
Walking in Cheddar
Cheddar is a dream destination for walkers, offering everything from gentle village strolls to breathtaking clifftop hikes. Trails wind through ancient woodlands, across wildflower meadows and along...
Set in the heart of the stunning Mendip Hills, YHA Cheddar is just a short stroll from the iconic Cheddar Gorge – England's deepest gorge and a haven for walkers, climbers and nature lovers. This spacious and characterful Victorian house, along with its cosy annexe, offers a warm welcome to families and groups looking for an unforgettable countryside escape.
YHA Cheddar is also a fantastic venue for schools and youth groups with comfortable accommodation, flexible spaces and a safe, inspiring environment ideal for residentials and learning outside the classroom. Hostel operators, Mendip Activity Centre, deliver a wide range of adventurous activities for all abilities, helping young people to grow in confidence, build teamwork skills and connect with the outdoors.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fuelled fun or a peaceful rural retreat, YHA Cheddar is the perfect base. Explore scenic walking and cycling trails straight from the doorstep or venture further afield to the historic cities of Wells, Glastonbury, Bath and Bristol – all within easy reach.
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 20:30.
Food and drink: YHA Cheddar is self-catering only. Group catering is available when pre-booked.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is some parking available in the hostel's small car park. Coaches can park nearby on 'The Hayes'.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Cheddar. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
(PDF download - 126.93 KB)
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
YHA Cheddar was bought by YHA in 1960 from a YHA employee who originally ran the hostel with their family. Over the years, the hostel has seen many improvements to enhance the guest experience, including the addition of a self-contained annexe in the garden and updates to the dormitory layout to offer more flexible and comfortable accommodation.
In 2024, YHA Cheddar was taken on by local outdoor activity providers, Mendip Activity Centre, as part of the YHA Partner scheme, ensuring that the hostel can continue to provide young people and visitors with the opportunity for real adventure, whether they're here for educational trips, family holidays or a base while exploring the local natural wonders.
YHA Cheddar is operated by Mendip Activity Centre. Established in 1987, we are a national activity, education and training provider setting the gold standard in adventure and training.
Our goal is to inspire everyone, everywhere, to make time for adventure. We deliver high-quality and important outdoor education with professionalism and passion through the pillars of adventure, learning and training.