Frederic Melton
Cheddar Gorge, a geological formation in Somerset County, southwest England, is known for its stunning visuals and rich history. The area has become a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Beyond its natural beauty, Cheddar Gorge has a long tradition of cheese production, with the village of Cheddar serving as the hub for small-scale dairies producing clothbound Cheddar. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company continues this legacy, offering tours and tastings of their farmhouse Cheddar, made and aged in the namesake village. The caves within the gorge, particularly Gough's Cave, have played a significant role in maturing cheese, contributing to the unique flavour and texture of this iconic English delicacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheddar cheese made in the gorge | Yes |
| Cheddar cheese made in the village | Yes, by Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. |
| Cheddar cheese sold in the village | Yes, by Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers tours | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers a tasting room | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers a visitor centre | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers a shop | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers a cafe | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers online shopping | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers a range of cheeses | No, only Cheddar |
| Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. offers other cheese-related products | Yes |
| Cheddar Gorge caves used for maturing cheese | Yes, in prehistoric times and in modern times |
| Cheddar Gorge a tourist destination | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offers tours and cheese-making experiences
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offers tours and cheese-making experiences, inviting visitors to discover the process of making Cheddar cheese. The company is located in the village of Cheddar, at the mouth of Cheddar Gorge, a geological formation that includes a series of caves. Cheddar Gorge has become a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors per year.
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only producer of farmhouse Cheddar made and aged in the village, reviving the tradition of cheese-making in Cheddar. The company was founded by locals John and Katherine Spencer in 2003, with the aim of bringing back the production of farmhouse Cheddar to the village. The cheese made by the company is aged in the caves of Cheddar Gorge, which provide the perfect humidity and temperature for maturing cheese. The caves, particularly Gough's Cave, have historically been used for this purpose, as the humidity allows mould to grow on the outside of the cheese, producing more complex flavours.
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offers guided tours of its facilities, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the cheese-making process and sample a variety of cheeses. These tours are typically booked in advance and cater to small groups, allowing for more personalised and intimate experiences. Visitors can also purchase cheese directly from the company's shop, which offers a range of individual cheeses and packs, as well as accompaniments such as crackers, marmalade, and cider.
In addition to the standard tours, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company has introduced small VIP tours, which include more in-depth discussions about cheese-making and a film presentation. These tours aim to cater to guests who desire a more comprehensive understanding of the cheese-making process and a more exclusive experience. The company's visitor centre, which houses the tours, was open by appointment only during 2020 and up until June 2021, receiving positive feedback from visitors.
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The village of Cheddar is the birthplace of Cheddar cheese
The village of Cheddar, located in Somerset County in southwest England, is the birthplace of Cheddar cheese. The village, which sits at the mouth of Cheddar Gorge, was once a hub for thousands of small dairies producing clothbound Cheddar. Records indicate that Cheddar cheese has been produced in the area since the 12th century.
The process of making Cheddar cheese is a physical one and varies from producer to producer. The cheese gets its name from the village and the nearby gorge, a popular tourist destination featuring a series of caves and other attractions. The caves, with their ideal humidity and temperature, were originally used to store and age cheese. The humidity in the caves allows mould to grow on the outside of the cheese, producing more complex flavours.
Cheddar Gorge, including the caves, has become a popular tourist destination. In a 2005 poll of Radio Times readers, it was named the second greatest natural wonder in Britain, attracting around 500,000 visitors per year. The maximum depth of the gorge is 137 metres (449 feet), with a near-vertical cliff-face to the south and steep grassy slopes to the north. The area features a variety of unique plant species, such as the Cheddar whitebeam and the Cheddar pink.
In recent years, the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. has revived the tradition of making Cheddar in Cheddar. The company, founded by locals John and Katherine Spencer in 2003, is the only producer of farmhouse Cheddar made and aged in the village. Visitors to Cheddar can tour the facilities to learn about the cheese-making process and sample a variety of cheeses. The company also offers small VIP tours and guided tours that include a film about the cheese-making process.
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The caves at Cheddar Gorge were used to store and age cheese
The Cheddar Gorge, an impressive geological formation in Somerset County, southwest England, is famous for its caves and cheese. The two main caves open to the public, Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, are known for their geology and have played a significant role in the history of cheese-making in the region.
The caves at Cheddar Gorge were indeed used to store and age cheese. The tradition of making and ageing cheddar cheese in the village of Cheddar is a long-standing one, with records indicating that cheese production in the area dates back to the 12th century. The caves provided the ideal environment for maturing cheese due to their consistent humidity and temperature. The humidity, in particular, allowed mould to grow on the outside of the cheese, contributing to the development of complex flavours.
Gough's Cave, discovered in 1903, is owned by a private landowner and was the primary site for ageing cheese. In 2006, the Spencers, who revived the tradition of making Cheddar in Cheddar with the establishment of the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., negotiated with the landowner to age their cheese in the cave for up to 24 months. This process of ageing cheese in the caves is known as "cave-aged cheddar" and is considered a traditional method of maturation.
Today, Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is the only producer of farmhouse cheddar made and aged in the village, carrying on the centuries-old tradition. Visitors to Cheddar can tour the cheese-making facilities and learn about the process, as well as sample and purchase cheese from the company's shop. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. has played a crucial role in reviving and continuing the legacy of cheddar cheese production in the region, ensuring that the caves' historical use in cheese maturation is not forgotten.
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The cheese is also available to buy online
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is the only producer of farmhouse cheddar made and aged in the namesake village of Cheddar, reviving the tradition of making cheddar in Cheddar. The company offers tours of its cheese-making facilities, allowing visitors to discover how cheddar is made. The small shop at Cheddar Gorge offers a range of cheeses for sampling, including individual cheeses and packs. Visitors can purchase their favourite cheeses after sampling, with options such as crackers and marmalade available to complement the cheese.
For those who are unable to visit the shop in person, Cheddar Gorge Cheese is also available to buy online. The company offers a range of cheese complements on their website, including farmhouse cider, crackers, and pickles. Gift vouchers can be purchased and redeemed against any products in the online shop, making it a convenient option for those seeking to buy authentic Cheddar Gorge cheese without having to travel to the village.
In addition to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co., there are other online options for purchasing cheese produced in the Cheddar region. The Original Cheddar Gorge Cheese, based in Somerset, offers a range of cheeses, including Cave Aged Cheddar, a traditional cloth-matured handmade farmhouse cheese. Their website also features cheese complements, such as crackers and pickles, similar to the offerings at Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co.
For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, online options also exist that combine cheese purchases with other local attractions. For example, private day trips from Bath can be arranged to include visits to Wells, Cheddar Cheese, and Cheddar Gorge, allowing visitors to explore the region and taste the local cheese offerings. These tours cater to small groups, providing a more intimate and personalised experience.
Whether visiting the village of Cheddar in person or exploring online options, cheese enthusiasts can easily access and purchase authentic Cheddar Gorge cheese, along with a variety of complementary products, to enjoy the unique flavours of this renowned English cheese-making region.
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Cheddar Gorge attracts around 500,000 visitors per year
Cheddar Gorge, a stunning geological formation in Somerset, England, is a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors each year. The gorge, located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, boasts a maximum depth of 137 metres (449 feet) and features a near-vertical cliff-face to the south and steep grassy slopes to the north.
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, located at the mouth of the gorge, is a significant attraction for many of these visitors. The company is the only producer of farmhouse Cheddar, made and aged in the village, reviving the long-standing tradition of cheesemaking in the area. Visitors can sample and purchase a variety of cheeses, including the famous Cave Aged Cheddar, as well as accompaniments such as crackers, marmalade, and cider. The company also offers guided tours, providing an opportunity to witness the cheese-making process and explore the rich history of Cheddar cheese.
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company's Visitor Centre, which opened in 2020, offers an intimate and personalised experience. They have recently introduced VIP tours, providing a more interactive and informative experience for guests. These tours include a film about the company and the process of cheese maturation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the craft.
In addition to its cheese-related attractions, Cheddar Gorge presents a range of outdoor activities and natural wonders. The gorge features over 380 climbing routes, catering to climbers of all skill levels, and serves as a training ground for rescue services and military rescue helicopter pilots. The area is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including the rare Cheddar whitebeam and the Cheddar pink. The extensive Gough's Cave and the smaller Cox's Cave, both open to the public, offer geological wonders and were even cited by J.R.R. Tolkien as the inspiration for the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. is the only producer of farmhouse Cheddar made and aged in the namesake village in southwest England.
The shop sells a variety of cheeses, including traditional cloth-matured handmade farmhouse cheese, which has been aged in the caves of Cheddar Gorge.
Yes, you can sample a variety of cheeses at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. shop.
Yes, you can purchase individual cheeses and packs at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. shop.
