About

Cheddar is a large village situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, famous throughout the world as the origin of Cheddar Cheese, produced here since the twelfth century.

Reaching up to 500 feet in places, Cheddar Gorge, on the northern edge of the village, is the largest gorge in the country and includes several show caves, including Gough's Cave which contains the largest underground river system in Britain. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the limestone plateau is noted for its landscape beauty and wildlife.

The gorge can be viewed both from the public road running through the base of the gorge, and from the clifftop footpaths. At the lower end of the gorge, you can find riverside walks, traditional tea rooms, gift shops and the famous caves where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be over 9,000 years old, was found in 1903.

The Mendip hills are a great centre for cycling, walking, riding, adventure activities and outdoor pursuits, particularly caving and climbing.