Cuckoo Cleeves (cave)

Deep in the Mendip Hills beyond Wells, this natural cave system cuts through limestone cliffs with the kind of dramatic entrance that makes you wonder what medieval folk made of it. The name alone suggests centuries of local folklore - though you'll find precious little signage or information boards to guide you.

Getting there requires a proper walk across open moorland, and the cave itself is more of a geological curiosity than a grand underground adventure. It's essentially a natural tunnel through the rock, impressive enough but hardly Wookey Hole. The views from the surrounding area make up for any disappointment with the cave itself.

Walkers and geology enthusiasts will appreciate the wild setting and the chance to explore without crowds or entrance fees. Families with young children might find the terrain challenging and the cave itself a bit underwhelming after the effort required to reach it.

Allow at least two hours for the round trip from wherever you park - this isn't a quick roadside stop. The area around Wells offers plenty of proper attractions if you want something more substantial, but Cuckoo Cleeves works well as part of a longer Mendips walk. Several holiday parks around Wells, including Wells Touring Park and Bucklegrove Holiday Park, put you within easy striking distance of this corner of Somerset's less-trodden countryside.