Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The cheddar gorge is absolutely beautiful. During our one week stay in Somerset we visited the cheddar gorse 3 times. There is plenty of car parks that are chargeable between 9am-5pm everyday including bank holidays by the gorge and a car park in the village which is in operation until 9pm. We actually visited after 5 as it was quieter and plenty of free parking. A lot of people also come here for rock climbing. If you plan to do the cliff top hike, there are a few routes. If you start from Jacobs ladder you will need to pay for this which is included in the price of the cheddar cave ticket at £20.95 per adult and £15.70 per child. It is a very steep climb. (To come down via the Jacobs ladder is free) But if you are not planning on visiting the cave you can actually walk up via a side road called the lippiatt which is a side road with edelweiss cafe on the corner. Turn left on lynch lane and this will take you on a gradular slope up to the cliff top. There is also a lookout tower which is free but it was closed when we arrived after 7pm. (The caves close at 5 so I believe the lookout tower also closes at this time) Once you get to the top enjoy and take in the lovely views, but beware on windy days to not stand too close to the cliff edge. Please do wear comfortable walking shoes. The path can be very slippery if wet with lots of loose pebbles and sharp rock. Also plenty of mountain goats around. The clifftop walk I would say is of an intermediate level hike. But some can find it very challenging. We spent quite some time taking photos and enjoying the scenery so we didn't do the full cliff top circular walk as the sun was setting but have heard the circular clifftop walk takes about 3hours.
Khenh Ichikawa DoKhenh Ichikawa Do
1210
Last visited Cheddar Gorge about 8 years ago loved it then and still love it now. Finally plucked up the courage to go up Jacobs Ladder despite asthma, fear of heights and a arthritic knee I'm so glad I did ( yes even with the burning lungs half way up) the views are spectacular. Once down we made our way into Cox's cave it was very well thought out with just your group standing on a mat with pressure points underneath that started the film which are projected onto the cave walls, once the film ended you followed the running man into the next section which the group before you had just left. This meant you were only with the people who you were travelling with, excellent idea in these covid risk times, that is until the group behind you get scared and come through into your part while beating a hasty retreat and scare the life out of you, at least it made the 10 & 11 year old I was travelling with giggle because the scared ones were all adults. We next visited Goughs cave where we were given age appropriate audio guides this meant you could go round at your own leisure, I have been in here before but it is still fascinating. After a spot of lunch in the tea rooms opposite we headed into the prehistoric museum although informative with lots of pictures and written information this has very little hands on for excited children. The independent shops are great for gifts and plenty of eateries for all tastes. Overall it was a wonderful day and I will definitely be back. Very popular with bikers (pedal and motor) so if you want to whizz through (don't know why you would) don't visit on a Sunday.
Donna DaveyDonna Davey
330
Cheddar Gorge is a lovely, beautiful place to visit which overall is very dog friendly and a lovely place to spend a day/afternoon. When you are down in the gorge and even driving though, the views are fantastic and not something you will find anywhere else. There are lovely shops all throughout the gorge which seem to be well priced. The caves are all very interesting and well presented, you get an audio tour included with the price of admission in Goughs cave which provides a detail insight to the history and different parts of the cave. However there isn’t a great deal to see, you can be in and out in less than 40mins and based on the price of the ticket, this was quite surprising. Jacobs ladder is one hell of a climb, nearly 300 steps up to the top which you do need to be reasonably fit to make it up without collapsing at the top! The watchtower at the top does provide a lovely view, but ideally it would need to be a clear day. My main reservation of everything would be the price of admission, it was £45 for 2 people and to be honest this is very much overpriced. You cannot buy separate tickets for parts of the gorge, you must but the full overpriced admission ticket. It is definitely interesting and insightful, but when you compare the costs of entry to say Alton towers or Thorpe park, it is in my opinion very overpriced. Especially when comparing to national trust properties. Overall it is definitely worth a visit, but if you have club card vouchers it is a must to use these to offset the high price of entry.
Josh SJosh S
10
First of all, the scenery at Cheddar Gorge is absolutely breathtaking. The towering limestone cliffs and deep gorges are a sight to behold. There are plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos and admire the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can explore the gorge by foot, bike or even by boat. The Cheddar Gorge caves are also a must-visit attraction. The caves are filled with fascinating rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, and a rich history dating back thousands of years. The audio guide provides an informative and engaging tour of the caves, making it an educational experience for both children and adults. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy at Cheddar Gorge. The Cliff-top Walk is a thrilling experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There is also rock climbing, abseiling, and a zip wire for those seeking more adventurous activities. The visitor center at Cheddar Gorge is well-equipped with amenities, including a cafe, gift shop, and restroom facilities. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there is plenty of information available about the history and geology of the area. Overall, Cheddar Gorge is a fantastic destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are interested in nature, history, or adventure, there is something for everyone at Cheddar Gorge. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
mahfuj ahmedmahfuj ahmed
50
I read a review of this place before we went today and some one said it was a hole in the ground but had nice cheese. I felt after visiting today that that review was a little unfair. It IS a hole in the ground but after being formed over millions of years its the most beautiful hole I have ever seen. Stunning scenery and the caves were really impressive. We parked at the top which is about a 10 minute walk from the caves and this is free so saves a fiver. So all the comments on what a rip off the parking charge is just arrive before 1030 and you can park for free for the day. . It's also half way round the cliff walk which is also free so a good place and free. Did I mention its free. . The cheese is amazing. Just got back to our campsite and finished off that and a ltr of their scrumpy. Great day out would highly recommend to anyone. And the parking can be free if you can be bothered to walk 10 minutes.
Jim JacksonJim Jackson
90
What a place beautiful town, landscape, canyons and scenery. Came here with the Hamlets Hike and Trek club for a charity walk. The Jacobs ladder walk up to the top tested our fitness but we made it. The remaining walk and canyon were breathtaking so beautiful from the top. Different range of path from cobble rocks, muddy paths and grass so would advise to have good footwear for ankle support. The top of mountain is great not one for those who fear heights but its safe as long as you stay on main footpath. It can get windy at top and near edge so be careful. We walk around the whole heritage park and its worth it if you are looking for a 5km around the whole park trail. A must for your bucket list. Tasted the cheddar cheese and yes this is where Chedder cheese in made inside the cave mountains. Don’t forget to try the sweet fudge in local shops
Anam HoqueAnam Hoque
90
Nearby Attractions Of Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Gough's Cave
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Jacob's Ladder
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Nearby Restaurants Of Cheddar Gorge
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Address
Cheddar BS40 7XU, UK
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4.7
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
Description
Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903.
attractions: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Gough's Cave, Cheddar Crazy Golf, Cox's Cave & The Crystal Quest, Jacob's Ladder, Cheddar Gorge Walk, Museum of Prehistory, restaurants: La Rocca Italian Restaurant, Lion Rock Tea Rooms, Cafe Gorge, The White Hart, Holly House Tea Rooms, Rockface, Waterfall Cafe & Ice Creams, The Cheese Cottage, Wyvern Coffee Co
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