Unleash your inner adventurer in Somerset’s caves
Attractions | Countryside | Events | Family | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.05.02
Do you enjoy learning about history? Or participating in thrilling activities? Or do you just simply love to explore beautiful places? Both Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole are popular caves in Somerset which have fascinating histories and provide a unique setting to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities.
Caves have been formed over thousands of years by the erosion of rock, varying in size, shape and formation. Throughout history, caves have held significance for humans, serving as shelters, ceremonial sites and even as places of worship in some cultures. Today, the caves are often explored for scientific research and by budding tourists looking to explore the fascinating passages and chambers.
Although humans once slept in caves, you don’t need to. There are lots of comfortable pubs with accommodation nearby Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole. These pubs are perfect for a delicious dinner and a cosy night sleep after a day of exploring.
In this blog, we will explain more about the opportunities these caves offer, as well as highlight nearby accommodation options for your stay.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge and Caves are renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich geological history. It’s a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset and part of the newly formed Mendip Hills National Landscape. Within this dramatic limestone ravine lies a network of captivating caves, including the famous Cheddar Caves.
When you wander through the stunning Cheddar Gorge and Caves it offers a great opportunity to gain an insight into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. In Cheddar Gorge they have found many artefacts that show how our ancestors once lived. In fact, the oldest ‘almost complete’ human skeleton discovered in Britain was found in Gough’s Cave in 1903. Now named ‘Cheddar Man’, the Mesolithic skeleton is now on loan to the Natural History Museum. Cheddar Gorge also has its own Museum of Prehistory at the site which offers even more insights into these prehistoric times.
Cheddar Gorge is also a great place to enjoy lots of thrilling activities including caving and rock-climbing, providing you with a different way of seeing the caves natural beauty.
Pubs with accommodation nearby include The Swan, an award-winning pub known for its delicious food. The Woodborough Inn, a family-friendly pub situated on the western edge of the Mendip Hills. As well as, The Swan Inn, a 17th century pub, home to a variety of beautiful bedrooms.
Wookey Hole Caves
Wookey Hole Caves are the largest show caves in England, make up of a series of limestone caverns in the village of Wookey Hole. They are a magical place of caves, legends and adventure for the young and the young and heart. The family-friendly attraction takes you on an underground adventure, through caves which expert archaeologists have determined were once occupied by cave hyenas (now extinct) and humans alternately between 35,000 and 25,000 BCE.
Explore Wookey Hole and learn about the cave’s fascinating geology, history and the legends that have emerged here over the millennia. Walk through the Enchanted Valley, where bones of tropical and ice age animals, such as rhinoceros, bear, mammoth, and lion, have been discovered. For the bravehearted explorers, crawl, climb and abseil in the footsteps of legends and experience the caves in a way most people will never get to see. Finish your day with a go on the vintage penny arcades, visit to the museums, a thrilling game of adventure golf, or jumping around the soft play zones.
The adventure doesn’t stop there – stay in a historic pub with accommodation located nearby to Wookey Hole Caves. The Swan Hotel is a 14th century coaching inn with views of Wells Cathedral. It has a range of double, twin and four poster bedrooms to choose from. Or for ultimately luxury, choose to booth the Cathedral Suite. Alternatively, The Market House is a recently renovated country pub offering something for everyone. The pub has six comfortable bedrooms, comprising three twin and three double rooms.
