Cheddar show caves closed until 2021

mikem

Well-known member
As you probably don't want to look at a "Live" site:
https://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/mumbo-jumbo/coronavirus-(covid-19)-closure-of-cheddar-gorge-and-caves
 

ZombieCake

Well-known member
That's really a great shame.  As well as those losing the cave jobs there'll be the knock on effect on the general tourist trade so additionally impacting trade for the tearooms and the souvenir and other shops.
2020 looks like being a really rubbish year all round the UK.
 

maxb727

Member
It?s a huge shame but interestingly the gorge has still be really busy despite the caves not being open currently. Not sure if an official announcement will change that or not.
 

mikem

Well-known member
Most of wookey is still open (but not chamber 20, or some of the other attractions, where they can't space people out)
 

Andy Farrant

Active member
Most other show-caves (Peak, Speedwell, Treak, Clearwell Caves etc) are open, as are other major tourist attractions such as Alton Towers, so this can't be just about the pandemic.
 

PeteHall

Moderator
Not sure about Peak and Speedwell, but Wookey has a one way circuit and they have closed the bit where you can't go one way. Cheddar cannot be operated one way.
 

maxb727

Member
I thought Dan yr Ogof is one way in and out so people have to pass each other? That?s open and was open in August when we went caving. I don?t think the lack of one way route is the whole reason for Cheddar caves closing
 

Andy Farrant

Active member
Cheddar could easily operate a one way system, certainly in Goughs (it is partially one way anyway). I suspect this is more about poor management with covid as an excuse.
 

mikem

Well-known member
Their accounts are combined with Longleat Safari park, so impossible to know if it's a financial problem (reported ?2 million profit last year, after a loss the year before).

They had been due to re-open on July 27th, but announced on the day that they weren't able to:
https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/cheddar-gorge-gets-ready-to-reopen-1-6762691
 

maxb727

Member
Maybe Lord Bath didn?t leave his son as much inheritance as he expected - after all he had a lot of wifelets to provide for!
 

The Old Ruminator

Well-known member
The footfall at Cheddar had declined a fair bit since its heyday. The big hotel (Coxe's) has been boarded up for many years now. The local railway line closed ( The Strawberry Line ) and a big " Centre Parks " type holiday park has opened close to Axbridge. This is self-contained so might offer Cheddar little in the way of trade. Sadly its all a bit trashy there now and the traffic can be awful. Long term roadworks between Cheddar and the A 38 has not helped this year and last. Having seen the state of South West resort car parks this year I doubt that Cheddar has sufficient spaces for a huge number of visitors.
 

Sid

Member
"Maybe Lord Bath didn?t leave his son as much inheritance as he expected - after all he had a lot of wifelets to provide for!"

You never met his wife then! She left the scattering of ashes of the Marquess of Bath at Heavens Gate (Longleat) saying "thats the last time i come here"
 

andrewmcleod

Well-known member
On the CSCC FB page:

"Access to caves in Cheddar Gorge
Further to the decision by Longleat to close the show caves and suspend their operations in Cheddar, they have notified CSCC that with immediate effect caver access to all caves on Longleat property which includes the whole south side of the Gorge, is no longer available. This includes all caves and digs, and affects sites such as Reservoir Hole, Spider Hole, Goughs Cave, Long Hole, Great Oones etc.
Longleat are not adverse to reinstating caver access subject to an access agreement with CSCC. Negotiations to formalise an access procedure were started at the request of Longleat a few years ago, but were never concluded.
Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favourable and positive outcome, however in the meantime all the caves are closed.
Longleat will be keeping a presence in the Gorge for maintenance purposes, but this is all. Approaches should not be made to Longleat or any of their representatives as permission to visit any of the caves will be denied.
Graham Price
Conservation & Access Officer
Council of Southern Caving Clubs"
(further contact details redacted)
 
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