Pictures of Cheddar Caves and Gorge

a Museum in the town of Cheddar, in the county of Somerset

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About Cheddar Caves and Gorge

The mile or so of pale-grey limestone cliffs rising above the winding road through Cheddar is awesome in its untamed beauty, it appears wild and exciting, far removed from the village which these days exists on pure commercialism. The road leads through to the beautiful Mendip Hills, these have many remote areas and present a sparsely populated landscape dotted with just a few farms, and the occasional inn used by "cavers" locals and tourists. The views all around are quite dramatic, especially when the mist creeps over, mist rises quickly in these parts and it is not unknown for walkers, or climbers to loose their bearings.

The most spectacular views of the Somerset countryside are to be enjoyed on a clear summers day from the top of the cliffs, easily reached by "Jacob's Ladder" at the northern end of Cheddar. Cheddar boasts England's highest inland cliffs, these provide a nesting place for Peregrine Falcons.

These days the town is dominated by its famous show caves, Cox's and Gough's, both contain fine stalagmites and stalactites. Gough's cave is the largest of the caves, it was discovered in 1890 by sea captain Richard Gough, for whom it is named. This leads to the Diamond Chamber and Solomon's Temple. A thrilling exhibition explains the history of the caves, how they were carved out over million years of ice-age meltwater, and how early man managed to survive the ice-age period. Bones of possibly cannibalistic prehistoric men have been found at Cheddar, thus Gough's Cave is the country's first cannibal site.

Cox's Cave is startling in its beauty, it is tiny with little narrow passages, full of amazing colours and picturesque reflective pools. This was discovered by a man working for local mill-owner George Cox, whilst collecting rocks to use as building material in 1837.

A tour of the caves reveals a world of beautiful colour, magical crystals, adventures with wizards, goblins, a fairy princess, and even a smoke-breathing dragon! It may be a little precarious in some parts, but for sheer atmosphere and splendour it is well worth taking the tour.

In the village there is a collection of all the usual tourist trap shops, pubs, restaurants and fish and chips. There is a good market cross and a lovely 14th century church with a fine tower, tie-beam roof, and carved stone pulpit from the 15th century.

In the summer months an open-top bus operates a tour of the best sights of the town, these can be enjoyed at anytime between March and September.

During the latter half of the 20th century, excavations carried out close to Manor Farm failed to reveal any trace of Cheddar's one-time Anglo-Saxon palace.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Cheddar Caves and Gorge.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Cheddar Caves and Gorge

Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill	(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Bishop's Palace, Wells	(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Wells Cathedral	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Glastonbury Abbey	(9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction S)	Pictures
The Chalice Well Gardens	(9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction S)	Pictures
Glastonbury Tor	(9.9 miles, 16.0 km, direction S)	Pictures
Birnbeck Pier	(11.2 miles, 18.0 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Clevedon Court	(11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction N)	Pictures
Ashton Court Estate, Bristol	(12.8 miles, 20.5 km, direction N)	Pictures
Clifton Suspension Bridge	(13.4 miles, 21.5 km, direction NE)	Pictures

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Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Cheddar Caves and Gorge

Cheddar, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (0.4 miles, 0.7 km)
Often called 'Englands Grand Canyon' Chedder Gorge was carved out by a river that now runs underground.
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Wookey, in the county of Somerset (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction SE)
It is a pleasant resort village made famous by the glittering limestone cavern known as "Wookey Hole" which comprises of several dramatic chambers.
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Wells, in the county of Somerset (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SE)
Wells, situated at the foot of the picturesque mendip hills, is most certainly one of England's most delightful cathedral cities.
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Glastonbury, a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset (9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction S)
This little town now enjoys world renown for its annual music festival which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the...
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Burnham-on-Sea, in the county of Somerset (10.2 miles, 16.5 km, direction W)
This invigorating Somerset coastal resort offers visitors a variety of experiences. It has a rich expanse of sand covering almost seven miles of coast, making it an idyllic resort for families with children.
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Bridgwater, a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset (14.8 miles, 23.8 km, direction SW)
Bridgwater emerged from a village of the Middle Ages to become a prosperous river-port. Later, it became known as the place where Monmouth proclaimed himself King.
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Bristol, a Historic City in the county of Somerset (16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction NE)
Bristol Zoo is not this great city's only claim to fame
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Langport, in the county of Somerset (17.0 miles, 27.4 km, direction S)
This old town cradled at the heart of the Somerset Levels, sits bounded by the soft rolling Somerset countryside.
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Bath, in the county of Somerset (18.8 miles, 30.2 km, direction E)
Bath is an elegant city famous for its fascinating history, its beautiful Georgian architecture and its Roman remains.
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Severn Beach, in the county of Gloucestershire (19.9 miles, 32.0 km, direction N)
From this pleasant spot it is possible to get the most marvellous views of the two impressive bridges spanning the River Severn.
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Nearby travel help

Bristol International Airport	(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction N)
M5 Junction 21	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction NW)
Yatton Station	(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction N)
Worle Station	(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NW)
M5 Junction 22	(8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction W)
Cardiff International Airport	(26.5 miles, 42.6 km, direction W)
Cheddar Caves and Gorge to London	(115.3 miles, 185.4 km, direction E)

Accommodation & Hotels near Cheddar Caves and Gorge

Hotel Name
Arundel House	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Wassells	(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)
Tor Farm Guest House	(1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction S)
Lyncombe Lodge Hotel	(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction NW)
Miltons Lodge And Restaurant	(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction N)
Miller's at Glencot House	(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction SE)
Webbington Hotel	(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction W)
Days Inn Hotel Sedgemoor	(6.9 miles, 11.0 km, direction W)
Cadbury House Classic Hotel	(7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction N)
The Ancient Gatehouse	(7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts