Wells, Cheddar Cheese & Gorge: Private Day Trip from Bath

England's smallest city has the world's second oldest working clock.

This private day trip from Bath covers Wells, Cheddar and Cheddar Gorge with a local guide born in the West Country. You'll walk Wells' historic centre including the 13th-century cathedral and Europe's oldest residential street, visit a traditional Cheddar cheese factory to watch production and taste varieties matured in local caves, then drive through the scenic Cheddar Gorge with an optional steep walk to a viewpoint. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bath are included. Lunch at an English pub is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Wells and Cheddar Gorge

• Pick up from Bath at 8:30am
• Drive through English countryside to Wells
• Private walking tour of Wells historic centre
• Visit Wells Market Place
• Tour Wells Cathedral
• See Vicar's Close, oldest street in Europe
• Lunch at English pub
• Drive to Cheddar, birthplace of Cheddar cheese
• Visit traditional Cheddar cheese factory
• Taste and optionally buy Cheddar cheese
• Drive and walk to viewpoint in Cheddar Gorge
• Return drive to Bath

The experience

Your guide collects you at 8:30am from your Bath hotel and drives through the English countryside to Wells, a cathedral city small enough that you can walk its centre in a morning. The private walking tour takes in the Market Place (which appears in the film Hot Fuzz), the 13th-century Wells Cathedral with its unique second-oldest working clock in the world, and Vicar's Close, a row of stone houses that is Europe's oldest residential street still lived in. The guide, who grew up in the West Country, knows the stories behind each stop.

After lunch at a local pub, you're driven to Cheddar to visit one of the last traditional cheese factories in the area. You'll see how Cheddar cheese is made (if the timing is right, you'll watch it happen), and taste several varieties, including one aged in the caves beneath the gorge. There's a chance to buy cheese to take with you. Then comes Cheddar Gorge itself, England's largest gorge, where the road through it was recently named Britain's most scenic drive. Your guide will stop at their favourite viewpoint, and you can choose to walk up a steep 15-minute path on uneven ground (muddy after rain) for panoramic views, or stay at the road level. The day ends with a drive back to Bath.

The tour runs 8.5 hours total and works in all weather. Dress for the conditions. A maximum of six people travel together, so the group stays small. The steep walk at Cheddar Gorge is optional and not suitable for everyone, but the rest of the day is accessible to those with moderate fitness.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bath.
• private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• private walking tour of Wells' historic centre with a local guide.
• entry to Cheddar Cheese Factory with cheese tasting.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 08:30

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 39 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bath Insider Tours

Is this one for you?The 8.5-hour day leaves room for an early breakfast before pickup or a late dinner after return, but not much else. Book this when Wells, Cheddar and the gorge are your main plan for the day. The optional steep walk at Cheddar Gorge means you can adjust the physical demand on the spot, so fitness concerns don't have to rule it out.

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Top questions

What is Wells Cathedral actually like to walk through?

Wells Cathedral is a 13th-century building with a beautiful interior. Its most distinctive feature is the world's second oldest working clock, which is still in use. The cathedral sits at the heart of the city's historic centre and is one of the main stops on the private walking tour.

Can I see Cheddar cheese actually being made?

The Cheddar Cheese Factory is one of the last traditional producers in the area. You may see cheese being made during your visit, though it depends on the day and time of production. You'll definitely get to taste several varieties they produce, including cheese matured in the local caves, and you can buy some to take home.

Is the walk up to the viewpoint in Cheddar Gorge required?

No, the walk is optional. It's a steep 15-minute ascent on an uneven path that can be muddy after rain, so your guide offers it as a choice depending on fitness and conditions. You'll still see the gorge from the road and stop for views even if you don't do the walk.

What's included in the price and what do I pay separately?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bath, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the local guide are all included. Lunch at an English pub and any cheese you want to buy are separate costs. Gratuities are also not included.

How many people can book this tour together?

A maximum of six people can travel on one booking. The group stays small throughout the day, with the same private guide and vehicle from start to finish.