Last Sunday was Sarah's Birthday and we visited Cheddar Gorge, just near the village of Cheddar. This is where the famous cheese originated. There are a number of caves in the gorge that were used for maturing the cheese. Well that's the history lesson done with. Oh and by the way in case you were wondering there were no castles nearby to visit.
It was quite a grey and cold day. When we were close to the gorge, there was a sign indicating that the road was closed. Of course in typical English fashion the sign was placed about 100m after a turn off to an alternative route so you had to turn around and go back. We went down the alternative B road, which wasn't too bad. Once again when we were close to the gorge there was sign that the road was closed. We stopped and considered our options and then saw a few cars just drive down the road past the sign so we decided to join them. They were holding a cycling/orienteering event in the gorge and I think the organisers had closed the road for the start and then forgotten to remove the signs. We saw quite a few muddy cyclists riding around with maps attached to their handlebars.
When we got out of the car, it was raining very lightly. I told the kids that the official term over here for this is mist. They disagreed and said it was rain.
There are a number of attractions to visit in the gorge including two caves. We went into the first one. They are not as good as Jenolan caves. We all got audio guides to listen to, which gave information at particular points in the cave. Ella didn't understand that you could stop the guide so went through at a pace as she tried to make sure she was at the right place for the guide. I had to stay with her and we went through rather quickly. The others appeared at the end of the cave about 20 minutes later.
We had a nice pub lunch and then went into the second cave. This cave also included a cheesy fantasy adventure. Various models with voices and sound effects had been placed in the cave and the idea was that you needed to find a special stone to restore world peace (if only it was that easy). The children thought it was all quite funny. There was also a live guide who ushered us through the tour wearing a hooded robe. Simon greeted him with the line "nice Jedi outfit". At the exit to the cave there were steps up to a trail around the top of the gorge and a viewing tower. I couldn't face the level of whinging that would have occurred even at the suggestion of going up the steps for me to even consider mentioning it to the children. We will have to leave that for another time (our ticket is valid for 10 years!).
After the cave we went to have a look at the museum and then the shop for some cheese and lollies for the trip home. The weather forecast for the day was for mist in the morning (which was correct) and then fog in the afternoon. I was not that keen to have to drive in the fog but luckily it was clear on the way home. On the way back we drove through Glastonbury but didn't see any signs of the famous music festival.
As we arrived home Ella asked if she could "watch some trashy tv". She is really her mother's daughter.
It was quite a grey and cold day. When we were close to the gorge, there was a sign indicating that the road was closed. Of course in typical English fashion the sign was placed about 100m after a turn off to an alternative route so you had to turn around and go back. We went down the alternative B road, which wasn't too bad. Once again when we were close to the gorge there was sign that the road was closed. We stopped and considered our options and then saw a few cars just drive down the road past the sign so we decided to join them. They were holding a cycling/orienteering event in the gorge and I think the organisers had closed the road for the start and then forgotten to remove the signs. We saw quite a few muddy cyclists riding around with maps attached to their handlebars.
When we got out of the car, it was raining very lightly. I told the kids that the official term over here for this is mist. They disagreed and said it was rain.
There are a number of attractions to visit in the gorge including two caves. We went into the first one. They are not as good as Jenolan caves. We all got audio guides to listen to, which gave information at particular points in the cave. Ella didn't understand that you could stop the guide so went through at a pace as she tried to make sure she was at the right place for the guide. I had to stay with her and we went through rather quickly. The others appeared at the end of the cave about 20 minutes later.
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| Ella with her audio guide |
After the cave we went to have a look at the museum and then the shop for some cheese and lollies for the trip home. The weather forecast for the day was for mist in the morning (which was correct) and then fog in the afternoon. I was not that keen to have to drive in the fog but luckily it was clear on the way home. On the way back we drove through Glastonbury but didn't see any signs of the famous music festival.
As we arrived home Ella asked if she could "watch some trashy tv". She is really her mother's daughter.
