C

heddar cheese may have become a planet-wide phenomenon with people enjoying a nibble on the yellow stuff in every corner of the globe, but it’s Cheddar’s spectacular show caves that have stayed put, reserving their rare delights for those that make the trip to Britain’s biggest gorge.

Not every attraction can claim to be 300 million years in the making, but then Cheddar’s caves aren’t just any attraction. You can learn all about geological formations, stalactites and stalagmites, prehistoric cannibalism and even embark on a crystal quest across Gough’s and Cox's Caves.

Formed between 500,000 years and 15,000 years ago by water dissolving the limestone rock, Gough’s Caves are spectacular. It was calcium-enriched water dripping through the cave roof that produced the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

After you’ve admired St. Paul's Cathedral and the Diamond Chamber, learn how your ancient cave-dwelling ancestors may have been cannibals during the last Ice Age. Yikes – where was the cheese when they needed it?

It may be necessary to call upon your inner-Neanderthal before embarking on the Crystal Quest at Cox's Cave. Smaller and more mysterious than Gough’s, there are mirror pools, colourful calcite formations and fantastical (and scary) creatures to contend with.

If you’re successful in your quest and make it out into daylight then celebrate with some locally brewed cider and yes, some cheddar cheese.

Be careful it doesn’t give you nightmares.