Nestled at the foot of the scenic Mendip Hills, the picturesque village of Cheddar in Somerset feels like a portal to the past. With its perfectly preserved charm, this quintessentially English village offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience life as it was decades ago.
Renowned for its rich traditions, stunning natural beauty, and culinary heritage, Cheddar attracts visitors year-round to its cozy cafes, traditional cottages, and vibrant local shops. From the historic limestone caves to the breathtaking cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, the village offers much more than meets the eye.
One delighted visitor shared on TripAdvisor, “This is a beautiful small place, with some great attractions and amazing local shops. So many places to eat and drink or buy local gifts like cider and cheddar. We would definitely come back.”
Cheddar’s name echoes globally because of its famous cheese, which originally took its name from this very village. The cheese’s storied history dates back to approximately 1170 when it was first produced and aged in local limestone caves. These caves provided the perfect environment with their consistent temperature and humidity, supporting traditional cheesemaking long before modern techniques emerged.
During World War II, milk production was commandeered by the government, leading to a standardised version known as ‘government cheddar’ and the decline of traditional methods in Somerset. As a result, many lost touch with the authentic taste of genuine cheddar.
Visitors to Cheddar can rekindle their love for the original cheese at The World’s Oldest Cheddar Cheese Shop, which offers traditional recipes for tasting. Adjacent to it, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company proudly produces ‘the only Cheddar made in Cheddar’—a true homage to the village’s heritage.
Cheddar Gorge itself is where history and nature intertwine. This expansive natural landmark comprises several caves, including the famous Gough’s Cave, believed to have been inhabited since Neolithic times. It is the largest gorge in the UK and draws over 50,000 visitors annually, each eager to glimpse its prehistoric past.
The gorge is also famed for Cheddar Man—the oldest complete human skeleton found in Great Britain, dating back nearly 9,000 years. Guests can explore the caves, delve into their depths, or even challenge themselves with rock climbing adventures. One visitor praised the experience: “The caves were brilliant. Seeing where the Cheddar Man skeleton was found and then going deeper into Gough’s Cave was a wonderful adventure.” They described the caves as “truly beautiful” and the cliff-top hike as an “awesome” experience.
The rugged cliffs of Cheddar Gorge create a stunning natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, blending thrilling adventure with awe-inspiring scenery and rich history.
For breathtaking panoramic views, visitors embark on Jacob’s Ladder—a steep staircase of 274 steps constructed in 1869 that leads from the gorge floor to the summit of the cliffs. This climb rewards adventurers with sweeping vistas of Somerset and the Mendip Hills, with the option to ascend an additional 48 steps for an even higher vantage point.
After completing the climb, one traveller reflected, “It’s steep, but it’s well worth climbing the 274 steps for the views you get when you reach the summit.” Rest points along the way offer informative displays about the ladder’s history and the local flora and fauna, with a chance to spot the local feral goats on the descent.
Cheddar is truly a village where time stands still—a harmonious blend of history, nature, and culinary excellence that continues to enchant visitors from around the world.