The Cheddar Gorge and Caves Expedition marks the first official expedition of Muslim Family Adventures—and it’s going to be unforgettable. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks, with towering limestone cliffs, ancient caves, and breathtaking scenery. As we explore this dramatic landscape together—walking its rugged trails, uncovering underground chambers, and connecting with nature—families will embark on a journey of discovery, resilience, and reflection.
Accommodation
Set in the heart of the stunning Mendip Hills, the centre 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 individuals for an unforgettable countryside adventure.
The entire centre has been exclusively reserved for MFA, ensuring that all facilities are dedicated solely for our use throughout the expedition.
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Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is one of England's most iconic and spectacular landscapes. We are really proud to own the north side of this spectacular gorge and we hope that you will enjoy exploring it in a way that suits you. At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sights. The gorge would have begun forming about one million years ago during the last Ice Age when water from melting glaciers formed a river, which over time started to carve into the limestone rock creating the steep cliffs you see today. The Cheddar Yeo River gradually made its way underground, creating the famous Cheddar Caves.Gough's Cave
Formed over half a million years ago, Gough’s Cave is a fascinating cave with secret caverns and incredible vistas created by stalagmites and stalactites. The cave was formed when river water began dissolving the limestone rock, creating a cathedral-like cavern with intricate rock formations. During your visit, pick up an audio guide to delve into the cave’s ancient history, including its formation during the Ice Age and its occupation during the Stone Age. In more recent times, Gough’s Cave has introduced a stunning light feature that enhances the cave’s natural beauty, casting enchanting illusions of glacial landscapes. This captivating installation brings out the most intricate details of the cave, leaving you in awe.Museum of Prehistory
The Museum of Prehistory sheds light on those who lived through the 40,000-year struggle for survival during the Ice Age. The museum has artefacts and information provided by Britain’s leading archaeologists, palaeontologists, and anthropologists. You can also learn more about the world-famous Cheddar Man, the oldest and first completed human skeleton found in Britain and discovered in Gough’s Cave in 1903.Cox's Cave
While exploring Cheddar Gorge, visit Cox’s Cave. The cave now features Yeo’s Journey: The Power of Water, which is an incredible immersive multimedia experience where Yeo (your virtual tour guide) takes you on a journey through time and tells the spectacular story of how the caves were formed and how they evolved with the ‘Power of Water’.Jacob's Ladder and the Lookout Tower
Get your walking boots on and grab your water bottle as you head up to Jacobs Ladder and the Lookout Tower. To get to Jacob’s ladder, you’ll have to climb 274 steps and then to get to the Lookout Tower, you’ll have to climb another 48 more. But don't worry, once you get to the top, the views of the Mendips and beyond are absolutely worth the leg ache. Once you’ve caught your breath and had a moment to take in all the views, you can continue on the Cliff-Top Walk (a popular walking path) and see the natural landscapes and geographical features. -
Day 1
6.00pm Arrival
6.30pm Asr Prayer
7:00pm Dinner
8.30pm Welcome and Introduction
9.00pm Quran Circle
9.30pm Maghrib/Isha Prayer
9.45pm Night Walk
11.00pm SleepDay 2
4.30am Fajr Prayer
7:30am Communal Breakfast
9.00am Morning Briefing
9.30am Cheddar Gorge
1.30pm Dhuhr/Asr Prayer & Lunch
3:30pm Return to Centre
4:30pm Communinal Cooking
4:30pm Ultra-Learning Workshop
7:00pm Communal Dinner
9.00pm Quran Circle
9.30pm Maghrib/Isha Prayer
9.45pm Parenting Workshop
11.00pm SleepDay 3
4.30am Fajr Prayer
7.30am Communal Breakfast
9.00am Communal Cleanup
10.00am Checkout
10.30am Cox’s Caves
1.30pm Dhuhr/Asr Prayer & Lunch
4.00pm Farewell and Departure -
At the heart of the adventure-retreat is communal self-catering, where everyone comes together to prepare and enjoy meals as one big family. MFA will provide fresh, organic, and local ingredients wherever possible, and the group will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This shared experience is about more than food—it’s about bonding, sharing skills, and creating unforgettable memories.
Breakfast
We will prepare nourishing breakfasts on Days 2 and 3, including eggs, tuna, cheese, beans, bread, cereals, spreads, fruits, and hot drinks.
Lunch
Each family will prepare their own packed lunches using the provided groceries or their own supplies.
Dinner
Adults will work in teams to prepare themed dinner on Days 2:
• Day 2: Arab/Turkish-inspired chicken dishes
Families will handle their own dinner on Day 1.
Refreshments
Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available throughout your stay.
Kitchen Facilities
The fully equipped industrial kitchen comes with all the essentials—pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, and crockery—ensuring a smooth cooking experience for everyone.
The cost is £11.50 per person (over 5) for communal food arrangements.
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This Expedition is thoughtfully priced to make it accessible for families: £97 per parent/adult and £87 per child. Infants aged 5 or under can join for free (sharing a bed with a parent or sibling). Optional extras include £40 per room for en-suite facilities and £11.50 per person (age 6 and above) for communal food arrangements. We also offer a 10% discount for larger families with 5 or more paying members.
Your investment covers a comprehensive package: clean and comfortable hostel accommodation with self-catering facilities, a carefully curated adventure programme, uplifting Islamic reminders, meaningful family-friendly activities, and a safe, vibrant Muslim community environment.
Please note: transport, optional instructor-led activities, and equipment hire are not included.
If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and will do our best to support you so your family doesn’t miss out on this meaningful experience.