Cheddar from Cheddar - our quick trip to the gorges
We recently had a mini day-trip to Cheddar. I admit, my primary aim was to go to Cheddar and buy cheddar, just so I can later say I've bought cheddar from Cheddar. The fact that Cheddar Gorge area is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty came rather secondary, but it did make our quick family trip pretty stunning.
After badgering my husband on three separate times driving on the M5 to follow the signs to Cheddar we finally did. About half an hour later, we drove around the gorges for a while, before stopping over at one of the parking areas to have our supermarket-bought lunch. Chilly wind and the potential rock falls persuaded us to stick to the warm safety of our car for our snacks, but we did stretch our legs too. Four goats, trotting up and down the steep walls were eyeing us suspiciously and at a distance while we took family pictures.
After badgering my husband on three separate times driving on the M5 to follow the signs to Cheddar we finally did. About half an hour later, we drove around the gorges for a while, before stopping over at one of the parking areas to have our supermarket-bought lunch. Chilly wind and the potential rock falls persuaded us to stick to the warm safety of our car for our snacks, but we did stretch our legs too. Four goats, trotting up and down the steep walls were eyeing us suspiciously and at a distance while we took family pictures.
Unfortunately the impending three to four hour drive back to London was hanging like a dark cloud above us. Due to a cranky toddler and a long journey back home we did not have time to visit the caves, which I hear are quite spectacular.
Instead, we popped by The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company in town - these guys make their cheese locally and mature them in the caves. In fact, they are the only company that makes cheddar in Cheddar. At the shop the "cheese sommelier" introduced us to all the different varieties at the tasting counter. We particularly enjoyed the Cave Matured Cheddar, Natural Blue Cheddar and Truckle, and their Cheddar with a Good Slosh of Port. We ended up buying a silly amount of cheese, and also some chutney - a Harvest Chutney from Rose Farm, by another small local producer.
Instead, we popped by The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company in town - these guys make their cheese locally and mature them in the caves. In fact, they are the only company that makes cheddar in Cheddar. At the shop the "cheese sommelier" introduced us to all the different varieties at the tasting counter. We particularly enjoyed the Cave Matured Cheddar, Natural Blue Cheddar and Truckle, and their Cheddar with a Good Slosh of Port. We ended up buying a silly amount of cheese, and also some chutney - a Harvest Chutney from Rose Farm, by another small local producer.
And while in West Country, who could resist some proper Somerset Scrumpy! As soon as I saw a big canister of scrumpy I knew I had to get it. Presentation so far away from the ever-so-slightly-ponsy artisanal drinks we would usually go for, but yet so tasty.
I wouldn't mind stopping here again and spending a bit more time. The town was rather touristy, but, the scenery was breath-taking, and cheese mighty tasty.
Top tips for Cheddar Gorges:
- Buy cheddar! Just so you can say that you have bought cheddar in Cheddar ha ha. We enjoyed The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company who mature their cheeses in the caves, and who are the only company making cheddar in Cheddar.
- Reserve enough time. It takes at least 20-30 minutes to get off and then again back on to M5. If you are planning on visiting the caves add several hours more to your trip.
- Parking in town is difficult. During high season (mid March to end of September) you will need to park in the paid car park area - there really isn't anything else. It is about £5 a day.
- Parking in the gorges is free - there are parking areas on the side of the road. They are a nice place to stop over, have a packed lunch and watch climbers and mountain goats. You could also hike a bit if you have older kids.
Have you ever been to Cheddar? And what did you think?
You might also like: A sunny family day out at Dover Castle and What did we honestly think of the Butlin's Minehead resort?
I love cheese (particularly cheddar!) so this seems like a destination that needs to go on my list! #farawayfiles
ReplyDeleteYou should totally go - in addition to cheese it was really beautiful there!
DeleteDriving through the Cheddar Gorges is such an awesome thing to do. The gorges really are spectacular. You should definitely save the caves for your next visit - they're also stunning and the stalactites and stalagmites are really impressive. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
ReplyDeleteThey really are... Stunning scenery. I wish we would have had time to see the caves - the pictures do look stunning. Thanks for hosting :)
DeleteGreat idea! I will soon join you in completing a Cheddar and Scrumpy expedition. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
ReplyDeleteTotally! Doesn't really go together, but perfect enjoyed on separate occasions :D
DeleteI've never been to Cheddar but the gorges make a stunning backdrop to your family photos. I love the sound of all the different types of cheddar you can buy too :-) #countrykids
ReplyDeleteThe gorges were truly stunning - I don't think you can quite appreciate them from pictures but driving through them was beautiful.
DeleteWe went to the caves as children, but haven't done much more. With N I took him to Wookey Hole caves instead. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteI think my husband must have visited these caves as a kid, but he probably wouldn't remember much anymore. Wookey Holes - never heard but will have to investigate it if it is feasible for us :)
DeleteMy folks stayed near Cheddar Gorge last year but never made it to the caves either - which are supposed to be spectacular. Lovely scenery. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteThe pictures they have of the caves do look amazing - all the stalactites and stalagmites look wonderful. Maybe one day.
DeleteCheddar looks like such an interesting place to visit, there's certainly plenty to see and do there. I bet exploring the gorge is beautiful, the scenery looks amazing, the perfect place to burn off the energy of a long car ride! All those different types of cheese sound incredible, my kids love cheese and would be in their element there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
The scenery was great and you could do quite a lot of hiking there. We saw lots of people walking and hiking up there, lots of outdoor activities for sure! Burning off that cheese ha ha!
DeleteI was just having an argument this week with someone about whether chedder is like champagne - you can't use the name unless it's made in Cheddar. It feels as though it should be true!
ReplyDeleteI went to the gorge once as a child and it really stuck in my mind. So much so, that I am faintly annoyed I haven't taken mine there yet. One day!
You'd think it was that but no! The only protected one is the West Country farmhouse Cheddar, any other cheddar can be made anywhere in the world.
DeleteYou should definitely go! It looks like a fab place to take kids, especially slightly older ones.
I've not been to Cheddar Gorge for many years. I must take my children there one day, especially as they all love cheese! #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWell there is plenty of cheese to taste! And outdoors to burn it off :)
DeleteWe love cheese in this family and would be in our element. My favourite cheese is crumbly. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteI like all types of cheese! I was quite astounded though how many different cheddar varieties you can have :O
DeleteI have always fancied visiting here! In fact I was nagging Hubby the other day about putting it on our list. I too like the idea of buying Cheddar from Cheddar. Disappointing it's a bit touristy but I suppose that is to be expected #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteI know - cheddar from Cheddar... I even mentioned it at work at our team meeting, I was that proud of that pun :D Definitely nag more, it was a great place to see.
DeleteMy fave place to go! I saw those cheese at Wookey Hole and I can only imagine how yummy they are! #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWookey Hole has got another mention form another person too - maybe I should go there someday :)
DeleteI love cheddar cheese. This looks like a lovely place to visit. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely - well worth a visit!
DeleteIve never been to the caves but cheddar gorge is lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is! Next time we will visit the caves :)
DeleteThank you - it was lovely and if it wasn't that far I wouldn't mind popping by again!
ReplyDeleteWe've detoured for our picnic on the way from home to see my family in Devon and I agree to skip the town and head up to the gorges for a picnic - it's absolutely stunning isn't it! Our top tip would be to look out for rock climbers in the gorge - there's always someone doing something that looks insane and crazy!
ReplyDeleteI saw those rock climbers! I used to climb myself too back in the day so I was really enjoying watching them. It is such a fun thing to do!
DeleteI could definitely go for some cheddar from Cheddar! But please explain Scrumpy! What is it? Fun outing - thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
ReplyDeleteScrumpy - it is just what they call cider back in Somerset:) it is quite strong and I think it's quite yeasty too. I quite like it!
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