If you’re looking for a picturesque village to visit in Somerset, Cheddar ticks all the boxes!
Home to the largest Gorge in the United Kingdom, Cheddar welcomes over half a million visitors per year from around the world. Whatever your age Cheddar village and Gorge has something to appeal to you.
Cheddar village encompasses a variety of shops, traditional pubs and other attractions. Accessible by Bus and Car, the village is reachable in around half an hour or less from local towns and cities such as Weston-Super-Mare, Wells, Glastonbury and Burnham -on-Sea. The nearest train stations are Worle and Weston-Super-Mare.
Visit Cheddar Caves
Cheddar Caves is without doubt one of the most popular activities in Cheddar. Take a trip back in time, visit the caves, learn about the history and see if you can spot any horseshoe bats! Goughs Cave was discovered in 1903 and Cox’s cave was found back in 1837 and both are named after their respective discoverers.
As of December 2021 the Caves are closed however keep an eye on the website to see when they are due to reopen.
Walk along Cheddar Gorge
This National Trust walk takes in the sites along the top of England’s largest Gorge measuring at almost 400ft deep and 3 miles long. The walk is challenging at 4miles long however, it is also Dog friendly for those with furry friends coming along on the journey. The trail begins at the National Trust information centre however there is plenty of parking within the Gorge and Village area if you are arriving by Car.
Visit Ocean Adventures Soft Play
Weather not that great and the kids need to let off some steam? This indoor adventure soft play is the perfect option and caters for children up to the age of 12. Based on the Cheddar industrial estate Ocean Adventures has won several awards since opening 2019 and prides itself on being accessible for all abilities. The centre offers free parking and also the option to purchase food and drinks.
Play some Crazy Golf
A trip to Cheddar is not complete without playing Crazy Golf! The course is now16 years old and was built using natural water worn stone from the Gorge on the site of a 19th century hotel garden. There is no need to book however if your party has over 12 people it is advisable to book to avoid disappointment. At only £4.50 per player this is a bargain activity within Cheddar Gorge. Chargeable parking is available outside the venue.
Visit St Andrews Church
St Andrews Church, Cheddar dates back to the 14th Century with some of the stained glass dating back to the 15th century. The Church’s Tower reaches up 100ft and dates from the early 1400’s. The Church is open daily and is currently running services as normal however due to COVID-19 it would be advisable to check the website before visiting if you would like to attend a service to confirm it will be going ahead.
Eat Cheese!
The world famous Cheddar Cheese originates from Cheddar village so where better to taste and buy some! The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is open daily and the products are also available to purchase online if you want to top up once you’ve got home again. Taste a variety of flavoured cheeses from Tomato and Red Onion to Port or Oak Smoked.
Visit the all year round Christmas shop!
Do you LOVE Christmas? Would you like to buy Christmas decorations in July? Then the Old Rowlands Christmas Shop is probably for you! What else can we say other than this shop really is a festive delight!
Walk around Cheddar Reservoir
Dating from the 1930s, Cheddar Reservoir has a capacity of 135 million gallons of water. The reservoir is supplied with water taken from the Cheddar Yeo river in Cheddar Gorge. Free parking is available for visitors and those with the correct license can also do some fishing. The walk around the Reservoir is around 2.2 miles but with its flat terrain is suitable for walkers, cyclists and Dogs.
Visit the Car boot and Market
Sunday’s see the local Car boot sale and Market opening in Cheddar. The largest of its kind for miles around, the market attracts all sorts of sellers with products such as Meat, Fruit and Veg, Foods, Pet Foods and Accessories, Antiques, Cars and Car Accessories and refurbished electronics. All this is on offer alongside the traditional bric a brac offered by local car boot sellers. If you love a bargain be sure to get to the Market for 6am sharp! Parking/entry is £2 per car as a buyer, seller prices vary on vehicle type.
Walk up Jacobs Ladder and Tower
At present it is free to walk up the 274 steps to reach the Jacobs Tower look out and take in the breath-taking views across Cheddar village and the rest of the Cheddar Valley. Whilst the climb is hard its more than worth it once you’ve reached the top!
