Cheddar Gorge

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DS1 really wants to go, which is lovely, but what do I need to know?

From what I've read it looks very busy and commercialised, is there a good way to do things? We're walkers, is there somewhere local we could stay and then not need the car for the duration, hiking into the gorge/ to see the caves?

The gorge is very commercial. Tacky shops and very busy. Probably similar to Blackpool. It’s such a shame. I’m local and personally we drive up to the top of the gorge to the higher car parks. You can then walk along the cliffs where it is beautiful. The caves are at the top end as well so you can visit those. The main caves are educational and interesting. Ignore the cave further down, they’ve ruined it making it a “fun” cave. Or go and laugh at the ridiculous nature of it!!

You can access Jacobs Ladder from the top paths so no need to pay, but it’s probably all part of the ticket.

It’s free to walk the cliffs. The higher car parks are cheaper and away from the tat shops.

It’s a real shame it’s so commercial. It’s such a awesome place. Try out of season if you can. It’s quieter then.

Also if you are in the area, I’d recommend a walk around the reservoir. Circular walk, lovely spot.

I'd suggest stay in Wells, although also touristy it's not tacky (sorry Cheddar) You can easily get to Cheddar itself.

A warning about Jacob's Ladder it's effing high. You're already on a cliff above the gorge and then you have the extra height. I made the mistake of going up it when I was about 8 and my legs froze. Dad had to come and carry me down. It was nearly 50 years before I discovered he was scared of heights too.

Wells isn’t that close to Cheddar. It’s sort of middle of nowhere big. Cheddar is the biggest town in that area. It’s really rural and I’m sure you can stay somewhere nice locally. The gorge itself is a small area of Cheddar.
Don’t know when getstuffed went to cheddar last, but Jacobs ladder is set into the cliff/hill side and the lookout on top isn’t that high. You can walk up to it from the ridge for free and climb it for free. It’s just the “ladder” which you have to pay for. Although for an 8yr old I’m sure it was high!