5 Interesting Facts about Cheddar

Cheddar is unique in many ways but there is much more this quaint Somerset village has to offer.

1) ‘The Strawberry Line’ is an old railway dating back to 1841

What was originally known as the Cheddar Valley Line used to be vital in the transportation of passengers, quarrying, agriculture and you got it! Strawberries! In fact, because of the large volume of locally grown strawberries in the Mendip Hills, the line carried the strawberries to the London markets. Thus, nicknaming it ‘The Strawberry Line’. The locally grown strawberries still grow today in the very spots they did back then. They are still available to purchase just 2 miles from Strawberryfield Park in Draycott.

2) Cheddar is home to the largest gorge in the United Kingdom

This limestone gorge is located in the village of Cheddar, hence the name. It’s arguably one the most spectacular sights available under the National Trust. Reaching 3 miles long, this 449ft gorge is home to some of the most interesting and magnificent caves including Cheddar cave, which is used the mature the only original cheddar cheese in the world.

3) Speaking of, did you know cheddar cheese was supposedly discovered by accident?

That’s right! There once was a milkmaid who forgot a pail of milk in one of the caves. Can you guess which one? Well, we all know what happens to milk if it’s left. It turns out, the local villagers liked the taste of pasteurised milk and so began the recipe for cheddar cheese.

4) The oldest, complete skeleton in Great Britain was found in Cheddar

More specifically, this 10,000 year old Homo sapien man, famously known as ‘Cheddar Man’ was discovered in Gough cave whilst the gorge underwent improvements to the drainage system. Cheddar man has played his part in some of the most remarkable revelations of scientific history.

5) Cheddar Pink: home to Cheddar and the pride of Somerset

This pretty, pink fragranced flower blooms only from May to July and is largely dependant on the sun. Founded in Cheddar, the flower became a protected species in 1975 and it’s natural habitat is more so in the region of limestone rocks so it’s not a coincident you’ll find a lot of them at Cheddar Gorge.