Top 5 Caves around Cheddar
Best caves around Cheddar are found in a region renowned for its spectacular gorge and impressive cave systems. This area features significant geological formations, including large caverns and underground rivers. The caves also hold historical importance, with evidence of prehistoric human occupation and the traditional maturation of Cheddar cheese. The landscape offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Best caves around Cheddar
- The most popular caves include Ebbor Gorge, a gorge and cave system. The path through the gorge offers varied terrain, becoming steeper and rockier as it progresses.
- Another must-see spot is Charterhouse SSSI, a natural monument with caves. This area features caves in limestone rock and historical Roman lead and silver mines.
- Visitors also love Goatchurch Cavern, a natural monument and cave. This cavern is set into limestone rock and is considered beginner-friendly, featuring hand railings from its early 20th-century development.
- Cheddar is known for show caves, natural caverns, and limestone formations. The region offers a variety of underground environments to explore, from developed show caves to more natural, challenging caverns.
- The caves around Cheddar are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 upvotes and more than 100 photos shared.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Ebbor Gorge
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Goatchurch Cavern
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Goatchurch is a popular cave for beginners and school trips thanks to its general ease and its two entrances. Access is free, however, caving can be dangerous and you shouldn't attempt it without a capable guide if you're new to caving. This cave is considered relatively straightforward but still has technical areas, tight squeezes and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.
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Charterhouse SSSI
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Wookey Hole Caves
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Ok, the photos do not do justice to this stunning chamber! It was only "opened" to the show cave in 2015! (The last time I visited was in 1990!!) The caves are still explored very regularly by cave divers, and the decision was made to connect chamber 9 to chamber 20 via a tunnel in 2015. What is visible in the images is the result of melt-water from the end of the last ice age. It has sculpted the rocks into valleys, ridges and crevasses. It is, as far as we know, the largest example of this in the whole of the UK.
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It's like a miniature Ebbor Gorge meets tellytubby land. Well worth a walk.
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This popular cavern is set into limestone rock and is particularly beginner friendly. You can find some hand railings inside to help you, dating back from the early 20th century when it was being (unsuccessfully) turned into a show cave like the other Mendip caves of Wookey and Cheddar. Goatchurch is a popular cave for beginners and school trips thanks to its general ease and its two entrances. Access is free, however, caving can be dangerous and you shouldn't attempt it without a capable guide if you're new to caving. This cave is considered relatively straightforward but still has technical areas, tight squeezes and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.
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Ebbor Gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve(NNR). Dramatic limestone gorge with interesting caves of important past climate research. Its ancient woodland combes are rich in wildlife and of the Mendip Hills AONB's special qualities
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Ebbor Gorge is a magnificent limestone gorge within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designated as a national nature reserve, the mixed woodland and deep gorge is home to much flora and fauna, including 250 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens. The caves within the gorge were inhabited by neolithic people and flint tools have been found. The path through the gorge is steep, rocky, wet and muddy. If you have decent footwear and average fitness, you’ll be fine. If you are planning to complete the round walk, I’d recommend going up the gorge (it’s so much fun you don’t notice the effort) and down the meadows (as the views are amazing and with you for the whole descent).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions within the Cheddar cave systems?
The Cheddar area is renowned for its spectacular cave systems, primarily Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave. Gough's Cave is famous for its vast chambers, stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, the discovery site of 'Cheddar Man', and the unique practice of maturing Cheddar cheese within its consistent 11°C environment. Cox's Cave offers an immersive multimedia experience called 'Yeo's Journey', illustrating the formation of the caves, and is known for its colorful mineral formations.
Are there family-friendly caves to visit around Cheddar?
Yes, several options cater to families. Wookey Hole Caves are a popular family attraction, offering extensive show caves and other activities. Cox's Cave in Cheddar also provides an engaging multimedia experience, 'Yeo's Journey', which is visually stimulating and educational for all ages.
What historical or archaeological significance do the Cheddar caves hold?
The caves around Cheddar are rich in history. Gough's Cave is particularly significant as the discovery site of 'Cheddar Man', Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, dating back approximately 10,000 years. Archaeological evidence also indicates that Upper Paleolithic Magdalenian peoples occupied Gough's Cave around 14,700 years ago. The area of Charterhouse SSSI also features historical Roman lead and silver mines alongside its caves.
Can I experience caving as a beginner in the Cheddar area?
Yes, Goatchurch Cavern is a popular and beginner-friendly option. It's set into limestone rock and even features hand railings from its early 20th-century development. While considered relatively straightforward, caving can be dangerous, so it's recommended to go with a capable guide if you are new to the activity.
What kind of geological features can I expect to see in the caves?
The caves around Cheddar showcase impressive geological formations. Gough's Cave features vast chambers with spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations, including 'St Paul's Cathedral' and 'Solomon's Temple'. Cox's Cave is known for its intricate formations and sections with colorful stalagmites, displaying hues from black to green, orange, and white due to mineral traces. The Cheddar Yeo, Britain's largest underground river system, also flows beneath Gough's Cave.
What is the best time to visit the caves around Cheddar?
The caves maintain a consistent temperature year-round, making them suitable for visiting in any season. However, to avoid larger crowds, consider visiting during off-peak times, such as weekdays outside of school holidays. The surrounding Cheddar Gorge area is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.
Are there walking or hiking routes near the caves?
Absolutely. The Cheddar area offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can find various routes, including those around Cheddar Gorge itself. For more detailed options, explore the Hiking around Cheddar guide, which includes routes like the 'Cheddar Gorge loop from Cheddar' and the 'Cheddar Gorge and West Mendip Way Loop'.
What other outdoor activities are available near the Cheddar caves?
Beyond caving and hiking, the region is excellent for cycling. You can find options for both gravel biking and mountain biking. Check out the Gravel biking around Cheddar guide and the MTB Trails around Cheddar guide for routes like the 'Shute Shelve Tunnel – Strawberry Line Tunnel loop' or trails around Rowberrow Warren.
What should I wear when visiting the caves?
Caves maintain a cool, consistent temperature, typically around 11°C (52°F), regardless of the weather outside. It's advisable to wear layers of clothing, even in summer, and comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip, as surfaces can be damp and uneven.
How long does it typically take to explore the show caves in Cheddar?
Exploring the main show caves, Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, usually takes between 1 to 2 hours for each, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each point of interest. This duration often includes listening to audio guides or experiencing multimedia shows. If you plan to visit both, allow at least half a day.
Where can I find parking for the Cheddar Gorge caves?
Parking is available within Cheddar Gorge itself, with several car parks managed by the Cheddar Gorge & Caves attraction. These are typically paid parking facilities. It's recommended to check the official Cheddar Gorge & Caves website for current parking information and prices before your visit.
What is the difference between Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave?
Gough's Cave is the larger of the two, known for its immense natural chambers, impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and its historical significance as the site of 'Cheddar Man' and cheese maturation. Cox's Cave, while smaller, offers a more interactive experience with its 'Yeo's Journey' multimedia show, focusing on the geological formation of the caves through light and sound, and is noted for its vibrant, colorful mineral deposits.
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