Goatchurch Cavern

Scrambling through a proper underground adventure awaits at this working cave system in the Mendip Hills. Unlike the touristy show caves nearby, Goatchurch requires you to actually crawl, squeeze and wiggle your way through narrow limestone passages - often on your belly. It's wild caving at its most accessible, yet still properly challenging.

Expect to get muddy. Very muddy. The main route takes most people between one and three hours depending on how far you push into the system, and you'll need a decent head torch plus spare batteries. Some passages are tight enough that larger folk might struggle, though there are usually alternative routes around the worst squeezes.

This isn't one for small children or anyone with claustrophobia. Teenagers with a sense of adventure absolutely love it, as do adults looking for something more hands-on than your typical tourist attraction. The sense of exploration feels genuine - you're following routes carved by water over millennia, not following handrails and electric lights.

Location-wise, you're perfectly placed between Cheddar and the wider Mendip area. Several holiday parks dot the landscape nearby, from Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa to the more rustic Batch Campsite, making this an excellent addition to a Somerset adventure break. Just pack clothes you don't mind destroying.