Upper Flood Swallet

Finding this cave system requires a proper sense of adventure and some local knowledge. Upper Flood Swallet sits in the Mendip Hills near Wells, part of the complex underground network that makes this part of Somerset a caver's paradise. Unlike the tourist-friendly Cheddar Caves just a few miles away, this is the real deal - a working cave system that demands respect and experience.

Serious cavers will know exactly what they're getting into here, but families looking for an easy underground outing should stick to the commercial caves nearby. The entrance can flood quickly after heavy rain (hence the name), and you'll need proper caving gear and experience to explore safely. Local caving clubs sometimes organise trips, but this isn't somewhere to turn up with just a torch and hope for the best.

Wells makes a good base for exploring the Mendips' underground wonders, with several holiday parks like Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site providing convenient access. The area's riddled with caves, swallow holes and underground rivers - Upper Flood Swallet is just one piece of this fascinating geological puzzle. If you're staying at one of the Cheddar sites, you're perfectly placed to explore both the commercial caves and, with proper preparation, the wilder systems like this one.