ROAD TRIP / ENGLAND
Cheddar Gorge Road Trip
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK — towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, ancient caves and sweeping views across the Mendip.
The route at a glance
Why this road trip is worth doing.
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK — towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, ancient caves and sweeping views across the Mendip Hills.
This circular road trip takes you from the heart of Cheddar, up through the gorge, across the wild Mendip plateau, down to Wookey Hole and finally into the historic city of Wells.
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Route overview
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK — towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, ancient caves and sweeping views across the Mendip.
Follow the route
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK — towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, ancient caves and sweeping views across the Mendip Hills.
This circular road trip takes you from the heart of Cheddar, up through the gorge, across the wild Mendip plateau, down to Wookey Hole and finally into the historic city of Wells.
It’s the perfect half‑day adventure with plenty of places to stop, walk, explore and grab food along the way.
📍 Route Stops
A) Cheddar Gorge – The Cliffs
B) Cliff Road – Upper Gorge Drive
C) Pelting Drove, Priddy – Mendip Plateau
D) Wookey Hole Caves
E) Wells Cathedral Green
🛑 Full Route Breakdown
A) Cheddar Gorge – The Cliffs (Start Point)
What to expect: Begin your journey at the base of Cheddar Gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and the famous Cheddar Caves. This is the perfect place to grab a drink, explore the village, or take a short walk before driving the gorge road.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Cliff Road): ~1 mile / 5 minutes
B) Cliff Road – Upper Gorge Drive
What to expect: This is the iconic drive — steep, twisting roads between dramatic rock faces. There are several lay‑bys where you can pull over for photos or short climbs up to viewpoints. Expect goats, dramatic scenery and one of the best drives in Somerset.
Recommended duration: 20–30 minutes (longer if stopping) Distance to next stop (Pelting Drove, Priddy): ~3 miles / 10 minutes
C) Pelting Drove, Priddy – Mendip Hills Plateau
What to expect: Once you crest the gorge, the landscape opens into the wild Mendip Hills. Pelting Drove is a quiet rural lane with sweeping views, open fields and classic Somerset countryside. Great for a peaceful stop or a short walk.
Recommended duration: 20–30 minutes Distance to next stop (Wookey Hole): ~4 miles / 10 minutes
D) Wookey Hole Caves – Underground Adventure
What to expect: A famous cave system filled with underground rivers, chambers, legends and family attractions. Whether you explore the caves or just stop for a wander, it’s a fun and atmospheric stop on the route.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to next stop (Wells Cathedral Green): ~2 miles / 5 minutes
E) Wells Cathedral Green – Historic Finale
What to expect: Finish your road trip in the beautiful city of Wells. The cathedral is stunning, the Bishop’s Palace gardens are peaceful, and the surrounding streets are full of cafés and independent shops. A perfect place to end with food and a stroll.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to end: Final stop
✨ Summary
This Cheddar Gorge Road Trip blends:
- dramatic cliffside driving
- peaceful Mendip countryside
- underground cave adventures
- and a historic city finale
It’s a brilliant half‑day or full‑day outing with loads of opportunities to stop, explore and enjoy Somerset’s most iconic landscapes.
See the full post about this trip
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK — towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, ancient caves and sweeping views across the Mendip Hills.
🧀🚘 Cheddar Gorge Road Trip – A Scenic Loop Through Caves, Cliffs & Countryside
This circular road trip takes you from the heart of Cheddar, up through the gorge, across the wild Mendip plateau, down to Wookey Hole and finally into the historic city of Wells.
It’s the perfect half-day adventure with plenty of places to stop, walk, explore and grab food along the way.
📍 Route Stops
A) Cheddar Gorge – The Cliffs
B) Cliff Road – Upper Gorge Drive
C) Pelting Drove, Priddy – Mendip Plateau
D) Wookey Hole Caves
E) Wells Cathedral Green
🛑 Full Route Breakdown
A) Cheddar Gorge – The Cliffs (Start Point)
What to expect: Begin your journey at the base of Cheddar Gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and the famous Cheddar Caves. This is the perfect place to grab a drink, explore the village, or take a short walk before driving the gorge road.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Cliff Road): ~1 mile / 5 minutes
B) Cliff Road – Upper Gorge Drive
What to expect: This is the iconic drive — steep, twisting roads between dramatic rock faces. There are several lay-bys where you can pull over for photos or short climbs up to viewpoints. Expect goats, dramatic scenery and one of the best drives in Somerset.
Recommended duration: 20–30 minutes (longer if stopping) Distance to next stop (Pelting Drove, Priddy): ~3 miles / 10 minutes
C) Pelting Drove, Priddy – Mendip Hills Plateau
What to expect: Once you crest the gorge, the landscape opens into the wild Mendip Hills. Pelting Drove is a quiet rural lane with sweeping views, open fields and classic Somerset countryside. Great for a peaceful stop or a short walk.
Recommended duration: 20–30 minutes Distance to next stop (Wookey Hole): ~4 miles / 10 minutes
D) Wookey Hole Caves – Underground Adventure
What to expect: A famous cave system filled with underground rivers, chambers, legends and family attractions. Whether you explore the caves or just stop for a wander, it’s a fun and atmospheric stop on the route.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to next stop (Wells Cathedral Green): ~2 miles / 5 minutes
E) Wells Cathedral Green – Historic Finale
What to expect: Finish your road trip in the beautiful city of Wells. The cathedral is stunning, the Bishop’s Palace gardens are peaceful, and the surrounding streets are full of cafés and independent shops. A perfect place to end with food and a stroll.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to end: Final stop
✨ Summary
This Cheddar Gorge Road Trip blends:
- dramatic cliffside driving
- peaceful Mendip countryside
- underground cave adventures
- and a historic city finale
It’s a brilliant half-day or full-day outing with loads of opportunities to stop, explore and enjoy Somerset’s most iconic landscapes.
See the full post about this trip
Before you go
Practical information.
Terrain
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Accessibility
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Toilets and refreshments
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Dogs
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Safety
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
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Cheddar Gorge Road Trip FAQs.
How much time should I allow?
45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Cliff Road): ~1 mile / 5 minutes
Where does the itinerary begin?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I know about parking?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What accessibility information is available?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where can I find toilets and refreshments?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Do I need to book ahead?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Are there seasonal considerations?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I check before travelling?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
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