Travel / The Mendips
24 hours on a resort in the Mendips
Holiday resorts and their particular kind of organised fun have never quite been my thing – normally I prefer something a bit more off the beaten track.
But arriving at Mad Swans in the Mendips, soaked through after a wet and windswept cycle from Bristol, and being shown around the beautifully revamped stone farmhouse by a warm and welcoming team, I was ready to be converted.
A restorative breakfast in The Potting Shed
Mad Swans is the latest project from Longshot, whose entrepreneur owners Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors previously ran the famous Soho, London, private members’ club Groucho Club – and it shows.
From the deep-blue lounge lined with books and boardgames to the smart tiled cocktail bar and layered textures of rugs, the space was a sumptuous collision of colour and luxury.
The stay
Mad Swans’ “eco cabins” can be configured to accommodate families and larger groups
After a coffee, we were shown to our accommodation, one of a collection of black-clad “eco cabins” (more are being planned) arranged in clusters a short walk away from the main complex.
Inside, wood-panelled interiors gave off a soft warmth while large picture windows flooded the space with light. For now, the view was a bit sparse but I gave them the benefit of the doubt, especially after hearing the field transforms into wildflower hillocks during warmer months.
Though it was a small space, the cabin didn’t feel cramped. Instead of a TV, there was a projector and a drop-down screen. The bedhead doubled as a console with integrated storage and the views made the space feel airy and close to nature.
There were thoughtful touches too such as books, jigsaws, complimentary homemade cookies and a minibar.
A night in one of the cabins will set you back £195
The activities
What sets Mad Swans apart was its density of things to do.
As someone whose golfing experience is limited to Treetop Golf at Cabot Circus, the idea of a driving range was initially a bit daunting.
But The Swing Barn, with its mix of families, couples and groups of friends all playing at their own level, immediately felt relaxed and unpretentious.
Equipped with some patient instruction from my partner, I gave it a go, tentatively at first and then with growing confidence – drawn in by the gameified setup where digital targets, on-screen scoring and instant feedback turn each swing into something far more engaging than a standard trip to the range.
In between rounds, we retreated to the warmth of our heated booth, ordering drinks and snacks as we went.
The Swing Barn is designed for casual golf, parties and food
For those keen to take things further, the reworked 12-hole course, adapted from the original 18-hole layout dating back to the mid-1990s, offers a more classic experience.
But it has lost all the stuffiness you might expect from traditional golf, with chiller boxes for beers in the buggies, no dress code and permission to listen to music as you play.
Elsewhere, padel and pickleball courts bring a faster-paced energy, and if the outdoor pursuits aren’t enough for you, the indoor offering is just as compelling: a fully equipped gym alongside a roster of classes spanning yoga to spin.
The food and downtime
After a day of swinging, rallying and putting, the hotel’s elegant lounges came into their own.
The evening centred around food in The Potting Shed restaurant with menus designed by celebrity chef Ollie Dabbous who is no stranger to Michelin stars.
Despite the credentials, the atmosphere remained relaxed and dinner is served with sweeping views across the Mendip landscape.
An evening meal at The Potting Shed rounded off a jam-packed day of exercise
Upstairs, The Hangout offered a more casual alternative: a polished take on an American diner serving pizzas, creative cocktails and indulgent sundaes.
There, classic games like shuffleboard and darts were given a modern twist, with digital features that add a quirky edge including replay clips that celebrate your efforts. It was easy to lose track of time.
The Hangout is perfect for families and friends wanting to while away an afternoon or evening
Beyond the resort
While Mad Swans makes a strong case for staying put, it’s also well placed for exploring a pretty corner of Somerset.
Wells, England’s smallest city, is a short drive away and Chew Valley Lake offers waterside walks and the chance for fish and chips at Salt & Malt.
The hotel is about an hour and a half’s cycle from Bristol
Betty stayed as a guest at Mad Swans, For more information, visit www.madswans.com
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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