Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge – Private Day Trip from Bristol

Explore Bristol’s Enchanting Day Trip to Wells and Cheddar Gorge

This private day trip from Bristol offers a well-rounded experience of some of England’s most captivating sights in a single 9-hour journey. For up to 6 guests, the tour is priced at $867.79 per group, making it an intimate and personalized adventure. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide, ensuring comfort and flexibility throughout the day.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of cultural, culinary, and scenic highlights. You’ll visit Wells, England’s smallest city, with its striking cathedral and historic streets, then enjoy a taste of authentic Cheddar cheese at its birthplace. The scenic finale is a drive through England’s largest gorge, with opportunities for walks and photo stops. While the entry fees for Wells Cathedral (£15) and the cheese factory (£3.50) are extra, the overall experience promises a mix of history, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive day trip with a private guide, especially if you appreciate scenic drives, historic sites, and local flavors. It’s suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness, comfortable walking shoes, and an interest in exploring outside Bristol’s city limits.

Key Points

• Private guided tour from Bristol, accommodating up to 6 guests
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Visits Wells, the smallest city in England, with the famous cathedral
• Sample traditional Cheddar cheese at the original cheese-making area
• Drive through Cheddar Gorge, England’s largest gorge, with optional walks
• Total duration of approximately 9 hours offers a full day of sightseeing

Comfortable Private Transportation and Expert Local Guide

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Bristol, where a private guide welcomes your group. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, the group heads out to Wells, about an hour away, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the journey, sharing interesting stories and history at each stop.

This private setup allows for flexible pacing and the opportunity to ask questions. The guide’s commentary is known for being engaging, making the historic sites and scenic landscapes come alive. The small group size fosters a more intimate experience, perfect for those who prefer a tailored approach rather than large tour crowds.

Discovering Wells: England’s Smallest City

Upon arriving in Wells, the group embarks on a private walking tour lasting around three hours. The city’s cathedral is a highlight, dating back to the 13th century, with an interior featuring the world’s second-oldest working clock—a fascinating piece of engineering history. The cathedral’s architecture impresses visitors with its intricate stonework and soaring ceilings.

The Wells Market Place serves as the hub of activity, especially if visiting on a Wednesday or Sunday, when the local market takes place. The picturesque Vicars’ Close, recognized as Europe’s oldest residential street, offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. These historic streets and buildings create a charming atmosphere that makes exploring Wells a captivating experience.

Although the Wells Cathedral entry fee (£15) is not included, visiting this iconic structure is well worth the extra cost. The guide offers insights into the cathedral’s unique features and history, making the visit both enjoyable and educational.

Lunch at a Traditional English Pub in Wells

The tour includes a lunch break at a local pub in Wells, where visitors can enjoy classic British fare in a cozy setting. This pause provides a chance to relax, reflect on the morning’s explorations, and savor authentic regional cuisine. The pub is typically a welcoming spot, often with a selection of local ales and hearty dishes.

Since lunch is included in the itinerary, it offers a convenient way to experience local flavors without extra planning. This break also helps pace the day comfortably, preparing everyone for the next stage of the journey.

Visiting Cheddar: The Birthplace of Cheddar Cheese

After lunch, the group departs for Cheddar, the region where the famous cheese originated. The drive through the countryside is scenic, offering views of rolling hills and lush landscapes. In Cheddar, visitors can learn about the cheese-making process at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company.

The cheese factory, still producing traditional Cheddar cheese, offers a 30-minute visit where you may see cheese being made and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind this iconic dairy product. The visitor centre charges a small entry fee of £3.50, which is separate from the tour cost.

The area around Cheddar is renowned for its spectacular gorges, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos and walks. The Cheddar Gorge itself is the largest gorge in England, and the tour includes a drive through the gorge with an opportunity for walks and sightseeing. The guide often takes guests to a favorite viewpoint, rewarding visitors with stunning vistas.

Exploring Cheddar Gorge’s Natural Beauty

The drive through Cheddar Gorge highlights the area’s stunning limestone cliffs and rugged landscapes. The tour allows approximately one hour at the gorge, giving plenty of time for short walks and picture-taking. The guide can suggest the best viewpoints and walking routes, making the most of the natural scenery.

The walk-up to the viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the gorge’s dramatic cliffs and the surrounding countryside. This stop is ideal for those interested in photography and appreciating England’s geological features. Since the gorge is free to access and explore, it gives a satisfying conclusion to the scenic part of the tour.

Convenient Logistics with a Local Guide

The tour operates with a set start time of 8:30 am, ensuring a full day of sightseeing. The private guide customizes the experience, sharing stories about the history and significance of each site. The hotel pickup and drop-off make this experience seamless, especially for visitors staying in Bristol.

The moderate physical activity involved includes walking around Wells, visiting the cathedral, and some optional walks at Cheddar Gorge. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but no strenuous activity is required. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised.

Pricing, Extras, and Booking Details

At $867.79 per group, this tour offers a private, personalized experience, with the cost split among up to 6 people. The entry fees for Wells Cathedral (£15) and the Cheddar Cheese Factory Visitor Centre (£3.50) are paid separately, which allows flexibility based on your interests.

The tour is well booked in advance, with an average reservation time of 134 days, reflecting its popularity. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing peace of mind for planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This private day trip is perfect for families, small groups, or couples seeking a tailored outing outside Bristol. It suits those interested in historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and local cuisine, especially if they enjoy walking and exploring at a relaxed pace. The tour offers a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and food, making it suitable for moderate physical fitness levels.

While this experience is comprehensive and well-paced, it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more intense outdoor adventure. The private guide’s storytelling and scenic highlights compensate for the modest walking involved, creating a memorable day for all who appreciate historic towns and natural beauty.

Wells, Cheddar Cheese, and Cheddar Gorge – A Private Day Trip for Curious Explorers

This tour combines cultural landmarks, like Wells Cathedral and historic streets, with culinary delights in Cheddar, and stunning natural scenery in Cheddar Gorge. The private guide enhances the experience with local insights, making each stop informative and engaging. The scenic drive and small group size ensure a comfortable, personalized outing.

While the entry fees are separate, the overall experience offers excellent value for those looking for a full, diverse day out from Bristol. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy history, food, and landscape photography. The 9-hour schedule strikes a balance between sightseeing and relaxation, making it an appealing choice for visitors wanting a well-rounded day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and private transportation are included. Entry fees for Wells Cathedral (£15) and Cheddar Cheese Factory (£3.50) are additional.

How many people can join this tour?
The maximum group size is 6 people, making it an intimate and flexible experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking around Wells and some optional walks at Cheddar Gorge. It is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, but accommodations for limited mobility are not specified.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour will not be refunded.

What should I bring for the scenic gorge walk?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Since the tour runs in all weather conditions, appropriate clothing for rain or sun should be prepared.

This private day trip from Bristol offers a well-balanced combination of history, scenery, and cuisine, perfect for those wanting a personal and enriching experience just outside the city.