Cheddar Caves and Gorge


Cheddar Gorge, a place of wild and rugged beauty, is a karst limestone and calcareous grassland Nature Reserve and home to many rare plants and animals, including endangered Greater Horseshoe bats. Cheddar Caves, inhabited by our ancestors up to 40,000 years ago, were re-discovered by Messrs Gough & Cox, enterprising Victorian showmen, and are world famous for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite decorations, whose beautiful colours are mirrored in pools of water.

Easy-to-use audio-guides in English, French and German tell the story of the caves' formation and discovery. These caves also fired the imagination of JRR Tolkien, author of the trilogy 'Lord of the Rings', on his honeymoon visit in 1916. 'The Crystal Quest', our own dark-walk fantasy adventure, creates a similar world of elven magic and bold adventure underground - because everyone knows that "dragons lives in caves....."

Our Cheddar Man Museum of Pre-history, explores 40,000 years of British Pre-history, with demonstrations of Stone Age survival skills and beautiful cave art. But can you face the truth about why our Homo sapiens ancestors, throughout the world for most of pre-history, were cannibals?

From April to September, an open-top double-decker bus takes you on a sight-seeing tour through Cheddar Gorge, beneath rocky pinnacles rising sheer above you, the home of Peregrine falcons. There are 274 steps to reach a Lookout Tower for stunning views of this limestone countryside, then a 3-mile cliff-top walk right around Britain's biggest Gorge, climbing 400 ft above the road, through this internationally important Nature Reserve.

All these attractions are included in your 'Caves & Gorge Explorer Ticket', so allow at least 4 hours to fit everything in.

For more adventurous thrill-seekers, who are looking for high adrenaline action, try our RockSport Outdoor Pursuits. Adventure Caving expeditions or Climbing & Abseiling 1 1/2 hour sessions, with all equipment provided, led by qualified sports instructors, take place daily on our well-equipped, well-maintained sites registered with the national Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Minimum age 11 yrs. and minimum height 4'8".



More Pictures
 
 
 

Opening Times
(2008 times)
July and August:
Daily 10.00am - 5.30pm.

The Rest of the Year: Daily 10.30am - 5.00pm

Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Admission Charges
(2008 prices)
Adult 15.00; Child 9.50; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) 39.50.

Directions
From M5 junct.22 take the A38, following signs to Cheddar Caves and Gorge.
From Weston-Super-Mare on A371 to Winscombe, turn right at traffic lights onto A38. Then take the A371, signposted Cheddar (approx. 13 miles).
From Wells take the A371 to Cheddar (9 miles).
From Bristol on A38 to Cross then take the A371, signposted Cheddar (approx. 22 miles).
From Bath on A39 to Green Ore and then the B3135 to Cheddar (approx. 30 miles).
Show map of Cheddar Caves and Gorge...

Cheddar Caves and Gorge Postcode for SatNav: BS27 3QF

Nearby Attractions
Wookey Hole Caves (5 Miles)*
Revamped, restored and totally remarkable, the new Wookey Hole, Britain's Oldest Tourist Attraction is bursting onto the holiday scene in an explosive mix ofHistory, Mystery and Fun.
Milton Lodge Gardens (6 Miles)*
Mature Grade 2 listed terraced garden with outstanding views of Wells Cathedral and the Vale of Avalon. There are mixed borders, roses and fine trees. Separate 7 acre arboretum.
Court Farm Country Park (6 Miles)*
Court Farm Country Park has over 20,000 sq. ft. of undercover entertainment - it's everybody's favourite farm.
more nearby attractions...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Lyncombe Lodge Hotel (4 Miles)*
In 250 acres, at the top of the Avon dry ski and toboggan slope, this family-run hotel boasts spectacular views over the Mendip Hills and offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and a bar and restaurant.
Holiday Inn Bristol Airport (5 Miles)*
The Holiday Inn Bristol Airport is located in countryside just 3 miles from Bristol International Airport. The hotel offers a modern relaxed lounge + bar and bistro restaurant plus a shuttle bus to/from the airport 24 hours a day.
Webbington Hotel (5 Miles)*
On the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, overlooking the picturesque hamlet of Loxton, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and newly refurbished leisure facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool.
more nearby hotels...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Tor Farm Lodge (2 Miles)*
Celebrate, luxuriate or Invigorate. Our two luxury contemporary eco lodges are situated in the fruit orchard of our guesthouse with stunning southerly views over the Somerset Levels.
Strawberry Fields Cottage (2 Miles)*
Strawberry Fields is a charming cottage situated in the village of Draycott 2 miles from Cheddar standing at the foot of the Mendip Hills with views of the Somerset Levels.
Stable Loft (3 Miles)*
Stable Loft is a spacious, modern apartment above our working stables, situated in 10 acres of grounds in the small village of Shipham, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more nearby self catering...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Popular Pages

Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

 Copyright © 1999-2009 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map