When looking for an idyllic escape, it’s easy to turn to picturesque destinations further afield. But some of the most captivating scenes are nestled across the UK, including one breathtaking spot that starkly resembles New Zealand.

With stretches of dramatic green  landscapes made up of rolling hills, towering 450-foot cliffs, scenic winding roads, and rocky underground caves, the scenes of Cheddar Gorge could easily be mistaken for New Zealand, more than a 20-hour flight away. The limestone gorge, spanning three miles in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, is undoubtedly one of the most striking locations across the UK.

The spectacular landscape was formed over a million years by Ice Age glacial meltwater floods that carved through limestone. Amid its history lies Great Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, discovered in 1903 and estimated to be 9,000 years old.

Due to its distinctive characteristics, Cheddar Gorge, with Britain’s highest inland limestone cliffs, has become popular among travellers, near and far. Visitors can hike along clifftop paths to marvel at the scene or climb the 270 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to a lookout tower, offering views across the sprawling Somerset countryside.

It’s also worth a drive through the scenery along its meandering roads, which could easily transport you to the other side of the world. But one of its most popular attractions is a visit to the deep underground stalactite caves.

One of the largest caves available to explore is Gough’s Cave, where our ancestors, the Horse Hunters of Cheddar Gorge, lived during the end of the Ice Age. There are cathedral-like caverns and interesting rock formations around the cave, with guided tours available to book for a day out like no other.

Visitors can purchase a day ticket for Cheddar Gorge and Caves, which provides access to six attractions. These include Gough’s Cave (including audio tour), Museum of Prehistory, Cox’s Cave, Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower, Cliff-Top Walk and Beyond the View: A cinematic experience.

Prices for an adult start from £24.95, while a child is from £18.70. While this might seem a little expensive, it’s well worth a visit. Online, explorers have noted it is ‘good value for money’ and a ‘fun day out’. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “A fab day out, the caves are beautiful and the views spectacular. Staff are friendly and helpful, lovely cafes and little tourist shops to potter about in.”

A second added: “We stayed three days here. The Cheddar Gorge village is touristy, but a pleasant walk. Nice to imagine what it was like with the lovely stream and the high cliffs surrounding the gorge at the time of the early humans, 10,000 years ago. The caves were brilliant. Seeing where the Cheddar Man skeleton was found and then deeper into the Gough’s Cave was a wonderful adventure. Some truly beautiful caves and sights. The hike to the cliff tops was awesome too. It is the type of place you can spend the whole day wandering and enjoying the various experiences.”

Elsewhere in Cheddar Gorge is the charming tea room of Lion Rock, where visitors can enjoy a warming drink, local cider, lunch or an afternoon tea. There’s also the Cafe Gorge, just across the road from the tearoom, and not far from the Cheddar Waterfall, which is another popular tourist spot.

But a trip to the gorge isn’t complete without a stop by the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, the birthplace of the world-famous cheese since 2003. There are samples to devour, history to soak up and a shop to purchase the only cheddar cheese made in Cheddar!

One visitor shared on TripAdvisor after a trip to see the cheese: “This was a great visit and one not to miss while visiting Cheddar. We went to watch the cheese being made by hand, fantastic to see how it all begins. Then we went to taste the cheese, and this was a delight. We all came away with cheese to eat at home.”

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