A new immersive multi-sensory visitor experience has been unveiled at Cheddar Caves in Somerset which tells the fascinating story of how they were created.
Yeo’s Journey uses state of the art lighting, music, animation and colour to tell the story of how the caves were formed and evolved by the power of water.
The caves were created over hundreds of millions of years with the River Yeo which now flows under the cave. It is believed to be a UK first for the use of animation inside a cave.
“This immersive journey very much demonstrates the uniqueness of these caves,” said Lord Bath, the 8th Marquess, whose family has owned the caves for years.
“The experience brings to life the effect of the water in this area over millions of years. It has sculpted and shaped this incredible place.
“It will enable people to make many discoveries from the home of the rainbow – structures created by the water trickling through the limestone – through to a mirror pool where perfectly clear waters reflect the flowstone formation above it, a natural masterpiece.”
An “awe-inspiring creation” at Cheddar
The new experience has been 18 months in the planning and has seen the Cheddar team work with audio-visual installation specialists who have also worked on Direct from Graceland: Elvis in London, Titanic Belfast, and Bletchley Park and Revenant – an internationally award winning animation studio.
General manager Fenia Vitali added: “Without water we would not have the caves we have today, we wanted to celebrate that natural wonder.
“Working with our partners, we have introduced imagery projected against the cave chamber walls, brought ‘Yeo’ to life to narrate the story and used state-of-the art lighting and sound effects to create a unique attraction.
“With this experience, visitors are taken on a journey through time to celebrate the different eras and the power of water to shape the landscape, the caves and the formations we see around us.
“We wanted to create something which was awe inspiring and thought provoking yet balanced with the natural beauty and fit for its time.”
