Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is England's largest limestone gorge, cut through the Mendip Hills with cliffs rising over 130 metres above the road that winds through it. Beneath the gorge, Gough's Cave is where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man (around 10,000 years old), was discovered.
The main activities are exploring the show caves (Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave), walking or driving the gorge road itself, and, for the more energetic, the clifftop walk that loops above the gorge for sweeping views over the Somerset Levels. The village of Cheddar at the gorge's mouth is also where cheddar cheese originated, and a few local cheesemongers still age wheels in the caves.
It's a half-day trip at minimum given the drive from Bath; if you want to do the caves and the clifftop walk properly, plan on most of a day.
Cheddar Gorge FAQs
About 20 miles, roughly 45 minutes by car; public transport is limited and slow, so most visitors drive or join a tour.
Driving or walking through the gorge itself is free, but the show caves (Gough's Cave, Cox's Cave) and the clifftop walk require a paid ticket, usually sold as a combined pass.
The full circular route is about 3 miles (4.8km) and takes 2-3 hours, with steep sections and around 274 steps near the start.
Yes, cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar at the gorge's entrance, where its caves' constant cool temperature was historically used for ageing.
Yes, the B3135 road runs straight through the gorge and is free to drive, offering dramatic views from the car, though pull-offs are limited.
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