The Illuminated Cave
28 March - 31 May 2026
We’ve got some CRACKING news! The Illuminated Cave with Wallace & Gromit and Friends is coming to Cheddar Gorge & Caves.
Running from Saturday 28 March - Sunday 31 May 2026, visitors will step into 50 years of Aardman magic, mischief and marvellous clay as Gough’s Cave is transformed into a spectacular illuminated trail.
The Easter experience runs from Saturday 28 March – Sunday 19 April. Explorers of all ages will take to the magical illuminated trail deep within the awe-inspiring chambers of Gough’s Caves and discover cool facts about the dazzling Aardman lantern scenes. Little adventurers will crack a secret code to receive an Easter treat.
Deep underground, the cave will become a glowing, immersive experience celebrating the much-loved characters of Aardman. From cheeky heroes to unforgettable friends, beautifully illuminated lanterns bring to life some of the most iconic scenes from the past five decades.
Throughout the Easter period (28 March - 19 April), explorers of all ages can follow the illuminated trail through Gough’s Cave, crack the code to receive an Easter treat, and uncover cool facts about the Aardman lantern scenes.
The fun continues into May Half Term (23 May – 31 May). Visitors can explore the cave, complete the trail and receive a themed reward sticker for cracking the secret code – the perfect keepsake to their underground adventure.
And the experience doesn’t stop there! Aardman themed arts and crafts will add a creative, hands-on element to the day out.
Perfect for families, fans of animation and curious explorers alike, this unique event combines heritage, humour and fun in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Arrive early and enjoy a whole day of fun and adventure!
All of this is included in your Day Ticket or Membership:
- Gough’s Cave – home of glittering stalactites and the legendary Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest complete skeleton.
- Yeo’s Journey in Cox’s Cave – a stunning multimedia experience telling the story of how water shaped these ancient caves.
- Beyond the View panoramic cinema experience. Find out about the local history, wildlife and plants.
- The Museum of Prehistory – discover how our ancestors lived, hunted and thrived.
- Jacob’s Ladder & The Lookout Tower – climb 274 steps for panoramic views of the gorge and the sweeping Mendip landscape.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome too, so no one misses out on the adventure!
Need to know
- The Illuminated Cave and its activities are included with a Day Ticket.
- All activities are running within normal Cheddar Gorge and Caves opening hours and are subject to availability.
- Children doing the activities will need to be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
- Children's activities, such as the 'crack the secret code' trail and arts and crafts, will take place during Easter holidays and May half term only
- The Illuminated Cave takes place in Gough's Cave. Trail sheets can be collected from Gough’s Cave entrance from 10am to 4pm
- One trail sheet per child with a valid Day Ticket.
- Once completed, the Trail Sheet entitles the child to one reward treat which can be collected from the Arts and Crafts Room.
- The reward treat can be collected on the day of participation in the activity only. No roll overs. Collection must be made by 4.30pm in the Arts and Crafts Room or 4.45pm at Guest Services.
- The images of The Illuminated Cave illuminations shown are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact replica of the display within Gough's Cave.
- Due to the steep gradient and steps, we regret that much of Gough’s Cave is inaccessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
- Cheddar Gorge & Caves is owned and run by Longleat Enterprises Limited.
- Cheddar Gorge & Caves reserves the right to refuse entry, close to the public, withdraw any attraction, alter times, prices, events or services without notice