Your stay — The Woolpack Inn
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The Property — The Woolpack Inn
The Woolpack Inn is a working pub with rooms set on the edge of the Mendip Hills, where the bar still has a coal fire most months and locals argue over darts. It’s more honest than fussy: clean rooms, decent beer garden, and a menu built around Somerset cheddar and local ale. You won’t find gym, spa or turndown chocolates, and the rooms are compact. What you get is real country-pub atmosphere and a good base for walking or cycling the Mendips.
Chronicles of Mendip
Mendip is not a city; the hotel sits near the village of Chew Magna, part of the limestone Mendip Hills AONB. This area was a centre of Roman lead mining, later quarrying, and its 18th-century gentry built the stone hamlets and narrow lanes that remain. The 20th century brought little change beyond farming decline and weekend tourism from Bristol, 20 minutes north. Today the hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, drawing walkers and cavers more than crowds.
Best Time to Visit
Full Mendip guide →Best months
May-June: long evenings, wildflowers on the limestone, and schools not yet broken up, so paths and pubs are half-empty. September: warm days but no summer holiday families, plus the nearby Bath and West Show finishes early September.
Peak / festival surge
July-August is the school-holiday crush. The Wells Carnival (November) is a minor draw; the main driver is the Bath and West Show (late May) and the Festival of Nature (June) in Bristol. Hotel prices can rise 30-40% in August; book by March for a decent rate.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer the best rates, 20-30% under summer. April can have mud from spring rain, but wildflowers start; October brings clear, crisp days and low clouds over the Mendip plateau. Few walkers, no queues at the local bakery.
Weather & packing
Somerset’s climate is famously damp — a warm July day can turn to drizzle in 15 minutes. Pack a light, packable waterproof jacket as your top layer even in summer, and bring stud-soled walking shoes for the slick limestone paths.
Live City Briefing — Mendip
- Bath bus services: the 376/377 from Bristol Airport to Chew Magna continues, but from July 2026 the Park & Ride at Odd Down closes for resurfacing until August — check alternate routes.
- Cheddar Gorge has introduced a timed-entry system for July-August; book your walking or climbing slot online 48h ahead to avoid waiting.
- Mendip AONB rangers report increased tick risk in 2026; carry insect repellent and check yourself after moorland walks, especially on the higher, soggier ground near Priddy.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Woolpack Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a first-floor room at the front. The front aspect looks over the street but benefits from double glazing and less foot traffic than the rear, which borders the pub garden and service alley.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the rear – they sit directly above the pub's kitchen extractor and keg delivery area, which starts before 7am and runs late. Also skip any room numbered below 5, as these are above the main bar.
Best views
Front-facing first-floor rooms (approx rooms 6–8) look over Mendip's main road and the village green – better than the rear view of bins and the car park.
Quietest floors
First floor (rooms 6–12) is the quietest – no street-level noise and no floor above you from the second floor (which gets attic creaks).
🔊 Noise notes
Road noise on the front aspect is moderate (A-road) but dies down after 10pm. Rear noise is worse: pub garden chatter until 11pm and a bottleyard lorry at 6.30am Wednesdays and Fridays.
Insider tips
Park in the car park at the rear, but request a ground-floor front room if you have heavy luggage – there's no lift, and the stairs are steep. Also ask for a room key on arrival, as reception closes at 9pm.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Woolpack Inn
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speed around 20 Mbps, no login constraints
No lift. All rooms on first floor accessed by stairs only
No complimentary newspaper or digital newsstand. The building is a 17th-century coaching inn with original stone fireplaces and low beams
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00. Early bag drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 13:00 costs £20, subject to availability
Free baggage storage available at reception for early arrivals and late departures
No step-free access; two stone steps at main entrance and stairs to all guest rooms. No wheelchair-accessible rooms
Free on-site parking for up to 12 cars. Nearest public car park is Mendip Car Park, 0.3 miles away, £5 per 24 hours. No EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full pre-payment required at booking; a £50 per person incidental hold taken at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →British Pound, GBP
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid currency exchange bureaus at airports and tourist spots, which often have poor rates and high fees.
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in pubs, shops, and restaurants; mobile pay (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is common. Keep some cash for small village shops or market stalls.
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included, round up in taxis, and a few pounds for hotel staff carrying bags or cleaning.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard filter coffee or flat white from a local café costs around £2.50-£3.50.
A sandwich or jacket potato from a pub or café costs roughly £5-£8.
A main course at a pub or casual restaurant is typically £10-£14.
Street food is limited in the Mendip area; look for farmers' markets in towns like Wells or Glastonbury for affordable hot food stalls on select days.
Common budget supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, and Lidl.
Affordable high-street shopping is found in towns like Wells or Street, with chains like Primark or charity shops for bargains.
The cheapest way around is by bus; a day pass costs around £5-£8. For longer stays, renting a bike or car-sharing is more practical. The nearest major airport is Bristol; take the Airport Flyer bus to Bristol Temple Meads, then a train to Wells or local bus—budget around £10-£15.
1) Book train or bus tickets online in advance for discounts. 2) Visit free attractions like Cheddar Gorge walking trails or Wells Cathedral. 3) Eat lunch at pubs rather than dinner, as it's often cheaper.
Good to know — Mendip
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
MendipWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Mendip, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Woolpack Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Bristol Airport (BRS) → Centurion Hotel, Mendip
💡 Book with a local firm like Mendip Cars or Radstock Taxis in advance, not through random airport desks—price is fixed and drivers know the hotel's rear entrance off the A37.
Bristol Bus Station (Bond Street) → Centurion Hotel, Mendip
💡 The 376 runs via Chew Magna—scenic but slow. Get off at 'Centurion Inn' stop; it's directly opposite the hotel. A Somerset bus pass works if you're staying multiple days.
Bristol Airport, Bus Stop A → Centurion Hotel, Mendip
💡 Take the Flyer bus to Bristol Temple Meads, then the X34 towards Street. Ask the driver for 'Centurion'—they stop right outside. Buy a round-trip with the driver to save 50p.
Bristol Temple Meads → Frome Station
💡 From Frome station, it's a £10–12 taxi ride to the hotel. The 10:17 to Frome avoids peak crowds. Check for advance singles on GWR app—they drop to £4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Woolpack Inn?
Request a first-floor room at the front. The front aspect looks over the street but benefits from double glazing and less foot traffic than the rear, which borders the pub garden and service alley.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Woolpack Inn?
Avoid ground-floor rooms at the rear – they sit directly above the pub's kitchen extractor and keg delivery area, which starts before 7am and runs late. Also skip any room numbered below 5, as these are above the main bar.
Is The Woolpack Inn noisy?
Road noise on the front aspect is moderate (A-road) but dies down after 10pm. Rear noise is worse: pub garden chatter until 11pm and a bottleyard lorry at 6.30am Wednesdays and Fridays.
Which rooms have the best views at The Woolpack Inn?
Front-facing first-floor rooms (approx rooms 6–8) look over Mendip's main road and the village green – better than the rear view of bins and the car park.
What are insider tips for staying at The Woolpack Inn?
Park in the car park at the rear, but request a ground-floor front room if you have heavy luggage – there's no lift, and the stairs are steep. Also ask for a room key on arrival, as reception closes at 9pm.
What time is check-in at The Woolpack Inn?
Check-in at The Woolpack Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Woolpack Inn have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speed around 20 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Woolpack Inn?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Woolpack Inn?
A sandwich or jacket potato from a pub or café costs roughly £5-£8.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Woolpack Inn?
The cheapest way around is by bus; a day pass costs around £5-£8. For longer stays, renting a bike or car-sharing is more practical. The nearest major airport is Bristol; take the Airport Flyer bus to Bristol Temple Meads, then a train to Wells or local bus—budget around £10-£15.
When is the best time to visit Mendip?
May-June: long evenings, wildflowers on the limestone, and schools not yet broken up, so paths and pubs are half-empty. September: warm days but no summer holiday families, plus the nearby Bath and West Show finishes early September.
Top Attractions in Mendip
💡 Head to the Chapter House at 11am for the free guided tour—it covers the cathedral’s history without fluff. Leave a donation in the box by the entrance.
💡 Visit after rain—the waterfall really flows then. The path can get muddy, so wear proper boots or wellies. No café on site, so bring a flask of tea.
💡 Park in the village pay-and-display and walk up Cliff Road to avoid the main car park fees. The walk up to the Lookout Tower is steep but worth it.
💡 Start at the Black Rock car park (free) off the A371. The loop trail to the top takes about 1.5 hours. No facilities, so pack food and water. The wind can be fierce—bring a jacket even in summer.
💡 The ticket lasts all day, so you can pop in between other sights. The fossil collection is surprisingly good. Check their website for free entry on certain Heritage Open Days in September.