Carcass Cave

Underground chambers stretch deeper into the limestone than most people expect at this lesser-known cave system in the Mendip Hills. While Cheddar's famous show caves draw the crowds, Carcass Cave offers a more rugged experience for those willing to venture off the beaten track near Cheddar village.

Potholers and serious cavers will find the most to appreciate here - this isn't a tourist attraction with handrails and electric lighting. The entrance requires a proper scramble, and you'll need your own gear and experience to explore safely. Local caving groups sometimes organise trips, but it's not somewhere for a casual family outing.

Exploring takes several hours if you're going deep, though you could spend just an hour checking out the entrance chambers. Weather doesn't matter much once you're underground, but wet conditions make the approach trickier.

Staying at one of the nearby sites like Cheddar Woods Resort or Mendip Basecamp puts you right in prime caving country. The main Cheddar show caves are just down the road if you want the full underground experience, while Wookey Hole lies a short drive west. It's proper adventure territory - just make sure you know what you're doing before heading into the depths.