Cheddar Gorge and Village: Worth Your Time and Money?

There is so much more to England than my favorite city, London. If you love day hikes, or “walks,” as Europeans seem to call them, Cheddar Gorge is definitely a place I would add to my list.   

Cheddar, a picturesque village in Somerset, England, is known for its stunning Cheddar Gorge, charming shops, and world-famous cheese. Cheddar offers several experiences, catering to nature lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and those seeking a day out in the English countryside. Here’s a rundown of my experience and some tips to help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

Getting There and Where to Park

Cheddar is relatively easy to reach by car, by English standards, and parking is plentiful. Several car parks are around the village, with the main one next to Cheddar Gorge. It’s a convenient spot, within walking distance of all the main attractions. Parking here costs around £5 for the day, so budget that in. If you arrive early, you’ll have the added benefit of finding a good spot before the crowds roll in. We arrived a little before 10:00 AM, and plenty of parking was available.

Getting there by car is by far the fastest way to arrive. If you use public transport, bus or train, times will vary. Here are some sample journey times using public transport:

Starting the Day: Tickets and Jacob’s Ladder

I arrived in Cheddar a little before 10:00 AM by car and headed straight to the ticket office. The village was quiet, and the parking lot was pretty empty. I had only done a little research before going and was surprised by the cost of the ticket and the options of tickets. I went ahead and purchased the day ticket for £24. This ticket includes access to Jacob’s Ladder, the Lookout Tower, the clifftop walk, the museum, and two caves. There is also a ticket for £6.85, including Jacob’s Ladder and Lookout Tower. Now, if you’re anything like me—someone who likes to keep an eye on spending—you might wonder if it’s worth the price. Here’s my take.

Jacob’s Ladder is the first stop, right outside the ticket office. Climbing 274 concrete steps to the top was definitely a leg workout! This is the way up to start the clifftop walk.

Lookout Tower can be intimidating due to its see-through design. If you’re afraid of heights, be cautious—the metal stairs leading up can be unsettling. While the view from the top is decent, it wasn’t spectacular enough to make the climb worthwhile. If you aren’t particularly passionate about aerial vistas, you might consider skipping this one.

The Clifftop Walk

Next was the clifftop walk, marketed as a 3-mile “walk” that should take 2-3 hours. As a new hiker who enjoys taking my time and snapping photos, I found this to be more of a hike than a casual stroll. The path is steep and rugged in places, but it offers some truly spectacular views of the Gorge and surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for the wild goats that roam the area, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. I particularly enjoyed watching the wild goats and passing through some quirky gates—little things that added charm to the experience.

Be warned, though: the walk can easily take longer than expected. My 2-3 hour walk turned into a 5-hour adventure! The clifftop walk starts by going up Jacob’s Ladder, continues around the top of the cliff, descends into the Gorge, and then ascends the other side.

Here’s a tip—if you prefer to save money, you can access the clifftop walk for free from the other side of the Gorge, where there’s no ticket office or barrier. I wish I had known this information before going.

Unfortunately, due to some filming for a new movie (a sequel to 28 Days Later), we couldn’t walk through the Gorge itself, though we tried. The unexpected encounter with the film crew and the thrilling zombie action sounds made up for it. I kept an eye out for Cillian Murphy, but unfortunately, the security was pretty tight, adding a sense of adventure to our day.

Gough’s Cave

By the time we finished our hike, it was already close to 3:00 PM, which left little time for the attractions. The last entry to the caves was at 4:30, and we had yet to eat. We grabbed a quick snack—some Pringles and an energy bar—and headed to Information Services. With just enough time to explore one cave, we headed to Gough’s Cave, as the info desk staff recommended was the better of the two caves.

Gough’s Cave is the larger of the two and is famous for its connection to the origins of Cheddar cheese—yes, there are actual wheels of cheddar aging in the cave! The cave itself is vast and atmospheric, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. As someone who has visited several phenomenal caves throughout my traveling adventures, I found it to be just okay. It’s worth seeing if you’ve never been to a cave or are particularly interested in Cheddar cheese’s history. Otherwise, you might want to allocate your time elsewhere.

Cox’s Cave and The Museum

While I didn’t have time to visit Cox’s Cave or the Museum of Prehistory, here’s what I learned about them for those planning your trip. These places are filled with a sense of discovery, offering unique insights into the history and culture of the Cheddar Gorge area.

Cox’s Cave is known for its smaller, more intimate feel than Gough’s. It’s often described as more “mystical” because of its dramatic lighting and winding passages. There’s also a multimedia experience called “The Crystal Quest,” which adds adventure to the cave visit, making it popular with families.

The Museum of Prehistory is another highlight, offering insights into our ancient ancestors who lived in the Cheddar Gorge area. The museum has artifacts from the caves, including tools and bones from the Stone Age. It’s a great spot for history buffs or anyone interested in learning more about the region’s past.

Cheddar Village and Local Eats

When we emerged from Gough’s Cave, the village shops were closing up for the day (most close between 4:30 and 5:00 PM). However, we couldn’t leave without a stop at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, the only place in the world where authentic Cheddar cheese is still made by hand. We picked up some Cave Cheddar—absolutely worth it!—before heading to The White Hart, a charming local pub, for a well-deserved ploughman’s lunch. The pub offers a variety of local ales and ciders, and the ploughman’s lunch, a traditional British dish, was a perfect way to end our day. Eating Cheddar (cheese) in Cheddar was a must, leaving me completely satisfied.

My Final Thoughts and Tips

Looking back, I’d skip the £24 day ticket if I had to do it over. Instead, I’d take the free walk up the cliff from the other side, bring a picnic to enjoy at the top, and spend more time exploring the village. The caves, while interesting, didn’t quite justify the cost for me, but if you’re keen on caving or the history of Cheddar, you might find them more worthwhile.

Also, remember that the ticket is only valid for one day, and with the last entry to the caves at 4:30 PM, you need to plan your time carefully. If you’re like me and enjoy taking your time, consider splitting your visit over two days or prioritizing the attractions that interest you most.

Lastly, I’d love to return just to drive through the Gorge and soak in the views without the pressure of fitting everything into a single day. It’s a truly stunning part of England that deserves to be savored.

So, there you have it—my budget-friendly guide to Cheddar Village and Gorge. Whether hiking, exploring caves, or simply indulging in some of the authentic Cheddar from Cheddar, this area offers a little something for everyone. Just remember to plan wisely, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

FAQs About Visiting Cheddar Gorge

• What is the best time to visit Cheddar Gorge? I visited in July, but I think Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the Gorge. Don’t forget your raincoat—it is England!
• Is the Cheddar Gorge clifftop walk free? The walk can be accessed free from the other side of the Gorge without purchasing a ticket.
• How long does it take to walk through Cheddar Gorge? The clifftop “walk” typically takes 2-3 hours, but it can take longer if you stop for photos or explore at a leisurely pace. I considered this a hike, not a walk.
• Where are the toilets? Accessible toilets are on the opposite side of the street from the ticket office. However, there are no toilets on the clifftop walk.
• Any other recommendations? I would definitely take a picnic to enjoy during the clifftop walk, and definitely remember to bring water!

Until next time, happy travels!