Holiday rentals in Cheddar

Cheddar, a picturesque Somerset village in the Mendip Hills, is known for its namesake cheese, made here in the traditional way since the 12th century. You can pick up a wedge for yourself that’s still matured in the caves under the city. Cheddar also boasts the highest inland cliffs in the UK, making for some of the best rock climbing in the country, while hiking and nature walks offer a picturesque perspective of the Mendips, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take the popular Cheddar Gorge Walk or any of the hiking paths through the area, including the Draycott Sleights route, which offers sweeping vistas across the Somerset Levels.

The 9,000-year-old skeleton of Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest known human, was discovered in Cheddar Gorge in 1903. Although it’s unlikely you’ll discover prehistoric fossils during your hike, you may encounter goats or Soay sheep grazing in the hills, or spot peregrine falcons overhead — they nest in the valley’s towering cliffs.

The village’s colourful cottages and Cheddar Yeo, the scenic river that runs through the town, also make Cheddar a charming place to visit.

The best time to rent log cabins in Cheddar, Somerset is summer through autumn. June, July, and August have the warmest weather. From September to November, the weather is cooler but comfortable, and the season is full of harvest festivals. In September, the SheppyFest cider and music festival happens on a farm near Taunton. The Wells Food Festival in October celebrates Somerset’s food producers with street food, drinks, and crafts. Bonfire Night in November ends the harvest season with fireworks, ushering in the winter holidays. The Christmas Artisan Market in November in Weston-super-Mare has stalls selling artisanal gifts and food. The coldest months in Cheddar are December through April.

Ebbor Gorge

Around 15 minutes from Cheddar, the Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve is a mix of ash woodland, limestone formations, and ancient cave systems. Rare lichen and moss thrive here, along with fairy flax and wild thyme. You can spot bats and white-letter hairstreak butterflies here, and perhaps make the steep climb to the top of the gorge for spectacular views of the surrounding Mendip Hills.

Bath

Bath, the largest city in the county of Somerset, is about an hour’s drive from Cheddar. It is the only UK city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its extensively preserved Georgian architecture and Roman archaeology. Bath has been famous for 2,000 years for its Roman baths, which you can tour today. The city also inspired great writers, and literature lovers should not miss the Jane Austen Centre.

The Strawberry Line

Cheddar is known for its strawberries as well as its cheese. The Strawberry Line heritage trail is a 10-mile walking route along the former railway line trackbed from Cheddar to Yatton. The path is flat and accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles. Most of the route is a Local Nature Reserve, providing encounters with diverse plants and wildlife.