Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Somerset, England.

Cheddar is the deepest gorge in the country and you can explore it both underground and overground. It's been a popular place with humans for thousands of years, with many of the caves being home to real 'cavemen'. You can see where they found the famous Cheddar Man in the cave too! Of course, the caves have also been used for more than just living. The caves proved to be the perfect place to store cheese while it matures, producing the even more famous Cheddar Cheese.

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Our Review

We visited Cheddar Gorge attractions on a wet Easter weekend while staying at the nearby Cheddar Mendip Heights campsite just up the road.

In fact, we got a reduced price Family Explorer ticket by booking directly through the campsite. If you are not staying at that campsite, book online or pick up one of the Somerset What's On leaflets for a discount voucher.

We started our visit to the main cave, Gough's Cave, which is where I think most people start. There's an audio guide to the cave if you want it, including a children's version.

Since it was Easter weekend, there was an Easter egg hunt included too, where the kids had to count the different colour glowing eggs at different places in the cave.

Note that this being a cave and a gorge, you won't be able to use a pushchair if you have a little one.

The caves are very impressive and lit with lots of different colours. It doesn't feel claustrophobic. Be prepared to get dripped on though! It is a cave after all.

If you have a well-behaved dog, they are allowed into the caves too. Ours was very pleased with a bit of the cave matured Cheddar Cheese sample she tried!

The next cave is the 'Dreamhunters', which is an 'audiovisual experience' following the adventures of Early Man living in the caves. For young children, this might be quite scary. However, you can quickly walk through and out if you wish, with an early exit outside if you need to.

After the Dreamhunters cave, you come out to climb Jacob's Ladder. This is 274 steps up the side of the Cheddar Gorge.

Once you make it to the top, the views are impressive.

There's a lookout tower (closed when we visited), or head left up to the highest peak of the Gorge.

This can be very muddy when wet. Also, note that if you go off the main path, the gorge edge is there, so keep an eye on your little adventurers.