I once joked I would make a pilgrimage to Cheddar just to honour my love of the cheese. Fast forward a few years and there I was, standing in the village where it all began. Cheddar may be eaten across the world, but its birthplace remains small and full of character. Situated only an hour’s drive away from Bristol, the village of Cheddar is well worth a visit as it offers far more than just cheese. From dramatic cliffs and hidden caves to peaceful riverside walks, in this article I’ll cover 6 unmissable things to do in Cheddar!
Currency: British Pound (£)
Language: English
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer
Suggested Visit: 1 day
Did you know the world’s most famous Cheddar cheese was originally made by accident when medieval monks left their curds too long?
Table of Contents
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Nestled in this picturesque setting, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is well worth a visit if, like me, you love good cheese. As the only commercial producer still making Cheddar cheese in the village where it originated, it proudly showcases traditional cheesemaking methods. Visitors can watch the cheese being made, learn about the process and, of course, sample the award-winning Cheddar (the best part of the experience if you ask me!)
Cheddar Gorge
Walking through Cheddar Gorge is one of the best ways to experience the dramatic limestone cliffs that have made this part of Somerset so famous. Carved by water over millions of years, the gorge is the largest in Britain and stretches for around 3 miles (5 km) through the Mendip Hills. The clifftop trail offers spectacular views over the winding road below and the surrounding countryside, making it one of my favourite hikes in England.
It usually takes around 2 hours to complete the hike (I chose the Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Circular Walk), although it took me a little longer after meeting a lovely Scottish lady along the way. We kept stopping to admire the views and chat, which made the walk even more memorable. If you’re planning to hike, I’d recommend wearing sturdy shoes, as some sections are steep and uneven.
Jacob’s Ladder & the Lookout Tower
If you don’t feel like doing the full clifftop hike, the Lookout Tower at the top of Jacob’s Ladder is another way to get a view over Cheddar Gorge. I personally reached it as part of my walk around the gorge, which means I was able to enjoy the viewpoint for free! While I found the views along the hike itself more impressive, the tower is still worth a stop if you want to see more of the gorge without walking the entire trail.
[metaslider id=”11414″]Cheddar Caves
Price: around £20 (concessions available)
Hidden beneath Cheddar Gorge are two fascinating caves that are well worth exploring: Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. Gough’s Cave is the larger and more famous of the two, with impressive limestone formations and a history stretching back thousands of years. It is also where the famous Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, was discovered in 1903. Tickets start from around £20 for adults and include access to five attractions across Cheddar Gorge and Caves.
Village Centre
After exploring Cheddar Gorge, I recommend spending some time wandering through the village itself. Surrounded by the Mendip Hills, Cheddar has a peaceful atmosphere with traditional stone buildings, small shops and cafés dotted along its streets. It is the perfect place to slow down after your walk, enjoy the views and treat yourself to an ice cream or a piece of fudge.
Cheddar Yeo
A walk along the River Yeo (also known locally as the Cheddar Yeo) is a peaceful way to finish your visit. The river has shaped the village’s history for centuries, providing water and helping power local mills. Along the way, look out for the quirky ‘Sword in the Stone‘ sculpture, a fun nod to the legend of King Arthur!
Before visiting Cheddar, I mostly knew it for one thing: cheese. But after spending a day exploring the gorge, caves and village, I realised there is much more to discover here. Whether you come for the dramatic landscapes, fascinating history or simply a good piece of Cheddar, this little Somerset village makes a memorable day out. During the same trip, I also visited Gloucester, a historic city that I absolutely loved exploring! If you enjoy medieval architecture, fascinating history and beautiful old streets, you can read my guide to the best free things to do in Gloucester!
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