A NEW immersive visitor experience has launched which tells the story of one of the South West's natural wonders.

Yeo’s Journey at Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset 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.

It is thought that this is the first use of animation inside a cave in the UK.

Weston Mercury: The project has been 18 months in the making.The project has been 18 months in the making. (Image: Cheddar Gorge & Caves)

Since the 16th century, the caves have been owned by descendants of Sir John Thynne, the first Marquess of Bath.

Lord Bath, the eighth Marquess, said: “This immersive journey very much demonstrates the uniqueness of these caves, and 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.

"This is an attraction which utilises the natural beauty of Cox’s Cave."

Weston Mercury: The experience tells a story.The experience tells a story. (Image: Cheddar Gorge & Caves)

General manager, Fenia Vitali, who led the project, said: “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. Multi-media technology has been used before, but we believe this is the first-time animation has been used inside a cave in the UK.

“It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources and how we can impact on our environment."

The project, which has been 18 months in the planning, was made possible thanks to DJW – Audio-visual installation specialists who have also worked on Direct from Graceland: Elvis in London, Titanic Belfast, and Bletchley Park and Revenant, an award winning animation studio.