Top 5 Caves in Somerset
Best caves in Somerset are found within a region characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is known for its limestone geology, which has led to the formation of numerous caves and gorges. Somerset's underground systems offer a range of experiences, from accessible show caves to more challenging caving in Somerset. The region combines historical significance with natural exploration opportunities.
Best caves in Somerset
- The most popular caves is Ebbor Gorge, a gorge that features a path becoming steeper, rockier, and narrower as it progresses. This varied route includes a beautiful gorge with steep and sometimes slippery rock steps.
- Another must-see spot is Charterhouse SSSI, a natural monument. Visitors can find caves in the limestone rock around Charterhouse village, alongside Roman lead and silver mines.
- Visitors also love Goatchurch Cavern, a natural monument set into limestone rock. This cavern is considered beginner-friendly, with hand railings inside, and is popular for beginner caving Somerset experiences due to its general ease and two entrances.
- Somerset is known for limestone caverns and gorges. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from those with historical significance to those suitable for beginner caving.
- The caves in Somerset are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by users.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Ebbor Gorge
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Goatchurch Cavern
Highlight • Natural Monument
Goatchurch is a popular cave for beginners and school trips thanks to its general ease and its two entrances. Access is free, however, caving can be dangerous and you shouldn't attempt it without a capable guide if you're new to caving. This cave is considered relatively straightforward but still has technical areas, tight squeezes and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.
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Priddy Mineries Ponds
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Charterhouse SSSI
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
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Wookey Hole Caves
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Ok, the photos do not do justice to this stunning chamber! It was only "opened" to the show cave in 2015! (The last time I visited was in 1990!!) The caves are still explored very regularly by cave divers, and the decision was made to connect chamber 9 to chamber 20 via a tunnel in 2015. What is visible in the images is the result of melt-water from the end of the last ice age. It has sculpted the rocks into valleys, ridges and crevasses. It is, as far as we know, the largest example of this in the whole of the UK.
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It's like a miniature Ebbor Gorge meets tellytubby land. Well worth a walk.
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This popular cavern is set into limestone rock and is particularly beginner friendly. You can find some hand railings inside to help you, dating back from the early 20th century when it was being (unsuccessfully) turned into a show cave like the other Mendip caves of Wookey and Cheddar. Goatchurch is a popular cave for beginners and school trips thanks to its general ease and its two entrances. Access is free, however, caving can be dangerous and you shouldn't attempt it without a capable guide if you're new to caving. This cave is considered relatively straightforward but still has technical areas, tight squeezes and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.
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Ebbor Gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve(NNR). Dramatic limestone gorge with interesting caves of important past climate research. Its ancient woodland combes are rich in wildlife and of the Mendip Hills AONB's special qualities
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Ebbor Gorge is a magnificent limestone gorge within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designated as a national nature reserve, the mixed woodland and deep gorge is home to much flora and fauna, including 250 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens. The caves within the gorge were inhabited by neolithic people and flint tools have been found. The path through the gorge is steep, rocky, wet and muddy. If you have decent footwear and average fitness, you’ll be fine. If you are planning to complete the round walk, I’d recommend going up the gorge (it’s so much fun you don’t notice the effort) and down the meadows (as the views are amazing and with you for the whole descent).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly caves to visit in Somerset?
Yes, Wookey Hole Caves are a popular family attraction, offering a host of activities beyond just exploring the limestone caverns. They are billed as one of the most impressive show caves in Europe.
What kind of caving experiences are available for beginners in Somerset?
For beginners, Goatchurch Cavern is considered particularly friendly. It features hand railings inside and is popular for introductory caving experiences due to its general ease and two entrances. However, it's always recommended to go with a capable guide if you're new to caving.
What geological formations can be seen in Somerset's caves?
Somerset's caves, particularly in areas like the Mendip Hills, are known for their limestone geology. You can observe impressive limestone caverns, and in places like Wookey Hole Caves, formations sculpted by melt-water from the last ice age, creating unique valleys, ridges, and crevasses.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Somerset?
Beyond caving, Somerset offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find various hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Cheddar Gorge loop or the Ebbor Gorge loop. There are also extensive MTB trails and road cycling routes throughout the region, such as those in the Quantock Hills or Mendip Hills.
Are there historical sites associated with the caves in Somerset?
Yes, the region has significant historical connections. For instance, Charterhouse SSSI features caves in the limestone rock alongside Roman lead and silver mines, highlighting the area's ancient industrial past. Wookey Hole Caves have also been used by humans for around 45,000 years.
What should I wear for exploring caves in Somerset?
For general cave exploration, especially in natural gorges or less developed caverns like Ebbor Gorge, decent footwear is essential as paths can be steep, rocky, wet, and slippery. For more involved caving, appropriate protective gear and clothing suitable for cool, damp conditions are necessary.
What makes Ebbor Gorge a unique place to visit?
Ebbor Gorge offers a varied route that becomes steeper, rockier, wetter, muddier, and narrower as you progress. It's known for its beautiful gorge with steep and sometimes slippery rock steps, providing an engaging and scenic experience through a primeval forest.
Is it possible to explore caves in Somerset without a guide?
While some accessible show caves like Wookey Hole Caves can be explored independently, caving in natural, undeveloped caverns like Goatchurch Cavern can be dangerous. If you are new to caving, it is strongly advised not to attempt it without a capable guide.
What are the main differences between visiting a show cave and a natural cavern in Somerset?
Show caves like Wookey Hole Caves are typically developed with lighting, pathways, and guided tours for public accessibility and safety. Natural caverns, such as Goatchurch Cavern, offer a more rugged, less modified experience, often requiring more preparation and potentially a guide, though some are accessible for beginner caving.
Are there any areas in Somerset where I can see both caves and historical Roman sites?
Yes, Charterhouse SSSI is an excellent example. This area around Charterhouse village features caves within its limestone rock formations, alongside remnants of Roman lead and silver mines, offering a blend of natural beauty and ancient history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves and gorges in Somerset?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the challenging and varied routes in places like Ebbor Gorge to the impressive geological formations in the limestone caverns. The blend of natural exploration with historical significance, as seen in sites like Charterhouse SSSI, is also highly valued.
Most popular routes in Somerset
Most popular attractions in Somerset
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