Attractions and Places To See around Burrington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Burrington include a variety of natural features, historical sites, and scenic routes. The region, encompassing areas in both Somerset and Devon, offers diverse landscapes from limestone gorges to expansive lakes. Visitors can explore significant geological formations, ancient archaeological sites, and tranquil natural spaces. This area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and discovering local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Burrington
- The most popular attractions is Cheddar Gorge Climb, a climb that features a 10 km route with a steep initial section. This iconic climb offers a challenging experience through a natural monument.
- Another must-see spot is Chew Valley Lake, a viewpoint and the fifth largest artificial lake in the UK. Visitors can enjoy brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside, with a 14 km loop available for exploration.
- Visitors also love The Strawberry Line, a traffic-free trail following a former railway line. This level and easygoing route is suitable for all ages and abilities, winding through scenic Somerset countryside.
- Burrington is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and scenic trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging climbs to family-friendly routes and expansive viewpoints.
- The attractions around Burrington are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Cheddar Gorge Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Chew Valley Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
There are brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside as you pass along the dam.
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The Strawberry Line
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Sadly, the numerous bike gates along the route are a pain if you're on a mountain/hybrid bike as they are too narrow.
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Beacon Batch summit trig point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Hills at over 400 ha.
Black Down, like most heathlands, is formed through a combination of factors– soil type, rainfall and human activity. The underlying Old Red Sandstone rock together with high rainfall created a waterlogged and acidic soil. The removal of tree cover by our Bronze Age ancestors 2,000 years ago helped to make sure that the soil stayed damp and acid. Only certain plants can survive in this type of ground. The key species include heather or ling, bell heather, bilberry, purple moor grass and European gorse, along with mosses and lichens.
Now the bracken is managed by harvesting and grazing by cattle and wild ponies to allow the heathers and grasses to flourish again. Black Down supports a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates.
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Black Down Summit and Wild Ponies
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Other adventures around Burrington
Tips from the Community
The concrete outlet tower serves as the central control point for the reservoir's water supply. Connected by a bridge to the main dam, the tower houses sluice gates and valves that regulate the flow and distribution of water to the River Chew and the local water supply.
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Chew Valley Lake is the 5th largest artificial lake in the UK. It was constructed in the 1950s to supply drinking water for Bristol and the nearby area. There are brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside as you pass along the dam.
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Chew Valley Lake formed by the construction of this dam on the River Chew in the 1950's. Built to provide drinking water for Bristol.
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Nice traffic free route with lots of places to stop for refreshments along the way. Recommend the bakery at Winscombe. Sadly, the numerous bike gates along the route are a pain if you're on a mountain/hybrid bike as they are too narrow.
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Black Down Hill or Beacons Batch is the highest hill in the Mendip Hills at 325m, Somerset, in south-western England. Black Down lies just a few miles eastward of the Bristol Channel at Weston-super-Mare, and provides a view over the Chew Valley. It has a trig pointed summit and is a UK designated Marilyn with a prominence of over 150m.
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The Strawberry Line is a traffic-free trail between Yatton and Cheddar. The gravel path follows the route of a former railway line that once carried delicious cargos of strawberries from Cheddar. The line was well usd for nearly a century until its closure in 1965. Level and easygoing, the trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. It winds through some very pretty Somerset countryside, too.
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Fabulous gravel track. As long as you're not too precious about getting grit and dirt on your bike, it's possible on any bike... smoother than most roads!
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This special site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest for its valuable wildlife habitats and is a nationally important site for its archaeology from the late Stone Age and Bronze Age through to the Second World War. Black Down provides the largest area of open access on the Mendip Hills at over 400 ha. Black Down, like most heathlands, is formed through a combination of factors– soil type, rainfall and human activity. The underlying Old Red Sandstone rock together with high rainfall created a waterlogged and acidic soil. The removal of tree cover by our Bronze Age ancestors 2,000 years ago helped to make sure that the soil stayed damp and acid. Only certain plants can survive in this type of ground. The key species include heather or ling, bell heather, bilberry, purple moor grass and European gorse, along with mosses and lichens. Now the bracken is managed by harvesting and grazing by cattle and wild ponies to allow the heathers and grasses to flourish again. Black Down supports a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Burrington?
The region boasts several significant natural features. You can visit the dramatic Carboniferous Limestone gorge of Burrington Combe, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Another prominent feature is Cheddar Gorge Climb, offering a challenging experience through a natural monument. For expansive water views, Chew Valley Lake is the fifth largest artificial lake in the UK, perfect for scenic overlooks.
Are there historical sites to visit in the Burrington area?
Yes, the area is rich in history. Burrington Combe contains caves like Aveline's Hole, which holds the earliest scientifically dated cemetery in Great Britain. Above the Combe, you'll find Burrington Camp, an Iron Age univallate hillfort with Romano-British elements. Additionally, Beacon Batch summit trig point on Black Down is a nationally important site for its archaeology, featuring Bronze Age burial mounds.
What are some family-friendly attractions near Burrington?
For families, Chew Valley Lake is an excellent choice, offering lovely views and a 14 km loop for exploration. The Strawberry Line is a traffic-free trail, suitable for all ages and abilities, following a former railway line through scenic Somerset countryside. Both are highlighted as family-friendly options.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Burrington area is ideal for various outdoor pursuits. You can enjoy gravel biking on routes like the 'Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop' or cycling on tours such as the 'Chew Valley Lake loop'. For more details on these and other routes, explore the Gravel biking around Burrington and Cycling around Burrington guides.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can find trails like the 'Beacon Batch summit trig point – Goatchurch Cavern loop' or the 'Burrington Ham Viewpoint – Burrington Combe loop'. These are generally around 3-6 km and suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed stroll. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Burrington guide.
What is special about Burrington Combe?
Burrington Combe is a spectacular Carboniferous Limestone gorge, significant for its geological formations and diverse flora. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with warm, south-facing slopes that are important for butterflies and other invertebrates. The Combe also features several caves, including Aveline's Hole, which has archaeological importance with evidence of human occupation dating back over 10,000 years.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in the area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Beacon Batch summit trig point, the highest point in the Mendip Hills. From here, you can see across the Bristol Channel into Wales, over Weston-super-Mare, the Chew Valley, and the wider Mendips. Chew Valley Lake also offers brilliant views of the lake and surrounding countryside, especially from its dam.
Is Burrington Ham worth visiting?
Burrington Ham, also known as Burrington Commons, is the largest area of common land on the Mendip Hills. It showcases thousands of years of human activity, including the historically significant Aveline's Hole and Burrington Camp. It's a great spot for walks and experiencing the natural and historical landscape of the Mendips.
When is the best time of year to visit Burrington's attractions?
The Mendip Hills, including Burrington Combe and Ham, are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant flora and are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, though popular spots like Cheddar Gorge Climb can be busy on summer weekends. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter offers a quieter, often crisp experience, though some trails might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Are there dog-friendly walks around Burrington?
Many of the natural areas around Burrington, including Burrington Ham and parts of Burrington Combe, are suitable for dog walking. The Strawberry Line is also a great traffic-free option for walks with your dog. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock or in sensitive wildlife areas, and check for any specific local restrictions.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions here?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the variety of experiences. The Cheddar Gorge Climb is loved for its 'stunning surroundings' and being a 'British classic'. Chew Valley Lake is appreciated for its 'lovely views' and the peaceful 14 km loop. The Strawberry Line is popular for being a 'nice traffic free route' with refreshment stops. The panoramic views from Beacon Batch are consistently described as 'breathtaking'.
Are there any unique or lesser-known spots to discover?
Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the caves within Burrington Combe, such as Sidcot Swallet and Goatchurch Cavern, which offer a glimpse into the region's geological and archaeological past. The 'Rock of Ages' crag in Burrington Combe is also a notable, albeit apocryphal, historical point of interest.
Most popular routes around Burrington
Most popular attractions around Burrington
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