The area has been a destination of travellers and holidaymakers for centuries, each one curious to view the magnificent limestone gorge carved into the southern slopes of the Mendip hills above the village of Cheddar.
Reaching 500 feet in places, the sides of the ravine boast the highest inland cliffs in the country and can be viewed both from the public road running through the base of the gorge or from footpaths along the cliff tops.
At the lower end of the gorge, closest to the village are riverside walks, tea rooms and gift shops and the famous Showcaves, a series of labyrinthine underground chambers accessible to the public.
Cheddar cheese is known throughout the world, its manufacture originating at farms in the region. You can watch traditional Cheddar cheese making at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company in the lower Gorge.
The Mendip hills are a great centre for walking, riding, adventure activities and outdoor pursuits, particularly caving and climbing. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the limestone plateau is noted for its landscape beauty and wildlife.
Must see and do
- Cheddar Caves and Gorge, Cheddar
- Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Cheddar
- Animal Farm Adventure Park, Berrow
- Blake Museum, Bridgwater
- King John’s Hunting Lodge, Axbridge
- Rich’s Farmhouse Cider, Highbridge
- Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey
- Brean Down Fort, Brean Down
- Brean Leisure Park, Brean
- Ashton Windmill, Chapel Allerton