Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves

About Us

Visit Cheddar Gorge & Caves to discover a secret that has been hidden deep underground in the tunnels and caves of Cheddar Gorge. No, we're not talking about Cheddar Man, but another very special individual who appears at this festive time of year.

That's right, it's Father Christmas!

Little did you know that it's not just cheese made in Gough's Cave, but lots of toys too. Some of Father Christmas' elves have set up a special outpost in the cave to help manage the huge quantity of letters from all the boys and girls. They're also making sure that there are enough presents for everyone (those that have been good that is) as the North Pole is so very busy and needs a little extra help.

This year, Father Christmas is stopping off to ensure his operations are up to scratch and has decided that while the final tweaks are made, he will invite you behind the scenes to marvel at the magic that is Christmas at Cheddar. You'll see elves checking destinations, busy sorting letters, making toys and inspecting the famous sleigh to test all is well before the great man sets off on Christmas Eve.

Join in with the joy and magic of Christmas at Cheddar and you'll receive an experience like no other; have a merry old time as you sing some songs, listen to a festive fairytale and receive a special gift from Father Christmas, with the stunning backdrop of Gough's Cave and its spectacular natural features.

NEED TO KNOW

A Christmas at Cheddar ticket is only required for those wishing to attend one of the 30minutes sessions to meet Father Christmas. All Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket holders will be able to explore Santa's South West Workshop in Gough's Cave from 19th November.

Father Christmas will be visiting his workshop on the following dates: 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th November. 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th December. Daily from 17th to the 24th December.

There are sessions available on event days for families to meet Father Christmas, where children will receive a gift at the following times: 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm and 4:15pm.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Please make sure you are aware of the time that your Christmas at Cheddar experience is due to start and arrive at the check in point in Gough's Cave at least 10 minutes before your designated start time.

To enjoy the Father Christmas part of the Christmas at Cheddar experience, each visitor must have purchased a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Day Ticket for the day of their visit, and then have booked Christmas at Cheddar tickets. Tickets must be booked for one of the seven Father Christmas sessions throughout the day.

*There is a £5 charge for those 0-4 year olds who wish to participate in the Father Christmas experience and receive a gift. This charge is applied because the Cheddar Gorge and Caves Day Ticket is free for under 5s. For everyone aged 5 and over, meeting Father Christmas is included in the price of your Day Ticket.

Well behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you during the Christmas at Cheddar experience.

All children visiting Father Christmas' grotto must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, with a Christmas at Cheddar ticket.

The Father Christmas part of the Christmas at Cheddar experience is primarily designed for children (up to the age of 10). Adults visiting the grotto must have a child with them. Only children with a valid Christmas at Cheddar ticket for a particular time slot will receive a gift; adults taking part in the experience will not get a present from Father Christmas, but do still require a Christmas at Cheddar ticket.

Places in each session are limited. We recommend pre-booking your Christmas at Cheddar tickets to meet Father Christmas as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and to help us personalise your experience. Walk-up bookings will be offered on the day, where availability allows.

Booking online essential