Cheddar Gorge & Caves

A visit to Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset will be an unforgettable experience for anyone with a sense of adventure. This world-famous attraction delivers an all-weather destination with plenty to do both above and below ground all year round. Britain’s biggest gorge, the site offers cliffs that rise 450ft and then, underground, stalactite caves, all set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If you are feeling energetic, a climb up the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder and to the base of the Lookout Tower and then 48 more to the top will reward you with amazing 360-degree views across Somerset. There is a two-mile walk at the top and on a lovely day it’s well worth taking a picnic and quite likely you’ll spot some of the herd of British Primitive goats.

Underground there are two breathtaking caves with audio guides giving an insight into the story of their creation in the Ice Age and since. Gough’s cave is a beautiful stalactite cavern with Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest skeleton, while Cox’s cave has wonderful calcite sculptures and mirror pools, with a quite different feel. Allow time for 30-minute multimedia experience Dreamhunters: The Adventures of Early Man in Cox’s Cave – a great way to bring prehistory to life for kids.

Don’t miss the Museum of Prehistory explaining how our ancestors survived during the last Ice Age. See flints and a variety of artefacts from everyday life in the distant past. Hunter-gatherer re-enactors may put on demonstrations of fire making and flint knapping at school holiday times.

The Gorge is also home to Rocksport. Rocksport offers Junior Caving and Adventure Caving for adults and older children (age/height limits apply to all activities). Extra charges apply for Rocksport.

Please see Cheddar Gorge’s website for full details of everything on offer and any events that run during the year.