Cox's Cave

Cox's Cave in Cheddar is one of the two show caves set into Cheddar Gorge, on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. It sits at the foot of the limestone cliffs, a short walk from its better-known neighbour Gough's Cave, and both are visited as part of the Cheddar Gorge & Caves attraction.

How was Cox's Cave found?

A workman employed by mill owner George Cox broke through the rock in 1837 and found a hidden chamber. Cox widened the opening himself and went in to look. The cave welcomed paying visitors in 1838, which made it the first cave at Rock End in Cheddar to be opened to the public.

Gas lighting arrived around 1870. Electric lights were partly installed in 1913 and replaced gas completely in 1929. In 1884 the Cox family tried to sell the cave, but the High Court ruled it was not theirs to sell. They kept a lease, and the Longleat Estate took back control in 1939.

What will you see inside?

The cave is known for its dense clusters of stalactites and stalagmites, which are unusually well preserved. In the section called the Home of the Rainbow you can see a multicoloured stalagmite. Its shades come from minerals that seeped down from the surface into the hill.

Since 2016 the route has paired the natural formations with theatrical lighting and video projection, so the cave tells its story as a short walk-through show that suits families as well. Official material uses the name Dreamhunters, while some listings add the subtitle Yeo's Journey, so the show title appears in different forms.

How do you visit Cheddar Gorge & Caves?

The day ticket covers six attractions: Gough's Cave, Cox's Cave, the Museum of Pre-History, the Beyond the View cinema experience, Jacob's Ladder with the Lookout Tower, and the three-mile (about 5 km) Cliff-Top Walk. A cheaper outdoor-only ticket skips the caves. You can buy tickets online or on arrival, and the site runs all year, usually from 10am to 5pm. Check cheddargorge.co.uk for current prices and hours, as they change with the season.

When should you go?

The temperature underground stays cool and fairly constant all year, so bring a light jumper even in summer. The cave itself takes little time, so most visitors pair it with Gough's Cave and the cliff walk. On weekends and school holidays, arrive in the morning to beat the traffic and the tour groups in the gorge.

Frequently asked questions

Are Cox's Cave and Gough's Cave the same cave? No. They are two separate caves in the same gorge, and the day ticket lets you see both.

Who discovered Cox's Cave, and when? A workman employed by George Cox found it in 1837, and it opened to visitors in 1838.

Can I bring a dog? Dogs are welcome at Cheddar Gorge & Caves throughout the year. Check the venue's website for the rules that apply inside the caves themselves.

How long does a visit take? The cave alone takes anywhere from a quarter of an hour to under an hour. A full day ticket with the gorge, museum and cliff walk fills a few hours.