Cheddar Gorge and Caves

A visit to awe-inspiring Cheddar Gorge & Caves can support and develop a range of curriculum areas. We present opportunities that will engage students and immerse them in the real landscape, past and present. To support understanding further, we offer specialist talks and tours that will contextualise a range of topics. We pride ourselves on providing both enjoyable and memorable educational experiences for all.

Attractions

• Gough’s Cave The largest of our show caves, with numerous chambers and a range of incredible rock formations

• Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower The 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder lead to the top of the cliffs and the Lookout Tower. The panoramic views allow appreciation of the natural landscape and geological features

• Museum of Prehistory Our museum gives you the chance to learn about the lives of our ancestors

• Cliff-top Walk This three mile walk leads you through an area that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its karst limestone geology and remnant calcareous grasslands. The full walk is quite challenging but shorter routes are available.

• Beyond the View A cinematic journey through the gorge in the form of a virtual tour with a 270° screen bringing the landscape and it’s history to life.
• Yeo’s Journey – The Power of Water’ at Cox’s Cave A spectacular multimedia experience that tells the captivating story of how our iconic caves were formed.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Climbing centres South West
Caves and caverns South West
Outdoor pursuits South West

We are excited to be able to showcase our learning opportunities; not only for a visit to the Gorge & Caves but also ways in which we can support teaching and learning in the classroom. We are always developing our facilities and resources through expanding the variety of activities we offer, and ensuring they link in relevant ways to the curriculum across the key stages.

From the awe-inspiring cliffs and landscape to the fascinating calcite cave structures, Cheddar Gorge provides an immersive and engaging location to support and develop a range of curriculum areas. Our most popular subject areas are geography and prehistory (focusing on the Stone Age).  We offer specialist talks, demonstrations and tours to supplement your topic click on the areas below to find out more.  The important wildlife of the gorge means that biology studies can easily be supported and we act as a very interesting case study for business and tourism students.

LOTC AND AALA

Pre History

People have used the caves in Cheddar Gorge for shelter for 40,000 years. We derive this from evidence found in and around the caves, some of which are still available to examine on-site today.

A visit to Cheddar can help students increase their understanding of Britain’s past, by focusing on how our ancestors would have lived.  Take a look below for details of the immersive Stone Age activities we  provide and our Museum of Prehistory.

Rocks and Geography

The dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge makes a perfect geological case study. Students can consider the effect of water on the landscape by learning about the formation of the gorge, the caves and the calcite structures within them. It is not just the physical processes that could be studied but also the land use related to economic activity, changes in agriculture and industry, the arrival of the railway and the protection of the natural landscape. You can combine the Cliff-top Walk with field work activities, such as map work.

Education groups of 12 of more benefits from the education rate

Yes, we do provide

https://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/education

Photography and filming may occur at events for use on our website and/or promotional material. Please be aware by entering the site, you are giving consent to the use of your image or voice, waiving any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you or any claims for invasion of privacy or for any fees.

We want you to take as many photos and shoot as much video as you like while visiting Cheddar Gorge and Cave. However, there are restrictions to ensure we are all kept safe.

Our guides will advise if any images cannot be taken due to licensing requirements.

The use of drones is not permitted by visitors under any circumstances due to the potential risk to of the historic site.

Photographs must be for personal use only; personal use permission doesn’t include selling or distributing of images in any way for publication either electronically or print.

Private use

• We welcome non-commercial photography and filming by visitors. Visitors are encouraged to share their images on social media and to tag Cheddar Gorge and Caves and its event pages and profiles as appropriate.
• Usual conditions of entry apply but the photographer has the additional responsibility of gaining the permission of any person captured in an image/film and in the case of an under-18 the permission of the parent/guardian.

No, we do not provide Risk assessments but we do offer a complimentary visit for up to 2 teacher ahead of the visit to carry out own recce and risk assessment- details can be found here

Cheddar Gorge for Education

Caramantha Wellstead- Head of Education

Caramantha.wellstead@longleat.co.uk

Bookings are via our web page

education@cheddargorgeandcaves.co.uk

Tickets

UK Student day ticket: £10.40

International student day ticket: £16.80

This includes entry to Gough’s Cave (with a guided tour or audio guide), Cox’s Cave, Museum of Prehistory, Jacobs Ladder, the Lookout Tower, and Cliff-Top walk.

Teacher / adult: 1 free for every 6 students

Additional Teacher / adult: £20.15

Educational talks and workshops

Student Prehistory package (KS2) £1 per student in addition to day ticket.(price remains unchanged)

Gough’s Cave Audio Guides are included, and available in English, French, German, Mandarin, Russian and Polish. They do not need to be pre-booked.

All the prices given are inclusive of VAT, they are only valid for pre-booked and pre-paid educational visits.

Once a booking is made, numbers and details can be amended at any time in the run up to your trip, prior to making your payment.

The Cliff-top walk can be muddy and slippery underfoot on wet days. Wear walking shoes/boots and clothing to suit the weather. Be careful at cliff-edges. There are some steep sections of the walk and much of the path is rocky in nature.

First Aiders can be contacted via Guest Services during your visit

Lunch room available- max 60 children/ 30 minute slots- bookable

Shop at the Gorge

The Caveman Shop

Goughs Café

Toilets

cheddargorge.co.uk/visitor-info/safety-and-accessibility

Cheddar Gorge and Caves Opening Dates and Times