Things to Do in Mendip

Medieval cathedral in the centre of Wells, with one of the finest West Fronts in England. Offers free admission, with a suggested donation. The 13th-century clock and scissor arches are highlights.

🕐 Mon-Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 7am-7pm (times vary by season; check website)

💡 Head to the Chapter House at 11am for the free guided tour—it covers the cathedral’s history without fluff. Leave a donation in the box by the entrance.

A quieter, smaller gorge than Cheddar, with woodland trails and a waterfall. Free parking and entry. The circular walk takes about an hour and offers views over the Somerset Levels.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Visit after rain—the waterfall really flows then. The path can get muddy, so wear proper boots or wellies. No café on site, so bring a flask of tea.

Free access to a section of the Mendip Hills with open heathland, old lead mine workings, and sweeping views. Black Rock Reserve is a good starting point for walking the limestone pavement and spotting peregrine falcons.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Start at the Black Rock car park (free) off the A371. The loop trail to the top takes about 1.5 hours. No facilities, so pack food and water. The wind can be fierce—bring a jacket even in summer.

Massive limestone gorge and cliffs in the Mendip Hills. You can walk the public footpaths and viewpoints for free, which is the best way to see the gorge anyway.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Park in the village pay-and-display and walk up Cliff Road to avoid the main car park fees. The walk up to the Lookout Tower is steep but worth it.

Small local museum in a medieval building just off the cathedral green. Covers Mendip’s history from prehistory through mining and farming. Entry is low cost—typically a few pounds for adults.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10am-4pm (closed Sun-Mon; check for seasonal changes)

💡 The ticket lasts all day, so you can pop in between other sights. The fossil collection is surprisingly good. Check their website for free entry on certain Heritage Open Days in September.