Cheddar

Cheddar has been a destination for visitors for centuries, all coming to view the magnificent limestone gorge carved into the southern slopes of the Mendip hills.

Reaching 500 feet in places, the ravine boasts the highest inland cliffs in the country that can be viewed from the public road running along the base of the gorge, from footpaths along the cliff tops or from the open top Gorge Tour Bus.

At the lower end of the gorge, closest to the village, there are riverside walks, tearooms, gift shops, a small toy museum and the famous Cheddar Showcaves. These are a series of labyrinthine underground chambers that are open to the public. A museum alongside the caves highlights the highly important archaeological finds made in Gough's Cave, including the oldest complete skeleton discovered in Britain and evidence of cannibalism in the gorge in pre-historic times.

A good range of cafes, teashops and restaurants provide tasty alternatives nowadays.

Cheddar cheese is known throughout the world and originated at farms in the region. You can watch traditional Cheddar cheese making at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company in the lower gorge.

Cheddar village was the site of a Saxon palace for the Kings of Wessex and has an attractive Minster church, an historic market cross and a range of local shops.

If you fancy trying out an adventure sport, such as caving, climbing or abseiling in the dramatic setting of the gorge, this is possible too. In May the Active Mendip Festival offers just such an opportunity. The Mendip hills are a great centre for walking, riding and cycling. There is a walking festival in September and Cheddar Challenge runs many cycling competitions throughout the year: for mountain bikes, BMX bikes and the British Cycling National Hill Climb in October.