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Summer in Somerset has a very particular feel to it. Long countryside views, the sound of sheep in the distance, and that mix of adventure and slow living you only really get in places like the Mendips.
Cheddar sits right at the heart of it all. From dramatic cliffs and underground caves to farm cafés, reservoirs, and coastal day trips, you’re never short of something to do here — whether you’re visiting with family, planning a romantic break, or just looking for a slower pace of life.
Here’s how to make the most of summer around Cheddar.
If you’re visiting with children, this part of Somerset is packed with easy wins — places where everyone stays entertained, and no one’s asking “what are we doing next?” five minutes in.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves is the kind of place that never really gets old, even if you’ve been before.
In summer the cliffs are glowing, the walking routes are alive with wildlife, and the caves stay cool even on the hottest days.
Inside the caves, you’ll find guided tours through ancient limestone chambers, including Gough’s Cave, where prehistoric discoveries like Cheddar Man were found. There’s also the Museum of Prehistory, which brings the Ice Age story of the area to life in a surprisingly engaging way for kids and adults alike.
For something more hands-on, families can try:
It’s one of those rare places where you can genuinely spend a full day without running out of things to do.
Just a short drive away, Wookey Hole is a completely different style of cave experience — more playful, more theatrical, and very family-focused.
You’ve got the caves themselves, but also:
It’s an easy “rain or shine” day out, which makes it especially useful in a British summer.
If your family prefers something a bit more active, the Mendip Activity Centre is one of the best all-round adventure spots in the area.
It’s set in open countryside and offers a mix of structured, instructor-led activities like:
It’s one of those places where kids usually end up trying something they didn’t expect to enjoy… and then don’t want to leave.
Farrington’s Farm Shop is more than just a farm shop — it’s a full countryside stop with food, space to relax, and plenty to keep children entertained.
The Farm Shop & Café is ideal for a mid-day break, but families often end up staying longer thanks to the on-site Play Barn, which gives younger children a safe, indoor space to burn off energy while parents take a breather.
During the summer holidays, Farrington’s also hosts its own seasonal programme:
To kick off the summer holidays, Farrington’s runs a special KidsFest mini festival, bringing a lively mix of entertainment, silliness, and family fun across selected weekends in July.
It’s designed as an easy-going, feel-good day out where families can come and go between activities or stay for the full experience.
Tickets are available in advance, and it’s a popular way for local families to start the summer holidays on a high.
Right in the heart of Cheddar village, Cheddar Crazy Golf is one of those simple but surprisingly competitive summer stops that works for just about everyone.
It’s not a full-day attraction, but that’s exactly the point — it’s perfect for breaking up a busy itinerary or adding a bit of light-hearted fun between bigger adventures.
Set in the heart of Cheddar Gorge, the course offers a mix of playful challenges that are easy for children to enjoy but still fun enough to get adults quietly competitive.
It’s also one of those rare activities where nobody really takes it too seriously — which makes it even better.
If you’re the type who prefers views earned the hard way, or activities with a bit of adrenaline, Cheddar and the Mendips won’t disappoint.
The gorge walk is one of those classic Somerset experiences.
It’s steep in places, especially Jacob’s Ladder (all 274 steps of it), but the reward at the top is one of the best viewpoints in the South West.
From up there, you can see right across the Mendip Hills and out towards the Somerset Levels, especially beautiful on a clear summer evening.
There are also cliff-top paths that feel more rugged and wild than you’d expect this close to a village.
You can also rock climb on the iconic gorge cliff edges and take part in caving experiences!
Mad Swans is a bit of a modern twist on a day out in Somerset.
It’s not your typical countryside attraction — instead, it’s a social sports and hangout space where you can try:
And then unwind afterwards with food and drinks in the bar area.
It’s less about serious sport and more about fun, competition, and staying around for “one more game” that turns into three.
Cheddar Reservoir is one of those places locals tend to use more than visitors — but it’s worth knowing about.
It’s a flat, easy walk all the way around, with wide-open views across the water and hills beyond.
You’ll often see:
It’s simple, but that’s what makes it so good.
Some of the best moments in Somerset aren’t big attractions — they’re quiet walks, good food, and the kind of views you don’t need to rush.
Evenings at Cheddar Gorge or the reservoir are genuinely special in summer.
The light softens over the hills, everything slows down, and it’s one of the easiest places to just sit and take in the view.
Cheddar and nearby villages have plenty of independent cafés and pubs that are perfect for slow lunches or evening meals.
Wedmore is a quaint Somerset village with gorgeous streets, cute cafes and cosy pubs – a real hidden gem!
It’s worth checking out our separate guide for places to eat in Somerset, as there are some real hidden gems around here.
The Mendips are full of quieter walking spots if you want something a bit more natural and less busy.
Cheddar Reservoir for a short, flat, gentle stroll.
Ebbor Gorge is a standout — wooded, peaceful, and a nice contrast to Cheddar Gorge itself.
Crook Peak is another favourite for views without a choice of routes and effort.
Perhaps the Strawberry Line? a long flat route with multiple refreshment stops.
Stockhill Woods for a woodland trail that isn’t too challenging.
If you fancy something completely different, Shepton Mallet Prison is one of the most atmospheric historic sites in Somerset.
Walking through the old cells and corridors feels like stepping into another time, with guided tours that cover everything from wartime history to escape stories.
There are even evening ghost tours if you want something a bit more unusual.
If you’re staying around Cheddar for a few days, it’s well worth setting aside time for a slower-paced day out in either Wells or Glastonbury — both are close enough to reach easily, but each offers a very different feel to the countryside around the Mendips.
Wells is one of those places that feels instantly calm the moment you arrive.
It’s compact, beautiful, and easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for a relaxed summer wander. The standout is the stunning Wells Cathedral, but the charm really comes from the whole setting — cobbled streets, independent shops, and the famous medieval Vicars’ Close.
It’s an ideal stop for:
A short drive away, Glastonbury has a completely different atmosphere — part historic town, part spiritual hub, part hillside adventure.
You can explore:
It’s a place where history and storytelling sit side by side, making it perfect for a slower, more reflective day out.
Summer here is best enjoyed slowly. A walk in the Mendips in the morning, something to explore in Cheddar Gorge or the caves during the day, maybe a stop at a farm shop or café, and then an easy evening as the light drops over the hills.
What makes staying in Cheddar work so well is how simple it is to get around. You’re close to everything — the Gorge, the reservoir, Mendip activities, and easy day trips out to the coast or places like Wells and Glastonbury — but it still feels peaceful when you come back.
If you’re thinking of planning a summer in Somerset, we’d love to have you stay with us at Strawberryfield Park! We make a great base to explore it all at your own pace.