanks to the Devil’s work (or geology), the Mendip Hills today make up a diverse landscape. Over the years they have grown layers of myth and fact, woven together into a rich tapestry of human and natural history just waiting to be discovered. In honour of the fascinating history of the Mendip Hills, here are some of our favourite stories and facts about this beautiful slice of Somerset:
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What if I don’t want to do a certain part of the course?You can opt out of any element of the course that you do not have an interest in. If there is something you definitely do not want to do, we can work out a reduced rate kit package for you. Unfortunately the cost of the course will remain the same.
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Is there an age limit?The course is designed for ages 18+. There is no upper limit as long as you are fit, active and love being outside.
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How do we book?Book here
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What if I can’t make an Open Day?We are open 7 days a week and into the evenings and are more than happy to arrange an individual open day if you are struggling to attend. Just drop us a message to hi@outdoorinstructortraining.co.uk and we can arrange a day and time.
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What if we have to cancel?If you need to cancel your booking, please let us know by email as soon as possible. Your booking will be cancelled with effect from the day we receive your email notification and subject to our standard cancellation charges: In case of a cancellation or amendment of bookings the following rules apply: - Mendip reserves the right to cancel or alter any activity or event due to circumstances beyond our control. In the event of cancellation, an alternative date will be arranged. If we are unable to run the weekend due to Covid restrictions we will offer you full credit or a refund if you prefer. - If you need to cancel or rearrange your booking with more than 48 hours notice then we will create a gift voucher to the value of the booking less a small £5 administration charge which will be valid for 12 months for any of our activities. - If you have to cancel within 48 hours of your booking regretably we can not offer any credit or rearrange your booking. For any cancellation made with less than 48 hours until your booking, due to medical reasons suported by official documentation, a credit will be applied to your account for you to rebook another time. - The term 'booking' shall be taken to mean any session, course or event arranged by Mendip.
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What activities are included?Archery Air Rifle Axe Throwing Bushcraft Rock Climbing Tobogganing Frisbee Golf Orienteering Two evening activities Optional activities- Try Caving, Try Skiing, Try Snowboarding (additional charge applies)
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Can a member of my group ski, snowboard, or cave?"You can book an optional and additional activities: Try Caving on the Saturday Evening (£15 per person) Try Skiing on the Friday evening or Sunday afternoon (£30 per person) Try Snowboarding on the Sunday afternoon (£30 per person) These activities can be booked just for indiviudals (including any under 16s ages 7+) or the whole group.
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What catering is included?All catering is included from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime! Cooked breakfast, packed lunch, home cooked dinner. Each meal includes squash/hot drinks. The bar and cafe will also be open if you wish to buy any extras.
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What dietary or special requirements can you cater to?Yes, our team are great and can cater to all requirements. Please let us know in advance and if you have any specific questions or requests we will do our best to accommodate these.
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What do we need to bring?Towels, linen and pillows are not provided. You will need to bring your own. Don't forget a rain jacket, warm clothes and sturdy footwear. We recommend reading our kit lists for more guidance.
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What are arrival and check out times?You can arrive from 4pm on the first evening. If you can't get here until later, don't worry! Check out is by 4pm on Sunday. Activities will be finished by 3pm so you have plenty of time to get a cup of tea and one last slice of cake before you leave!
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Do we have to take part in every activity?This is your weekend to do as you please! We know it's jam packed and full on, so if any of your family need a break at any point, that's absolutely fine.
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We have a group bigger than 6. Can we still book?You can book as two separate groups or get in touch with us regarding larger group bookings.