The best pets off leash campsites near Cheddar

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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.
92% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

15. Little Harford Lower Woodland

100%
(3)
86km from Cheddar · 5 units · Tents
Little Harford Lower Woodland is set in a property of just over 6 acres. The woodland here at Little Harford is a tranquil place for people wanting to find peace and quiet in a back to nature experience. A small river meanders through the bottom of the lower woodland which can occasionally come up to the top of the bank with lots of rain. A winding path leads down through the woodland to where the land levels out at the water meadow area of the woodland. A family of buzzards live in the valley and you can often hear owls, pheasants and wild birds. A certain degree of fitness is needed as there is no vehicle access and wheelbarrows are available to help move your gear. There is parking at the entrance to the lower woodland on hard standing. A compost toilet is available for all No.2’s and mindful wild peeing is encouraged. Tap water is available from an outside tap at the property for drinking water. There is a washing up area (eco products provided) and a solar-powered gas fired shower. Campfires are allowed and seasoned wood can be purchased at a small extra cost. Nearest village of Tedburn St Mary with a local pub and the village shop is 1 ½ miles away. The nearest town of Crediton is 3 miles away with plenty of supermarkets, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Dartmoor is close by with Fingle Bridge just a 20 minute drive. We only offer a very limited number of camping spots at any time to preserve the tranquility for everyone. BBQs and firepits allowed, dog friendly
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night

18. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
113km from Cheddar · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night

19. Out To Grass, Camping, Glamping

88%
(4)
98km from Cheddar · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are closed for the 2024 season. We look forward to welcoming you in Spring 2025 - bookings starting in April 2025! Nestled in a quiet spot, a few miles from Bromyard and just minutes away from the breathtaking scenery of the Malvern Hills, Out to Grass is a stunning rural campsite surrounded by lush greenery nestled between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. OTG is a dog friendly site and welcomes tents and vans in a choice of 'family camping' or 'lively' fields. There are also beautiful glamping pods available and a wood fired outdoor hot tub for those craving a spot of luxury The enthusiastic OTG crew provide a warm welcome on arrival and are always happy to help where they can. The site boasts spotless facillities with hot showers and flushing toilets. OTG have received a gold award from Green Tourism for their eco and environental work Pitches are on grass with optional electric or you can forget the tent pegs and stay in one of the lovely glamping pods, equipped with bedding, electric sockets and cooking appliances. The site has an onsite bar and caterers selling fresh coffee, smoothies and hot food. There is Family Friendly music playing most weekends (and also some adult only late night camping weekends available to book). There is a communal covered fire pit with comfy sofas perfect for sitting around chatting and toasting marsh mellows. The site is also blessed with a beautiful open sky for stargazing on new moons. There are some lovely country walks accessible directly from the campsite Most weekends there will be workshops and activities on offer, as well as well-being services such as massages and morning yoga The site has Geodomes available for hire on numerous weekends, complete with full sound system, lights, decor and a stage for bands or DJs, perfect for playing your own music It is also possible to hire the entire site on an exclusive basis for weddings, parties, gatherings and much more. The site is open from May to September, but only open for public camping on select weekends in July and August. Please refer to our listings for full details of available dates
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / 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.
92% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cheddar

15. Little Harford Lower Woodland

100%
(3)
86km from Cheddar · 5 units · Tents
Little Harford Lower Woodland is set in a property of just over 6 acres. The woodland here at Little Harford is a tranquil place for people wanting to find peace and quiet in a back to nature experience. A small river meanders through the bottom of the lower woodland which can occasionally come up to the top of the bank with lots of rain. A winding path leads down through the woodland to where the land levels out at the water meadow area of the woodland. A family of buzzards live in the valley and you can often hear owls, pheasants and wild birds. A certain degree of fitness is needed as there is no vehicle access and wheelbarrows are available to help move your gear. There is parking at the entrance to the lower woodland on hard standing. A compost toilet is available for all No.2’s and mindful wild peeing is encouraged. Tap water is available from an outside tap at the property for drinking water. There is a washing up area (eco products provided) and a solar-powered gas fired shower. Campfires are allowed and seasoned wood can be purchased at a small extra cost. Nearest village of Tedburn St Mary with a local pub and the village shop is 1 ½ miles away. The nearest town of Crediton is 3 miles away with plenty of supermarkets, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Dartmoor is close by with Fingle Bridge just a 20 minute drive. We only offer a very limited number of camping spots at any time to preserve the tranquility for everyone. BBQs and firepits allowed, dog friendly
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night

18. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
113km from Cheddar · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night

19. Out To Grass, Camping, Glamping

88%
(4)
98km from Cheddar · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are closed for the 2024 season. We look forward to welcoming you in Spring 2025 - bookings starting in April 2025! Nestled in a quiet spot, a few miles from Bromyard and just minutes away from the breathtaking scenery of the Malvern Hills, Out to Grass is a stunning rural campsite surrounded by lush greenery nestled between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. OTG is a dog friendly site and welcomes tents and vans in a choice of 'family camping' or 'lively' fields. There are also beautiful glamping pods available and a wood fired outdoor hot tub for those craving a spot of luxury The enthusiastic OTG crew provide a warm welcome on arrival and are always happy to help where they can. The site boasts spotless facillities with hot showers and flushing toilets. OTG have received a gold award from Green Tourism for their eco and environental work Pitches are on grass with optional electric or you can forget the tent pegs and stay in one of the lovely glamping pods, equipped with bedding, electric sockets and cooking appliances. The site has an onsite bar and caterers selling fresh coffee, smoothies and hot food. There is Family Friendly music playing most weekends (and also some adult only late night camping weekends available to book). There is a communal covered fire pit with comfy sofas perfect for sitting around chatting and toasting marsh mellows. The site is also blessed with a beautiful open sky for stargazing on new moons. There are some lovely country walks accessible directly from the campsite Most weekends there will be workshops and activities on offer, as well as well-being services such as massages and morning yoga The site has Geodomes available for hire on numerous weekends, complete with full sound system, lights, decor and a stage for bands or DJs, perfect for playing your own music It is also possible to hire the entire site on an exclusive basis for weddings, parties, gatherings and much more. The site is open from May to September, but only open for public camping on select weekends in July and August. Please refer to our listings for full details of available dates
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night

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The best pets off leash 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.