Cheddar Gorge and Caves: Somerset’s Majestic Natural Wonder
Explore dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric history at Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Somerset’s iconic natural landmark.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves is a spectacular natural attraction in Somerset, England, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, extensive show caves, and rich prehistoric history. Visitors can explore six main attractions including Gough’s Cave, Cox’s Cave, the Museum of Prehistory, and enjoy panoramic cliff-top walks with breathtaking views. The site is family and dog friendly, offering accessible facilities, audio guides in multiple languages, and a café with outdoor seating overlooking the gorge.
A brief summary to Cheddar Gorge and Caves
- The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF, GB
- +441934742343
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear for the cliff-top walks and Jacob’s Ladder, as terrain can be steep and uneven.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during weekends and school holidays.
- Bring a camera for stunning panoramic views from the Lookout Tower and cliff paths.
- Dogs are welcome throughout the site; water bowls are provided at key locations.
- Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the caves, museum, and outdoor trails.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services connect Cheddar village with nearby towns such as Wells and Weston-super-Mare, with travel times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. Bus stops are within walking distance of the Gorge entrance. Services operate regularly but check schedules for weekend and holiday variations. Tickets cost approximately £3-£6 one way.
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Car
Driving to Cheddar Gorge from Bristol or Bath takes about 45 minutes via the A38 and A371. On-site parking is available for a daily fee of £6, reduced to £4 after 3pm. Disabled parking is free. Note that parking can be busy during peak seasons.
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Coach
Coach groups are welcomed with dedicated drop-off points and parking facilities. Advance booking is recommended for group visits. Travel time from Bath by coach is approximately 1 hour. Group discounts are available for tickets and activities.
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Walking
For those staying in Cheddar village, the Gorge is accessible by a 20-30 minute walk along well-marked paths. Terrain includes some steep sections and uneven surfaces, so suitable footwear and moderate fitness are advised.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Geological Majesty and Dramatic Landscapes
Cheddar Gorge is a stunning limestone gorge carved by meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age, creating some of the most dramatic cliffs in the UK. The gorge stretches approximately 3 miles and features towering cliffs that rise up to 450 feet, offering spectacular vistas and a unique outdoor experience. The rugged terrain invites visitors to explore scenic cliff-top walks, including the famous Jacob’s Ladder—a steep staircase ascending the gorge’s edge—leading to panoramic views of the Mendip Hills and beyond.Ancient Caves and Prehistoric Discoveries
Beneath the cliffs lie extensive cave systems, with Gough’s Cave being the most famous. This show cave is renowned for its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, sculpted over 500,000 years. It is also the site where the 10,000-year-old skeleton of Cheddar Man was discovered, providing invaluable insight into prehistoric human life. Visitors can explore the caves through guided audio tours available in several languages, including a special version for children, and learn about the extraordinary archaeological and genetic findings associated with the site.Family-Friendly Attractions and Facilities
Cheddar Gorge and Caves is designed to welcome families and visitors of all ages. Facilities include baby changing and buggy parking, a café with a children’s play area, and picnic spots. The site is dog friendly year-round, with water bowls placed strategically around the attraction. Accessibility features include ramps, level access to the museum, shop, and café, as well as parking and toilets for disabled visitors. The Museum of Prehistory and Cox’s Cave, featuring the Dreamhunters light show, add educational and entertaining layers to the visit.Interactive Experiences and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond the caves, visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, adventure caving, and freefall experiences offered through Rocksport. The Lookout Tower provides another vantage point for stunning views, while the Beyond the View cinematic experience immerses visitors in the natural and cultural history of the gorge. For those seeking a mental challenge, two Cheddar-themed escape rooms offer fun group activities suitable for ages 12 and up.Seasonal Operations and Visitor Information
Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (extended to 18:00 on summer holiday weekends), Cheddar Gorge and Caves operates year-round except for selected winter closure days. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, with options for full day access or shorter outdoor-only tickets. Parking is available with a charge for most visitors, while disabled parking is free. The site is well connected by bus routes and coach drop-off points, making it accessible for group tours and individual travelers alike.Preserving a Natural and Cultural Treasure
Cheddar Gorge and Caves is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also a protected area that highlights the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism. The attraction balances visitor engagement with respect for its fragile ecosystems and archaeological heritage, ensuring that this iconic landmark continues to inspire and educate future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare
18.0 km
Explore Birnbeck Pier, the unique Victorian pier linking mainland to island, rich with history, wartime secrets, and seaside charm.
The Lookout Lectern
21.5 km
Historic vantage point with sweeping views of Brunel's iconic bridge and Bristol's storied past.
The Matthew of Bristol
21.7 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Bristol Harbour Railway
21.9 km
Experience the historic charm of Bristol Harbour Railway, a heritage railway offering scenic rides through Bristol's vibrant docks and maritime history.
William Draper Memorial
21.9 km
Explore Britain’s oldest war memorial, honoring 18th-century soldiers on scenic Clifton Down in historic Bristol.
Statue of Cary Grant
21.9 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Millennium Square
21.9 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of Millennium Square, Bristol's premier urban park and social hub.
Victoria Square
21.9 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Victoria Square in Clifton, Bristol – a perfect blend of natural serenity and local culture.
Prince Street Bridge
21.9 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Brandon Hill
22.0 km
Explore Brandon Hill, Bristol's picturesque park featuring stunning views, vibrant gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation and adventure.
The Bristol Wheel
22.0 km
Discover breathtaking panoramic views of Bristol from The Bristol Wheel, an iconic attraction that offers a unique perspective of the city's vibrant skyline.
Pero's Bridge
22.0 km
A striking pedestrian bridge honoring an enslaved man's memory and Bristol's complex past with the slave trade.
Bristol Ferry
22.0 km
Discover the scenic beauty of Bristol from the water with Bristol Ferry, a delightful ferry service showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and rich history.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
22.0 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Bristol Aquarium
22.0 km
Discover the enchanting underwater world at Bristol Aquarium, where marine life thrives in captivating exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
0.5 km
Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.
Cheddar Gorge
0.6 km
Explore England’s largest limestone gorge with stunning cliffs, ancient caves, and rich prehistoric heritage in the heart of Somerset.
North Somerset Bird Of Prey Centre
11.0 km
Experience hands-on encounters with majestic birds of prey and reptiles in a dedicated conservation centre nestled in the heart of Somerset.
Vicar's Cl
11.5 km
Step into Vicars' Close, Wells—the oldest intact medieval residential street in Europe, where history lives in every limestone house and cobbled stone.
Wells Market
11.6 km
Experience the vibrant charm of Wells Market, a historic twice-weekly hub of local produce, crafts, and community events in the heart of Somerset.
Wells Cathedral
11.6 km
Discover Wells Cathedral, England’s pioneering Gothic masterpiece with its iconic West Front, stunning scissor arches, and rich medieval heritage.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
11.8 km
Explore 800 years of medieval history, stunning gardens, and tranquil moats at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens in the heart of Wells.
Glastonbury
15.3 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Weston-super-Mare
15.3 km
Experience the timeless charm of Weston-super-Mare’s sandy beaches, iconic pier, and rich Victorian heritage on England’s scenic Bristol Channel coast.
Glastonbury Abbey
15.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
St Margaret's Chapel
15.6 km
A serene medieval chapel and almshouses in Glastonbury, offering a peaceful retreat steeped in pilgrimage history and artistic spirit.
Chalice Well
15.9 km
Discover the ancient, iron-rich red spring of Chalice Well in Glastonbury—a timeless sanctuary of healing, legend, and spiritual harmony.
White Spring
15.9 km
A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
Glastonbury Tor
16.0 km
An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
Pensford Viaduct
17.8 km
Explore the majestic 19th-century Pensford Viaduct, a stunning historic railway bridge soaring above the scenic Chew Valley in Somerset.
Essential places to dine
Souk Kitchen
20.7 km
Experience vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean mezze dishes in a lively Southville setting, perfect for sharing and savoring bold flavours.
COR Restaurant
20.9 km
Vibrant Mediterranean small plates served in a stylish, intimate setting at Bedminster’s acclaimed COR Restaurant.
The Chef's Table
21.0 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
The Pump House
21.1 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
Giggling Squid - Clifton
21.7 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of Clifton Village at Giggling Squid, Bristol’s beloved Thai restaurant.
The Olive Shed
21.7 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
New MoOn On The Quay
21.7 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
BOX-E
21.7 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
New Moon Tapas
21.7 km
A stylish tapas spot in Bristol’s Clifton Village blending global flavours with inclusive, creative small plates and vibrant cocktails.
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
21.7 km
Elegant British brasserie in Clifton, Bristol, blending local heritage with refined dining and vibrant afternoon teas.
Root
21.7 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
Coppa Club, Clifton
21.7 km
Stylish Italian dining and vibrant social hub in Clifton Village, Bristol, perfect for all-day meals and lively evenings.
Gambas
21.7 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
21.7 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Tare Restaurant
21.8 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bristol General Store
20.7 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Independent Design Collective
20.9 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
21.0 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
21.5 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Fig1
21.7 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Movement Boutique
21.7 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
About Face
21.7 km
Discover curated gifts and artisanal treasures in Clifton's charming village heart, where unique finds meet personal service in a cozy Bristol gem.
Indira Rose Vintage
21.7 km
Discover mid-century magic across three floors in Clifton's chic village—timeless antiques and vintage furniture await in Bristol's premier trove.
The Pod Company
21.7 km
Discover cutting-edge wellness with The Pod Company’s innovative ice baths and sauna pods in the heart of Clifton, Bristol.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
21.7 km
Discover handpicked elegance at Grace & Mabel Ltd, the Clifton Village boutique where three sisters craft a world of timeless fashion, quality, and personal style since 2007.
Something Elsie
21.8 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Mint Velvet Bristol
21.8 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
Orendo
21.8 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
21.8 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Village
21.8 km
A compact, design-led gift shop in Clifton Village offering locally made homewares, stationery and small-batch finds with a quietly curated, neighbourhood feel.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
16.9 km
A beloved Nailsea pub blending traditional charm with lively sports and hearty fare in a welcoming community setting.
The Cottage Inn, Bristol
21.1 km
Historic harbourside pub offering modern British classics, craft ales, and scenic waterfront vibes in the heart of Bristol.
The Coronation Tap
21.7 km
Bristol's legendary ciderhouse near Clifton Suspension Bridge, famed for potent Exhibition scrumpy, live tunes, and timeless tavern vibes in cozy Clifton.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
21.7 km
Quirky Clifton cocktail haven spanning three cozy floors, perfect for masterful mixes and intimate evenings in Bristol's upscale village.
22 Clifton
21.7 km
A vaulted Clifton wine cellar mixing Georgian bones with a modern wine-bar programme, tastings and sharing plates in an intimate setting.
The Quadrant
21.8 km
Cosy Clifton wine bar with a curated drinks list, small plates and buzzy window seats in the heart of the village.
Bag of Nails
21.8 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
The Dirty Bird
21.8 km
A vibrant neon-lit cocktail lounge in Clifton Village, Bristol, mixing classic and creative drinks with a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
21.9 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
21.9 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Steinbeck and Shaw
22.0 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
The Architect
22.0 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Shakespeare Tavern
22.0 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Eldon House
22.0 km
Historic Victorian pub in Clifton, Bristol, known for craft beers, live music, and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Barrelhouse
22.1 km
Clifton's hybrid pub where Detroit pizzas, rooftop views, live tunes, and dive-bar cocktails create unrestrained fun in a historic setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
