Christmas magic goes underground at Cheddar Gorge & Caves
From a secret Christmas workshop hidden deep inside a spectacular cave to prehistoric discoveries, breathtaking scenery and adventures above and below ground, Cheddar Gorge & Caves has plenty to discover this winter.
There's something magical about Cheddar Gorge at any time of year. With its towering limestone cliffs, extraordinary underground caves and thousands of years of history, it's one of Somerset's most remarkable natural attractions. But this Christmas, there's something rather special happening beneath the Mendip Hills, as Father Christmas and his elves set up their workshop deep underground.
A Christmas grotto with a difference
Forget the traditional grotto tucked away in a shopping centre. At Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Father Christmas has chosen somewhere altogether more atmospheric for his festive preparations: the spectacular surroundings of Gough's Cave.
From 21st November to 24th December 2026, on selected dates, visitors can explore Father Christmas' South West Workshop, where his busy elves are sorting letters, making toys, checking destinations and preparing the famous sleigh for its Christmas Eve journey.
The workshop is included with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket, giving families the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring the magnificent cave.
For an extra-special experience, there's also the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself. During the pre-bookable Grotto experience, families can enjoy festive songs, listen to a Christmas story, meet the elves and receive a gift, all surrounded by the extraordinary rock formations of Gough's Cave.
It's certainly a memorable setting for a little Christmas magic!
So much more to discover
Of course, there's far more to Cheddar Gorge & Caves than its festive celebrations, and it's well worth allowing plenty of time to explore.
Gough's Cave is spectacular in its own right, with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over hundreds of thousands of years. It's also where the 10,000-year-old remains of Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest near-complete human skeleton, were discovered.
And here's something you might not expect to find underground: Cheddar cheese! Traditional Cheddar cheese is matured in the cool, humid conditions of Gough's Cave, a wonderful connection to the area's famous cheesemaking heritage.
Over in Cox's Cave, Yeo's Journey brings the story of the gorge's formation to life through an immersive combination of animation, sound, light and colour projected onto the cave walls.
History lovers can delve further into the past at the Museum of Prehistory, while the Beyond the View experience offers a fascinating look at the landscape, wildlife and stories of the gorge through a panoramic 270-degree screen.
Take the adventure outside
If you can tear yourself away from the underground wonders, the scenery above ground is every bit as impressive.
Climb the 274 steps of Jacob's Ladder to reach the Lookout Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels. For those feeling energetic, the three-mile Cliff-Top Walk offers a chance to appreciate the gorge from a completely different perspective, with dramatic limestone scenery and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Cheddar Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the beautiful Mendip Hills National Landscape, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers as well as history enthusiasts.
For visitors looking for a little more adrenaline, there are also Rocksport adventure activities, including rock climbing, adventure caving and the Black Cat Freefall experience.
And the best part for four-legged family members? Dogs are welcome throughout the attractions, so nobody needs to miss out on the adventure.
Make a day of it
Whether you're visiting for a magical encounter with Father Christmas, exploring the caves with the children or simply enjoying the magnificent Somerset scenery, Cheddar Gorge & Caves offers a day out full of surprises.
With so much to see and do, it's worth arriving early and making the most of everything included in your Day Ticket.
And with Christmas just around the corner, there's surely no better excuse to discover a little magic beneath the Mendips.
Christmas at Cheddar: Plan your visit
Dates: Every weekend from 21st November 2026, then daily from 19th to 24th December.
Father Christmas' South West Workshop: Included with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket. Under-threes go free.
Father Christmas Grotto: A separate, pre-booked ticket is required in addition to a Day Ticket. The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes festive entertainment, with the option to receive a gift.
Grotto prices: £6.49 per person with a gift or £4.49 without a gift, in addition to the Day Ticket. Advance booking is essential.
Day Tickets: Save 10% on full-price Day Tickets when booking online in advance. Concession tickets are also available.
Dogs: Welcome throughout the attraction.
For more information about the caves, history and year-round attractions, visit Cheddar Gorge & Caves.
Written by Becky Percival
Writer, editor and publisher
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