Drunkard's Hole

Wind through the Mendip Hills outside Cheddar and you'll stumble across one of Somerset's lesser-known cave systems. Drunkard's Hole takes its wonderfully inappropriate name from local folklore - supposedly where smugglers once hid their contraband brandy from excise men.

The cave entrance sits tucked into a limestone outcrop, easily missed if you're not looking for it. Inside, the passages wind through typical Mendip geology - flowstone formations, narrow squeeze points, and chambers that open up when you least expect them. It's proper caving rather than tourist attraction territory, so bring a decent torch and don't expect safety railings or guided tours.

Serious cavers and geology enthusiasts will find this far more rewarding than the crowds at nearby Cheddar Gorge. Families with young children should probably stick to Wookey Hole instead - this isn't really suitable for anyone nervous about tight spaces or getting muddy. The rock formations are impressive enough, though nothing like the scale of the famous commercial caves.

From any of the holiday parks around Cheddar - whether you're staying at Cheddar Woods Resort or camping at Petruth Paddocks - it's a short drive into proper Mendip countryside. Perfect for an hour's exploration if you fancy something off the beaten track, though you'll need to do your homework on access and safety first.