Cheddar Gorge
The basics
At Cheddar Gorge, you can go hiking or rock climbing, or descend to some of the famous limestone caves. Explore Cheddar Gorge without having to worry about navigating on a day trip from either Bath or Bristol. Tours typically cover the historic cathedral of Wells; the moated castle ruins of Nunney; and Glastonbury Tor, an ancient hill that’s connected to King Arthur. Plus, you’ll likely sample cheddar cheese straight from the source.
Things to know before you go
- Cheddar Gorge is a must-visit for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and keen photographers.
- The gorge is accessible via paid ticket, which grants you access to five attractions including a cliff-top walk, a museum of prehistory, Gough’s Cave, and the virtual reality Beyond the View experience.
- Paths around the gorge are uneven and can be slippery following rain so ensure you wear suitable shoes and waterproof clothing.
- Visitors with strollers and in wheelchairs will find much of Cheddar Gorge inaccessible.
How to get there
The nearest major rail station to Cheddar Gorge is Weston-super-Mare, which is reachable via trains from Bristol and Bath. From Weston-super-Mare, you can take the 126 bus directly to the gorge. If you’re driving from London, take the M5 and exit at junction 22 for the A37 road.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Cheddar Gorge is generally open between Monday and Friday, from 10am to 5pm. For the best chance of good weather and dry skies, visit the gorge in the summer months of June through September.
The Caves of Cheddar Gorge
The caves of Cheddar Gorge made headlines back in 1903, when England’s oldest complete human skeleton—a specimen nicknamed the Cheddar Man, now kept at London’s Natural History Museum—was found there. The most famous of the caves include Gough’s Cave, with its spectacular stalactites; Cox’s Cave, with its unique calcite sculptures and mirror pools; and the adjoining Crystal Quest, filled with JRR Tolkien-inspired fantasy figures.