Cheddar Holidays

From outdoor activities like hiking, walking, cycling and cave exploration to cheese and cider tasting, Cheddar holidays are packed with wonderful things to do either alone or with family. Best Known for its dramatic gorge and as the origin of cheddar cheese, the parish of Cheddar is situated in the county of Somerset and lies within the Mendip Hills; an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Did you know? A local’s guide to Cheddar holidays…

Located in the Mendip Hills, the village of Cheddar is encompassed by lush, rolling countryside and has the iconic Cheddar Gorge right on its doorstep.

Getting Active in Cheddar

One of Britain’s most incredible natural landmarks the gorge is home to some spectacular landscape including cliffs and subterranean stalactite show caves. The area is therefore fantastic for hiking, caving and rock climbing, and for those who prefer a little less adrenalin, there are many scenic walks and cycle trails too.

Situated slap bang in the Mendip Hills, Cheddar is surrounded by lots of picturesque countryside which includes hills and valleys, so the area makes a great base for walkers. With many of the routes beginning in the village centre, walkers can choose from routes of varying gradients and difficulty to suit every age and ability, and these include the Black Down walk, the Strawberry Line and Cheddar Reservoir walk.

For cyclists who like a challenge Cheddar Gorge doesn’t disappoint with countless steep gradient routes to choose from, however there are also many gentler paths including the Strawberry Line; a scenic cycle path through wildlife (and a tunnel) which is ideal for families with young children in tow.

Things to do in Cheddar

You can’t leave Cheddar without doing a cheese-tasting…the clue is in the name! Cheddar cheese has been produced in the area since the 12th Century and is to this day stored and matured in the Cheddar Caves. The best places to taste some of the region’s finest produce is The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company.

Somerset is also prominent on the English cider making scene, producing some of the finest and oldest ciders in the world and places like The Cider Barn are great for sampling a few bottles.

The local attraction of Wookey Hole also has plenty to keep children entertained where they will discover caves to explore, adventure golf, dinosaur models and a mystic fairy garden to name just a few.

What’s nearby?

Cheddar is really well located to enjoy all that this part of Somerset has to offer. Bath has amazing historical sites and architecture to enjoy like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Putteney Bridge, The Royal Crescent, Jane Austen Centre, Landsdown Hill racecourse and Bath’s Assembly Rooms.

Longleat House and Safari Park lies about 22 miles away and besides its beautiful Longleat House, the 9,000 acres of Safari Park is wonder to behold with over 500 animals to see.

For those looking to get their shopping fix Cribbs Causeway is situated on the outskirts of Bristol and includes over 130 top name stores and a retail park while Clarkes Village which is an outlet shopping village in Street with over 90 high street and designer retailers is just 9 miles away.