Outcider Festival

Compton Martin is located in the scenic Mendip Hills of Somerset, about 15 miles south of Bristol. By car, visitors usually take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 21 (Flax Bourton) or Junction 22 (Weston-super-Mare). From there, follow the A370 toward Weston-super-Mare, then turn onto local roads (via Cheddar) eastbound to reach Compton Martin. Follow signage to Fernhill Farm. On-site parking is available (for a small fee) but limited, so car-sharing is encouraged to ease traffic. Tip: entering postcode BS40 6LD (Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin) in your satnav will guide you straight to the site.

Public transport: The nearest main train station is Bristol Temple Meads (about 20 miles north). From Bristol, you can catch a bus or hire a taxi toward the Mendip Hills. For example, the Big Lemon bus (service X9) runs from Bristol city centre to Chew Valley villages, including a stop in Compton Martin village. Nailsea & Backwell station (~9 miles away) is another option (taxi onward). Buses in the area are infrequent, so check timetables carefully. Taxis operate from Bristol, Wells or Bath to take passengers directly to the farm entrance if needed.

Air travel: Bristol Airport (BRS) is closest (about 15 minutes by road) and offers flights across the UK and Europe. From Bristol Airport, take a bus or taxi into Bristol city centre, then continue by train or local bus toward Compton Martin as above. Cardiff Airport (about 30 miles west) has fewer flights but can be used, connecting via transport to Bristol or Bath. Many international visitors fly into London (Heathrow or Gatwick) and then take a train or coach to Bristol Temple Meads or Bath Spa, before switching to local travel. Plan carefully, especially if arriving near the festival start.

Accommodation tips: The festival has large on-site camping fields for tents, campervans and caravans (book a camping or vehicle pitch in advance). If you prefer a roof over your head, nearby villages and towns offer options: B&Bs and country inns in Compton Martin or Cheddar; hotels and guesthouses in Wells, Weston-super-Mare or Bath (all within a 30-minute drive). Bath and Bristol also have many hotels, hostels and inns with easy rail or road links. Book lodging early, as summer weekends fill up fast. Remember that this area is rural – bring warm layers, comfortable shoes and waterproofs, since evenings can get chilly even in summer.