Caves host creepy crawly weekend

There will be a very special opportunity for families to get up-close-and-personal to a host of creepy crawlies in the caves of Cheddar Gorge over the weekend of June 22nd/23rd.

Giant snails, large spiders and all manner of other scary species will be the stars of the show as experts welcome young visitors, in particular, to the caves for a full weekend of fascinating fun.

The one-time home of our Stone Age ancestors - including the oldest complete human skeleton found in Britain ("Cheddar Man") - these famous show-caves now provide ideal conditions for a whole range of ghouls, demons…and creepy crawly creatures.

So if you really don't mind these little critters, then the chance to meet a cockroach or two is probably more than enough reason for making a bee-line to The Gorge on June 22nd/23rd, starting at 10am on both days.

Stars of this Safari will include Death Head Cockroaches, Hissing Cockroaches, Cave Crickets, Giant African Millipedes, Emperor Scorpions, Stick Insects, Chilean Rose Tarantulas and Giant African Land Snails.

The weekend will also feature a 'Wicked Bug Unlucky Dip' and a 'Stick Challenge', where visitors have to count the number of living stick insects on Cheddar Gorge's special bug tree. And there will also be photo diplomas for every person who handles one of the Tarantulas.

Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK's most spectacular natural locations, boasting seven separate attractions where visitors can step back in time…as well as deep underground.

The Museum of Pre-history contains everything from a replica of Britain's oldest complete skeleton - Cheddar Man - to evidence of cannibalism. Outside in the Gorge there's an Open-top Bus Tour. Or, for the more active visitor, it's possible to enjoy one of the most stunning walks in England - the three-mile Cliff Top Gorge Walk; and climb the 274 steps, up to The Lookout Tower.

Gough's Cave is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful stalactite caverns in the world. It's also where Cheddar Man was found. Nearby Cox's Cave is a shimmering, brilliantly coloured underground sanctuary with calcite sculptures, dancing fountains, and mirror pools.

For some visitors, however, the ultimate way of exploring Cheddar Gorge & Caves from top to bottom just has to be Cheddar Gorge X-Treme, which offers adventure caving, and rock climbing. For further details, visit www.cheddargorge.co.uk