Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar, United Kingdom
Limestone cliffs rise steeply on both sides of the road through this deep gorge, with a clifftop path and caves at the foot. Visit on a weekday morning, as the narrow road and car parks fill up quickly in summer.
Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills in Somerset is up to 137 m deep, and the B3135 road runs through it. In 1903 "Cheddar Man" was discovered in the caves, Britain's oldest complete skeleton, dated to about 9,000 years ago. Two show caves are open: Gough's Cave, discovered in 1903 and about 400 m long, and Cox's Cave, discovered in 1837. The area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the Cheddar pink grows wild only in the gorge. The cliffs are also popular with climbers.
The 274 steps of Jacob's Ladder lead to a lookout tower and to a clifftop path of about 5 km (3 miles). It gets very busy in the summer and school holidays, so choose a time outside the peak season. Allow half a day to a full day for the cave and viewpoint.
- Nearest town
- Cheddar, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 51.2830, -2.7600
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cheddar Bridge Touring ParkCampsite2 km from Cheddar GorgeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan ParkCampsite8 km from Cheddar GorgeTentsCaravansShowersWi-Fi
- Bullock Farm (Fishing & Camping)Campsite16 km from Cheddar GorgeTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Withy Water Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover17 km from Cheddar GorgeTentsMotorhomes
- Country View Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover17 km from Cheddar GorgeMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Channel ViewCampsite18 km from Cheddar GorgeTentsCaravansShowersToilets
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cheddar Gorge?
Cheddar Gorge is in Cheddar, United Kingdom, at GPS 51.2830, -2.7600. It is about 23 km from Bristol.
Can you camp near Cheddar Gorge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cheddar Bridge Touring Park, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 94 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Cheddar Gorge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Roman Baths (30 km), Castle Combe (44 km), Lacock (47 km) and Cerne Abbas Giant (56 km).
When is the best time to visit Cheddar Gorge?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)