Cheddar Village & Gorge
The village of Cheddar linked by Cheddar Gorge to the Mendip Hills is an ideal centre for a holiday. Not only are there many things to do and see in the surrounding area but also many things of interest both in the village and nearby. |
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The most spectacular sight in Cheddar is the Gorge itself which has fascinated visitors for centuries. It wanders down from the top of the Mendip Hills for nearly two miles, increasing in majesty as it goes, ending near the village. |
For the Walker and rambler, there are numerous signposted paths and nature trails beginning in the Gorge and climbing to the tops of the cliffs giving splendid views of the surrounding countryside and the Bristol Channel. Over 360 botanical species have been identified in the gorge and surrounding countryside.
The rare Cheddar Pink is confined to the limestone rocks of the locality. It has single fragrant pink flowers which appear in early summer.
Walking through the Gorge the visitor will find many things of interest. Underneath the cliffs will be found many small gift shops interspersed with craft workshops, other exhibitions and small restaurants where one may have a cup of coffee, strawberry teas, or a full meal served in a family atmosphere.
Walking on towards the village the visitor will see a lake and waterfall and may follow the course of the River Yeo to the Garden of Fragrance, especially created for the blind.
| The village itself is a mixture of the old and new, with many old cottages and later Victorian houses. It has many small shops, a post office and a small library. Five pubs are scattered throughout the village and gorge which, together with Hotels and Guest Houses, provide a wide selection of food and beverage for the hungry visitor. | 
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Walking through some of the older streets, l3th century names, Lynch, Hannay and Hythe will be seen together with examples of 18th and 19th century cottages, particularly in Venns Gate and Baits Lane. At the other end of the village the parish Church itself is worth a visit, having been built between 1340 and 1480. It has a particularly fine perpendicular 100ft tower, while close by are the medieval Church Farm buildings. At the other end of Church Street stands a 15th century preaching cross.
For the active visitor the village has a leisure centre, riding stables, fishing, golf driving range, and sailing activities are available nearby. Potholing and caving can be arranged and this takes the visitor well into the Mendip Cave System.
"From Wells Cathedrals Towers
To Severn's muddy sea
White apple blossom flowers
Show where the orchards be
Beyond the foot of Cheddar
Down Mark and Draycott way
The west is best for Cider
Or so I've heard'em say."
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