Top 10 ten places to visit in South West England - Bristol and Somerset
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Not far from the village that gave us the name of Britain’s best known cheese, the impressive Cheddar Gorge cuts a gash which runs up to 500 feet deep through the limestone of the Mendip Hills. You can drive about three miles into the base of the gorge, before the road turns into a path. Continuing on foot will probably suit you better if you are a dedicated walker or hiker.
Nearby Cheddar Caves are equally dramatic examples of geological erosion. You will be guided round deep, damp and echoing underground caverns and passageways. (See if you can remember the difference between stalagmites and stalactites on the way round)
The caves were formed by underground rivers in the wake of the last ice age and subsequently used as convenient dwellings by pre-historic communities. DNA from the bones of one of these occupants was recently traced to a history teacher living not far away.
The caves once provided the perfect environment of constant temperature and high humidity for storing and maturing the Cheddar Cheese, which can be sampled at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company the village.
For walking through the gorge, check the weather, make sure you are properly kitted out, and plan your route with an ordinance survey map. Alternatively visit the tourist information office in Cheddar for advice, and pre-printed guide maps with shorter and simpler routes.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Address:
Nearby Cheddar Caves are equally dramatic examples of geological erosion. You will be guided round deep, damp and echoing underground caverns and passageways. (See if you can remember the difference between stalagmites and stalactites on the way round)
The caves were formed by underground rivers in the wake of the last ice age and subsequently used as convenient dwellings by pre-historic communities. DNA from the bones of one of these occupants was recently traced to a history teacher living not far away.
The caves once provided the perfect environment of constant temperature and high humidity for storing and maturing the Cheddar Cheese, which can be sampled at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company the village.
For walking through the gorge, check the weather, make sure you are properly kitted out, and plan your route with an ordinance survey map. Alternatively visit the tourist information office in Cheddar for advice, and pre-printed guide maps with shorter and simpler routes.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Address:
Cheddar Caves and Gorge
Cheddar
BS27 3QF
Cheddar
BS27 3QF
England, UK
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Opening Times:
School holidays and during July and August, Daily, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, including Bank Holidays. Last admission 5.00 pm.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Opening Times:
School holidays and during July and August, Daily, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, including Bank Holidays. Last admission 5.00 pm.
Rest of the year, 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, Last admission 4.30 pm.
Please check the Cheddar Caves and Gorge website for up to date details of opening times which may vary annually.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Admission:
Adults £17.00
Children (5 - 15 years) £11.00
Children under 5 years Free
Family Discount Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £45.00
Please see the Cheddar Caves and Gorge website for full details of different ticket types.
T +44 (0)1934 742343
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W Cheddar Caves
More places to visit and days out in South West England
Cheddar Gorge and Caves LocationChedwell Cottage B&B, Redcliffe Street, +44 (0)1934 743268
Wossells House B&B, Upper New Road, +44 (0)1934 744317
The Wookey Hole Inn, Pub, Wookey Hole, www.wookeyholeinn.com
Who’d a Thought It, Pub, Northload Street, Glastonbury
