Experience start times
10.30am
11.15am
12.15pm
1pm
2.45pm
3.30pm
4.15pm
Christmas At Cheddar
Come and visit Father Christmas at his top secret South West Workshop
Deep within Gough’s Cave a magical transformation is taking place
The elves have set up a special workshop and they are working through the letters already sent to Father Christmas, making sure there are enough presents for everyone as the North Pole is so very busy and needs a little extra help.
We're excited that Father Christmas is stopping off to ensure his operations at the South West Workshop are up to scratch, and he's even made time in his festive schedule to meet you and your children; he may even have a gift for them if they’ve been good this year...!
Father Christmas Grotto
Open selected dates from 21st November until Christmas Eve. To book your Grotto Experience, first select 'Book Now' below then select the 'Cheddar Gorge Day Admission' option and choose a date. The Grotto is only available on orange dates. Next, select how many Grotto tickets you need, then choose a time for your session.
Book now
The Grotto Experience
Meet Father Christmas and the elves, sing some merry tunes and listen to a festive story - it's just the thing to get you and your children in the festive spirit!
The elves will be busy in the workshop checking destinations, sorting letters, making toys and inspecting the famous sleigh to test everything is ready before the great man sets off on Christmas Eve. Children are welcome to write and send a letter to Father Christmas too.
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A unique experience you don’t want to miss
A Grotto Experience Ticket is available on selected dates from 21st November until Christmas Eve.
Anyone with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket can explore the South West Workshop set up in Gough’s Cave from 21st November.
For those families who want to join a Father Christmas Grotto session, Day Ticket holders can pre-book and purchase a separate ticket for this experience. As part of the fun, you’ll meet Father Christmas and the elves, have a merry old time singing along to festive songs, listen to a special Christmas story and receive a gift, all within the stunning Gough’s Cave.
Your Day Ticket includes access to five incredible attractions:
Guests say
"A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the day. We met Santa at Gough's cave, walked through the interactive Cox's cave and took a walk up Jacobs ladder and the lookout tower. I'd definitely recommend it." Nathan, Google Review
Need to know
- Christmas at Cheddar runs on selected dates from 21 November, then daily from 19-24 December.
- The Father Christmas Grotto Experience includes a meeting with Father Christmas and a show lasting approximately 30 minutes.
- Sessions take place at 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm and 4:15pm.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your session to allow time to walk from Gough's Cave entrance and enjoy the South West Workshop before reaching the Grotto.
- Children wishing to receive a gift require a £6.49 Grotto Experience ticket. This year's gift is a soft toy presented in a Cheddar Gorge & Caves bag. Gifts are pre-selected by Father Christmas.
- For guests not receiving a gift, including older children and adults, the charge is £4.49 per person.
- Babes in arms are free unless they require a gift, in which case a £6.49 ticket is needed.
- All children visiting the Grotto Experience must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, also with a Grotto Experience ticket and either a Day Ticket (for the same day) or Membership card.
- Images are for illustrative purposes only.
- The South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave is included with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket. Under 3s can enter the South West Workshop for free. Please note, the Workshop does not include meeting Father Christmas or the Grotto show.
- Annual Longleat and Cheddar Gorge & Caves Members can visit the Workshop without purchasing a Day Ticket.
- A valid Day Ticket and pre-booked Father Christmas Grotto Experience ticket are required to enter the Grotto.
- Pre-booking is essential and places are limited.
- We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment and help us personalise your experience.
- Walk-up bookings may be available on the day, subject to availability.
- Online bookings must be made by midnight the day before your visit.
- Annual Longleat and Cheddar Gorge & Caves Members do not need to purchase a Day Ticket for the Workshop, but must pre-book and pay for the Grotto Experience. Members can book through the members-only area of the website.
- Blue Peter offers cannot be redeemed with any other promotions or the Father Christmas Grotto. Full details here.
- If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee an alternative session. Cheddar Gorge & Caves operates a no refunds or exchanges policy for tickets booked online.
- A designated pushchair park is available at the Grotto entrance. Property is left at the owner's risk.
- Well behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you during the Father Christmas Grotto experience.
- Unfortunately, due to the steep gradients and steps, wheelchair users and those with limited mobility will find much of Gough’s Cave inaccessible. If you have queries about the accessibility of this experience please call us to discuss your requirements.
- Gough's Cave is located next to the River Yeo, in the event of heavy rain or snow the cave can flood. In the event of flooding, there will be an alternative Grotto by the mouth of Gough's Cave. On Flood Days visitors will be offered a partial refund on their Day Tickets. Members do not receive a refund. Cheddar Gorge & Caves can take no responsibility for tickets purchased from non-official partners.