Cheddar Gorge and Caves

A gorge with two kinds of access

Cheddar Gorge cuts through the Mendip Hills above the village of Cheddar. The National Trust calls it England’s largest gorge, almost 400 feet deep and 3 miles long. The British Geological Survey says it is not a collapsed cavern: meltwater floods carved it over the last 1.2 million years, during cold periglacial phases. Who runs what matters before you set out, because the cliffs and the caves have different operators.

The National Trust looks after the cliffs, which are open from dawn to dusk. The caves, Jacob’s Ladder and the Museum of Prehistory are privately owned and run by the commercial attraction, so you buy tickets through the Cheddar Gorge and Caves website. The operator advises arriving before 11am in school holidays and on bank holidays.

The show caves

Gough’s Cave is where Cheddar Man was found in 1903, around 10,000 years old and described by the operator as the oldest complete skeleton found in Britain. Cox’s Cave was found in 1837 and is the older of the two show caves. Allow up to about 45 minutes for Gough’s and around 20 minutes for Cox’s, where only 10 people can enter at a time, so there can be a short wait.

Jacob’s Ladder is 274 steps with four rest breaks, leading to views over the Mendips. From the top, 48 more steps reach the Lookout Tower.

Walking the cliffs

The National Trust describes a Cheddar Gorge trail along the cliffs and the Black Rock limekiln walk, a gentle route through a dry limestone valley that ends on a grassy area suited to a picnic. You may also see the gorge’s feral goats. The Trust warns of steep paths and says the cliffs may be difficult for people with limited mobility. Check the National Trust page for Cheddar Gorge for the current guide.

Dogs and parking

The operator allows dogs on leads in all of its attractions, with water bowls along the lower gorge. On the cliffs the National Trust also asks for dogs on a lead because of the steep drops. Three operator car parks serve the gorge: Lakeside, one opposite Cox’s Cave, and a larger one at Gough’s Cave and the upper gorge. They are not National Trust car parks, and the National Trust notes further pay and display car parks along the high street. Most ticket machines take cards only, with one exception beside the coach park.

Nearby

For the village itself, see Cheddar. Wookey Hole is the other big Mendip cave day out. It has its own rules, including a ban on pet dogs, so see Wookey Hole before you plan a combined day.