Cheddar: Gorge, Caves and Trails

Cheddar offers a variety of things to discover during a stay: a striking limestone gorge, caves of geological and prehistoric significance, as well as trails and local traditions. If you are looking for a hotel in Cheddar, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your own interests.

Limestone landscape in the Mendip Hills

Cheddar Gorge is a dramatic limestone landscape shaped by natural processes over millions of years. The gorge is almost 400 feet deep and 3 miles long. It is part of the Mendip Hills National Landscape. Both its geological formation and its place within this protected landscape are central to the character of the area. These measurements give a concrete impression of the scale of the Gorge; together with its formation history, they offer a different way to experience Cheddar from its caves and local activities.

Caves and prehistory

Gough's Cave is more than 500,000 years old and the largest of Cheddar's show caves. If you are interested in the caves' long formation history, Cox's Cave offers a distinct perspective: an immersive multimedia experience there presents how the caves formed and developed. The presentation may change; if this particular experience is important to your plans, check the latest details before your visit.

The Museum of Prehistory tells the story of human survival during the last Ice Age over a period of more than 40,000 years. Exhibits include flint tools and objects from the everyday lives of early people. Cheddar Man offers another connection to prehistory: he is the oldest complete skeleton ever found in Britain. Cheddar therefore brings together subjects such as the geological development of the caves and early human history, without reducing them to the same experience.

Activities and routes

Jacob's Ladder has 274 steps for visitors to climb. On an Adventure Caving activity, participants explore underground cave chambers in Cheddar. As booking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current conditions for this activity in advance. Rock climbing in Cheddar Gorge offers routes ranging from very easy to quite difficult. There is also a 50-foot-high outdoor climbing wall; the availability of individual routes may change.

The routes also vary in length and character. The Cheddar Gorge Trail is a moderate 4-mile (6 km) route along paths. The Strawberry Line, by contrast, is an 8-mile (12.8 km) National Cycle Network route, Route 26. It connects Cheddar with Kings Wood and continues to Wavering Down and Crook Peak. The difference in length is clear: the Strawberry Line is twice as long as the Cheddar Gorge Trail. Conditions along either route may vary; take this into account when planning.

Cheese-making tradition and weekly market

Cheddar cheese has been made in Cheddar since the 12th century. The local cheese-making tradition therefore goes back a long way. The Country Market is another place to find local produce and crafts: it takes place every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the village hall. It offers local produce, craft stalls and refreshments. Check the dates before your trip if you want to make a visit to the market part of your plans.

Getting your bearings

The Cheddar Visitor Information Centre has maps, walking guides and information about activities in the surrounding area. As the services on offer may change, check whether they are currently available before visiting. The different highlights may help you choose a destination: the Gorge and caves showcase the landscape and geological history, the museum and Cheddar Man focus on prehistory, while the routes, climbing activities and weekly market appeal to other interests.

Discover more destinations: Wincanton, Langport, Castle Cary, Badgworth, Minehead, Chiselborough, Wedmore, Cucklington.

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