Cheddar Gorge and Caves — Attraction in Cheddar

Having recently visited Cheddar Gorge with my family, I can honestly say it's a fantastic day out that offers something for everyone, blending stunning natural beauty with a healthy dose of history and adventure. The Main Attractions The main attractions at Cheddar Gorge are the two show caves, Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave. Gough's Cave: This is the big one, and it's truly magnificent. The scale of the caverns is impressive, with spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that have been growing for half a million years. The audio guide is a great touch, providing interesting information about the cave's geology and its historical significance, including the discovery of Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton. The kids were mesmerized by the rock formations and the sheer size of it all. Cox's Cave: this is a more modern, multimedia experience. It's an immersive journey with lights, sounds, and projections that tell the story life in the caves. My family found it engaging and a great way to learn about the area's prehistory. Beyond the caves, the ticket includes: Jacob's Ladder & The Lookout Tower: Be prepared for a workout! Climbing the 274 steps of Jacob's Ladder is challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. You get a breathtaking panoramic vista of the gorge and the surrounding Somerset Levels. The Lookout Tower provides an even higher vantage point. The Cliff-Top Walk: This is a real highlight for anyone who enjoys hiking. The 3-mile circular route along the top of the gorge offers dramatic views and a chance to spot some of the local wildlife, like the wild goats that roam the cliffs. Museum of Prehistory: A small but informative museum that displays artifacts unearthed from the caves, offering a glimpse into how our prehistoric ancestors lived. "Beyond the View" cinematic experience: A film that showcases the history and wildlife of the gorge on a 270-degree screen. It's a great way to appreciate the scale of the landscape you've just been exploring. The Surrounding Area The village of Cheddar itself is a charming place to wander around. It's known for its cheese (of course!), and you can visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to see how the famous cheese is made and, more importantly, to grab some free samples. There are also plenty of cafes, tea rooms, and souvenir shops. We particularly enjoyed stopping for a well-earned cream tea. For a family day out, the area offers more than just the gorge. Cheddar Gorge is a fantastic destination for a family day out. The combination of impressive natural wonders, historical interest, and physical activity keeps all ages entertained. While the ticket price can seem a bit steep, it's worth it when you consider how much is included and how long you can spend there. We spent a full day exploring and could have easily spent more time. It's a perfect blend of adventure and education, and the beautiful scenery makes for some incredible photos. I would highly recommend it for any family looking for an active and memorable day out in the heart...

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...

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...