Place of Interest
Cheddar Gorge and Caves Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Visit Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Cheddar Gorge and Caves make for the perfect UK getaway for those looking to escape the day-to-day, breathe in fresh air, and marvel at an incredible natural wonder. Located in Somerset, Cheddar Gorge is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the newly formed Mendip Hills National Landscape. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to help you plan your trip, from places to stay near Cheddar Gorge to things to do and much more.
Getting to Cheddar Gorge | Places to stay near Cheddar Gorge | Things to do in Cheddar Gorge | Shopping and food | Extra information
Getting to Cheddar Gorge
Whether you’re driving to Cheddar Gorge, catching public transport or cycling, here are some quick and easy ways to plan your route.
How to get to Cheddar Gorge by car?
On your sat nav, you can use the postcode BS27 3QF to direct you to Cheddar Gorge and Caves. You can also use the what2words location, which is ‘///cheetahs.brothers.backpacks’.
If you’re travelling from London, South Wales, the North, the Midlands or South West England, join the M5 and exit at J22. From there, take the A38 North for 7 miles, and you’ll start to see brown tourist signs directing you to Cheddar Gorge. Follow them onto the A371, then B3135.
From Bristol, take the A38, then the A371 and B3135 or the A37 and then B3135. If you’re travelling from Bath, the A39, followed by B3135, will get you to Cheddar Gorge.
Estimated drive times:
- London: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Birmingham: 2 hours
- Cardiff: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Bath: 45 minutes
- Bristol: 35 minutes
- Bournemouth: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Manchester: 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Liverpool: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Oxford: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Parking at Cheddar Gorge and Caves
There are three main car parks near Cheddar Gorge.
- Lakeside: There are 50 spaces here
- Opposite Cox’s Cave: There are 50 spaces here
- Gough’s Cave and Upper Gorger: There are 300 spaces here
Prices for these car parks start from £4 for parking between 3pm and 9pm. All-day parking is £6. You can purchase your tickets from the metre using your card but cash payments can only be taken at the Guest Services booth or one of the cave ticket offices. The money given for the parking goes towards the conservation of the Gorge.
You can also park around the valley, but private parking charges may apply, and your car could be at risk due to falling rocks.
To find a good parking spot, it’s recommended to arrive before 11am. Once you’ve parked your car, display your ticket and enjoy exploring Cheddar Gorge and Caves.
Warning! Please do not leave valuables in your car unattended. Dogs are also not to be left in the car, but they are welcome in the caves, museums, and throughout the Gorge.
Please note: Rocks may fall at any time in the Gorge, and parking is at the vehicle owners’ risk.
How to get to Cheddar Gorge using public transport?
Weston Super Mare is the closest train station to Cheddar Gorge. From here, you can drive for 30 minutes to Cheddar Gorge or catch the 126 bus and walk. The journey in total is 2 hours with an hour walk, so make sure you plan ahead with the right walking gear and walking boots.
How to get to Cheddar Gorge by Bike?
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can cycle to Cheddar Gorge. The National Cycle Network Route 3 crosses B3135 at the top of Cheddar Gorge near Priddy, and the Strawberry Line cycle path follows the old railway line from Yatton to Cheddar. You can find out more about cycling routes to Cheddar Gorge here.
Places to stay near Cheddar Gorge
What better way to round off a getaway to Cheddar Gorge than camping nearby? Cheddar Mendip Heights Club Site is less than 10 minutes from Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Perfect for those looking to escape into the outdoors and enjoy a relaxing break, this campsite is set in the heart of the beautiful Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s ideal for families and pets, offers excellent facilities, and caters to a range of camping units.
Things to do and see in Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Gough's Cave
Formed over half a million years ago, Gough’s Cave is a fascinating cave with secret caverns and incredible vistas created by stalagmites and stalactites.
The cave was formed when river water began dissolving the limestone rock, creating a cathedral-like cavern with intricate rock formations. During your visit, pick up an audio guide to delve into the cave’s ancient history, including its formation during the Ice Age and its occupation during the Stone Age. In more recent times, Gough’s Cave has introduced a stunning light feature that enhances the cave’s natural beauty, casting enchanting illusions of glacial landscapes. This captivating installation brings out the most intricate details of the cave, leaving you in awe.
Museum of Prehistory
The Museum of Prehistory sheds light on those who lived through the 40,000-year struggle for survival during the Ice Age. The museum has artefacts and information provided by Britain’s leading archaeologists, palaeontologists, and anthropologists. You can also learn more about the world-famous Cheddar Man, the oldest and first completed human skeleton found in Britain and discovered in Gough’s Cave in 1903.
Cox's Cave
While exploring Cheddar Gorge, visit Cox’s Cave. The cave now features Yeo’s Journey: The Power of Water, which is an incredible immersive multimedia experience where Yeo (your virtual tour guide) takes you on a journey through time and tells the spectacular story of how the caves were formed and how they evolved with the ‘Power of Water’.
Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower
Get your walking boots on and grab your water bottle as you head up to Jacobs Ladder and the Lookout Tower. To get to Jacob’s ladder, you’ll have to climb 274 steps and then to get to the Lookout Tower, you’ll have to climb another 48 more. But don't worry, once you get to the top, the views of the Mendips and beyond are absolutely worth the leg ache.
Once you’ve caught your breath and had a moment to take in all the views, you can continue on the Cliff-Top Walk (a popular walking path) and see the natural landscapes and geographical features.
Beyond the View
Discover Cheddar Gorge from a whole new perspective. As you take a seat in front of the 270-degree screen, you’ll feel like you're flying through the Gorge and get to see it from a whole new light. You’ll start from the heart of Cheddar Village and see how it's been transformed over the years. You’ll finish by climbing over 450ft to the top of the Gorge, where you’ll be met with picturesque panoramic views of the plateau, and you’ll get the chance to learn about the incredible wildlife that lives up there.
Escape Rooms at Cheddar
Test your knowledge and teamwork skills as you rise up to the challenge at Cheddars Escape Rooms. There are two rooms to keep you on your toes. ‘Caved In’ and ‘The Vault’ test your knowledge and creativity as you and your team race against the clock to try and escape.
Rocksport activities
For the thrill seekers, Cheddar Gorge is a great place to test your climbing skills and see if you have the nerve to tackle different climbs. Whether you’re a skilled climber or want to test the ropes, here are some activities available at Cheddar Gorge.
- Rockclimbing
- Black cat freefall
- Adventure caving
Places to eat and shop at Cheddar Gorge and Caves
All that walking, climbing and exploring can build up an appetite. Visit Gough’s Cafe, which is close to the entrance of Gough’s Cave, and tuck into a light lunch. You’ll find plenty of options, from delicious sandwiches to homemade baked goods and a variety of hot and cold drinks. You’ll also find local cafes, sweet shops and ice cream parlours where you can treat yourself to some tasty goods.
Before heading home or returning to your campsite, pop into some of the independent shops around Cheddar and buy souvenirs or local produce such as Cheddar cheese, ciders, beers, and organic fruit and veg. There are over 30 independent shops selling all types of gifts and treats, so you’ll definitely find something for everyone.
More information about Cheddar Gorge and Caves
What are the opening and closing times of Cheddar Gorge and Caves?
In summer, the operating hours are from 10am to 6pm, with the last entry at 5:30pm. Throughout the rest of the year, opening hours are from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry being at 4:30pm. Cheddar Gorge and Caves have winter closures, which can be found here.
Are Cheddar Gorge and Caves dog-friendly?
Cheddar is dog-friendly and welcoming to all well-behaved dogs on leads.
Are Cheddar Gorge and Caves accessibility friendly?
Unfortunately, due to the uneven structures and rock formations, Cheddar Gorge and Caves is not wheelchair or pushchair-friendly. This includes the caves, Cliff Top Walk and the Lookout Tower.