Cheddar is a quaint village in the heart of Somerset, hiding many secret places just waiting to be explored. In the heart of Somerset, surrounded by the beautiful Mendip Hills, is award-winning Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, just a stones throw away from the famous Cheddar Gorge, and spooky Wookey Holes. But where are the places off the beaten path in Cheddar, places to grab a snack and have some fun? Hopefully this post answers those questions!
Read on and lets get started folks!
early doors cider & ale barn
This quirky barn is a little gem in the Mendip Hills, the winner of the Cheddar Valley Gazette’s prestigious Pub of the Year award, Jason and his team have created a friendly and fun atmosphere! Families welcome, including the pooches who can curl up on the rug in front of the log burner on a winter day, while you relax with a drink and something tasty to eat (the chef’s chilli is very popular!). Early Doors hosts live music, open mic nights, karaoke and a lovely bunch of welcome locals propping up the bar to have a chat to, along with the delicious food to tickle your taste buds, and all only 10 minutes away from Cheddar Woods!
the Cheddar gorge cheese co.
The town is famous for, obviously, Cheddar cheese and with many little cheese shops in the village you’ll be dying to have a taste, but The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is the only company that actually makes cheese made in Cheddar. The company was founded in 1770, when the village was at the centre of all of England’s dairy industry, they’ve made Cheddar the same way for hundreds of years. The milk is collected from cows who graze on the Gorge, it is then handmade (and 8 hour process) and left to mature, wrapped in cloth, in a cave in the Gorge itself, they are alone in keeping this tradition alive. Drop in and try a sample before you chose what flavour you want to take home! (I didn’t make a Wallace and Gromit joke…)
Frank’s restaurant
Hidden away at the bottom of the Gorge is Frank’s Restaurant, a family run establishment that opened in 2003 and has gained a reputation for fantastic food, a wonderful wine list and friendly atmosphere. The formal but relaxed dining experience is set off by the beautifully decorated surroundings, and with a menu that changes every 6 weeks you can eat here time after time and always have something new! The husband and wife team are passionate about food and wine and serve everything from goat’s cheese to lamb steaks, and even delicious flavoured crêpes. Enjoy a mouth watering meal at this quaint family restaurant.
Cheddar crazy golf
Fancy a little competitive family fun? This low-key hidden gem is in the heart of Cheddar Village, opposite a little a tea room to enjoy some cake after you win! The Crazy Golf was constructed 16 years ago and features 18 holes of hills, bumps, bunkers, holes and fences to test your putting skills, with a lovely landscaped surrounding including a beautiful water feature made from natural Gorge stone. The shop also has some cool Victorian arcade games to try out before you start your tee-off time, enjoy this traditional British holiday pass time, and try not to get too competitive!
So if you are in the Cheddar area soon check out these lovely hidden gems, Somerset has something to offer everyone!
Happy Adventuring guys and dolls!