The name Cheddar is best known for the type of hard cheese that was first made in the area near this Somerset village. The cheese dates back as far as 1170 as documented by a purchase of King Henry II. Originally only cheeses that were produced within 30 miles of the village were allowed to use the name, but now that style of cheese and labelled as such accounts for 50% of the cheese sales within the UK and is also popular abroad. Cheddar is also a popular tourist attraction because of Cheddar Gorge, a steep valley that is carved out of the Mendip Hills that is over 100 m high and is the largest gorge in the UK. This area has been settled since Neolithic times and Englands oldest complete skeleton known as Cheddar Man was found in Gough's Cave. The caves are a popular tourist attraction known for their impressive array of Stalagmites and Stalactites.
Cheddar has a number of shops, cafes and is an ideal destination to spend a relaxing day exploring.
