South West - Somerset

This world famous beauty spot is not only a National Nature Reserve but also a famous site of prehistoric discoveries. Once an ancient river bed - its limestone cliffs and beautiful caves are now home to rare bats, dormice, water voles and Peregrine falcons.

Take in the dramatic cliffs, explore the stunning stalactite caverns below or see the magnificent views from the Cliff-top Gorge Walk. Boasting great attractions to explore, groups can step back in time…as well as venture deep underground.

The Gorge and Caves are especially famous for the discoveries made about Britain’s pre-historic past by archaeologists. The Museum of Pre-history is where visitors will find everything from a replica of Britain’s oldest complete skeleton - Cheddar Man, to evidence of cannibalism, in an amazing story of how our ancestors endured a 40,000-year struggle for survival during the ice age.

Cheddar Gorge itself can be explored in several ways – one of the most popular of all being the open-top bus tour, which offers 20-minutes of amazing views and informative commentary. You'll voyage up a dry, prehistoric riverbed past the millponds where a colony of water voles make their home, and through the famous Horseshoe Bend. You'll pass under The Pinnacles, three slender fingers of rock pointing up 450 feet - that's higher than Wembley Stadium!

For the more active visitor, climb 274 steps up to The Lookout Tower, where the rewards on offer are the breath-taking views or enjoy one of the most stunning walks in England. The three-mile Cliff Top Gorge Walk, which usually takes around one-and-a-half hours and offers arguably the best picnic spot in the country!

But the highlight for many is the chance to experience the magic and the splendour of the Cheddar Cave’s natural underground wonders.

Gough’s Cave is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful stalactite caverns in the world. It is also where Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest skeleton, was found. Audio guides bring the cave to life, telling the fascinating story of its Ice Age creation, Stone Age occupation and Victorian exploration.

Nearby Cox’s Cave is a shimmering, brilliantly coloured underground sanctuary with calcite sculptures, dancing fountains, mirror pools and music evocative of a more spiritual world. A striking contrast to Gough’s Cave, it’s here that kids love to follow “The Crystal Quest” and to meet the Lord of Darkness and his evil dragon– an amazing underground adventure that will entertain everyone.

For some visitors however, the ultimate way of exploring Cheddar Gorge & Caves from top to bottom just has to be Cheddar Gorge X-Treme, which offers the chance to take part in a real cave expedition inside the Mendip Hills -suitable for beginners. There is also the opportunity to rock climb on our magnificent 50ft cliff face. Daily – April to September (unless it's raining). Led by a team of highly trained guides, it’s a great active fun experience – and suitable for beginners. Age & height restrictions apply to both activities.

Cheddar Gorge & Caves are open EVERY DAY except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

Fantastic discounts for 12 or more! To book a group visit please contact 01934 742343 or email groups@cheddargorge.co.uk For further information on opening times, events and group visits check out www.cheddargorge.co.uk