Campsites near Cheddar

·

The Somerset village of Cheddar is best known among the culinary crowd for its eponymous cheese, but nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts know it for the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the Cheddar Caves. Cheddar has a couple of places to camp—a well-equipped caravan park as well as a campsite with cabin accommodation—and its location at the foot of the Mendip Hills AONB affords additional camping options. While campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, Cheddar is also conveniently close to the small cities of Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as the larger centres of Bath and Bristol.

You don’t have to use too much imagination to think of the most popular things to do in Cheddar.

  • Firstly, there’s saying “cheese” at the gorge, and then there’s gorging yourself on cheese! A ticket to visit the Cheddar Gorge tourist attraction includes entrance to a three-mile cliff-top walk around the top of the gorge; the Museum of Prehistory; and Gough’s Cave, where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete skeleton in Britain was discovered. The soaring Cheddar Gorge walls reach 400 feet in places, and the show caves are just a taste of what lies beneath the Mendips, making climbing and caving popular activities here.
  • In the village of Cheddar, at the lower end of the gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Company shares information about the cheese-making process for Britain’s best-loved cheese.
  • Walking, cycling, and horse riding are good ways to enjoy the landscape and terrain.
  • Another show cave and more family-friendly attractions can be found at nearby Wookey Hole.
  • Further afield, Wells, Glastonbury, Longleat Safari Park, and Bath are all within an hour’s drive and easily visited on days out during a camping holiday in Cheddar.
96% (2.5K) 1,669 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

The T Barn

1. The T Barn

99%
(90)
80km from Cheddar · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£29
 / night
68 Degrees West

2. 68 Degrees West

99%
(99)
89km from Cheddar · 10 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pod glamping and family camping on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, with a handy location near Brecon town and sunrises you'll never forget.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
77km from Cheddar · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.

4. Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.

100%
(1)
72km from Cheddar · 1 unit · Glamping
A vintage Airstream caravan in its own little meadow in the Herefordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£63
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

5. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
77km from Cheddar · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
12km from Cheddar · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

7. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
87km from Cheddar · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

8. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
94km from Cheddar · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Campsite 360°

9. Campsite 360°

100%
(6)
86km from Cheddar · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Campsite 360° – Wild Freedom in the Black Mountains Tucked away in the untamed beauty of the Black Mountains, Campsite 360° is a true off-grid retreat for those seeking peace, space, and adventure. With panoramic views stretching to the horizon, this wild, solar-powered haven offers a rare escape from the noise and rush of modern life. Wake to the sound of birdsong, breathe crisp mountain air, and watch the sun spill across rolling hills and valleys. Whether you pitch a tent under a starlit sky, park up your campervan in a secluded spot, or simply spend your days exploring, Campsite 360° is all about reconnecting with nature – and yourself. Our land is more than a campsite – it’s a living landscape. You’ll find open meadows, sheltered hollows, and vantage points perfect for soaking up 360-degree views. There are no bright city lights here, just a canopy of stars at night and the distant silhouette of mountains by day. We welcome solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups looking for a space to gather, celebrate, or simply unwind. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the surrounding Black Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. If relaxation is your goal, pull up a chair, light a campfire, and let the world drift away. Facilities & Features: Spacious, unmarked pitches for tents and campervans Off-grid, solar-powered amenities Fresh air and no traffic noise – just nature Fire pits available (wood supplied on request) Pet-friendly – dogs welcome on leads Stunning views in every direction Why Choose Campsite 360°? This is camping as it’s meant to be – simple, peaceful, and in harmony with the land. Our focus is on providing space and freedom, not crowded plots and strict schedules. You’re free to choose your spot, wander the land, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the natural world. If you’re looking for an authentic wild camping experience with the convenience of a welcoming base, you’ve found it. Come with an open mind, leave with a full heart.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

10. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
90km from Cheddar · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Digeddi Wildlife Camping

11. Digeddi Wildlife Camping

97%
(129)
91km from Cheddar · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Riverside camping and glamping with canoes for hire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

12. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
72km from Cheddar · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

13. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
46km from Cheddar · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Penylan Cider Farm

14. Penylan Cider Farm

96%
(24)
74km from Cheddar · 3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Camping5Acres

15. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
33km from Cheddar · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Pwllyn Farm Camping

16. Pwllyn Farm Camping

100%
(219)
87km from Cheddar · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A wild-feeling, adult-only campsite in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with impressive views of Pen y Fan
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Oxwick Farm

17. Oxwick Farm

100%
(79)
41km from Cheddar · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

18. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

97%
(55)
89km from Cheddar · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Glamping Pods Wales

19. Glamping Pods Wales

100%
(29)
100km from Cheddar · 2 units · Glamping
Cosy modern glamping pods with private hot tubs, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£150
 / night
Glamping and Camping near Bath

20. Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%
(3)
47km from Cheddar · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night

The Somerset village of Cheddar is best known among the culinary crowd for its eponymous cheese, but nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts know it for the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the Cheddar Caves. Cheddar has a couple of places to camp—a well-equipped caravan park as well as a campsite with cabin accommodation—and its location at the foot of the Mendip Hills AONB affords additional camping options. While campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of this rural area, Cheddar is also conveniently close to the small cities of Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as the larger centres of Bath and Bristol.

You don’t have to use too much imagination to think of the most popular things to do in Cheddar.

  • Firstly, there’s saying “cheese” at the gorge, and then there’s gorging yourself on cheese! A ticket to visit the Cheddar Gorge tourist attraction includes entrance to a three-mile cliff-top walk around the top of the gorge; the Museum of Prehistory; and Gough’s Cave, where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete skeleton in Britain was discovered. The soaring Cheddar Gorge walls reach 400 feet in places, and the show caves are just a taste of what lies beneath the Mendips, making climbing and caving popular activities here.
  • In the village of Cheddar, at the lower end of the gorge, the Cheddar Gorge Company shares information about the cheese-making process for Britain’s best-loved cheese.
  • Walking, cycling, and horse riding are good ways to enjoy the landscape and terrain.
  • Another show cave and more family-friendly attractions can be found at nearby Wookey Hole.
  • Further afield, Wells, Glastonbury, Longleat Safari Park, and Bath are all within an hour’s drive and easily visited on days out during a camping holiday in Cheddar.
96% (2.5K) 1,669 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

The T Barn

1. The T Barn

99%
(90)
80km from Cheddar · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£29
 / night
68 Degrees West

2. 68 Degrees West

99%
(99)
89km from Cheddar · 10 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pod glamping and family camping on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, with a handy location near Brecon town and sunrises you'll never forget.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Primrose Fields Campsite

3. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%
(204)
77km from Cheddar · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.

4. Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.

100%
(1)
72km from Cheddar · 1 unit · Glamping
A vintage Airstream caravan in its own little meadow in the Herefordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£63
 / night
Abbey Home Farm

5. Abbey Home Farm

94%
(218)
77km from Cheddar · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£9
 / night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite

6. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%
(60)
12km from Cheddar · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Sweet Hill Farm

7. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
87km from Cheddar · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Radcot Leisure on Thames

8. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%
(305)
94km from Cheddar · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Campsite 360°

9. Campsite 360°

100%
(6)
86km from Cheddar · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Campsite 360° – Wild Freedom in the Black Mountains Tucked away in the untamed beauty of the Black Mountains, Campsite 360° is a true off-grid retreat for those seeking peace, space, and adventure. With panoramic views stretching to the horizon, this wild, solar-powered haven offers a rare escape from the noise and rush of modern life. Wake to the sound of birdsong, breathe crisp mountain air, and watch the sun spill across rolling hills and valleys. Whether you pitch a tent under a starlit sky, park up your campervan in a secluded spot, or simply spend your days exploring, Campsite 360° is all about reconnecting with nature – and yourself. Our land is more than a campsite – it’s a living landscape. You’ll find open meadows, sheltered hollows, and vantage points perfect for soaking up 360-degree views. There are no bright city lights here, just a canopy of stars at night and the distant silhouette of mountains by day. We welcome solo travellers, couples, families, and small groups looking for a space to gather, celebrate, or simply unwind. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the surrounding Black Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. If relaxation is your goal, pull up a chair, light a campfire, and let the world drift away. Facilities & Features: Spacious, unmarked pitches for tents and campervans Off-grid, solar-powered amenities Fresh air and no traffic noise – just nature Fire pits available (wood supplied on request) Pet-friendly – dogs welcome on leads Stunning views in every direction Why Choose Campsite 360°? This is camping as it’s meant to be – simple, peaceful, and in harmony with the land. Our focus is on providing space and freedom, not crowded plots and strict schedules. You’re free to choose your spot, wander the land, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the natural world. If you’re looking for an authentic wild camping experience with the convenience of a welcoming base, you’ve found it. Come with an open mind, leave with a full heart.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Stockbridge View Campsite

10. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%
(89)
90km from Cheddar · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Digeddi Wildlife Camping

11. Digeddi Wildlife Camping

97%
(129)
91km from Cheddar · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Riverside camping and glamping with canoes for hire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

12. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
72km from Cheddar · 114 units · Tents
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

13. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
46km from Cheddar · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
Penylan Cider Farm

14. Penylan Cider Farm

96%
(24)
74km from Cheddar · 3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Camping5Acres

15. Camping5Acres

93%
(15)
33km from Cheddar · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Pwllyn Farm Camping

16. Pwllyn Farm Camping

100%
(219)
87km from Cheddar · 19 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A wild-feeling, adult-only campsite in the Brecon Beacons National Park, with impressive views of Pen y Fan
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Oxwick Farm

17. Oxwick Farm

100%
(79)
41km from Cheddar · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

18. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

97%
(55)
89km from Cheddar · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£10
 / night
Glamping Pods Wales

19. Glamping Pods Wales

100%
(29)
100km from Cheddar · 2 units · Glamping
Cosy modern glamping pods with private hot tubs, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi
from 
£150
 / night
Glamping and Camping near Bath

20. Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%
(3)
47km from Cheddar · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£26
 / night

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Campsites near Cheddar guide

Where to go

Cheddar Gorge & Cheddar Caves

Unless you’re visiting Cheddar for its cheese, you’re likely coming to check out the Cheddar Gorge or the Cheddar Caves, the star attractions just outside town. The caves are a family-friendly subterranean network of caverns full of prehistoric rock formations, while the limestone Cheddar Gorge is a magnet for walkers, climbers, cavers, and sightseers—some hiking routes are steep but provide great views through the gorge and across the Somerset landscape. It’s no surprise that camping is a popular way to stay nearby.

Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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.

Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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.

When to go

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.