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A Country Village
You’ll find a warm welcome in the village pubs, cafés and restaurants of Cheddar. Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels and B&Bs through to glamping and ‘away from it all’ camping. There are quirky shops in the gorge and other outlets in the village centre for souvenir hunters and regular shopping.
History & Geology
The discovery of Britain’s oldest complete skeleton in one of Cheddar’s caves confirms it was inhabited more than 9,000 years ago. Plenty of evidence of the changes in the village since then can be found in its museum and on its streets.
The gorge was formed by meltwater floods several million years ago, and the caves were produced by the activity of Britain’s biggest underground river, both contain incredible rock formations.
Natural Beauty
The whole of the Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest: managed for nature by the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Cheddar Caves - part of Lord Bath’s Longleat estate, Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain's natural wildlife wonders and a gateway to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If the astounding views from the top of the gorge across amazing countryside are not enough, the limestone grassland supports some of the country’s most scarce plants and insects.
The Surrounding Area
Winding its way through the stunning Cheddar Gorge, the B3135 is the gateway to the Mendip Hills to the north. Walkers, runners and mountain bikers can find a multitude of other routes in and around the gorge, enabling them to enjoy the idyllic countryside and superb views.
Wells, England’s smallest cathedral city is a few miles to the south east of Cheddar, and the ancient town of Glastonbury lies to the south with its ruined abbey and its famous Tor, visible from miles around. In between lie the amazing and scientifically important Somerset levels, wetlands interspersed with hills such as the Isle of Wedmore.
Just to the west of Cheddar is the little medieval market town of Axbridge beyond which is the A38, giving easy access to Bristol in the north and the Somerset coast to the west.
Extraordinary Experiences
Nestling at the foot of the stunning Mendip Hills, Cheddar has been a welcoming place for visitors since the earliest times. Renown for the amazing gorge, the village features some fine buildings and many great independent cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs, and the small medieval market town of Axbridge is only a 30 minute walk away.
Today Cheddar is a haven for anyone who enjoys both natural beauty and outdoor adventure while also being conscious of the need to look after the natural environment.
Our Core Values
Responsible enjoyment of the natural environment.
The conservation of the earth’s resources and the protection of wildlife habitats.
Access for all – facilities and support for people of all abilities.