A new generation of Wookey Hole

Somerset’s independent, family-run attraction, Wookey Hole, has begun a new journey to refresh and diversify its offering under the leadership of a family trust that has been set up following the death of Gerry Cottle, the Circus legend and former owner. 

Gerry Cottle bought Wookey Hole in 2003 and he ran the attraction until his death in 2021. Gerry left Wookey Hole to his children in Trust and the family are working hard to both preserve Gerry’s legacy and bring more of the historical aspects of Wookey Hole back to the fore.

The attraction is nestled in the heart of the Mendip Hills in Somerset and is home to a vast underground network of caverns, shrouded in mystery that explorers of all ages love and return to each year. As well as the caves, Wookey Hole boasts a beautiful valley with a dinosaur grove, three different museums set in a Victorian Paper Mill, that also houses a penny arcade, massive soft play area and 400 seater Theatre where the Wookey Hole Circus performs. 

The famous caves were formed over millions of years and are believed at different times to have been home of the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole as well as cave bears, Neanderthals and even a Romano-British burial chamber. The attraction welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year, keen to understand its rich history and to fall under the spell of the Witch of Wookey Hole. 

Already underway on their new journey, the family  has taken the business through a brand refresh, and has exciting plans to develop the attraction’s offering with new events and activities, updating the current facilities including plans for a brand new restaurant.  Creating magical and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages will be at the heart of all launches, starting with Half Term Fun in February, a new Comedy Cavern night in March and a new 4D film being launched for the Easter half term.

Ellen Ramsay, granddaughter of Gerry Cottle, plays an integral role in the development of Wookey Hole, including performing in the Wookey Hole Circus, taking on the role of the Witch of Wookey Hole and supporting the marketing team. She comments, “It’s a very exciting time for everyone at Wookey Hole.  Somerset has been our family home for 20 years and we want to honour my Grandad’s legacy.

Grandad loved to entertain, delight and surprise, over the 18 years he ran Wookey Hole, and created a whimsical marriage of entertainment and education. We plan to continue this but with an even greater emphasis on the historical and education aspects of our offering. We never forget though that people visit us to have fun and make memories! This is a new beginning for our family and for our guests, and we have so many ideas in the pipeline already. We’re investing heavily in ensuring that everyone who visits Wookey Hole loves it as much as we do. Watch this space…”