Gough's Cave Cheddar Gorge
Explore Gough's Cave, a 500,000-year-old natural wonder in Cheddar Gorge, showcasing stunning formations and ancient history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Gough's Cave Cheddar Gorge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Gough's Cave, a 500,000-year-old natural wonder in Cheddar Gorge, showcasing stunning formations and ancient history.
"The cave is so amazing I can’t describe in my words how beautiful it is."
🧥 Wear Layers
It's chilly inside! Bring a sweater or jacket, even in summer.
🎧 Don't Skip Audio Guide
Enhances the experience with history and geology. Highly recommended!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gough's Cave Chambers
Underground
Explore vast chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, a true testament to nature's artistry.
Cheddar Man Exhibit
Inside Gough's Cave
Discover the story of Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, found within these ancient caves.
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Various chambers
Marvel at the intricate and colorful limestone formations, sculpted over millennia by dripping water.
The Cheddar Yeo
Underground river
Witness Britain's largest underground river system, a powerful force that shaped these magnificent caves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Chill
Audio Guide is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Wear Layers
It's chilly inside! Bring a sweater or jacket, even in summer.
🎧 Don't Skip Audio Guide
Enhances the experience with history and geology. Highly recommended! +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and there are steps, so wear sturdy footwear.
📸 Capture the Magic
The formations are incredible! Get your camera ready for stunning shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Wear Layers
It's chilly inside! Bring a sweater or jacket, even in summer.
🎧 Don't Skip Audio Guide
Enhances the experience with history and geology. Highly recommended! +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and there are steps, so wear sturdy footwear.
📸 Capture the Magic
The formations are incredible! Get your camera ready for stunning shots.
🎟️ Ticket Value
Tickets often include other attractions; check what's bundled.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gough's Cave for its breathtaking natural beauty and the fascinating history revealed through its geological formations and the Cheddar Man exhibit. The audio guide is a standout feature, greatly enhancing the experience. While some find the ticket prices a bit high, most agree the awe-inspiring underground world is well worth the visit.
"Stunning nature's natural work of art. Hearing the History of it is a privelege. Must have to visit. For children and adults, as a cheese lover, the cheddar cheese absolutely delicious."
Lady Anne
"What an amazing experience. The audio guide is a bonus. The prices are a bit expensive in my opinion, but what you see when you’re inside the cave is totally worth it. The cave is so amazing I can’t describe in my words how beautiful it is.
I don’t regret spending money on something I enjoyed so much.
When you buy a ticket, it includes 4 other attractions to attend.
I regret wasting my time on going on to Jacob’s ladder, lookout tower and cliff-top walk. (Nothing to see there)"
Ross Malickis
"Fascinating cave experience delve into the history of its discovery and exploration and be astounded by the beauty of mother earth at work over the centuries. The limestone features here are as breathtaking as any you can see in such an accessible cave
The going is relatively good with a number of steps and damp areas to navigate most people will have no problems.Its a fairly bug cave so there is no feeling of claustrophobia and is well lit
Thourghly recommend the audio guide to get the most out of your visit"
Eleven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gough's Cave is located in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset. You can drive and park nearby, or take public transport. Buses run from Bristol and Wells to Cheddar village.
Yes, there are several car parks available in Cheddar village, some closer to the gorge entrance than others. Expect to pay for parking.
Yes, you can reach Cheddar Gorge by bus from major nearby cities like Bristol and Wells. From the village, it's a short walk to the gorge entrance.
Driving is the most convenient from Bath, taking about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Bristol and then a bus to Cheddar.
Once in Cheddar village, follow signs for Cheddar Gorge. Gough's Cave is a prominent attraction within the gorge itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's often recommended to book online in advance. The cost is considered a bit expensive by some, but many find it worthwhile for the experience.
Tickets for Gough's Cave often include access to other attractions in the area, such as the Lookout Tower and Jacob's Ladder. However, some visitors felt these additional attractions were not as worthwhile as the cave itself.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets on the day of your visit, but booking online in advance is often advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Check the official Cheddar Gorge & Caves website for any available discounts, such as family tickets or group rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Cheddar Gorge & Caves website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Gough's Cave maintains a consistent temperature of around 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. It's advisable to wear layers.
The cave has a path with steps and some damp areas, but most visitors find the going relatively good. It's a large cave, so there's no feeling of claustrophobia and it's well-lit.
A typical visit to Gough's Cave takes around 45 minutes to an hour, especially if you utilize the audio guide.
The Cheddar Yeo is Britain's largest underground river system, and it flows through Gough's Cave. While you might see parts of it, its full extent is a significant geological feature.
Visitors are consistently amazed by the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as specific formations like 'St Paul's' which resembles the cathedral. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Gough's Cave, allowing you to capture the stunning natural formations.
Look for the large chambers with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, and formations like St Paul's. The lighting is designed to highlight the features. 
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that could disturb the cave environment or other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Tripods might be restricted, so a camera with good image stabilization or a fast lens can be helpful.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited inside Gough's Cave and most enclosed natural attractions for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The audio guide, while informative, can be adapted for younger listeners by focusing on the more engaging stories and visual descriptions. While the main cave tour is a highlight, check if your ticket includes other attractions like the Lookout Tower. Some families find these offer great views, though others suggest focusing on the cave itself for the best value. The discovery of Cheddar Man also provides a unique historical learning opportunity that can be tailored to different age groups.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Focus on capturing the scale of the chambers and the intricate details of the rock formations. The Cheddar Yeo river, though often partially visible, adds a dynamic element to some shots. Remember to use a camera with good low-light capabilities or a fast lens, and be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography to preserve the cave's delicate environment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Gough's Cave
+1The cave also harbors the Cheddar Yeo, Britain's largest underground river system, which continues to shape the cave's landscape. The sheer scale and beauty of these natural sculptures have been a draw for centuries, with the cave being one of the most visited natural attractions in the UK. The audio commentary provided to visitors is highly praised for its ability to explain the geological processes and the history of the cave's discovery and exploration.
Exploring Gough's Cave feels like stepping into another world, with its dramatic chambers and otherworldly formations. It's a powerful reminder of the immense geological forces at play beneath our feet. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Cheddar Gorge.
+1Cheddar Man: A Glimpse into Prehistory
Through advanced scientific analysis, including DNA sequencing, researchers have been able to reconstruct Cheddar Man's appearance, revealing he likely had dark hair, dark skin, and blue eyes. This groundbreaking research has challenged previous assumptions about the ancestry of early Britons and highlights the diverse origins of the population. The exhibition within the cave dedicated to Cheddar Man allows visitors to connect with this ancient individual and understand his place in human history.
The discovery of Cheddar Man underscores the archaeological importance of Gough's Cave. It serves as a tangible link to our distant past, offering a unique educational experience that goes beyond the geological wonders. Learning about Cheddar Man adds a profound historical dimension to a visit to the caves.
Navigating Gough's Cave: Practicalities and Comfort
The cave is well-lit and spacious, with no sense of claustrophobia, making it accessible for most visitors. The audio guide is a highly recommended companion for the tour, providing fascinating details about the cave's geology, history, and the discovery of Cheddar Man. Many reviewers found it to be engaging and informative, significantly enhancing their appreciation of the site.
While the ticket price is sometimes noted as being on the higher side, the overall experience is widely considered to be worth the cost, especially when considering that tickets often grant access to other attractions in the Cheddar Gorge area. Planning your visit during off-peak times, such as weekday afternoons, can help you avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit