A NEW purpose-built accessible watersports lake is to be created on Mendip Activity Centre’s 250-acre site in Churchill in the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

Plans have been approved, marking one of the most significant developments in the organisation’s history.

The lake will be created in a quiet section of the centre’s open grasslands. The centre says the lake has been designed to sit naturally within the existing contours, hedgerows and tree lines.

Once completed, the lake will introduce non-motorised watersports to the main site for the first time, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, raft building and open water swimming.

The new lake will also serve families and visitors camping at Mendip Basecamp during the summer months.

David Eddins, CEO of Mendip Adventure, described the approval as a “pivotal moment” for the organisation.

He said: “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. It's an exciting step forward.”

John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset, said: “This is a truly exciting development for Somerset’s visitor economy and a shining example of how tourism, accessibility, and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand. The new accessible lake at Mendip Activity Centre will not only open water-based adventure to a far wider audience, but also enhance the region’s reputation for high-quality, sustainable outdoor experiences.

“Projects like this strengthen our county’s year-round tourism offer, support local employment, and give families, schools, and visitors more reasons to explore the Mendip Hills.

“We look forward to seeing it become a flagship attraction for Somerset and the wider Southwest.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and the centre hopes to open the lake to visitors in 2027.