Living in Cheddar

Cheddar’s sense of community is one of its most appealing features, with residents actively participating in a variety of clubs, societies, and local causes. The village hosts regular events such as craft markets, the Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival, and seasonal fairs, supporting both social interaction and local enterprise.

The wealth of surrounding countryside and open space encourages an outdoor lifestyle, whether it’s walking the gorge, cycling the Strawberry Line, or relaxing at Cheddar Reservoir. The village hall and local community centre act as social hubs for all age groups. Outdoor events and informal meet-ups in local parks or the gorge often foster a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Cheddar is generally seen as a safe place to live, with crime rates lower than the national average for similar rural communities in Somerset. The area benefits from an active neighbourhood policing team based out of the larger Mendip area, with local officers regularly engaging with residents at community events and forums.

Most reported incidents tend to be of a non-violent nature, such as minor anti-social behaviour or vehicle-related issues. The presence of tourism, particularly in the summer, is well managed through visible policing and community wardens. Ongoing neighbourhood watch schemes and community safety initiatives help reinforce Cheddar’s reputation as a secure and welcoming place for families and individuals alike.

Parking in Cheddar is typically more accessible than in urban centres, though seasonal tourism can place pressure on village car parks and streets near Cheddar Gorge attractions. Residents benefit from ample on-street parking in residential areas and several designated car parks, such as those managed by Mendip District Council.

There are no resident permit schemes in place for most of Cheddar, but time-limited free or paid options are available in the village centre. Road congestion is generally low, except at peak times during the holiday season when the area’s popularity increases significantly. The village is conveniently located near the A371 and offers quick access to the A38, both connecting to the M5 for longer journeys.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Wells – approx. 20 minutes via A371 (10 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 50 minutes via A38/M5 (20 miles)
• Weston-super-Mare – approx. 35 minutes via A371/B3139 (16 miles)
• Bath – approx. 70 minutes via A39/A368 (25 miles)

Food and drink are central to Cheddar’s local culture, with a strong emphasis on independent cafes and classic British pubs. The White Hart and The Riverside offer hearty menus using local produce and traditional real ales. For a taste of regional fare, visitors and residents alike enjoy a stop at The Bath Arms or sampling artisan cheese at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company.

The village supports a handful of well-reviewed restaurants and tearooms, while takeaways and casual dining options extend the selection. For caffeine lovers, Lion Rock Tea Rooms and the Mousehole Café are cherished community spots. The evening scene is relaxed, with the focus on community pubs and occasional live music; there are no large nightclubs, but nearby Wells and Weston-super-Mare provide more varied nightlife options for those wanting a livelier experience.

School quality: Parents in Cheddar have access to well-regarded schools across all age ranges, with facilities praised for their supportive environments and solid Ofsted ratings.

Parks and green space: Families can take advantage of generous green spaces at Cheddar Gorge, Jubilee Park, and play areas dispersed across the village, providing plenty of scope for exploration and recreation.

Childcare: The area is served by a range of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school provision, helping working parents balance careers and home life.

Safety: The village maintains a reassuringly low level of crime, and community support groups keep safety and child welfare as priorities.

Family activities: Family-friendly activities abound, including nature walks, caving at Gough’s Cave, water sports at the reservoir, and local seasonal celebrations like the annual Cheddar Fest. The welcoming atmosphere further cements Cheddar’s appeal for families making their home in Somerset.

Pet owners in Cheddar find ample reasons to enjoy the area, thanks to abundant walking trails in and around Cheddar Gorge, the Strawberry Line path, and several off-lead parks. The open spaces and rural footpaths cater particularly well to dogs, while the broader Mendip Hills offers further adventure for pets and owners alike.

Local veterinary practices, pet supply shops, and grooming parlours ensure that pet care needs are easily met. Many local pubs and cafes are dog-friendly, and landlords are generally open to well-behaved pets, especially in family homes or cottages. With an active outdoor lifestyle typical of Cheddar, pet ownership fits naturally into village life.

Cheddar’s location offers a balance of rural peace and accessible transport links, making travel to major cities and surrounding towns straightforward. Although the village itself does not have a train station, neighbouring communities provide access to the regional rail network, while local and regional bus services connect residents to key Somerset destinations.

Commuting details:

• Bristol – approx. 50 minutes by car; direct train services from nearby Worle or Weston-super-Mare station
• Bath – approx. 70 minutes by car; accessible via Wells and onward train connections
• Wells – approx. 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus
• Weston-super-Mare – approx. 35 minutes by car; key rail hub for regional travel

Bristol Airport is around 30 minutes by road, making air travel convenient for international journeys. Major A-roads, such as the A371 and the A38, facilitate travel to the M5 motorway, providing direct links north towards Bristol and south towards Exeter.

Education in Cheddar is highly regarded, with a selection of both established and innovative institutions serving the village and its surrounding rural catchment. Families in Cheddar benefit from a range of options catering to all key stages, reflecting the area’s reputation for supporting young learners and providing varied educational pathways.

Primary Schools
Cheddar First School is a well-respected choice with a long-standing presence in the community. Fairlands Middle School bridges the gap between primary and secondary, forming a key part of local children’s progression; its last Ofsted inspection in 2018 rated the school as 'Good'. Draycott and Rodney Stoke Church of England Primary School in the next village is also popular for families seeking a slightly more rural primary experience.

Secondary Schools
The Kings of Wessex Academy serves Cheddar and the broader Mendip community, offering secondary and sixth form education. It’s noted for its broad curriculum and active involvement in local sports and music; Ofsted rated the school as 'Good' in its 2017 inspection. Families seeking independent options may look to nearby Wells Cathedral School, a short drive away, known for its academic rigour and historic setting.

Colleges and Further Education
For vocational or further education, Weston College in Weston-super-Mare is readily accessible, providing a full range of courses and adult learning opportunities. Strode College in Street is another popular option, offering A-Levels and specialist vocational training.

Universities
While Cheddar itself does not have a university campus, it is within commutable distance of major institutions such as the University of Bristol, Bath Spa University, and the University of the West of England in Bristol. These universities are popular choices among local students, offering an easy transition to higher education while maintaining close ties with the village.