Cheddar is a village of the English county of Somerset. The village has a population of 5,093 (ONS Census 2001) and it is located around 19 miles away from Bristol. After leaving work early, we decided to go visit the village and the famous Cheddar Gorge, as a friend of our suggested.
We took the car, and trusting the Navigator in my phone, we drove 45-50 minutes south along the A38. Apparently, it is the shortest way to get there, but until the moment you actually get to the A38, roads are extremelly narrow. At some point, there is not enough room for two vehicles, which brings moments of tension. Unless you want to have an exciting/risky drive, I would suggest you take the M5 South until Burham-on-Sea and then the A38 North towards Cheddar. It is probably a longer route but it takes the same time and the driving experience is more relaxed.
Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, and it is possibly the most famous attractions in Somerset. It was formed by meltwater floods during the cold periglaciar periods occurred over the last 1.2 million years, forming a gorge with a maximum depth of 137 metres. There are show caves in Cheddar Gorge where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton was found in 1903. The Cheddar Man, as it is commonly called, is estimated to be over 9,000 years old.
Once you get to Cheddar village, it is very easy to get to the Gorge. Everything is well indicated and there are lots of parking spaces along Cliff Road (B3135). We parked our car and walked along the road. Visiting Cheddar Gorge is free of charge. However, there are some signs around the parking areas to remind charges apply between 8am and 6pm.
The Gorge is magnificent. When you look up, it is very hard to believe you are still in England. Just one one hour away from Bristol and yet you believe you are in Thailand or New Zealand. Gorgeous place, definitely, a must-see.
We didn't see many people around; maybe some families, experienced climbers enjoying the walls and some other local people. It is also true that we got there late (around 6pm). If you are an experienced climber, you should check the information here.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves are open everyday from 10am to 5.30pm in summer. We arrived a little late for any guided tour but for £18.98 (£16.11 online booking), you have access to Gough's Cave (+ audio guide), Museum of Prehistory, Cox's Cave and The Crystal Quest, the Lookout Tower, Cliff-top Gorge Walk and Open-top Bus Tour.
After visiting the Gorge, we went the village. Unfortunately, everything is closed after 6pm... everything except Tesco Express! However, we followed some young guys who seemed to be locals, we found an open bar/restaurant called Riverside Inn & Restaurant. We had a beer in the airy conservatory, where the atmosphere was great, and the food they were cooking had an excellent smell!
INTERESTING LINKS
------------------------
Cheddar Village: http://www.cheddarvillage.org.uk/
Cheddar Gorge: http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/
We took the car, and trusting the Navigator in my phone, we drove 45-50 minutes south along the A38. Apparently, it is the shortest way to get there, but until the moment you actually get to the A38, roads are extremelly narrow. At some point, there is not enough room for two vehicles, which brings moments of tension. Unless you want to have an exciting/risky drive, I would suggest you take the M5 South until Burham-on-Sea and then the A38 North towards Cheddar. It is probably a longer route but it takes the same time and the driving experience is more relaxed.
Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, and it is possibly the most famous attractions in Somerset. It was formed by meltwater floods during the cold periglaciar periods occurred over the last 1.2 million years, forming a gorge with a maximum depth of 137 metres. There are show caves in Cheddar Gorge where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton was found in 1903. The Cheddar Man, as it is commonly called, is estimated to be over 9,000 years old.
Once you get to Cheddar village, it is very easy to get to the Gorge. Everything is well indicated and there are lots of parking spaces along Cliff Road (B3135). We parked our car and walked along the road. Visiting Cheddar Gorge is free of charge. However, there are some signs around the parking areas to remind charges apply between 8am and 6pm.The Gorge is magnificent. When you look up, it is very hard to believe you are still in England. Just one one hour away from Bristol and yet you believe you are in Thailand or New Zealand. Gorgeous place, definitely, a must-see.
We didn't see many people around; maybe some families, experienced climbers enjoying the walls and some other local people. It is also true that we got there late (around 6pm). If you are an experienced climber, you should check the information here.
And of course, there is a Gromit welcoming visitors at the entrance of the Cheddar Gorge.
Cheddar Gorge and Caves are open everyday from 10am to 5.30pm in summer. We arrived a little late for any guided tour but for £18.98 (£16.11 online booking), you have access to Gough's Cave (+ audio guide), Museum of Prehistory, Cox's Cave and The Crystal Quest, the Lookout Tower, Cliff-top Gorge Walk and Open-top Bus Tour.
After visiting the Gorge, we went the village. Unfortunately, everything is closed after 6pm... everything except Tesco Express! However, we followed some young guys who seemed to be locals, we found an open bar/restaurant called Riverside Inn & Restaurant. We had a beer in the airy conservatory, where the atmosphere was great, and the food they were cooking had an excellent smell!
INTERESTING LINKS
------------------------
Cheddar Village: http://www.cheddarvillage.org.uk/
Cheddar Gorge: http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/
Looks great!! I do like your blog. Thanks for those interesting posts. Have a nice summer
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice place and you will enjoy car drive.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a nice place and so close from Bristol! :)
DeleteThank you for your comment, Elthan!