Cheddar Gorge

Type: Cave

Visit Britain’s biggest gorge, take in the dramatic cliffs rising up 450ft and explore the stunning stalactite caverns below. Created by Ice age melt-waters over millions of years, this world famous beauty spot is not only a National Nature Reserve but also a famous site of prehistoric discoveries. Once an ancient river bed, its limestone cliffs and beautiful caves are now home to rare bats, dormice, water voles and Peregrine falcons.

There are seven great attractions to explore, including the spectacular Gough’s Cave, Britain’s most beautiful stalactite cavern. In 1903 the skeletal remains of ‘Cheddar Man’ was unearthed and today the story of how our ancestors survived is brought to life in the Museum of Prehistory.

Journey through the gorge to experience Cox’s Cave, a brilliantly coloured crystalline grotto with fantastic calcite sculptures, dancing fountains, mirror pools and evocative music and lighting. It’s awesome! In the Crystal Quest you can enjoy an exciting fantasy adventure of heroes and demons, of dragons and elves, where Good triumphs over Evil. Kids love it! Embark on the 274 steps to the Lookout Tower and take in the magnificent views from the Cliff-top Gorge Walk, a spectacular day out!

All aboard the open-top double-decker for your tour of the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge. You'll see some of the most spectacular views ever and hear plenty of fun and interesting facts from your guide.

If you’re looking for something X-treme – why not check out Cheddar Gorge’s caving and rock climbing activity centre?

Adventure Caving
It's hard! It’s dirty! It's fun! A real caving expedition deep inside the Mendip Hills, with climbs, crawls and squeezes – you'll go from zero to hero. Suitable for beginners. Daily – all year round.

Rock Climbing
Take it to the edge! Start with an easy climb and see how quickly you progress on our 50ft cliff face in this world-class centre for climbers. Suitable for beginners. Daily – April to September (unless it's raining).

There’s so much to do at Cheddar Gorge you’ll need to relax and recharge. Stop off for a light lunch or coffee and a cake at Costa Coffee.

It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in nature, history or geology, or just want to see some breath-taking views and eat a tasty afternoon tea; you’ll find it all at Cheddar Gorge!

Opening Dates & Times
Cheddar Gorge is open EVERY DAY except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
Easter, May and Whitsun School Holidays: 10.00 am - 5.30 pm
July and August: 10.00 am - 5.30 pm
Rest of year: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm
Last admission to the caves, museum and tour bus is 30 minutes before the listed closing time.

Gorge Tour Bus
February half term: daily
February half term until Easter: weekends only
Easter - end September: daily
October: weekends only
October/November half term: daily
The tour bus does not operate when it’s raining.

Opening Times

Open 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012

* July to August 10:00 am - 5.30 pm
last entry to each attraction 5.00pm
September to June 10:30 am - 5.00 pm
last entry to each attraction 4.30pm

Open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Tickets Information

Senior Citizens Special - Gough's Cave & a Cream Tea in Costa - £11.50 Adult - Longleat & Cheddar Combo - £36.50 child - Longleat & Cheddar Combo - £28.50 Senior - Longleat & Cheddar Combo Ticket - £31.00|cy

Road Directions

Using SAT-NAV key in BS27 3QF

From London, the North, South West and Wales, Join M5 - exit J22. Then take A38 north for 7 miles following brown tourist signs. From the South East, follow A303 and then A361 to Shepton Mallet. Then follow the A371 to Cheddar. From Bath, take the A39 towards Wells, and turn off onto the B3135 down through the Gorge. Cheddar Gorge lies north east of cheddar village astride the B3135.

Public Transport Directions

Mainline trains direct from London (Paddington), Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle, Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham (New Street), Cardiff, Plymouth, Exeter, Portsmouth & Southampton to Bristol (Temple Meads) then change for local train to Weston-super-Mare Railway Station, then take the FIRST Bus 126 (Sundays 826) to Cheddar. FIRST Bus 126 Weston-super-Mare to Axbridge, Cheddar, Wells and return Mon to Sat - every hour (Sun 826 - every 2 hours).

FIRST Buses
674 Bristol to Cheddar (Sunday only)

FIRST Bus 668 Street to Wedmore, Cheddar, Shipham and return. Mon to Sat – every 2 hours