
Cheddar Gorge
Dramatic limestone gorge with ancient caves, offering stunning views, hiking, and local charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds

Cheddar Gorge
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic limestone gorge with ancient caves, offering stunning views, hiking, and local charm.
"The caves are amazing, the gift shops and cafe are lovely, but parking is an issue."

🚗 Drive or Cycle the Gorge
Essential for experiencing the full scale of the gorge. Parking is available along the route.
💰 Cave Tickets: Worth It?
Caves are amazing but pricey. Decide if the cost aligns with your budget and interests.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Caves of Cheddar
Underground
Explore breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations in ancient underground caverns. Audio guides enhance the experience.

Gorge Drive
The Gorge Road
Experience the dramatic limestone cliffs by car or bike. Pull over at designated spots for incredible photo opportunities.

Jacob's Ladder
Near Gough's Cave
Climb the steep steps for panoramic views over the gorge and surrounding Mendip Hills. A rewarding challenge!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gorge: Drive, Walk, or Cycle?
Understanding Entry Fees & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Cycle the Gorge
Essential for experiencing the full scale of the gorge. Parking is available along the route.
💰 Cave Tickets: Worth It?
Caves are amazing but pricey. Decide if the cost aligns with your budget and interests.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and climbing, especially if exploring the caves or Jacob's Ladder.
🧀 Sample Local Delights
Don't miss the Cheddar cheese shops and local cider producers in the village.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Cycle the Gorge
Essential for experiencing the full scale of the gorge. Parking is available along the route.
💰 Cave Tickets: Worth It?
Caves are amazing but pricey. Decide if the cost aligns with your budget and interests.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and climbing, especially if exploring the caves or Jacob's Ladder.
🧀 Sample Local Delights
Don't miss the Cheddar cheese shops and local cider producers in the village.
🅿️ Parking Patience
Parking can be tight and busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking natural beauty of Cheddar Gorge, particularly its stunning caves with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The scenic drive and hiking opportunities are also highly rated. However, some find the entry fees for attractions to be quite high, and parking can be a challenge during busy periods.
"Visited on a Saturday very very busy place. Shop area is very nice with lots of small businesses and cafes. Cheddar cheese shop to buy diff cheeses and a Scrumpy cideshop were nice. We drove up the gorge as it was raining but a lot of people were walking."
Sue Ruddick
"The caves are amazing
The gift shops and cafe are lovely
Parking is an issue understandable because of the location the museum is a bit pointless and small no tour guides just 2 people dressed up taking your tickets"
laura hambling
"What a wonderful spot. I had done some walking in the area last year with my family but told myself that will come here on my bike.
Got great weather, ice cream and coffee and 10h on the bike from London and back."
Dariusz Adamek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheddar Gorge is accessible by car, with parking available in the village and along the gorge itself. Public transport options include buses from nearby towns like Weston-super-Mare. Cycling is also a popular way to arrive and explore the gorge.
Yes, the main gorge road is a public highway and can be driven. However, it can get very busy, especially during peak times, with narrow sections and limited passing places.
Absolutely! Cycling is a fantastic way to experience Cheddar Gorge, allowing you to stop easily and enjoy the scenery. Be mindful of other traffic and cyclists.
There are several car parks in Cheddar village, including council-run options like Cliff Street, and private ones near the attractions. Some free parking can be found, but it's often limited.
Yes, bus services connect Cheddar to surrounding areas. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules from towns like Weston-super-Mare or Wells.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Driving through the gorge itself doesn't have an entry fee, but parking charges apply. Accessing the caves (Gough's Cave, Cox's Cave) and attractions like the Cheddar Gorge & Caves museum requires a ticket, which can be around £22+ per person.
Yes, you can drive or walk through the gorge and enjoy the scenery without purchasing cave tickets. Some free parking is available, but it's often limited.
Yes, you can often buy tickets for individual caves or a combined pass for multiple attractions. It's worth checking their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and package deals.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Cheddar Gorge & Caves website for the most current information on opening times for Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave.
Reviews suggest the museum is small and some visitors found it less engaging than the caves, with limited interactive elements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Beyond the caves, you can enjoy the scenic gorge drive, hike to viewpoints like Jacob's Ladder, explore the village with its shops and cafes, and even try sport climbing for the adventurous.
Yes, there are numerous walking trails ranging from easy strolls in the village to more challenging hikes up to viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the gorge.
Jacob's Ladder offers a fantastic panoramic view. Many pull-off points along the gorge road also provide excellent photo opportunities of the dramatic cliffs.
Cheddar Gorge is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and local charm. You can easily spend several hours exploring.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore the caves or hike. Layers are recommended as the weather can change, and bring a waterproof jacket.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the village of Cheddar has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a range of food options, from light snacks to full meals.
Definitely! The village is famous for its Cheddar cheese, and you'll find shops selling various types. There are also cider shops and other local artisan products.
While designated picnic areas might be limited, you can find scenic spots along the gorge or in the village to enjoy a packed lunch.
There are cafes and food stalls located near the main cave entrances, offering convenient refreshments for visitors.
Prices can vary, but you can find a range of options from budget-friendly cafes to more upscale dining. Packing a picnic can also be a cost-effective choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gorge road offers dramatic cliff shots. Jacob's Ladder provides a sweeping panorama. The cave interiors, with their unique formations, are also highly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed in the caves, but lighting can be challenging. Tripods may be restricted in some areas. Be mindful of other visitors.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic landscape. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds and softer light.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and sensitive natural areas. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the gorge. For caves, a lens with good low-light performance and a sturdy tripod (if permitted) are beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚴 Cyclists and Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caves: A Subterranean Adventure
Cox's Cave offers a slightly different experience, often described as more intimate. While smaller than Gough's, it still boasts beautiful formations. Some visitors mention that the museum attached to the caves is less of a highlight compared to the natural wonders. The overall experience of exploring these ancient caverns is a must-do for anyone visiting Cheddar Gorge, offering a unique glimpse into the earth's geological history.
The Scenic Drive and Hiking Opportunities
For those who prefer to explore on foot, hiking trails abound. Jacob's Ladder is a popular climb, offering rewarding panoramic views over the gorge and the surrounding Mendip Hills. Various other paths cater to different fitness levels, allowing you to discover hidden nooks and crannies of this natural wonder. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as some trails can be steep and uneven. The combination of scenic driving and accessible hiking makes Cheddar Gorge a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit