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Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company: Artisan Cheddar in the Heart of Cheddar Gorge

Discover authentic, award-winning Cheddar cheese crafted in the heart of Cheddar Gorge by a family-owned artisan dairy.

4.5

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a family-owned artisan cheesemaker located at The Cliffs, Cheddar. Established in 2003, it is the only producer still making traditional Cheddar cheese within Cheddar Gorge itself. Visitors can explore the shop, enjoy a free tasting bar, and watch cheesemaking live in the working dairy. The company offers a range of award-winning vegetarian-friendly cheeses alongside locally made preserves and gifts.

A brief summary to Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

  • The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QA, GB
  • +441934742810
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between 11:30 am and 3 pm to watch live cheesemaking in the working dairy.
  • Try the free tasting bar in the shop to sample a variety of award-winning Cheddars.
  • Book group tours in advance, especially if visiting with 20 or more people.
  • Note that the venue is cashless; only card payments are accepted.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. It is located at The Cliffs, Cheddar, with several nearby parking options. Travel times vary depending on starting point, typically 30-60 minutes from Weston-super-Mare. Parking may be paid and can fill up during peak times.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Cheddar with nearby towns such as Weston-super-Mare and Wells. Bus travel times range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on route. Check local timetables for frequency and seasonal variations. The Cheese Company is a short walk from the Cheddar village bus stops.

  • Train + Taxi

    The nearest train stations are Weston-super-Mare and Axbridge. From there, taxis or local buses can be taken to Cheddar, with taxi rides lasting about 15-20 minutes. Train travel times to Weston-super-Mare from Bristol or Bath range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

A Legacy of Traditional Cheddar Craftsmanship

Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company has been producing authentic, handmade Cheddar cheese since 2003. As the only cheesemaker still crafting Cheddar within the gorge, it carries forward a rich heritage of English cheese-making. This family-owned, independent artisan dairy focuses on quality and tradition, using time-honored methods to create award-winning cheeses that have gained recognition worldwide.

Immersive Visitor Experience and Tasting Delights

Visitors to the Cheese Company are welcomed into a vibrant shop stocked with a variety of Cheddars, all vegetarian-friendly, alongside locally sourced preserves, pickles, chutneys, and cheese-related gifts. A highlight is the free tasting bar where guests can sample different cheeses to find their favorite. The onsite working dairy offers a unique chance to watch cheesemakers at work live between 11:30 am and 3 pm daily, providing insight into the seven-hour process of traditional Cheddar production.

The Shop and Visitor Centre Atmosphere

The shop and visitor centre exude a warm, welcoming atmosphere with knowledgeable staff eager to share their passion for cheese. The venue is modern yet retains a rustic charm, reflecting the natural surroundings of the Mendip Hills. This is a perfect stop for cheese lovers and curious travelers alike, offering a sensory experience of taste, smell, and sight amid the stunning backdrop of the gorge.

Seasonal Operations and Accessibility

Open every day except for a few winter holidays, the shop operates from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (shorter hours in winter). The dairy viewing is available year-round except December and New Year’s Day. The Cheese Company is a cashless venue, accepting card payments only. Group bookings and tours are offered with advance reservation, although tours may be temporarily suspended during renovations planned for early 2026.

Location and Surrounding Attractions

Situated at The Cliffs in Cheddar, the Cheese Company is ideally located for visitors exploring the famous Cheddar Gorge caves and scenic walking trails. The dramatic limestone cliffs and rolling Mendip Hills provide a spectacular natural setting, making this a memorable destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Nearby amenities include parking and other local shops and eateries, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

A Commitment to Quality and Community

Beyond cheese production, the company supports local producers by offering complementary products and gifts, strengthening the regional food culture. Its commitment to sustainable, artisan methods preserves both the environment and the heritage of English cheesemaking. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company stands as a beacon of craftsmanship and community spirit in Somerset’s iconic landscape.

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