Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar

Nestled in the quaint town of Cheddar, within the picturesque Mendip Hills of Somerset, lies the breathtaking natural wonder known as Cheddar Gorge. Renowned for being the largest gorge in England, this remarkable site offers a dramatic landscape that draws visitors from far and wide.

Carved into the landscape over millions of years, Cheddar Gorge boasts towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 450 feet, creating a spectacle of natural beauty. The gorge itself stretches for about three miles and is part of the Cheddar Complex, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), ensuring its protection and conservation for future generations.

For the adventurous tourist, Cheddar Gorge is a playground of exploration. It features a variety of walking routes, with the cliff-top Gorge Walk providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, one can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Cheddar pink flower and the resident herd of feral goats.

Below the surface, Cheddar Gorge reveals another world entirely. The gorge is home to a series of spectacular underground caves, including Gough's Cave, renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Inside, visitors can discover the story of the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, dating back to the Mesolithic Age.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the charming village of Cheddar offers quaint shops and traditional tea rooms where one can sample the world-famous Cheddar cheese, said to have originated in this very location.