Christmas At Cheddar

The Grotto Experience:

The elves have set up a special workshop in Gough’s Cave! They are working through the letters already sent to Father Christmas and 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...!

A Grotto Experience Ticket is available on selected dates from 21st November until Christmas Eve. 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.

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.

This is a unique experience you don’t want to miss.

Dogs are welcome so everyone can join the fun!

• Christmas at Cheddar is running on selected dates from 21st November and then daily from the 19^th – 24^th December.
• The Father Christmas Grotto Experience incurs an additional charge to enter for all ages. There is a £6.49 charge for the Father Christmas Grotto experience for anyone from the ages of 0 years up to approx. 15 years who you would like to receive a gift and meet Father Christmas.
• The gift this year is a cuddly toy presented in a Cheddar Gorge & Caves / Longleat bag. NB. Gifts are preselected by Father Christmas so you cannot choose. For anyone who doesn't require a gift (e.g. older children and adults), the charge is £4.49 per person.
• Babes in arms are free of charge, unless you would like your baby to receive a gift, in which case they need a £6.49 experience ticket.
• You need a Day Ticket as well as a pre-booked Father Christmas Grotto ticket to enter the Father Christmas Grotto which includes the show.
• Pre-Booking is essential.
• The show will last approximately 30 minutes and sessions take place at 10.30am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm.
• Please arrive 15 mins prior to your session  time to allow time to walk from Gough's Cave entrance and enjoy the South West Workshop before you reach the Grotto.
• Each session has a capacity of approx. 30 people per session.
• The Father Christmas’ South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave is included in the price of a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket. Under 3’s go free. The workshop does not include meeting Father Christmas or the Grotto show.
• Annual Longleat/Cheddar Gorge & Caves Members do not need to purchase a Day Ticket to see the Workshop. They do need to pre-book and pay for the Father Christmas Grotto experience. Members book tickets in the members only area on the website.
• Blue Peter members: Please note, the Blue Peter offer cannot be redeemed with any other promotions or the Father Christmas Grotto. Full details here: | Cheddar Gorge
• Well behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you during the Father Christmas Grotto experience.
• All children visiting Father Christmas' Grotto 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.
• Places in each session are limited. We recommend pre-booking your Father Christmas' Grotto experience tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and to help us personalise your experience. Walk-up bookings will be offered on the day, where availability allows.
• 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.
• Tickets being purchased online must be booked no later than midnight the day before your intended visit date.
• There is a designated pushchair park at the entrance to Father Christmas' Grotto in the cave. This is unattended and property is left at your own risk.
• If you are late for your pre-booked time we cannot guarantee you will be offered an alternative session time. Cheddar Gorge & Caves operates a policy of no refunds or exchanges for tickets booked online.
• 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.
• The images used are for illustrative purposes.