top tips when visiting Cheddar Woods
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Located in the stunning Somerset countryside, Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is the perfect escape for everyone.
Whether you are going away with friends, family or as a couple there is plenty to do that will keep you busy and entertained. But before you set off for your holiday you will want to have a read through this handy blog which is full of all the top tips you need to know when you visit the resort. If you have any other questions about the resort before you visit, check out our Cheddar Woods FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
You will be able to check into your accommodation from 4pm on the day of arrival but if you are wanting to start the holiday before checking in you could head to the Cheddar Gorge and Caves. It can be found just a 5-minute drive away from the resort and is the perfect thing to do in the local area. It is known for being one of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can either park in one of the car parks and walk up to the top of the gorge and enjoy the views across Cheddar and beyond. Or you can book onto the caves and learn all about the impressive history.
what are the top things in the area?
There is plenty to keep you busy on the resort but sometimes it is nice to know about different days out in the local area. The things listed below are under half hours’ drive away from Cheddar Woods and are perfect for groups of all ages. Have a read and see which ones you want to add into your plans.
1. Mendip Activity Centre
11 min drive from resort
The Mendip Activity Centre is set across 250 acres in the Mendip Hills. It is the largest independent activity centre in the area with so much to do. Here you can try things like abseiling, air rifles, archery, assault courses, axe throwing, canoeing, caving, raft building and more. You will be able to find something to suit everyone and it makes a great day out if you want to try out something fun and memorable.
2. Ashton Windmill
11 min drive from resort
This unique 18th century flour mill is a great place to explore locally to the resort. The tower is over 7.5 metres high, and the sales are 13m across. The windmill is usually open on Sundays, bank holidays and some Wednesdays. Enjoy walking over to the windmill and take in the incredible views across to Cheddar Gorge and beyond. It makes a great stop during your day to explore if you are heading over to that area.
3. Puxton Park
22 min drive from resort
Open 7 days a week and the perfect all-weather family experience, Puxton Park is an amazing day out for families of all ages. With an adventure area, fun farm indoor soft play, water pursuits, tractor tracks, animal zones and a mini railway. You will be spoilt for choice with all the things available for your children to enjoy. There is also the Meadows Restaurant on site where you can enjoy a bite to eat during your time here.
4. Water Adventure Play Park
27 min drive from resort
During the summer months the Water Adventure Play Park is the perfect place to visit as a family. With splash pads, fountains and sprays triggered by sensors and buttons. It’s a great experience for children as they play around the park and try to dodge the rain showers and sprinklers. As well as the splash park there is wooden play equipment that kids can enjoy too along with an independently run café serving a range of food and drink options.
5. Brean Leisure Park
28 min drive from resort
The ultimate family day out in the South West, Brean Leisure Park had everything from a waterpark, theme park, play areas, eateries and restaurants and more. It’s the perfect day out which is under half an hour away from Cheddar Woods. No matter what age group your kids are there is something to suit them all and you can enjoy a fun and memorable day out during your holiday in Somerset.
closest shops for essentials?
All of our accommodation at Cheddar Woods is self-catering so they come with fully-fitted kitchens providing you with everything you need to create some delicious meals. So it will be handy to know about some of the closest shops for if you need to pick up any food or ingredients during your stay.
- Premier – 3 min drive from resort
- Tesco Express – 4 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 5 min drive from resort
- Co-op Food – 4 min drive from resort
- Seagers – 9 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Each accommodation on the resort is self-catering so you will probably find yourself cooking meals during your holiday or using the restaurant on site. But if you are wanting to enjoy a meal out once or twice during your stay it will be handy to know about some of the best places to eat out in the local area.
1. Riverside Inn Cheddar
3 min drive from resort
Located at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge, the Riverside Inn Pub is the perfect choice if you are wanting to tuck into some delicious food and drink in a stunning location in Cheddar. With plenty to choose from on their menu like Sunday roasts, small plates, burgers, pies and more there will be something for everyone. They also have BT Sports and Sky Sports as well as other live entertainment on throughout the week.
2. The Gardeners Arms
4 min drive from resort
This traditional pub in the centre of Cheddar is a great choice for a meal out. Located off Cheddar’s main street in a quieter area and was once four farm cottages. Today it is a welcoming pub offering all the classic pub food options along with various deals on throughout the week including pie and a pint Wednesdays.
3. La Rocca Italian
4 min drive from resort
For those in the mood for pizza and pasta, La Rocca Italian in Cheddar is perfect. They offer delicious Italian cuisine in the heart of Cheddar Gorge. With a combination of classic and modern dishes there is plenty to choose from on their incredible menu. With an incredible choice of starters, pastas, pizzas, salads, risottos and more everyone will find something they’d like to eat at La Rocca.
4. The Lamb Inn
4 min drive from resort
Located in Axbridge, Somerset, The Lamb Inn is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and drink. It is a traditional coaching inn that dates back to 1480 and today is a pub with a charming and cosy atmosphere. Inside you will find wooden beams, open fires, and original features throughout to give it it’s authentic feel. As well as the amazing food on offer there is also a dartboard, skittles alley and board games to keep you entertained whilst you dine there.
5. The Cider Barn
7 min drive from resort
Located just 5 minutes away from Cheddar Gorge is where you’ll find The Cider Barn. It was established in 2012 and prides themselves on the quirky and eccentric feel you will see throughout. Offering a range of delicious food from sourdough pizzas to classic pub snacks you will find something on the menu to suit everyone in your group. They also have various events on throughout the year so keep an eye out to see if anything is on during your visit.