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Cheddar is right on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a range of limestone hills in Somerset’s northeast. Hidden within the hills are deep gorges, rocky outcrops, and the pretty lakes of the Chew Valley. Cheddar is a good camping base for checking out the AONB, or there are camping, glamping, and caravan sites dotted around the Mendip Hills, although wild camping isn’t allowed.
Southwest of Cheddar lies England’s first AONB, Quantock Hills, a relatively small area of heath, woodlands, parklands, and agricultural land. Campers staying in Cheddar can easily visit the Quantock Hills on a day trip for hiking, cycling, and wildlife-viewing adventures. There are also many campsites at the base of the hills that allow visitors to access the AONB on foot or by bike.
Summer is the best time to visit Cheddar, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant and the days long—ideal for tent or caravan camping and outdoor adventures. Campers visiting outside of summer should be prepared with cold-weather and waterproof gear, or stay in cabins rather than unheated tents or caravans.