Cheddar Gorge has been hit by significant flooding after heavy rainfall brought by Storm Claudia swept through the South West. Gough’s Cave, the largest and most famous of the cave system’s show caves, has been forced to close due to safety concerns while the floodwaters recede.
The 500,000-year-old Gough’s Cave has suffered substantial water ingress following overnight storms that triggered multiple weather warnings across the region. While this key attraction remains closed, the other five Cheddar Gorge experiences—including Cox’s Cave, the Museum of Prehistory, Jacob’s Ladder leading to the Lookout Tower, the Cliff-Top Walk, and Beyond the View—continue to welcome visitors.
In response to the closure, Cheddar Gorge is offering compensation in the form of discounted tickets: £7 off adult full-price day tickets and £5.60 off children’s tickets. A spokesperson from the attraction explained, “For the safety of our guests and staff, we have temporarily closed Gough’s Cave while the flooding subsides. We thank visitors for their understanding and are taking steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with our other attractions.”
READ MORE: Inside the heartfelt campaign that brought people closer to man’s best friend
READ MORE: Fears Over End of Free Parking Threaten Hill Road’s Independent Businesses
Visitors booked for the grotto experience have been contacted with alternative arrangements by the Guest Services team. For further information, the team can be reached at 01934 742343 or via [email protected].
Flood alerts remain active in parts of Somerset, although the immediate Cheddar area has so far avoided new warnings. The Environment Agency highlights potential flooding in several nearby locations, from Minehead to Yeovil. Meanwhile, the Met Office reported exceptionally heavy rains in parts of Wales and Worcestershire in the storm’s wake.
As Storm Claudia moves away, colder weather is forecast to arrive, with a northerly wind ushering in Arctic air across the UK. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley warned of a sharp temperature drop accompanied by frost, snow, and ice risks. Temperatures could plummet to -7°C in some areas, marking a distinct shift from the recent warm spell. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for changing conditions.