Cliff-Top Walk

The cliffs around Cheddar rise up like the backbone of Somerset, and walking the edge of them is one of those rare things - genuinely spectacular without needing to be anywhere else. You get the gorge walls dropping away on one side, open countryside rolling out on the other, and on a clear day the Mendips just keep going. It's not a genteel stroll. The path can be muddy, the wind picks up properly, and there are sections where you're genuinely walking the rim.

Walkers and hikers will absolutely have this. Families with competent kids do well here too - the sense of exposure is thrilling rather than frightening, and you can turn back whenever you fancy. Photography types show up at golden hour and you'll see why. It takes a good hour to cover the main stretch without rushing, maybe ninety minutes if you're stopping for views.

From Cheddar itself - the town sits right at the foot - you're minutes from the trailhead. Several of the nearby parks make logical bases: Cheddar Bridge and the Cheddar Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite are practically on your doorstep, while Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa if you want something with more facilities. The cliff walk pairs nicely with exploring Cheddar Gorge itself, which you can do from the same car park.

Bring decent boots and a windproof. The drama here is real, not Instagram-filtered. Worth setting aside a morning minimum, more if you're not in a rush.