12 Things To Do in Cheddar, Somerset

The historic village of Cheddar is located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Northern Somerset. This fascinating region has countless places to explore and learn about geology, nature and local history. There’s too much to do in a day, so if you’re visiting Cheddar, why not make it a holiday?

Where To Stay in Cheddar

The Oakhouse Hotel is located a few miles northeast of the main village of Cheddar. We have ten beautiful en-suite rooms available in our cosy, quirky hotel, situated in a listed building and overlooking Axbridge’s medieval village square. All rooms come with a flat screen TV, WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, mini fridges, hair dryers and more, making for a truly luxurious stay.

To find out more about The Oakhouse Hotel.

Things To Do in Cheddar

Explore Cheddar Village

The River Yeo forms one of the UK’s largest underground water systems before it flows into Cheddar Gorge and the village where it features small waterfalls and a dam. You can enjoy beautiful riverside walks here before venturing into the ancient market square. There are plenty of local shops and eateries to enjoy, including cheese and cider shops.

Learn About the Cheddar’s History

Cheddar is surrounded by a rich past that is well worth investigating. The nearby caves were home to our ancestors tens of thousands of years ago, including the Cheddar Man, who is the UK’s oldest (nearly) complete skeleton. You can learn more at the Museum of Prehistory, or enjoy an interactive experience in Cox’s Cave with Dreamhunters.

Cheddar was an important village during the Anglo-Saxon era. The ruins of the Cheddar Palace, established in the 9th century, were excavated in the 1960s and still free to explore.

Explore Gough’s Cave

Formed 500,000 years ago by the River Yeo and discovered in 1890, Gough’s Cave is the biggest and most spectacular of Cheddar’s caves. You can tour the 155m deep cave to view impressive rock formations whilst you learn about the geology and history of the cave.

The Cheddar Treasure Trail

Perfect for helping you to explore this wonderful area, the Cheddar Treasure Trail is 2.5 miles long and consists of a series of clues which, when solved, will reveal the location of some buried treasure. The trail begins at Gough’s Cave and takes you into the village, so it’s a great activity to do after exploring the cave. Enter your answers into the monthly prize draw and you can even win some real treasure in the form of £100!

Go Rock Climbing

If you’re looking for something a little daring, then what’s better than climbing our 50 foot climbing walls next to the spectacular cliffs of Cheddar Gorge? With two separate experiences suitable for adults or for kids, you’ll be guided by instructors so you can have a go whether you’re experienced in rock climbing or not.

Tour the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

Cheddar is well-known for its delicious cheese, so if you’re a cheese lover, you have to stop by the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company’s shop, tasting bar and visitor centre. Book a VIP tour to discover how the company makes their cheese, visit the cheese maturing store, learn the art of cheese grading, and enjoy some free samples!

Go Hiking in Cheddar Gorge

There are several walks to choose from in and around the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, and whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed in the views. For those willing to tackle a steep hill at the beginning, the Cheddar Gorge Loop Walk rewards you with panoramic views of the gorge, the Mendips and Cheddar Village.

Climb up Jacob’s Ladder

If the Cheddar Gorge Loop Walk hasn’t tired you out, this surely will. Jacob’s Ladder consists of 274 steps, with 48 more to climb to the top of the Lookout Tower. Take in the stunning views of the Mendips and Somerset Levels before heading back down for a well-deserved bite to eat.

Drive Through Cheddar Gorge

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still marvel at the incredible cliffs of the gorge towering above you as you drive from Cheddar to the nearby village of Priddy. Stop at the Cheddar Gorge and Caves car park in the middle of the gorge on the way to either explore these attractions or simply take in your surroundings.

Cycle the Strawberry Line

Nestled deep within the Mendips is The Strawberry Line, a traffic-free walking and cycling route which connects Cheddar to the villages of Axbridge, Sandford and Yatton to the north.

Previously a part of the Great Western Railway, the line was converted into a beautiful walking and cycling route. Mostly flat, the Strawberry Line takes you through an incredibly diverse ecosystem, fascinating rock formations and several historical villages.

Have Afternoon Tea in Axbridge

Axbridge is just a few miles northeast of Cheddar, and has heritage dating back millenia. The ancient buildings were first built in the Middle Ages, when the town was used for defence against invading Vikings. Now, the narrow streets are home to local shops and eateries, including The Oakhouse Hotel.

Join us for a delicious afternoon tea right on the doorstep of the Strawberry Line Walk.

 

Or try the ultimate thing to do in Cheddar…

Have Your Wedding in Somerset at The Oakhouse Hotel!

We love weddings here at The Oakhouse Hotel, and are proud to offer a gorgeous countryside wedding venue right here at the foot of the Mendips. We’re a dog-friendly, exclusive use venue, with our 10 luxury bedrooms yours for the day. We’re licensed for civil ceremonies, with the beautiful St John the Baptist Church right next door.

Find out more information about our weddings at The Oakhouse Hotel, Somerset today.