Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese

Award-Winning Cheddar Matured Deep Beneath Somerset

For over 20 years, Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar has been matured 200 feet beneath the Mendip Hills in the legendary caves of Wookey Hole. Crafted using milk from West Country herds and expertly made by Ford Farm Cheesemakers, part of AJ & RG Barber, this distinctive clothbound cheddar develops its character in one of Britain's most unique natural ageing environments.

The result is a rich, full-flavoured cheddar with a firm texture and complex earthy, nutty notes that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

 

A Cheese Born from Tradition

Long before refrigeration, caves were used to store and mature cheese, taking advantage of the naturally cool, stable conditions. In 2006, cheesemaker Mike Pullin and the late circus showman Gerry Cottle revived this historic practice, returning cheddar to the caves at Wookey Hole.

Their vision was simple: create a truly authentic Somerset cheddar matured in the heart of the landscape that gave cheddar cheese its name. Twenty years later, Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar has become one of the UK's most celebrated speciality cheeses, enjoyed by food lovers across Britain and around the world.

Champion Cheddar 2026

In its 20th anniversary year, Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar was crowned Champion Cheddar at the 2026 International Cheese & Dairy Awards, standing out amongst hundreds of entries from leading producers across the UK and beyond.

This latest accolade adds to a long list of awards, including its historic success in 2011 when it was named Supreme Champion Cheese in Britain, cementing its reputation as one of the country's finest cheddars.

 

Cave Aged Cheddar

WHY MATURE CHEESE IN A CAVE?

The unique environment within Wookey Hole's caves provides ideal conditions for slow, natural maturation:

Naturally Cool Temperatures

The caves remain at a constant 11-12°C throughout the year, creating stable conditions that allow flavours to develop gradually and consistently.

High Humidity

With humidity levels approaching 100%, the cheese retains moisture during ageing, helping preserve its texture while encouraging complex flavour development.

Traditional Clothbound Maturation

Each truckle is wrapped in cloth and matured naturally, allowing the cheese to breathe and develop its distinctive character over time.

A Unique Cave Environment

The natural atmosphere of the caves subtly influences the maturation process, helping create the signature flavour profile that has made Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar famous.

 

Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar

From Somerset to the World

Today, around 300-400 tonnes of Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar are produced each year. It can be found in leading retailers including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Costco, as well as independent farm shops, delicatessens and specialist food retailers.

The cheese is also exported internationally, bringing a taste of Somerset and Wookey Hole to customers around the world.

 

See the Cheese Maturing for Yourself

Unlike most award-winning cheeses, visitors can see Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar maturing in the very place that gives it its distinctive character.

As part of a visit to Wookey Hole, guests can view the cheese stores deep inside the caves and discover how this unique maturation process has helped create one of Britain's most celebrated cheddars.

For a truly immersive experience, join our Wookey Uncovered premium tour, which culminates in a guided tasting of Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar paired with Somerset cider.

 

Buy Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar

Take a taste of Somerset home with you. Wookey Hole Cave-Aged Cheddar is available to purchase from the Wookey Hole Gift Shop and selected retailers across the UK.

Rich in heritage. Matured by nature. Celebrated across the world.

 

 

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