An aerial view of Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge winding through the Mendip Hills of Somerset. A paved road serpentines along the bottom, with impressive limestone cliffs rearing up hundreds of metres, and lush green grass, shrubs and small trees dot the landscape.

Camping near Cheddar Gorge is a great way to minimise travel time and maximise family holiday adventures in Somerset. So, we put together a list of 11 things to do in and near the Gorge to help plan your next holiday!

Cheddar Gorge is part of the Mendip Hills National Landscape; with easy access to rugged limestone cliffs, rolling hills, and wide-open Somerset Levels skies, it’s the perfect place to kick off your next adventure.

Summary

  • Camping near Cheddar Gorge provides an affordable, well-located base for exploring Somerset’s caves, cliffs, walks, and family attractions.
  • Visitors can combine outdoor adventure activities, scenic walking routes, and wildlife-rich nature reserves within a short driving distance.
  • The wider area also offers family days out and flexible accommodation options, making it suitable for short breaks and longer camping holidays.

Table of Contents

  1. Summary
  2. Why Campsites Near Cheddar Gorge Are a Good Holiday Option
  3. Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Cheddar Gorge
  4. Visit Cheddar Gorge and Famous Show Caves
  5. Best Walks Near Cheddar Gorge
  6. Adventure Activities at Mendip Activity Centre: Family-Friendly Fun Near Cheddar Gorge
  7. Discover Local Nature Reserves Near Cheddar Gorge
  8. Family Days Out Near Cheddar: Perfect for Rest Days and Back-Up Plans
  9. Top Tips for a Great Family Camping Trip Near Cheddar
  10. Try a Camping Holiday Near Cheddar Gorge
  11. Camping Near Cheddar Gorge FAQs

Why Campsites Near Cheddar Gorge Are a Good Holiday Option

Camping near Cheddar Gorge is a great way for families to experience the best of Somerset while keeping travel times short. There are many accommodation options available, including cottages, guesthouses and campsites. Cheaper than holiday cottages or hotels, campsites offer great value for money and space to entertain the children.

Places to Stay Near Cheddar Gorge: Try Mendip Basecamp

Mendip Basecamp is an authentic, off-grid family campsite located 20 minutes from Cheddar Gorge. Basecamp offers free activities and loads of space to relax, plus bookable adventure activities are available only 5 minutes away at Mendip Activity Centre.

Learn More About Basecamp

Large Group Accommodation: Stay at YHA Cheddar

Perfect for families and groups, YHA Cheddar is only a few minutes’ walk from Cheddar Gorge and is perfectly located right in the village. Available for exclusive bookings, it’s a fantastic place to bring large families, adult groups, school groups, and more.

Learn More About YHA Cheddar

Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Cheddar Gorge

  • Cheddar Gorge parking: There are several pay-and-display car parks in Cheddar village and the Gorge.
  • Tickets: Attraction tickets can be bought online in advance or on arrival, but booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or later in the afternoon avoids the busiest periods, especially during school holidays.

Visit Cheddar Gorge and Famous Show Caves

The Cheddar Gorge caves have been shaped over thousands of years, creating dramatic limestone cliffs with spectacular views, and cave systems ready to explore.

Stalactites, stalagmites and undulating rock carved by water in a Mendip Hills cave over millions of years surrounds a still, clear pool of water. It is beautifully illuminated with reddish orange light, and the rock and calcite formations are perfectly reflected in the pool.

1. Cheddar Gorge and Caves: Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave

Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave are two of the most well-known (and oldest) show caves in the country. The oldest known complete human skeleton found in the UK was discovered in Gough’s Cave.

  • Who’s it for: Children and adults interested in adventure and natural history
  • What to expect: Walk along clear pathways through large caverns with impressive rock and calcite formations, illuminated with beautiful lighting displays.
  • Time needed: Allow for around 2-3 hours to explore the Caves and included attractions.
  • Accessibility: Paths are well-maintained, but there are slopes, steps, and some uneven sections. Please call ahead if you need step-free access.
  • How to get there: Use BS27 3QF in your sat nav. The Gorge and Caves are 20 minutes drive from Basecamp, going through Shipham via New Road.

2. Climb Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower

Climb the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, then head up the Lookout Tower for fantastic views across the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels.

  • Who’s it for: Families with older children/teenagers, couples, and friend groups.
  • What to expect: It’s a bit of a climb up to the Tower, but you’ll be rewarded with expansive views.
  • Time needed: Depends on how quickly you go, but anywhere from 10+ minutes to get up Jacob’s Ladder.
  • Accessibility: There are many steps, and the footpath may be uneven in sections. There are places to stop and rest along the way.
  • How to get there: Use BS27 3QF in your sat nav. Follow the signposts up the Gorge to the Cheddar Gorge and Caves entrance.

3. Other Famous Show Caves Near Cheddar Gorge: Wookey Hole

A 20-minute drive from Cheddar takes you to Wookey Hole Caves, another well-known attraction with a mix of show caves and family entertainment.

  • Who’s it for: Families looking for something to do near Cheddar Gorge.
  • What to expect: Attractions and activities for all ages, including show cave tours, a museum, adventure golf, Dinosaur Valley, and more.
  • Time needed: Half or full day, depending on how long you spend at various attractions.
  • Accessibility: Most attractions (except the show cave) are accessible. You can find more accessibility information here.
  • How to get there: Use BA5 1BA in your sat nav. From Cheddar, drive up through the Gorge and across the Mendip Hills via the B3135 or take the lower route through Cheddar, Draycott and Westbury-sub-Mendip along the A371.

Best Walks Near Cheddar Gorge

The Mendip Hills are known for their landscapes and wildlife, and there are plenty of walking routes suitable for different ages and abilities.

A family group of mixed ages walks along a grassy footpath on top of the Mendip Hills. They are headed west, walking from Cheddar Gorge towards Cheddar Reservoir, which you can see glittering in the sun on the other side of the village.

4. Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk

Starting at the Cheddar Visitor Information Centre, this iconic walking route takes you around one of the UK’s most spectacular natural limestone features.

  • How to get there: Use “The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset” in your sat nav if you’re driving. There are several car parks in the village, and you can also take the 126 bus (First Bus) from Winscombe.
  • What you’ll see: Look out for peregrine falcons, buzzards, Soay sheep, and Cheddar Pink flowers, along with views across the Gorge.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, around 4 miles long with steep sections, rough paths and some muddy areas in wet weather. The route is signposted.

5. Black Rock Limekiln Walk

This flat walk meanders through a tucked-away limestone valley at the top of Cheddar Gorge, with a beautiful open area at the end perfect for picnics.

  • How to get there: The trailhead is at a layby at Black Rock Gate near Black Rock Nature Reserve (grid reference: ST482546, but if you’re using a sat nav, we recommend using the National Trust’s Getting There link to the Google Maps directions).
  • What you’ll see: Historic limekilns and plants that thrive in limestone conditions, including wild thyme and rock rose.
  • Difficulty: Easy, around 1 mile on mostly level ground.

6. Draycott Sleights Circular Walk

Get off the beaten track and discover this beautiful nature reserve packed with wildflowers, butterflies and birds, featuring incredible views across the Somerset Levels.

  • How to get there: 10 minutes from Cheddar Gorge, the entrance to Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve is off the A371 on New Road. There is no official car park, so please be considerate when parking, as farm machinery also uses this road.
  • What you’ll see: Rocky limestone outcrops, undulating grasslands, and limestone-loving rare flowers like Horseshoe Vetch and Bee Orchids.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, 3 miles of footpath with steep and uneven sections.

7. Cheddar Reservoir Circular Walk

This paved, level walk around Cheddar Reservoir is a short walk from Cheddar village, and great for all ages. Fed by the River Yeo, the reservoir is a stop for native and migrating birds.

  • How to get there: The Cheddar-side car park and entrance is off Sharpham Road, near the A371 and B3151 junction. The Axbridge-side car park is located off the A371 on the east side of the village.
  • What you’ll see: Look out for Coots, Great Crested Grebes, Red Crested Pochard ducks, Mediterranean Gulls, plus all sorts of terns, wagtails and pipits.
  • Difficulty: An easy 2.5-mile walk, level and surfaced throughout. Access is through a wide kissing gate suitable for most prams/wheelchairs/mobility scooters, and the walkway is paved. The ramp to the path is a bit steep, so be careful if using wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters.

Adventure Activities at Mendip Activity Centre: Family-Friendly Fun Near Cheddar Gorge

Located in the Mendip Hills, Mendip Activity Centre offers over 25 instructor-led outdoor activities for children (6+), teenagers and adults in the Mendip Hills and beyond.

A mixed group of adults and children are sitting in canoes on the River Yeo during an adventure activity session near Cheddar Gorge. They are smiling and raising their paddles triumphantly, wearing buoyancy aids and paddling helmets.

8. Outdoor Adventure Activities at Mendip Activity Centre

Plan a full day of family adventure activities in Somerset at Mendip Activity Centre, or book a single session to fit around your explorations.

Check out the full list of family adventure activities available at Mendip Activity Centre, and discover unique sessions available from other Mendip Adventure partners like SUP Bristol.

  • How to get there: Mendip Activity Centre is located approximately 20 minutes from Cheddar Gorge, in Churchill, North Somerset.
  • Most popular activity: Tobogganing.
  • What to expect: Outdoor adventure activities for children and adults, footpaths that wind through meadows and woodland, an all-weather dry ski slope, plus an on-site cafe, and more.
  • When to visit: Mendip Activity Centre is open year-round; it can get busy at the weekends and during school holidays.

Discover Local Nature Reserves Near Cheddar Gorge

The Somerset Levels are well worth a visit for spectacular bird-watching and an insight into the delicate ecosystems of Somerset.

9. The Avalon Marshes

The Avalon Marshes, a 20-minute drive from Cheddar Gorge, are a collection of protected wetland sites unique to Somerset. Westhay Moor, which is cared for by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, and Ham Wall, managed by the RSPB, are part of the Avalon Marshes network of nature reserves.

  • Who’s it for: Children, teenagers and adults.
  • What to expect: Multi-surface footpaths wind through tall rushes, over canals and through sun-dappled woodland.
  • Best time to visit: Early in the morning or at dusk, when wildlife is most active.
  • Look out for: Bitterns, otters and marsh harriers, and starling murmurations between November and March.
  • Accessibility: Westhay has a disabled access path from the main car park to two bird hides, and Ham Wall offers two wheelchair-accessible paths and bird hides. Please check their websites for more details.
  • How to get there: Parking is available at Westhay and Ham Wall, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may have a small fee.
  • Before your visit: Both sites host family-friendly tours, workshops and events, so it’s worth checking their events calendars.

Family Days Out Near Cheddar: Perfect for Rest Days and Back-Up Plans

Get a change of pace or bust out the back-up plan with a day trip near Cheddar Gorge.

10. Puxton Park: Indoor and Outdoor Play Time

Puxton Park is a popular local attraction featuring a working farm with animal encounters and tractor rides, plus trampolines, indoor soft play areas and outdoor adventure zones.

  • How to get there: Located on the A370, Puxton Park is a 28-minute drive from Cheddar Gorge and 20 minutes from Mendip Basecamp. They have a large free car park.
  • Best time to go: It can get busy on weekends and during school holidays, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.

11. Wells: England’s Smallest City

Beautiful, historic, and overflowing with independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants, Wells is a great half or full-day trip. See the swans ring the bell for snacks at the Bishop’s Palace, pick up local treats on market days, and relax with a picnic near Wells Cathedral.

  • How to get there: Wells is approximately 20 minutes from Cheddar Gorge and 30 minutes from Mendip Basecamp. There are several paid car parks in the city, or you can take the 126 bus from Winscombe (check times and routes with First Bus).
  • Best time to go: It can get busy during the weekends and school holidays, so plan ahead and get there early to avoid crowds.

Top Tips for a Great Family Camping Trip Near Cheddar

Here are some tips so you can make the most of Somerset’s mix of nature, activities and places to explore:

  • Bring sturdy footwear for walks and adventure activities
  • Pack weather-appropriate clothing (and keep spares in the car or your bag just in case)
  • Don’t forget the hat, sunnies and suncream!
  • Check your routes beforehand and follow safety advice and signage
  • Bring a map
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints – the Mendip Hills are home to a range of delicate ecosystems that are precious pockets of nature for our flora and fauna. Please follow the Countryside Code, keep your dogs on leads (especially around livestock and wildlife), and make sure to leave no trace.

Tap here or here for more ideas of things to do in and around Cheddar.

Two girls jump in the air with their arms raised, smiling. There is a green and grey tent pitched behind them, and a massive old tree further back to the left in the family campsite field.

How to get to Cheddar Gorge from Mendip Basecamp:

Cheddar Gorge is 6.5 miles or 20 minutes drive from Mendip Basecamp. You can get there by car, public transit, or bicycle.

  • Car: Cheddar Gorge is located 20 minutes from Basecamp. Exiting Mendip Activity Centre, turn right towards Churchill. At the lights, turn right and follow the A38. Turn left onto the New Road and continue through Shipham. When you reach the junction, turn left onto Axbridge Road, then follow the signs to the Gorge or a local car park.
  • Public transit: Catch the 126 (First Bus) from Winscombe, either from All Saints Church at the bottom of Hill Road, or from the centre of Winscombe at Woodborough Drive. There are free public car parks in Winscombe where you can leave your car. In Cheddar, alight at Tweentown and follow the signs up to Cheddar Gorge.
  • Cycling: Our preferred cycling route to Cheddar is the Strawberry Line. Exiting Mendip Activity Centre, turn left and continue along the road until you reach Sandford Station. At the pedestrian-controlled lights, turn left up the little lane and join the traffic-free Strawberry Line.

If you have any questions about adventure activities or camping near Cheddar Gorge, email us at hello@mendip.co.uk and we’d love to help you out!

Try a Camping Holiday Near Cheddar Gorge

With loads to see and do, and plenty of beautiful natural spaces to relax in, Cheddar Gorge and North Somerset are ready for you and your adventures. Find out more about Mendip Basecamp here, and discover Mendip Activity Centre’s full range of outdoor activities for you and your family.

Book a Space at Basecamp
Book Mendip Adventure Activities

Camping Near Cheddar Gorge FAQs

Is Cheddar Gorge good for families who are camping nearby?
Yes. Cheddar Gorge is very family-friendly, with waymarked walks, caves to explore, cafes, toilets and parking close by. Families camping at Mendip Basecamp can reach Cheddar Gorge in 20 minutes by car.

What are the best things to do near Cheddar Gorge when camping?
The most popular things to do near Cheddar Gorge include walking the cliff‑top trail, visiting Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave, exploring Cheddar village, walking around Cheddar Reservoir and joining adventure activities at Mendip Activity Centre.

Can you walk Cheddar Gorge with children?
Yes, there are family-friendly sections of the Cheddar Gorge clifftop walk, but some paths are steep and uneven. Good footwear, supervision near edges, and choosing shorter circular routes are easy adaptations for children and teenagers.

Where is the best place to camp near Cheddar Gorge?
Mendip Basecamp is one of the best places to camp near Cheddar Gorge for families. It offers spacious pitches, woodland surroundings and easy access to Cheddar, Wells, the Mendip Hills, and on‑site adventure activities at Mendip Activity Centre.

How far is Mendip Basecamp from Cheddar Gorge?
Mendip Basecamp is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Cheddar Gorge, depending on traffic. This makes it a convenient base for exploring the gorge, Cheddar Reservoir, the Strawberry Line and nearby nature reserves.

What is the best time of year to camp near Cheddar Gorge?
Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable weather, though each season has its own appeal. Mendip Basecamp is open from mid-May to early September.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but please keep them on leads, especially near livestock and wildlife.