Nestled at the base of the picturesque Mendip Hills, this charming village remains remarkably unchanged from decades past, maintaining its status as a quintessentially English settlement.

Cheddar is famous for numerous attractions, all of which consistently attract visitors to this small Somerset enclave throughout the year. Rich in heritage, natural marvels and, naturally, regional specialities, it provides the perfect retreat from modern life into what resembles a storybook settlement.

From cosy tea rooms to period cottages, stunning scenery and ancient caverns, there’s far more to Cheddar than it may seem.

Upon visiting, one person wrote on TripAdvisor: “This is a beautiful small place, with some great attractions and amazing local shops. So many places to eat and drink or buy local gifts like cider and cheddar. We would definitely come back.”

Cheese

Naturally, when hearing the village’s name, one immediately thinks of the cheese, and rightfully so – the dairy product derives its name from the settlement where it was first created.

The origins of this globally celebrated cheese stretch back to approximately 1170, when it was crafted and aged within nearby limestone caverns.

Due to their stable temperatures and humidity levels, they proved ideal for cheesemaking until the process became more contemporary.

Notably during the Second World War, milk production fell under government control, resulting in standardised cheese, termed ‘government cheddar’ across the UK.

This brought about the deterioration of traditional cheddar production in regions such as Somerset, meaning many grew up without experiencing the authentic taste.

When visiting this tranquil village, you can stop at The Worlds Oldest Cheddar Cheese Shop to sample some of the original recipes. There also stands the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, where you can both buy and taste ‘the only Cheddar made in Cheddar’.

Gorge and caves

The gorge represents where Cheddar’s true enchantment lies, comprising several caves, including Gough’s Cave. It has captivated human fascination for countless generations and is thought to have been inhabited since Neolithic times.

Cheddar Gorge stands as Britain’s largest and a natural monument attracting more than 50,000 visitors annually, all seeking a window into history.

Indeed, the location is so ancient it yielded what remains the oldest complete human skeleton discovered in Great Britain, commonly known as Cheddar Man, who dates back approximately 9,000 years.

It provides opportunities to venture inside the caves, discover the underground passages and even participate in rock climbing.

One visitor shared: “The caves were brilliant. Seeing where the Cheddar Man skeleton was found and then going deeper into Gough’s Cave was a wonderful adventure.”

They added the caves were “truly beautiful” and that the hike along the top of the cliffs was an “awesome” experience.

The terrain is genuinely unlike anywhere else, featuring enormous, imposing, rugged cliffs that have established it as a global hotspot for hiking and climbing.

Cheddar Gorge represents a genuine haven for outdoor adventurers, combining natural beauty with thrilling pursuits, and naturally, abundant heritage.

Spectacular views

For the finest vantage point at Cheddar Gorge, visitors can tackle the ultimate climb, featuring a 274-step staircase. Jacob’s Ladder attracts those exploring the region who wish to witness everything from an elevated perspective.

The staircase was constructed in 1869 to transport people upwards from the gorge base straight to the cliff summit, and it continues to facilitate this climb decades later.

Based on visitor feedback, the trek is undoubtedly worthwhile, offering the opportunity to absorb sweeping views across Somerset and the Mendip Hills, with the possibility to climb even further, ascending 48 additional steps.

Following the climb, a traveller shared: “It’s steep, but it’s well worth climbing the 274 steps for the views you get when you reach the summit.

“Fortunately, there are two resting places on the way up (with information boards giving a history of the ladder and the flora and fauna around the steps) where you can admire the views across Cheddar and get your breath back. On the way down, you may be lucky enough to see one of the feral goats.”