Cheddar Caves and Gorge have a new boss after owner Lord Bath handed control of the operation to his eldest son.

The colourful 7th Marquess of Bath is retiring from the company that runs the caves, as well as his Longleat safari park in Wiltshire.

His son Ceawlin, 36, Viscount Weymouth, now becomes chairman of Longleat Estates Ltd, which owns both attractions.

Lord Bath, known for having at least 73 "wifelets" or mistresses, said yesterday: "Despite the economic doom and gloom, 2009 had been a remarkably good year for both Longleat and Cheddar, with visitor numbers on a par with 2008 and turnover up.

"I feel that now is a good time for me to retire and for my son, Ceawlin, to take over as chairman of the company."

The 78-year-old will still live in Longleat House and remain active in some areas of the business, but felt it was "the right time for me to retire to my chair and slippers and watch as Ceawlin brings new life into this very special place".

Viscount Weymouth said: "Longleat and Cheddar Caves are among the top tourist attractions in the UK and it is my hope that I may follow on in the footsteps of my remarkable father and take both attractions very firmly forward."

Ceawlin Henry Lazlo Thynn is named after a Saxon king of Wessex and uses his father's subsidiary title, Viscount Weymouth, as his courtesy title.

Hugh Cornwell, director of Cheddar Caves & Gorge, praised Lord Bath's stewardship of Longleat.

He said: "Lord and Lady Bath standing down as directors and Ceawlin becoming chairman is an evolutionary process. We do not expect dramatic changes."