Storm Claudia’s heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding at Cheddar Gorge, leading to the temporary closure of Gough’s Cave, the largest and most popular show cave in the area. Overnight downpours drenched the South West, prompting weather warnings from the Met Office until early morning on November 15.
Gough’s Cave, which is estimated to be 500,000 years old, remains inaccessible as safety measures are put in place while floodwaters recede. Despite this, the other five attractions within Cheddar Gorge—including Cox’s Cave, the Museum of Prehistory, Jacob’s Ladder, the Cliff-Top Walk, and Beyond the View—remain open to visitors.
In response to the disruption, Cheddar Gorge is offering a £7 discount on adult tickets and £5.60 off children’s full-price day tickets as compensation for the loss of access to Gough’s Cave. Visitors who had booked the grotto experience will be contacted by Guest Services to arrange alternatives.
READ MORE: Somerset Remembers: Honoring 39 Lives in Recent Death and Funeral Notices
READ MORE: Fear of Free Parking Ending Threatens to Board Up Historic Hill Road
Although no flood alerts are currently active specifically for the Cheddar area, several remain in effect across Somerset and surrounding regions, including Minehead, Watchet, and Yeovil. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely.
The Met Office reported extreme rainfall totals during the storm, with nearly 120mm recorded in Tafalog, Gwent, and over 80mm in Worcestershire. As Storm Claudia moves away, a transition to cold and drier weather is expected, driven by a northerly Arctic flow. Temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as -7°C next week, with risks of snow and ice on the horizon.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley warns of “widespread frosts and a marked wind chill, marking a significant change from the recent mild weather.” Residents and visitors should stay updated with local forecasts in case of snow or ice warnings.