Gorgeous Road Trip Guide to Cheddar, Somerset by Campervan
Read Time: About 13 minutes
Cheddar Gorge. James F Clay
We’re back with a new stage on our Somerset road trip in a campervan and today we visit Cheddar! Join us as we explore the beauty of South West England in a campervan. We just completed the first part, our campervan road trip to Bath, an elegant city brimming with culture and oodles of traditional heritage, and now make our way to Cheddar, renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, including Cheddar Gorge.
Oakhill Camping and Caravanning is a well-maintained, lovely Certificated Site where guests feel welcome and are put at ease by the friendly owners, peaceful settings, and excellent camping conditions.
Experience Cheddar's stunning landscapes with our convenient campervan hire Somerset services. One of the largest and most dramatic limestone gorges in the UK. Our guides come with a list of must-see attractions, campervan hire locations, and campsites in Cheddar. We’ll list three beautiful campsites in the area, so you’re only a couple of clicks away from embarking on a memorable campervan road trip, through this gorgeous part of Somerset.
Welcome to the welcoming village of Cheddar, the birthplace of Cheddar cheese and a hub of significant archaeological importance with attractions like Gough's Cave. Today, Cheddar attracts visitors with an enticing blend of outdoor activities, historic attractions and hidden gems. If you are following our route for a campervan road trip in Somerset, hop on the B3115 from Bath and drive into Cheddar, taking around 50 minutes to get there. The picturesque village is also a leisurely 2.5 - 3 hour drive from London, making it an excellent base for a quick weekend or even a day trip. If you're heading out on a more extended road trip, why not combine a visit to Somerset with our guides to enchantingly green locations like the Cranborne Chase National Landscape or the South Downs National Landscape?
- Can You Drive Through Cheddar?
- Is Cheddar Gorge Worth Visiting?/Why is Cheddar Gorge So Famous?
- How Long Do You Need to Visit Cheddar Gorge?
- Camping in and around Cheddar
- Best Cheddar Campsites
- Campervan Hire Towns in Cheddar
- Chow to Cheddar
Can You Drive Through Cheddar?
Yes, you can drive through Cheddar. Follow the B3135 road, known as the Cliff Road that winds through Cheddar Gorge, offering dramatic views of the limestone cliffs on either side. It is one of the most scenic and popular drives in the UK, perfect for cyclists and road-trippers. The road is narrow in places with sharp bends, so drive carefully - especially when it's raining or particularly busy. Many travelers love staying at the beautiful campsites in Somerset to fully enjoy this incredible scenic route. There are several car parks and lay-bys along the way, which are ideal for admiring the views and providing easy access to walking routes like Jacob's Ladder and the Cliff-Top Walk.
Start your campervan road trip in Cheddar Village. Take a break from your drive to stretch your legs and find a cosy cafe to grab a light meal. You can leave your camper at Cliff Street Car Park, a pay and display location close to the caves, Jacob's Ladder and shops. Tucked in a picturesque location, the Lion Rock Tea Rooms is a hotspot for visitors with hearty meals and roasted coffee. Wander through the village street, savour the charm and stop at a gift shop to take a little something home.
Is Cheddar Gorge Worth Visiting?/Why is Cheddar Gorge so Famous?
Cheddar. Ed Webster
One of the biggest attractions in Somerset is Cheddar Gorge and Caves, where visitors can walk awe-inspiring cliffs, uncover fascinating secrets of prehistoric ancestors and explore a fascinating network of show caves. Gough's Cave is a noteworthy cave featuring the Cheddar Man - a 10,000-year-old skeleton, the oldest complete skeleton found in Britain. Learn about this extraordinary DNA discovery and the nomadic hunter group that thrived in the area during the middle Stone Age. To learn how the caves formed, visit Cox's Cave featuring Yeo's Journey: The Power of Water, or head to the Beyond the View exhibit to discover historical tales, learn about unique flora and fauna and view interesting artefacts unearthed in the area.
If scenery and walks are more your vibe, venture 274 steps to the top of Jacob's Ladder and The Lookout Tower and soak in the panoramic views and mosaic of landscapes leading across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels. Dust off your walking boots and follow the 3-mile Cliff -Top Walk around the Gorge, admiring beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife. Shorter sections to Pulpit Rock lookout point are ideal for our readers with time constraints. Reward yourself and your group with a thirst-quenching drink, delicious snacks, and cream teas at the Gough's Café. Alcoholic beverages are also available for holidaymakers in the mood for something stronger.
How Long Do You Need to Visit Cheddar Gorge?
Short on time? You can explore the Gorge along the B3135 road to admire stunning cliffs on a 1-2 hour journey or visit on a half-day stay, exploring Gough’s Cave, Jacob’s Ladder, and the Cliff-Top Trail. You can also spend a whole day here or stay overnight in your campervan and discover the area and surrounding attractions, like the Wookey Hole Caves or Mendip Hills trails,at a gentler pace.
Cheese lovers can head to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to watch skilled cheesemakers craft Cheddar using age-old techniques. Sample award-winning cheeses in the Tasting Room, or stock up on freshly made Cheddar, and cheese related goodies like chutneys and crackers.
Campervan and Motorhome from £30
Woodlands is a Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location in a peaceful and scenic location. The site rests on a gently undulating sloping valley on the Mendip Hills fringes and is close to Britain’s smallest city – Wells.
Walking enthusiasts can wander along the River Yeo and explore longer trails in the Mendip Hills. There are plenty of opportunities to spot peregrine falcons, goats, and other wildlife around the gorge, so bring your binoculars along for the ride. Experienced climbers can attempt to scale the dramatic limestone cliffs with local guides, while thrill-seekers sign up for adventure caving experiences. Cyclists can follow walkers on paths through the Mendip Hills or ride along the scenic and mostly flat Strawberry Line that follows an old railway route. Adventure seekers often start their Mendip Hills exploration with campervan hire Weston-super-Mare, giving them the perfect base for all these outdoor activities.
Follow this guide to capture the essence of Cheddar’s natural beauty and explore its world-famous attractions. We’ll explore places to park for the night and the easiest campervan hire locations in the area below. Visit our main page for more campervan hire in UK.
Camping in and around Cheddar
Cheddar. Ed Webster
Our guides are packed with inspiration for your campervan and motorhome escapes, and we aim to provide access to the best campsites in Cheddar. Camperbug includes a list of campsites in the UK and a helpful map to help you find a range of camping locations near your chosen site. You can filter on accommodation options, ranging from no-frills tent-only sites to bell tents, and include the number of guests for your stay. Search for campsites by name, county or town, and find the ideal campsite in your region or further afield. Whether you're exploring the coast or heading inland, you'll find excellent campsites in Weston-super-Mare through our easy search system. Camperbug helps you find campsites in the UK and offers a handy feature to share campsites via email or Whatsapp, so your entire travel group can join in the fun!
If you’re looking for fantastic campsites near Cheddar, check out our campsites in Draycott, Axbridge, and Lower Weare—three beautiful locations perfect for visiting Cheddar and several local attractions.
The charming village of Draycott, just 7 minutes from Cheddar, is an excellent base for a camping escape with plenty to explore, especially if you enjoy unspoiled scenery and wildlife. Hop over to the Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve from your campsite in Draycott and discover wildflower meadows, grasslands and woodlands with panoramic views over the Mendip Hills and Cheddar Reservoir. Hop down to the reservoir to enjoy a peaceful walk around the waters, or drive to the Mendip Hills, a gorgeous spot for beautiful hikes through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Soak in lovely views from Crook Peak and Wavering Down nearby, and take your canine for a well-deserved stroll. Cheddar Gorge and Caves are an easy 5-minute drive away, and cyclists are close to the Strawberry Line Cycle Path. For more options in the area, check out our campsites in Priddy, campsites in Priddy Wells, campsites in Winscombe, campsites in Wells and campsites in Sandford.
The Hideout Camping and Caravan Park is a friendly, compact site nestled in the romantic Somerset countryside, an ideal half-hour drive from Glastonbury, Wells, Wookey Hole, and Cheddar.
The charming town of Axbridge, an easy 8-minute drive from Cheddar, enjoys a central position at the base of lovely Mendip Hills. Start by exploring the medieval Axbridge Town Square, enveloped by Tudor-style buildings and quaint shops. Sip in a drink of choice at a historic pub before heading over to King John’s Hunting Lodge, a National Trust-managed timber framed house that now served as a museum. For more historical attractions, admire the 15th-century St John the Baptist Church, with intricate stained glass windows and gorgeous Gothic architecture. Cheddar Gorge is just 2 miles from your campsite in Axbridge, and we have a range of places to rest your head in.Peep our campsites in Wedmore and campsites in Congresbury.
The peaceful village of Lower Weare, just 8 minutes from Cheddar, is quiet, with many camping options in the surrounding area. Located on the banks of the River Axe, the area once brimmed with medieval river ports yet now offers a tranquil countryside base for exploring Somerset's many points of interest. Wake up to the rural scenery and enjoy a relaxing stay at your campsite in Lower Weare. Explore a wealth of outdoor activities, like fishing, hiking or walking or sit back and admire the beauty of the serene countryside. If you would like to enjoy a quiet atmosphere and avoid large, busy parks, our camping options in Lower Weare or find campsites in Rooksbridge, campsites in Hutton, campsites in Brent Knoll and campsites in Panborough.
Best Cheddar Campsites
If you’re looking for recommendations for the best campsites in Cheddar, we have you covered. We’ll help you find great campsites in and around the area, which pair beautifully with our guide for must-visit attractions in Cheddar. If you don’t want to spend time researching camping options, narrow down your search with Cheddar Bridge Touring Park, an award-winning park for adult-only escapes. Bucklegrove Holiday Park has years of experience providing beautiful and comfortable camping for adventurous tourists visiting the Cheddar Valley, and the Rodney Stoke Caravan and Camping Park is ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. Read on for facilities and local attractions.
Cheddar Bridge Touring Park in Cheddar
Cheddar Bridge Touring Park, Cheddar
Wake up to the trills of birdsong and let the sound of the wind dancing through the leafy trees be the soundtrack for your holiday at Cheddar Bridge Touring Park. The award-winning site enjoys lovely views over the rolling Mendip Hills and is doubly peaceful, thanks to a strict adults-only policy. Cheddar Village is only a stroll from the site and is a fantastic base for exploring places like Weston-super-Mare and the wee village of Wells. If day trips are on the road trip itinerary, rumble over to places like Bristol, Glastonbury and Bath. Grass pitches for tents are non-electric, and hardstanding options with electric meters are available for motorhomes and caravans. The site also offers small grass pitches for campervans, making it a wonderful base for our readers researching Cheddar Gorge Campervan Sites. Camping pods are also provided for campers who fancy travelling without a tent or camper. Barbecues are encouraged, and pets are welcome to tag along.
Bucklegrove Holiday Park in Cheddar
Bucklegrove Holiday Park, Cheddar
The folk at Bucklegrove Holiday Park certainly know what they’re doing - ask generations of camping enthusiasts. Touted as the oldest family-run park in the Cheddar Valley, the campsite enjoys a serene location, sandwiched between Wells and Cheddar, and boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. Look no further if you are searching for a Cheddar Campsite with Pool. The owners have set up the site with all ages in mind, offering amenities like a playpark, a licensed cafe, an indoor pool with a mini pool for mini campers, and a games room with a pool table. Pets are welcome, and barbecues are allowed on the hardstanding pitches for touring vehicles.
The Rodney Stoke Caravan and Camping Park in Cheddar
The Rodney Stoke Caravan and Camping Park, Cheddar
The Rodney Stoke Caravan and Camping Park is a small, friendly, adults-only camping space just 10 minutes from the Cheddar caves. If you are searching for a Cheddar Gorge Campsite Adults Only, this is the place for you. Envision a quiet holiday on an uncramped site and a kid-free environment. Pitch a tent, or park your touring vehicle on a grass or hardstanding base with electricity, and settle in for a relaxing escape. Plots are lined by manicured hedgerows for that added sense of privacy, and there’s plenty of space to park your cars alongside if needed. Standard facilities, including showers, a toilet block, and a washing-up area, are available, and the owners welcome canine companions with open arms.
Campervan Hire Towns in Cheddar
If you consider booking a campervan in Cheddar, you might wonder how to find our private owners. The short answer to this question is to search for vehicles in our recommended locations - Wedmore, Priddy, and Winscombe. We’ve recommended these locations as they are central for getting around. They offer readers a wide range of campervan hire options, from simple classics like the VW T2 to decked-out conversions with a range of creature comforts. Campervan hire has grown incredibly popular in recent years, and the increased cost of living makes a campervan road trip an affordable means to escape the modern world for green, open sceneries.
Cheddar Gorge. Odd Wellies
Hire a campervan in Wedmore, a charming village near Cheddar, and you’re off to a cracking campervan adventure. You could start by taking a tour of Wedmore Village, lined with Georgian medieval buildings and a beautiful 15th-century parish church, or head to stunning locations like the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills to follow trails winding through lush fields, past sparkling rivers and picturesque villages. Stock up on your essentials at the farm shops offering fresh produce, or stop for a hearty meal at a country pub. Cheddar Gorge is only 10 minutes away, and plenty of beautiful vineyards, like Wilkins Cider Farm and Secret Valley Vineyard, offer a range of traditional ciders, tours and tastings. With 91 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Wedmore, you can find the most competitive pricing for your holiday. If you are flexible with pickup locations, you might like our campervans in Axbridge, campervans in Rooksbridge, campervans in East Huntspill and campervans in Priddy Wells.
The picturesque village of Priddy in the Mendip Hills is the perfect start for your campervan road trip to Cheddar, especially if you’re keen to get out in the great outdoors or explore local history. Discover the Mendip Hills, crisscrossed with walking trails and hiking routes, plus the beautiful Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve, a lovely spot for woodland walks and wildlife spotting. Explore the Priddy Nine Barrows, a group of Bronze Age burial mounds, and the Priddy Circles, a prehistoric henge monument believed to be around 4,000 years old. If caving and underground adventures are your vibe, explore the famous cave system at Swildon’s Hole or head to the Wookey Hole Caves for a family-friendly day out. Browse our Priddy campervan hire starting at £52 per night. We offer 97 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Priddy. You may also like our campervans in Wells, campervans in Panborough, campervans in Ashwick, campervans in Shepton Mallet and campervans in Lower Weare.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Berti is a brand new May 2024 registered Elldis CV40 campervan, ideal for sleeping two people. Whilst driving, you will enjoy all the modern features of a luxury vehicle.
Winning Winscombe is the place to be if you want to kick off your campervan road trip close to Cheddar and explore a range of attractions a quick drive away. Attractions like the Strawberry Line, Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Sandford Woods are within easy reach, creating a beautiful natural playground for walkers, hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys sweeping sceneries. Take a break from riding around in your Winscombe campervan hire to clip-clop along bridleways through the countryside or pedal along rural lanes, stopping to soak in the scenery when needed. History buffs can drive to famous attractions like St. James' Church and Banwell Castle while the foodies sit down to scrumptious pre or post-exertion meals at eateries like the Woodborough Inn. Stock up on famous ciders en route courtesy of Thatcher's Cider Farm, and snack on fresh cheeses and local produce at farm shops. Browse 86 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Winscombe, or find more campervans in Sandford, campervans in Congresbury, campervans in Hutton, campervans in Draycott and campervans in Kingston Seymour.
Age: 23-75
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Here is our recently converted Ford Transit Custom, beautifully fitted out for your next adventure. Inside, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge and gas cooker, making it easy to prepare meals on the go.
Chow to Cheddar
Now that you've got all the information needed to plan your road trip to Cheddar, it's time to pack your bags and get going! Camperbug makes it easy to reserve your campsite accommodation and book your campervan in one place. With a few clicks, you could have an entire holiday planned down to the last detail - how dandy! Road trips are all about the journey along the way, not just the destination, so be sure to stop and soak in the views or head out on little detours if the urge arises. Our Somerset road trip doesn't end in Cheddar. We've got more beautiful stops along the way, so stay tuned as we hit the next destination on our Scenic Campervan Road Trip Itinerary Through Somerset : Glastonbury.
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