Mendip Activity Centre Awarded Planning Permission for Accessible Water Sports Lake

Mendip Adventure is delighted to announce that full planning permission has been granted for the creation of a new activity lake at our 250-acre site in the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

This landmark approval marks one of the most significant developments in our organisation’s 40-year history and represents a transformational step forward for our guests, our community, and our mission to inspire everyone, everywhere to make time for adventure.

An artistic impression of the new Mendip Lake

A beautiful new lake for adventure, outdoor education & community

The purpose-built lake will introduce non-motorised water sports to our flagship site for the first time. Once complete, it will provide a safe and accessible venue for Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Raft Building and Open Water Swimming.

Designed as a cornerstone of our outdoor education programme, the lake will offer thousands of young people - from school residentials to youth groups - an accessible environment to develop confidence, learn new skills and deepen their connection to nature.

It will also be a valuable resource for all the families and campers who stay at Mendip Basecamp each summer, and will serve as a year-round training venue for participants on our industry-leading outdoor instructor training courses.

“This is a landmark moment for Mendip Adventure. For nearly forty years, we’ve worked to make outdoor adventure accessible to everyone, and this new lake takes that mission to an entirely new level.  This sensitively designed lake will make water sports accessible to all whilst creating new habitats that enhance the biodiversity of our site. It’s an exciting step forward. This lake will play a key role in the future of adventure, education and conservation in the Mendip Hills.”

David Eddins, CEO Mendip Adventure

The lake will strengthen outdoor adventure and regional tourism

As the South West’s largest independently owned outdoor activity provider, Mendip Adventure welcomes more than 108,000 visitors each year and supports over 100 local jobs. Our activities help young people, families and adults from across the UK to reconnect with nature and experience authentic adventure.

The new lake will deepen these opportunities and extend their benefits across the region - supporting schools, communities, families and the local visitor economy.

Designed with accessibility, sustainability and long-term environmental impact at its core, the project includes a gently sloping beach for inclusive access, extensive native planting, new wetlands and hedgerows, and will deliver a measurable biodiversity net gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction begin?

Construction is planned to start in 2026, once the last few planning conditions have been satisfied.

When will the lake open?

We hope to open the lake in 2027.

Where will the lake be?

The lake will be situated in a quiet corner of our 250 acre site. The land is currently open grassland used for Frisbee Golf; there will be some minor changes to the Frisbee Golf course. The location is not overlooked and is completely sheltered by the natural contours of the land, hedges and mature tree line. The design ensures the lake sits naturally within the landscape, preserving the open feel and character of the site. 

How will you ensure the lake is designed and built safely?

We are working closely with specialist engineers and lake-designers. Every element is being planned to meet high standards of safety, accessibility and environmental care.

Will you continue to use your existing watersports sites?

Once complete, the lake will become Mendip Activity Centre's main watersports venue for introductory sessions. SUP Bristol will continue operating from Bristol Harbour. We will also continue running river trips, with exciting new options planned for 2026.

What activities will be available on the new lake?

Guests will be able to enjoy Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Raft Building and year-round Open Water Swimming. The lake will support everything from family adventure sessions to professional training.

Why is this project important for schools and youth groups?

The lake will give thousands of young people a safe and accessible environment to learn new skills, build confidence and deepen their connection to nature. Being onsite reduces travel time and increases time spent learning outdoors, supporting structured, progressive programmes.

How will the lake benefit the local area?

By bringing watersports to our main site we will reduce minibus and trailer journeys on tight country roads, encourage longer visitor stays, support local jobs and strengthen Somerset’s tourism offer. As a long-term, sustainable addition to the landscape, the lake will create benefits for the community and environment for generations.

Artistic impression of the Mendip Lake at sunrise