A day out at Cheddar Gorge
One of Somerset’s biggest draws is the renowned Cheddar Gorge. A limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, just 30 minutes from our Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Park, it’s a region of outstanding natural beauty and ancient history. The oldest human skeleton in Britain was found here, the 9000-year-old Cheddar Man.
There’s a lot to do here, and certainly plenty to fill a day out. Pop into the main reception on park and speak to one of the Experience Team to get an exclusive discount just for you and your family.
Let’s go through some of the must-dos and must-sees on a day out at Cheddar Gorge and its surroundings.
Walk the Gorge
This is the one thing you must do if you visit Cheddar Gorge. The area was once voted the second-best natural wonder in Britain, and it’s an extraordinary place. Lying on the southern side of the Mendips, the gorge’s features reach 450ft at their highest and the countryside is very green and wooded, making for excellent walks whatever the weather.
Let's take you through our recommended walks, both of which are accessed with a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Day Ticket:
Cheddar Clifftop Walk
Distance: as little or as much as you want!
Terrain: difficult - use caution
Park on Cliff Road just east of the town of Cheddar and you can walk from several entry points into the surrounding countryside. Make sure you leave time to visit the extraordinary cave complexes. Be careful as you walk – there are big drops on these trails, and the wet limestone can get a little slippery.
Black Down Walk
Distance: 5 miles
Terrain: moderate
The Black Down Walk takes you to the highest point in the Mendip Hills, overlapping with the Cheddar Clifftop Walk but providing a fresh change of scenery in the form of Bronze Age burial mounds and a more lush landscape to look out on.
Tour the caverns
Let's take you through our recommended caves, both of which are accessed with a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Day Ticket:
Gough's Cave
First excavated in 1890, Gough’s Cave has earned its international reputation as a site of huge neolithic importance. This is where Cheddar Man was discovered, and it’s also the site of the largest underground river system in Britain.
The cave is over two miles long and more than half a million years old. There are massive chambers of stalactites and stalagmites with names like St Paul’s Cathedral and Solomon’s Temple which will take your breath away. You might spot racks of maturing cheese down here since it’s a decent 11°C all year round. You can take a guided tour or try rock climbing or adventure caving here if you’re feeling brave.
Cox's Cave
Cox's Cave is a great second option for all the family. Interactive elements add its natural beauty, with it featuring the Dreamhunters audio-visual experience.
As you pass through the cave's chambers, you'll learn about a different aspect of Cheddar Man. All-in-all, this is a great supplementary Cheddar Gorge cave experience to Gough's Cave.
Visit the Museum of Prehistory
If you want to know more about the Cheddar Gorge cave systems and the region’s geological history, then the Museum of Prehistory is a must-see. Come face to face with ancestors from 40,000 years ago, including the famous Cheddar Man.
There are exhibits of flint tools which bring home the harsh reality of life in neolithic times, and you can also learn how the gorge formed, and discover more about its river system and ecology.
Taste local cheeses
No visit to Cheddar Gorge would be complete without a tour and sampling at a local cheese factory. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is open every day, and you can take a VIP cheese-making tour which includes a visit to the cheese maturing store and an in-depth talk given by an experienced cheese-maker. Make sure you book in advance as tours sell-out fast!
Of course, you’ll be able to buy a range of award-winning cheddar and cheese products, gift hampers and extras. It’s cheese heaven!
Explore Cheddar village
Cheddar is a picture postcard pretty Somerset village with a lot of history. It’s well worth spending an hour or two just wandering. The underground river system in Gough’s cave spills out here.
Many of the prettiest cottages can be found on the Yeo River’s banks and you’ll find a series of small waterfalls and a dam build to control the flow. There’s a 16th-century market cross and many cute souvenir shops and cafes, where you can enjoy a cream tea or a Somerset scone.
Stroll the Cheddar Reservoir
If the Gorge is too extreme for a walk, then Cheddar Reservoir provides an easier circuit with stunning views. It takes around 40 to 50 miles to circle the water and you’ll see lots of waterfowl and farm animals during your walk. Dogs should be kept on the lead but there will be plenty of sniffs to keep them busy!
Play crazy golf
Sure, you can find crazy golf courses all over the UK – it’s a perennial family favourite. However, Cheddar’s miniature golf is one of the most fun and scenic on offer in Somerset. The 18-hole course is open seven days a week from spring to early autumn and is challenging enough to easily while away an hour or two.
Enjoy lunch in Cheddar
The Gardener’s Arms is one of the most popular watering holes and gastropubs in Cheddar, with local ales and hearty pub food including slow-cooked Somerset pork belly and pan-friend chicken breast with chorizo and parmesan.
Of course, in Somerset, cider is king, so you could also head to The Cider Barn with its unique wooden exterior and outdoor picnic tables to try a few of the local brews. It’s a boisterous place, with tasty pizzas and a bewildering array of ciders.
If drink isn’t your thing, you might prefer to enjoy one of the finest Indian restaurants in the region. Rasoi serves mouth-watering Indian and Bangladeshi dishes including Goan king prawns or, for bold chilli lovers, their Bangladeshi naga chicken.
There’s also an excellent Thai restaurant in Cheddar, the Zen Thai, with an extensive, great value menu and a warm welcome. The crispy duck salad and beef suki-yaki are standout dishes recommended by regulars. It’s rated the best restaurant in town, so book ahead during the summer.
Get on your bike
Or more accurately, get on someone else’s! Cheddar Bikes hire a range of different bicycles and they’re staffed by knowledgeable local enthusiasts, so you’ll get good advice on which routes to favour.
The Strawberry Line is a popular cycle route, part constructed, and part planned at time of writing. When complete it will stretch east to Wells and Shepton Mallet and west to Yatton, Cleveland and the Bristol Channel. Built on a disused railway track bed, it’s currently open as far as Yatton, which makes for an easy family cycle ride through lovely countryside.
Eat at the Bath Arms
Before you head back to us at Haven, you might want to pop into the Bath Arms, near the market cross, which has an ever-changing upmarket menu. Typical dishes includes slow-roasted belly pork, steaks, and imaginative vegetarian options such as their courgette bhaji burger.
It’s a little pricier than other options in town, but you’re guaranteed a luxury dining experience in convivial surroundings. The perfect way to end your day out in Cheddar Gorge.
If you're bringing the dog
Cheddar Gorge is as great for dogs as it is for us humans. Whilst there are no particular restrictions on dogs, it's advisable to keep furry friends on a lead because of the steep drops of the cliffs and the relatively cramped nature of the caves.
The best dog-friendly experiences at Cheddar Gorge:
Cheddar Caves
Museum of Prehistory
Jacobs Ladder & Lookout Tower
The best dog-friendly places to eat and drink at Cheddar Gorge:
The White Hart Pub, The Bays, Cheddar BS27 3QN
Lion Rock Tea Rooms, The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QE
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
“Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Burnham-on-Sea only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £750.00 (includes purchasing discount of £20) and monthly letting income of £606.00. The monthly difference equates to £124 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.