White Cliff Cave

Scrambling up the limestone face above Cheddar village, you'll spot the dark mouth of White Cliff Cave cutting into the pale rock. This isn't one of the famous show caves down in the gorge - it's a proper wild cave that demands a bit of nerve and decent footwear to reach.

Climbing enthusiasts and adventurous families with older children will get the biggest thrill from the approach alone. The path up from Cheddar gets steep quickly, and you'll need to use your hands in places. Once inside, it's a fairly shallow cave system but atmospheric enough to make the scramble worthwhile.

Unlike the commercialised caves below, there are no guided tours or entrance fees here - just you, the rock, and whatever torch you've brought along. The views back down towards Cheddar and across the Somerset Levels are genuinely spectacular, probably better than what you'll see inside the cave itself.

Families staying at nearby sites like Cheddar Woods Resort or Mendip Basecamp will find this makes a decent half-day adventure, especially if you're already planning to explore the famous gorge. Just don't expect young children to manage the climb - this one's for confident walkers only. Allow a couple of hours including the walk up and back down.