Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar

Cheddar in the Caves

Before refrigeration, caves were used to keep cheese cool, and Wookey Hole brought the practice back in 2006. Today around 300 to 400 tonnes a year of clothbound Cheddar, made with West Country milk by Ford Farm Cheesemakers (part of AJ & RG Barber), mature about 200 feet under the Mendip Hills at a steady 11 to 12°C. In its 20th year the cheese was named Champion Cheddar at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, and in 2011 it was Supreme Champion Cheese in Britain.

Seeing the Cheese Store

The cheese stores are part of the ordinary cave visit, which takes about 40 minutes and may run free-flow on busy days. The caves have many steps and uneven, wet floors, so wear sensible shoes and carry small children; buggies cannot go in. The cheese is also on the site's live cams.

Wookey Uncovered Tour and Tasting

This two-hour guided tour for small groups goes deeper into the history: the oldest chambers, where early visitors stored dairy in the cool air, the New Grotto and Inner Grotto that the standard tour skips, the Witch's Kitchen and the Great Hall, then the 17th-century Paper Mill with a papermaking demonstration. It finishes with a tasting of the cave-aged Cheddar with Somerset cider (children get apple juice). Prices: adults £40, seniors £38, children 8 to 15 £35, all 15% cheaper booked in advance. It is open to ages 8 and up and runs outside Somerset school holidays.

Day Tickets and Opening Times

A standard peak-season adult ticket is £28.99, or £24.64 booked ahead; off-peak tickets cost less. In peak season (Somerset school holidays and weekends from April) first entry is 9:30am, last entry 3:30pm and attractions close at 5pm. Off-peak, first entry is 10am, last entry 3pm and closing 4:30pm. Wookey Hole is closed midweek from Monday 2 November 2026 to 12 February 2027, opens daily in the December school holidays for Winter Wonderland, and closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Food, Shopping and Facilities

The Cheddar is sold in the Wookey Hole gift shop. There is a 400-seat restaurant, a refreshment hut in the valley and picnic space. Parking is free and large enough for coaches and campervans, but there is no overnight camping. Dogs are not allowed apart from assistance dogs.

Nearby

The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a short drive west along the Mendips, and the Frome Cheese Show is held each September to the east.