Things to do and see in the area
There is a richness of things to do in and around Cheddar, and in the locality. If you are thinking of a more out-and-about touring holiday then not much further afield, or in striking distance by train or car are some of SW England's beautiful countryside, villages and cities. Below are just a few, but raid the information rack in the cottage for much, much more.
For walkers and cyclists it could not get much better. This part of the Mendips is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the west side of the gorge owned by the National Trust. Within minutes you can be walking up on to the Mendip and there are a myriad of long, medium and short walks, some with stunning views. Cyclists can choose between challenging rides, starting with one up the gorge road, or more easy going flat cycling on quiet roads across the levels. The Strawberry Line is a major Sustrans project: it follows much of the old railway line (known as the Strawberry Line for the produce it collected bound for London) from Cheddar east and north to Yatton where there is a mainline railway station. There are plans developing to extend the cycle and walking path to Wells and beyond. And if you don't have your bike with you, you can hire from down in the village or borrow one of our sturdy but basic bikes.
For walkers and cyclists it could not get much better. This part of the Mendips is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the west side of the gorge owned by the National Trust. Within minutes you can be walking up on to the Mendip and there are a myriad of long, medium and short walks, some with stunning views. Cyclists can choose between challenging rides, starting with one up the gorge road, or more easy going flat cycling on quiet roads across the levels. The Strawberry Line is a major Sustrans project: it follows much of the old railway line (known as the Strawberry Line for the produce it collected bound for London) from Cheddar east and north to Yatton where there is a mainline railway station. There are plans developing to extend the cycle and walking path to Wells and beyond. And if you don't have your bike with you, you can hire from down in the village or borrow one of our sturdy but basic bikes.
Cheddar Gorge Photograph by Val Vannet
A natural ravine cut in to the side of the Mendips and boasting the country's highest inland cliffs at 500 feet high. A Natural Trust site you can drive or walk up, or walk around the edge on the 3-mile Gorge Walk, and perhaps meet the native English Primitive goats. Click for more on Cheddar Gorge.
To see some striking panoramic images of Cheddar Gorge check out the images on 360Cities! Walking in the Mendips Photograph by George Evans
The beautiful limestone Mendip hills stretch from the coast at Brean Down across Somerset to Frome. Wonderful walks, lovely villages and some spectacular views. The West Mendip Way pass Cheddar at the top of the gorge and is easily accessible. From there it continues via Priddy and Ebbor Gorge to Wells.
Cheddar is also now a accredited Walkers are Welcome village which means it is a quality assured destination for walkers of all levels. An initial 8 walks have been checked and recorded and the detailed guides can be downloaded from the Cheddar Walking website. Click for more on the Mendips. Glastonbury and the Tor Photo: Alan Simkins
Glastonbury is a fantastic and quirky place with a mix of history, legend, myth and magic. Visit the Abbey ruins, climb the Tor, visit the peaceful Chalice Well Gardens, or browse the alternative shops and cafe's.
Click for more on Glastonbury town. Wookey Hole Caves Photo: Alan Champion
Wookey Hole, near Wells, also has some stunning caves and is more of a entertainment experience. It includes a chance to have a go at traditional paper-making, something that continues nearby at St. Cuthbert's Mill where some of the finest artist's paper is still made today.
Click for more on Wookey Hole caves. Bristol Photo:
Peter Skinner
Bristol is a brilliant city to visit: lots of history, bags of variety and yet small enough to take it all in. Lots of life in and around the harbour, including the SS Great Britain and The Matthew. Brunel's beautiful Clifton Suspension Bridge next to the downs, gorge and famous Zoo. Theatre, cinema, the arts (this is Banksy's home town - keep your eyes open) and more. Lots of independent shops and the award winning Cabot Centre for more mainstream shopping.
Click for more on things to do in Bristol. Bristol also hosts a multitude of events during the year. Check them out on the events calendar. Axbridge
Tracing its history back to the times of King Alfred in the Middle Ages, the town has a its own lovely museum housed in the wonderful King John's Hunting Lodge building (although it is actually early Tudor).
The museum sits on the very traditional town square with the 13th Century church, pubs and village hall. The square hosts various events including the monthly Farmers Market. All just a 15 minute cycle (or 40 minute walk) along the Strawberry Line. To find out yet more follow these links:Cheddar Village
Wells and the Mendips Visit Somerset The Organic Garden and tea room at Holt Farm, Blagdon Barley Wood Walled Garden and restaurant, Wrington Folly Farm Nature Reserve, Pensford Wildlife walks, Avon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves Charterhouse award winning outdoor and environmental centre, nr. Blagdon CREATE environment centre and ecohome, Bristol Walks, nature reserves and wildlife events with the Somerset Wildlife Trust RSPB run events across Somerset throughout the year - check out what is on on their events page. Walkscene is a good website for guided walks around the UK. It has several near us including of course the Cheddar Gorge Walk, but also including walks like Stanton Drew Stones to Pensford. |
Cheddar Caves Photograph by Chris Allen
Two sets of caves to visit, Gough's and Cox's with spectacular stalagmites, and where Britain's oldest skeleton was found.
Run by the Cheddar Gorge & Caves company tickets also include the open-top bus tour and access to Jacob's ladder and tower. Click for more on Cheddar Caves. Strawberry Line Photo: Huw Robson
The old railway branch line from the main line at Yatton to Cheddar is these days a fantastic cycle and walking path, pretty much traffic free for 10 miles. In fact it is a Sustrans national route (#26). As you would expect fairly flat, and cutting through the Mendips including the summit tunnel at Shute Shelve. Lovely stopping points at Thatcher's orchards (cider shop and pub), Winscombe (Millennium Green, Woodborough Inn), historic Axbridge (Kings John's Hunting Lodge, market square, Lamb Inn) and Cheddar. The start/end at Yatton Station has a great cafe, which is also a social enterprise training those with learning disabilities the skills for a career in the catering industry.
We have bikes to lend or rent serious bikes (including eBikes) from Cheddar Bikes. One day we hope the path will continue all the way to Wells and Shepton. Wells, Cathedral City Photograph by Alan Rolfe
England's smallest city has not only a beautiful cathedral but also the moated Bishop's Palace and many other medieval buildings. The market square holds a lively market every Wednesday and Saturday. And then there are a lot of lovely shops and cafes. Click for more on Wells.
Cycling on the Levels Photograph by Rob Purvis
For a gentle cycling holiday, the Somerset Levels and Moors, provide a beautiful, rustic landscape; criss-crossed with small dykes or 'rhynes' and dotted with picturesque villages and towns. Bikes can be hired in Cheddar village or we are happy to lend out two basic bikes. Click for more on cycling in the area.
The Somerset coast Photo: Anthony O'Neil
Just twelve miles away lies the coastline of the Bristol Channel with views across to Wales. Large sandy beaches at Weston-Super-Mare, Brean and Burnham, and some classic seaside feel. Also some lovely walks on headlands like Brean Down.
Click for more on our beautiful coastline. Bath Photo: Mike Searle
Bath and the surrounding area is brimming with things to see and do. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collection of museums and attractions including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre and Thermae Bath Spa. Bath's compact city centre offers excellent shopping. Click for more on things to do in Bath.
Gardens Photo: David Laly
Somerset and our surrounding region is blessed with some wonderful gardens small and large. If you are interested in seeing some of these then check out The National Garden Scheme web page to find what is open near us.
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