90 Secrets of Cheddar Gorge: Uncovering the Hidden Gems of England’s Largest Gorge

Discover the fascinating history, unique geology, and stunning natural beauty of Cheddar Gorge in England. We reveal 90  facts and hidden gems about this breathtaking limestone gorge, from prehistoric caves and rare wildlife to annual festivals and outdoor activities. Don’t miss out on exploring the secrets of one of England’s most spectacular natural wonders.

1. Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge located in Somerset, England.
2. It is the largest gorge in the United Kingdom, measuring approximately 3 miles long and 400 feet deep.
3. Cheddar Gorge was formed during the last ice age, around 1.2 million years ago.
4. The gorge contains several caves, including Gough’s Cave, which is open to the public.
5. Gough’s Cave contains some of the oldest human remains found in Britain, dating back over 9,000 years.
6. The caves were used as a site for prehistoric rituals and burials.
7. The name “Cheddar” comes from the Old English word “ceodor,” which means “deep dark cavity or pouch.”
8. Cheddar Gorge was a site for lead mining in the 18th and 19th centuries.
9. The Cheddar Yeo, a small river, runs through the bottom of the gorge.
10. The gorge is home to a variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, badgers, and deer.
11. Cheddar Gorge is a popular destination for rock climbing.
12. The gorge has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including “Doctor Who” and “Wolf Hall.”
13. In the 19th century, a local businessman named George Bayntun discovered the caves and started offering tours to the public.
14. Cheddar Gorge was one of the first places in Britain to have electricity, thanks to Bayntun’s innovative use of hydroelectric power.
15. The first recorded ascent of Cheddar Gorge was made by William Long in 1789.
16. In the early 20th century, a cliff-top walkway was constructed in the gorge, offering visitors spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
17. Cheddar Gorge is the site of an annual cheese festival, where visitors can sample a variety of cheeses and other local products.
18. The caves in Cheddar Gorge are home to several rare species of plants, including the Cheddar pink, which is found nowhere else in the world.
19. During World War II, the caves were used as a secret military site, where top-secret experiments were carried out.
20. In the 19th century, a famous tightrope walker named Blondin crossed the gorge on a tightrope.
21. Cheddar Gorge has been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years.
22. The gorge is a popular destination for hiking and cycling.
23. The Cheddar Sweet Kitchen, located in the village of Cheddar, produces a variety of sweets and chocolates using locally sourced ingredients.
24. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with birdwatchers, who come to see peregrine falcons, buzzards, and kestrels.
25. In the 19th century, a giant stalactite in Gough’s Cave was removed and sold to a London museum.
26. Cheddar Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its unique geological and biological features.
27. The gorge is home to several rare species of bats, including the greater horseshoe bat and the lesser horseshoe bat.
28. In the 19th century, Cheddar cheese was made using milk from cows that grazed on the slopes of Cheddar Gorge.
29. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, located in the village of Cheddar, produces a variety of award-winning cheeses.
30. The caves in Cheddar Gorge were used as a location for a scene in the movie “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
31. The Cheddar Gorge & Caves attraction offers visitors the chance to explore the caves, discovering the fascinating history and geological features of the area, as well as seeing some of the rarest and most spectacular formations in the world, including the Cheddar Pink flower and the stunning stalactites and stalagmites of Gough’s Cave.
32. The lookout tower at the top of the gorge was built in 1890 and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
33. Cheddar Gorge has been used as a location for several music videos, including those by the bands Muse and Kasabian.
34. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with evidence of ancient burial mounds and standing stones.
35. The gorge is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, such as camping and kayaking.
36. The first recorded use of the word “cheddar” to describe a type of cheese dates back to the 12th century.
37. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are made of carboniferous limestone, which was formed around 330 million years ago.
38. Cheddar Gorge is part of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
39. The caves in Cheddar Gorge were used as a location for a scene in the movie “The Descent.”
40. The gorge is a popular destination for photographers, who come to capture its dramatic scenery and unique geological features.
41. In the 18th century, Cheddar Gorge was a popular destination for wealthy tourists, who came to see its natural beauty and picturesque villages.
42. The Cheddar Gorge Cliff-top Walk offers visitors a scenic route through the gorge, with stunning views at every turn.
43. The village of Cheddar is home to several historic buildings, including the 14th-century church of St. Andrew’s.
44. The Cheddar Gorge X-treme Outdoor Activity Centre offers a range of adventure activities, including rock climbing, caving, and abseiling.
45. The caves in Cheddar Gorge were used as a location for a scene in the movie “Witchfinder General.”
46. The gorge is a popular destination for birdwatchers, who come to see rare species such as peregrine falcons and ravens.
47. The Cheddar Gorge Cliff Railway, built in 1890, offers visitors a scenic ride to the top of the gorge.
48. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of Cheddar cheese and watch it being made.
49. The village of Cheddar hosts an annual carnival, featuring parades, music, and fireworks.
50. The Cheddar Gorge and Caves attraction offers visitors a range of events throughout the year, including live music, outdoor theatre, and children’s activities.
51. The village of Cheddar is home to several pubs and restaurants, serving a variety of local and international cuisine.
52. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with rock climbers, who come to test their skills on the challenging routes.
53. The Cheddar Gorge Museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the area, from prehistoric times to the present day.
54. The caves in Cheddar Gorge are home to several species of cave-dwelling insects, including the Cheddar cave beetle.
55. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is rich in wildlife, with several nature reserves and protected areas nearby.
56. The village of Cheddar is home to several shops and boutiques, selling a range of local crafts and souvenirs.
57. The Cheddar Gorge Walks website offers a range of self-guided walks and hikes in the area, suitable for all abilities.
58. The caves in Cheddar Gorge were used as a location for a scene in the movie “Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed.”
59. The gorge is a popular destination for geologists, who come to study its unique geological features and formations.
60. The Cheddar Gorge Marathon, held annually in September, offers runners a challenging course that takes them through the stunning scenery of Cheddar Gorge and the surrounding Mendip Hills, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience for both novice and seasoned runners alike.
61. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is rich in history, with several ancient sites and landmarks to explore.
62. The Cheddar Gorge Outdoor Festival, held annually in July, offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, live music, and entertainment.
63. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with photographers, who come to capture the stunning sunsets and panoramic views.
64. The Cheddar Gorge Caving Club offers experienced cavers the chance to explore the caves in the area.
65. The Cheddar Gorge Challenge, held annually in June, offers runners and hikers the chance to complete a challenging 10-mile course through the gorge.
66. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is home to several rare species of butterflies, including the Adonis blue and the small pearl-bordered fritillary.
67. The village of Cheddar is home to several bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages, offering visitors a comfortable place to stay.
68. The Cheddar Gorge Open Water Swim, held annually in August, offers swimmers the chance to take on a challenging course in the chilly waters of the Cheddar Reservoir.
69. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with photographers and filmmakers, who come to shoot commercials, music videos, and movies in the stunning natural setting.
70. The Cheddar Gorge Shepherd’s Hut Retreat offers visitors a unique glamping experience, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
71. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is home to several historic estates and country houses, including the 18th-century Lytes Cary Manor and the Elizabethan Montacute House.
72. The Cheddar Gorge Adventure Golf course offers visitors a fun and challenging round of miniature golf, set against the stunning backdrop of the gorge.
73. The Cheddar Gorge Outdoor Education Centre offers school groups and other organizations the chance to take part in a range of outdoor activities and educational programs.
74. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with photographers, who come to capture the changing colors of the landscape throughout the seasons.
75. The village of Cheddar is home to several shops and galleries, showcasing the work of local artists and craftsmen.
76. The Cheddar Gorge Classic Car Show, held annually in August, offers car enthusiasts the chance to admire and display classic vehicles against the backdrop of the gorge.
77. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is home to several historic pubs and inns, serving a range of local beers and ciders.
78. The Cheddar Gorge Glamping Pods offer visitors a comfortable and unique way to experience the beauty of the area.
79. The Cheddar Gorge Hard Cheese Challenge, held annually in May, offers cheese lovers the chance to take part in a unique endurance race, carrying a heavy wheel of cheddar cheese up the steep slopes of the gorge.
80. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with hikers and walkers, who come to explore the many trails and paths that wind their way through the stunning landscape.
81. The village of Cheddar is home to several cafes and tearooms, serving a range of homemade cakes and scones.
82. The Cheddar Gorge Wine and Cheese Festival, held annually in September, offers visitors the chance to sample a range of local wines and cheeses, as well as other artisanal products.
83. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is home to several historic churches and chapels, including the Norman church of St. John the Baptist in Axbridge.
84. The Cheddar Gorge Observatory offers visitors a chance to stargaze and learn about astronomy, with its state-of-the-art telescopes and educational programs.
85. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with artists and painters, who come to capture the
86. The Cheddar Gorge Soapbox Derby, held annually in July, offers participants the chance to race homemade soapbox cars down the steep slopes of the gorge.
87. The area surrounding Cheddar Gorge is home to several historic gardens and parks, including the 18th-century Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath.
88. The Cheddar Gorge Falconry Centre offers visitors the chance to see and learn about a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, owls, and hawks.
89. The cliffs in Cheddar Gorge are popular with paragliders and hang gliders, who come to take off from the high peaks and soar over the stunning landscape.
90. The Cheddar Gorge Food and Drink Festival, held annually in October, offers visitors the chance to sample a range of local food and drink products, as well as attend cooking demonstrations and workshops.