Campsites near Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge lies in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset, close to the village of Cheddar. Known for dramatic cliffs, fascinating caves, ancient history and, of course, cheese. The area is also home to a range of walking routes and untamed wildlife, making it a destination not to be missed.

Made of limestone, the gorge is the largest found in inland Britain and is one of the top natural attractions in the UK. Inside, you’ll find two show caves, Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. Explore large chambers, hidden caverns and see the stalactites (the ones hanging from the ceiling!) and stalagmites (the ones rising from the ground!). There’s also plenty of history to be discovered here at the Museum of Prehistory. Learn how the gorge came to exist through the power of The Cheddar Yeo river, which flows underneath the Mendip Hills and runs openly through the village. You’ll also find out about the famous Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in Britain, and there are immersive experiences to enjoy, plus a cinematic virtual tour. 

Outside the caves, climb the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to reach the Lookout Tower for incredible views of the Mendips. Don’t worry, there are places to take breaks on your way up! From here, keen hikers can continue to the three-mile Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Walk, up one side of the gorge and back down the other. This walk is not for the faint-hearted, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views 900ft above sea level. Don’t miss spotting the Cheddar pink flower while you’re here, it’s the only place that this plant grows in the world! For those after a slightly gentler pace, take the Gorge Road Walk along the bottom of the gorge between the cliffs, a much more accessible route.

Beyond the gorge, there are plenty more walks to discover. The Mendip Way, split into East and West sections, is a popular trail running from Weston-super-Mare to Frome. The Black Down Walk takes in the highest point in the Mendip Hills and has peaceful paths through open grassland and woodland. The Strawberry Line, named after the railway that carried strawberries to market, is also a top choice for cyclists and is a more accessible, traffic-free path. It’s a great scenic walk at a more relaxed pace, running through countryside, villages, tunnels and old stations. The Cheddar Reservoir Walk is another flat pathway, excellent for birdwatching, with views across the open water. 

In fact, Cheddar Gorge is known as one of the best places in the South West for wildlife spotting. Peregrine falcons, ravens, kestrels, buzzards and jackdaws have all been sighted in the local area, nesting on clifftops, rock crevices or swooping overhead. You’ll also spot some feral goats on the cliff faces, as well as soay sheep grazing on the grass. Keep your eyes open inside the caves too, as you might even see some horseshoe bats! 

Of course, no trip to Cheddar Gorge would be complete without cheddar cheese. It was created in the village of Cheddar, and named after it too! ‘Cheddaring’ was also developed here, a cheese-making method that gives the cheddar its firm texture. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only producer still making cheddar cheese here, and it makes small batches using old-fashioned techniques, including maturing the cheese in the caves. You can also watch them make the cheese, and there’s a range of produce to buy (there are, of course, samples to try, too!). Somerset Cream Tea is served in many tea rooms in the area, the most famous being Lion Rock Tea Rooms, one of the many brightly coloured buildings dotted around the village. Cheddar is also known for cider, with Somerset cider the preferred local tipple in the village pubs, as well as locally brewed ales.     

For those looking for a thrill, the gorge is known to be one of the UK’s most famous rock-climbing destinations. There’s a range of rock-climbing on offer here, including bouldering, traditional climbing and abseiling. Guided Adventure Caving and Junior Caving are available in Gough’s Cave, where you can descend 40ft and explore different chambers within the cave. Family fun can also be found at Cheddar Crazy Golf and Ocean Adventures Soft Play, both big hits with little ones. Nearby Wookey Hole is a great choice for a family day out, with caves, a maze, an adventure playground, riverside walks and woodland pathways, just watch out for the legendary witch!

With excellent walking routes, local culture, family adventures and plenty of cheese, Cheddar Gorge is a top choice for your next getaway in the South West.