Denny's Hole

Tucked away in the Mendip Hills just outside Cheddar, this natural limestone cave offers a proper underground adventure without the crowds that swamp the famous Cheddar Gorge caves. The entrance looks unassuming - little more than a rocky gap in the hillside - but once you're inside, the chamber opens up into a surprisingly spacious cavern.

Unlike its commercialised cousins down the road, Denny's Hole remains genuinely wild. You'll need a decent torch and sturdy shoes as there's no artificial lighting or paved walkways here. The cave extends back about 30 metres, with some scrambling required over loose rocks if you want to explore the furthest reaches.

Families with older children who fancy a bit of spelunking will love this free alternative to the pricey show caves. Younger kids might find it too dark and intimidating, though teenagers often prefer the authentic cave experience over sanitised tourist attractions. The whole visit takes maybe 45 minutes including the short walk from the nearest parking spot.

It's well worth combining with a stay at one of the nearby sites like Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa or Mendip Basecamp Family Adventure Campsite. Both put you within easy reach of the main Cheddar attractions while keeping Denny's Hole as your secret backup plan for when the weather turns.