Cheddar Gorge at a glance
Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills. A road runs through it, and the caves and attractions sit along that road. The caves are run by a private operator. The National Trust looks after the north side of the gorge, but not the caves or the car parks. That matters for tickets: a National Trust membership does not give free entry to the caves or to the operator's car parking.
The gorge is part of the Mendip National Nature Reserve, which GOV.UK describes as a group of 31 sites. It is not a national park. The caves and their surroundings are also part of the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area of Conservation, which protects horseshoe bats among others. This site is an independent guide and has no link with the operator or the National Trust.
Tickets and opening times
Prices are advertised "from" figures, not a full price list.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Online adult ticket | From £23.30 |
| Online child ticket | From £17.50 |
| Advance booking | Until midnight the day before, with an advertised 10 percent discount |
| Off peak hours | 10:00–16:00, last entry 15:30 |
| Peak hours | 10:00–17:00, last entry 16:30 |
| Operator car park | £7 per day, or £5 from 15:00–21:00 |
Tickets are for a specific date. You can buy on the day, but without the advance discount. Online tickets are generally not refundable or exchangeable, though the operator's FAQ describes date changes through Guest Services for a £5 administration fee. Do not count on flexibility. Do not assume the attraction is open every day of the year, and check the calendar for your date. Extra activities can cost more.
Our picks: a day trip to the gorge
This day trip from Bath gives you about two and a half hours at Cheddar Gorge, then Glastonbury and Wells.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cheddar Gorge and Somerset tours
Day trips to Cheddar Gorge, Wells and Glastonbury, with live prices and availability.
What the cave ticket includes
One day ticket covers several attractions.
- Gough's Cave: visit with an audio tour.
- Cox's Cave and the Museum of Prehistory: both are part of the same ticket.
- Jacob's Ladder, the Lookout Tower and Beyond the View: also included.
- Carers: an essential companion goes free with an Access Card or a Cheddar Digital Access Pass with +1.
- Groups: groups of 15 or more paying guests have a separate tariff, which must be booked and paid for in advance.
The Cheddar Gorge Trail
A public path, separate from the cave attractions.
Route and effort
The National Trust describes a loop of 4 miles (6.4 km) that takes about 3 hours. It is graded moderate. Parts are steep, rocky and muddy. The public footpath starts at Cufic Lane.
Tickets on the trail
Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower lie on the route and need an attraction ticket. A bypass via Lynch Lane and Lippiatt avoids them. The rest of the loop is a public path and is not a paid cave attraction.
Safety
Stay on the signed paths. Do not stand under the cliffs, because rocks can fall. In fog or very strong wind the National Trust advises against the loop.
Dogs and livestock
Keep dogs on a lead because of the steep cliffs. Use a short lead near sheep.
Getting there from Glastonbury
By bus via Wells, or by car through the gorge.
By bus
Bus 376 runs from Glastonbury to Wells, and one weekday journey takes 21 minutes. Bus 126 runs from Wells to Cheddar and on to Weston-super-Mare. One weekday example leaves Wells at 11:10 and reaches Cheddar Tweentown at 11:50, which is 40 minutes. These come from the timetables valid from 21 September 2026. They are examples, not a guaranteed connection.
Roadworks and diversions
First announced a diversion for bus 126 from 1 September to 16 October 2026, over Wedmore, with several stops between Cheddar and Wells skipped. Check the current route before you travel.
By car
The road through the gorge is steep and winding, and animals can step onto it. The operator advises arriving before 11:00 in holidays.
Access
The caves, the cliff trail and the tower are largely unsuitable for wheelchair users and for people with severe mobility limits. Ask the operator before you go.
Plan the rest of your trip
Combine Cheddar with Wells and the town.
Cheddar Gorge: frequently asked questions
How much does Cheddar Gorge cost?
The operator advertises tickets from £23.30 for adults and £17.50 for children when booked online in advance. Buying on the day means no advance discount. Parking is £7 per day.
Does National Trust membership get me in?
No. The National Trust looks after the north side of the gorge, not the caves or the car parks, and the operator asks members to pay too.
Can I walk the gorge for free?
The Cheddar Gorge Trail is a public path. The attractions on the route, Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower, need a ticket, and a bypass exists.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Online tickets are generally not refundable. The operator's FAQ describes date changes through Guest Services for a £5 administration fee, so ask before you rely on it.
How do I get there without a car?
Take bus 376 to Wells and bus 126 on to Cheddar. Check the current route, because a diversion was announced for September and October 2026.
Is it open all year?
Not necessarily every day. Opening depends on the calendar, with off peak hours of 10:00–16:00 and peak hours of 10:00–17:00. Check your date.