1. Cheddar Village

Of course, everyone knows Cheddar cheese and a small picturesque village in the English county of Somerset. But it is also famous for the limestone Cheddar Gorge. Cheddar is a very tiny but picturesque village with plenty to see and do. To nobody's surprise, the village is the epicentre of cheddar's history going back to the 12th century where food lovers can observe the cheesemaking process. 

FUN FACT: Cheddar cheese was discovered by accident. There once was a milkmaid who forgot a pail of milk in one of the caves. Well, we all know what happens to milk if it’s left. It turns out, the local villagers liked the taste of pasteurised milk and so began the recipe for cheddar cheese.

With many independent shops selling all kinds of souvenirs, knick-knacks and local produced treats, Cheddar is a great place to shop and spoil yourself a little. There’s even an enchanting Christmas Shop that sells Christmas decorations all year round. The shops are a little overpriced, I thought, but plenty of cheddar & Scrumpy cider free to taste before you buy, or just have a taste. Before you buy any cheese products, check where they are made because not everything sold in the local shops made in the Cheddar region.


                                            Where we stayed





2. Cheddar Walks

There is more to Cheddar than a shopping and lovely cafes. You also can stretch your legs and get close to nature. All level walk through some lovely countryside and views of the impressive landscapes won't dissapoint any hiker. Cheddar Gorge is private land, although a public bridal way crosses it. Take with you wellies or walking boots – paths are rocky and can be muddy when it rains, also take care at cliff edges. 

3. The Gough's Cave and Caving
Cheddar gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be over 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. I booked online and then they send you the waiver form to fill. Lovely tour guide girl, unfortunately I don't remember her name, took us to a room to get us all kits up: boiler suits, safety equipment and boots.  After a short safety briefing and an introduction to caving, we all ready to action. We were fortunate that our group was only two of us and another family of four. All most a private tour. Two versions of Caving experiences are available, one for adults and older children, and one for junior adventurers; which takes a shorter route around the cave, including mostly optional elements and this is the one we did. We climbed up, crawl through and descend over 40ft into the heart of the cave system. We really felt like we've entered a lost world. The overall route wasn't difficult but challenging enough and lots of fun.
Caving is the perfect way to experience The Gough's Cave.








4. Jacob's Ladder

If all the activities in Cheddar not challenging enough and you want to stretch your legs, then climbing the 274 steps which make up Jacob's Ladder, and 48 more to get to the top of the Lookout Tower is perfect for you. Once you've conquered Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower, the views are impressive, and you can continue on the Cliff-top walk. 







5. Cheddar Gorge drive
Cheddar Gorge - the most famous and largest canyon in Great Britain, consisting of several caves connected by an underground river. Cheddar Gorge drive is by far the Britain's loveliest road and Cheddar Gorge is a must-do if you like seeing impressive cliffs and rock formations as you drive.







Where we stayed

Best Western The Webbington Hotel & Spa
Loxton, Loxton, BS26 2HU
Originally an attractive Edwardian manor house, this hotel located about 10 min drive from Cheddar Gorge. Views from the patio are lovely, room clean, and breakfast was good, or though the place can do with some updating. We had a good discount, £60 B&B for one night, so I thought it was a good deal for this little retreat.



  
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