Cheddar Gorge is positioned right on the edge of the Mendip Hills and has been formed over millions of years by the water-based erosion of the local limestone to form this stunning, huge natural gash in the Somerset countryside. The towering cliffs rise to almost 500 feet above the valley floor, and in the 12th century, Henry of Huntingdon acknowledged it as "a wonder of England".

The erosion has been effected by the River Yeo, which now flows beneath the area and is one of England's largest subterranean waterways. The relentless action of water has formed massive caves beneath the ground, containing wonderful rock formations, as well as stalactites and stalagmites, some displaying vivid colours due the ferric and cupric content of the water. Along with Wookey Hole, situated just a couple of miles along the road, these are the most visited caves in Europe, and in the summer months, Cheddar is clogged with tour coaches and holidaymakers alike.

Cheddar is, of course, equally famous for its cheese. It is traditionally a hard cheese with variable flavours, ranging from mild to full-strength depending upon its method of production. Colourwise, it can range from almost white to dark yellow, although the more favoured "farmhouse" varieties tend to be of a mid-yellow hue. The cheese is traditionally drum-shaped and cloth-wrapped to ensure a hard rind. It can be matured for anything up to three years to produce a powerful taste sensation. Its name was never licensed, and as such, it is now possible to buy "Canadian", "Scottish", and "Irish" cheddars, although cheese purists would never recognise these as the real McCoy.

Cheddar's (and Somerset's in general) other contribution to gastronomic pleasure is cider, although not the relatively mild product available in supermarkets and off-licenses. No, this stuff is known as "scrumpy" and quite commonly has an alcoholic content of anywhere between seven and ten percent, so handle with care! It is dry, somewhat sweet, and is traditionally sold in flagons holding either four or eight pints. Many of the orchards in Somerset provide apples for this product, and you will often see a sign as you pass by a farm offering its own scrumpy at very reasonable prices.