Our verdict
Cheddar's quieter sibling, with free parking and a pub at the bottom. Scramble up beside the rock faces and you can be on Beacon Batch in under an hour.
The Mendips' other gorge — a dry limestone valley with the Rock of Ages cleft, caves and gorse-covered slopes climbing to Black Down and Burrington Ham either side.
Open access land under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act. You're free to roam on foot beyond the paths. Dogs on a short lead 1 March to 31 July and around livestock.