Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Cheddar Gorge and Caves things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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If you're looking for a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a bit of history, Cheddar Gorge is the place to be! Nestled in the heart of Somerset, this stunning limestone gorge offers a variety of activities that cater to both thrill-seekers and those who prefer a more leisurely exploration. First off, let’s talk about what your £24 ticket gets you. It’s a pretty sweet deal considering all that's included. With this ticket, you get access to Jacob's Ladder, Cox's Cave, Gough's Cave, and the Tower View. Jacob’s Ladder is a bit of a workout with its 274 steps, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. Cox’s Cave and Gough’s Cave offer a fascinating underground journey with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, perfect for budding geologists or anyone interested in the natural wonders beneath the earth's surface. The Tower View is another highlight, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside that are perfect for those Instagram shots. Now, if you’re up for spending a little extra, rock climbing and cave searching are activities you shouldn’t miss. The rock climbing here is top-notch, with routes that cater to both beginners and experienced climbers. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of scaling the sheer limestone cliffs and the sense of achievement once you reach the top. Cave searching, on the other hand, is an exciting adventure for those who want to delve deeper into the underground world. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you’ll feel like a true explorer navigating through the narrow passages and discovering hidden chambers. But it’s not all adrenaline and exertion. Simply wandering through the gorge and soaking in the natural beauty is an experience in itself. The dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and the serene river make for a picturesque setting that’s perfect for a relaxing day out. For families, Cheddar Gorge is an absolute must-visit. There’s something for everyone – from the educational tours of the caves to the physical challenge of Jacob’s Ladder and the excitement of rock climbing and cave searching. Kids will love the sense of adventure and discovery, and parents will appreciate the mix of activities that keep everyone entertained. In short, whether you’re an adventurer at heart or just looking for a beautiful spot to spend the day, Cheddar Gorge has got you covered. The combination of natural beauty, exciting activities, and fascinating history makes it a highly recommended destination for families and adventurers alike. Don’t miss out on this gem in Somerset!
Ayyub ChowdhuryAyyub Chowdhury
10
Let me firstly make note that most of the negative reviews here relate to dangerous driving and weather conditions, these are out of control of Cheddar Gorge. Regarding cost, I chose to park in on of the Gorge car parks rather than walk up from the village, this cost £6 but was worth not having to walk up the road in the cold. Entry to the Cheddar attractions cost £23 which I feel os reasonable for the attractions on display. Firstly, the caves. Gough’s cave is the larger of the two, I was lucky to visit on a quiet day and only saw 2 other people in the cave. I managed to spend over an hour underground in Gough’s cave. To think these caves were formed by raging water being forced through the rock hundreds of thousands to millions of years ago in the ice ages is just incredible. The mineral deposits are beautiful and once again take tens of thousands of yers or longer to form. The two main chambers are huge and the minerals have formed what appears as a solid waterfall running down from caves above. Cox’s cave which is the smaller of the two formed in the same way but is displayed very differently. Cox’s cave is used to tell a story with lights and lasers, it gets awfully tight in places and is very dark in comparison, but not so much that you ever feel uncomfortable and there is an exit half way through if you’re uncomfortable. The museum of pre history is fascinating. With skeletons, weapons, tools and cave paintings on display, it’s a great opportunity to look back at our heritage. I was shocked by how long ago we were already making such complex tools and felt the museum was laid out very well, albeit a bit small. Finally, Jacob’s ladder and the lookout tower. Don’t let the steps fool you, you can’t see them all from the bottom! I looked at the steps with confidence and started my gentle jog before realising what I thought was the top was only about half way. By 2/3’s, I was done! I dragged myself to the top before taking a break on one of the picnic benches and laughed at myself for being so confident at the bottom. The good news is that there are 3 or 4 places to rest on the stairs with benches too. Upon reaching the too, you can climb the tower, I’d recommend doing this but then continuing up the cliff path to get the best views. I visited in December which meant I had a quiet and peaceful experience and could not recommend it more. As long as we haven’t had adverse weather, there should be no issues with flooding.
Paul RandallPaul Randall
10
My visit to Cheddar Gorge was a remarkable experience, where the breathtaking natural beauty of the gorge and its fascinating attractions left a lasting impression. As I explored the gorge's rugged cliffs and stunning rock formations, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the forces of nature that shaped this landscape over millions of years. The guided tour inside Gough's Cave was a highlight of my visit. The intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations were breathtakingand the stories shared about the cave's history and archaeological significance added depth to the experience. The panoramic views from the top of the gorge were nothing short of spectacular. The vantage point allowed me to appreciate the scale of the gorge and the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot for photographs and contemplation. Cheddar Gorge also offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking trails to rock climbing opportunities. The visitor center was informative and well-organized, providing useful information about the area's history, geology, and wildlife. One aspect to keep in mind is that the gorge can get quite busy during peak times, which might affect the overall tranquility of the experience. Also, it's worth noting that finding parking can be a bit challenging, especially during peak times. The limited parking availability might require some extra time and patience, but the incredible experience awaiting within the gorge certainly makes up for this minor inconvenience. In summary, Cheddar Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the marvels of the natural world. Its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and various activities make it a memorable and captivating place to explore.
Courtney FisherCourtney Fisher
00
Been to Cheddar a few times but always been to late to do the attraction with the Caves as you need a good few hours to explore everything so after we had visited Wookey Hole we decided to make a trip back specifically to visit the Caves as we loved it so much at Wookey Hole, £24 pp and I must say it's worth that to visit the 2 Caves alone the things you get to see inside were just amazing the shapes and look of the walls and calcium deposits are just spectacular we absolutely loved it w could of spent hours in there exploring, Gough's Cave is first with the skeleton on Cheddar man then we went over to the museum of Prehistoric history also included in the ticket then we did Cox's Cave this has a new interactive experience that guides you through they explain this at the start before a group of you go through big shout out to Tom for being so enthusiastic and explaining how to navigate the new attraction, again there were some amazing sights inside the cave and we loved it just a shame other people couldn't follow simple directions and wondered off without listening to the information, next we did Jacobs Ladder it's 274 steps up to a look our point of the Gorge we did the steps luckily there is a stop off point after every 60 odd steps because my legs were suffering lol its very narrow with people coming down as well as up, we decided to give the 3 hour cliff top walk a miss as it decided to absolutely lash down off rain as we were walking up the steps so just looked round up the top and came back down, there was also like a cinema experience available in the back of the gift shop but we gave that a miss aswell, all in all the Caves were just spectacular and I loved every minute definitely worth a visit!
KayKay
00
Cheddar Gorge is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural wonders in the United Kingdom. Located in the picturesque county of Somerset, this breathtaking limestone gorge is over 400 feet deep and three miles long, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of stunning geological formations, scenic views, and unique outdoor activities. One of the most impressive features of Cheddar Gorge is its soaring cliffs, which are home to a variety of rare flora and fauna, including the Cheddar pink, the horseshoe bat, and the peregrine falcon. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gorge to learn more about its fascinating history and natural environment or explore the area on their own, taking in the stunning vistas from the numerous viewpoints. For the more adventurous visitors, Cheddar Gorge offers a range of thrilling activities, including rock climbing, abseiling, and caving. The gorge is also home to the famous Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, which produces some of the tastiest cheese in the UK. Visitors can sample and purchase the cheese at the on-site shop or take a tour of the cheese-making facilities. Aside from its natural beauty and thrilling activities, Cheddar Gorge also offers a range of amenities for visitors, including several excellent restaurants, cafes, and gift shops. The gorge is easily accessible by car or public transport, and there is ample parking available on-site. Overall, Cheddar Gorge is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors in the UK. With its stunning scenery, unique activities, and top-notch amenities, it is sure to provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.
Aleksandra DiorAleksandra Dior
10
This place has at least two caves, the gaugh cave and the Cox cave. Gaugh cave has audio players or you can just go about and enjoy the views. It has a cafe and toilets at the entrance. It has many nice vistas and a couple of displays set up for you to enjoy. In between the gaugh cave and Cox cave there are various cafe's and teahouses. The Cox cave enterance has a member of staff checking your tickets at the door. After which you may enter into a "guided tour" with your virtual guide which is displayed on the rockwalls using projectors. There are in-cave lightshows as the guide talks and a few animations. For those interested this cave exits into a small fenced courtyard where you can leave through the turnstile or climb Jacob's ladder. It's a 274 step climb well worth the trip if you are able to climb that far on stairs, there is no accessible ramp up there. Up the steps there is a lookout tower and also a long hill path around the gorge. Well worth if you are wearing HIKING BOOTS. Very rough terrain for flip-flops. Once you exit the courtyard before the ladder there is adventure golf straight opposite and another cafe / carpark. All in all the trip to the gorge and cafe is a must if you are in the area and like this kind of trip. Best for a sunny day as it all looks amazing on a sunny day. Good fun great and friendly staff.
Samuel DhontSamuel Dhont
00
Nearby Attractions Of Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge & Caves Car Park
Gough's Cave
Cheddar Crazy Golf
Cox's Cave & The Crystal Quest
Jacob's Ladder
Cheddar Gorge Walk
Museum of Prehistory
Cheddar Methodist Church

Cheddar Gorge
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Cheddar Gorge & Caves Car Park
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Gough's Cave
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Cheddar Crazy Golf
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Nearby Restaurants Of Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Riverside Inn Cheddar
La Rocca Italian Restaurant
Lion Rock Tea Rooms
Edelweiss Cafe
Cafe Gorge
Tuckers Takeaway Cheddar
ZenThai Restaurant
The Mousehole
The Gardeners Arms
The White Hart

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La Rocca Italian Restaurant
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Lion Rock Tea Rooms
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Edelweiss Cafe
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Basic Info
Address
The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QF, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1934 742343
Call
Website
cheddargorge.co.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(4.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
attractions: Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar Gorge & Caves Car Park, Gough's Cave, Cheddar Crazy Golf, Cox's Cave & The Crystal Quest, Jacob's Ladder, Cheddar Gorge Walk, Museum of Prehistory, Cheddar Methodist Church, restaurants: Riverside Inn Cheddar, La Rocca Italian Restaurant, Lion Rock Tea Rooms, Edelweiss Cafe, Cafe Gorge, Tuckers Takeaway Cheddar, ZenThai Restaurant, The Mousehole, The Gardeners Arms, The White Hart
