Cheddar History Tour

Finding the hidden gems of Cheddar - an ancient river crossing still very much in use today. Tour No. 31

There is more to Cheddar than the attractions in the Gorge, and for the history buff there are numerous locations hidden away in the village, where you can learn a little more about how Cheddar has grown and changed over time. Cheddar’s University of the Third Age (U3A) History Group has now produced a fascinating and informative guide to some of the interesting historical sites to be found around the village.

Whether you are a visitor with an interest in local history, or if you live here and wonder why things are laid out as they are, this might answer your question. This first edition of the tour forms a self-guided route of about 2 miles and can be followed clockwise from any start point. We’re waiting for printed versions of these which you will be able to pick up from local dispensers.

1880s map extract

Meantime, you can download and print off these two PDF files before setting out, or send them to your mobile device to read on the move. If you download from these links it helps the U3A monitor how many have been taken:

Heritage walk script (808) - descriptions of the locations
on the tour

Heritage walk map (735) - map of the village showing
the route to follow

If you find the walk interesting, would like to see other areas of the village covered, if you have any problems following the route, or have any other ideas to create awareness of Cheddar’s history, let us know via the contact form.

See also this book about Cheddar’s industrial history.

The My Cheddar Community Group is hoping to develop this tour further with the addition of scannable QR codes on notable buildings - providing even more historical information for you when you are actually at the site, accessed via your phone, tablet or other mobile device - keep watching this page for more news!