What is Cheddar Gorge?
Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in Britain, cutting through the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Its limestone cliffs rise to about 137 metres, and its caves are famous for Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete human skeleton.
The gorge was formed over hundreds of thousands of years, mainly by meltwater from glaciers during ice ages. The water carved deep valleys through the limestone.
Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave are show caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. They can be explored on guided visits.
Cheddar Man
In 1903, the skeleton of a man who lived about 10,000 years ago was found in Gough's Cave. Known as Cheddar Man, he is Britain's oldest almost complete human skeleton. DNA studies have shed light on his appearance.
Cheddar Gorge also gave its name to Cheddar cheese, which was traditionally matured in the caves because of their constant cool temperature.
A road winds through the bottom of the gorge, and visitors can walk along clifftop paths for views. Wild goats and sheep live on the cliffs.
The village of Cheddar has shops selling local cheese and cider. The gorge is part of the Mendip Hills National Landscape.