15 Famous Caves In England To Visit
By Deepak Kannan
on Oct 24, 2016
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England, the birthplace of Shakespeare and the Beatles is one of the best places to travel to. With a culture and tradition that thrived alongside the birth of the pop music and the film industry, the deep-rooted history of England dates back to centuries. Totally appealing in nature and astounding in its variety, England can keep you occupied for long without giving you a chance to think on your return. But normally what all the tourists who visit England do is they explore only the famous attractions on the surface and totally forget about what's underneath. Yes, England has got some absolutely incredible caves underneath its surface that will give you a totally different experience. Without further adieu, we present you with a list of 15 famous caves in England that will take you on an incredible ride.
1. Peak Cavern, Derbyshire
Set in Castleton, Peak Cavern has the largest cave system in the Peak district and the main entrance of the cave is said to be the largest cave entrance in England. Also known as the 'Devils Arse" for the flatulent noise that it produces when the flood water is draining away, Peak Cavern can be accessed easily and is ideal for families. Listen to the acoustics of the Orchestra Gallery in the Great cave, pass through the Pluto's dining Room into the Devil's cellar, and catch the water flow at the Roger Rain's house. Take a guided tour to get the most of the cave and buy a joint ticket that includes a visit to the Speedwell.
Address: Peak Cavern Rd, Hope Valley S33 8WS, United Kingdom.
Timings: April - October, daily 10am - 5pm. November - March, weekends 10am - 5pm & during the weekdays 11am - 2pm.
2. Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst
Chislehurst Caves are a series of man-made tunnels beneath the suburbs of the South East London in Bromley that were initially dug as chalks and flint mines. Open to the public from the 20th century as a show place, the 35 kilometre long Chislehurst Caves soon became an increasingly popular tourist destination. Over the years, Chislehurst was used for different purposes. During the World War I, it was used for storing ammunition and during World War II for sheltering 15,000 people from air raids. Chislehurst Caves were also the famous music venue in the 1960's, hosting the stellar performances of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Status Quo. Chislehurst Caves are one of the best caves in England and offer only guided tours.
Address: Caveside Cl, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL, United Kingdom.
Timings: 10am - 4pm, every Wednesday - Sunday and during the bank holidays.
3. Three Counties System, Northern Dales
Three Counties System is a set of interconnected limestone cave systems spanning across the borders of Cumbria, Lancashire, and North Yorkshire in the north of England. Considered as the longest cave system in the UK and the twenty-seventh longest in the world, Three Counties System is legendary and is very complex in nature. Formed naturally as the water carved through the carboniferous limestone rocks, Three Counties System has different sections that help in connecting with the nearby caves. It is practically very difficult to explore all the cave sections, so better start with one.
Address: Northern Dales, North-west England.
Timings: Seek the advice of the concerned officials from where you are entering.
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4. Gaping Gill, North Yorkshire
Formed by the action of the stream, Fell Beck that flows from the fringe of the second highest mountain of the Yorkshire Dales, Ingleborough - Gaping Gill is a famous natural caves in England and one of best underground attractions in Britain. Holding the record for being the highest unbroken waterfall in England and the largest underground chamber that is naturally open to the surface, Gaping Gill is a destination that can be accessed by the experienced potholers. A descent that is 360 feet deep is often regarded as a journey through the center of the Earth by the general public who get a chance to explore the incredible cave through a winch by Bradford Potholing Club in May and Craven Pothole Club in August.
Address: Clapdale Dr LA2, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open to the general public only twice a year, on May and August.
5. The Underground Hospital, Dover
The Underground Hospital is a part of the Dover Castle that dates back to the 11th Century. Initially used in the Napoleonic times to shelter troops and as an air raid cover during the World War II, the place underwent a huge transformation during the 1940's as an underground hospital to act as the Medical Dressing Station for the injured troops. Today the visitors have a unique experience visiting the Underground Hospital Cave that smells and sounds exactly like a hospital along with the exciting audio-visual effects. Visit the Underground Hospital in Dover for an absolutely unique and a memorable experience and is definitely one of the best caves to visit in England.
Address: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU, United Kingdom.
Timings: Look into the official website of Dover Castle for the timings, as they are subject to change.
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6. Hellfire Caves, Buckinghamshire
Hellfire Caves (also known as West Wycombe Caves) is a labyrinth of man-made chalk and flint caverns in Buckinghamshire, England. Excavated between 1748 and 1752 for Francis Dashwood, founder of the Dilettanti Society and co-founder of the Hellfire Club, Hellfire Caves is said to be a meeting place for plenty of activities and is one of the best tourist caves in England. It features a large Entrance Hall, Franklin's Cave, Banqueting Hall, a subterranean river - The Styx, the Inner Temple, Circle, Triangle, and Miner's Cave. Dark and Spooky in all its senses, Hellfire Caves also allows filming to take place for a nominal pricing. If you are planning to visit this cave with your kids, I recommend you to visit during Halloween. The cave is at its best then.
Address: Church Ln, West Wycombe, High Wycombe HP14 3AH, United Kingdom.
Timings: During the Summer, every day from 11am - 5.30pm. During the Winters, the cave is open only on the weekends, 11am - Dusk.
7. White Scar Caves, North Yorkshire
Located in North Yorkshire under Ingleborough in the Chapel-le-Dale valley of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, White Scar Cave is the longest show cave in England running across a length of 6.5 kilometres. First explored by two geologists in the year 1923, White Scar Caves is now visited by people from all around the world. Catch the spectacle of underground streams and waterfalls adorning the cave, explore the massive Battlefield cavern, and visit the famous Judge's Head stalagmite. Interestingly White Scar Caves also has a cafe and a shop.
Address: White Scar Cave, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3AW, United Kingdom.
Timings: During the Summer, 1st February - 6th November, daily 10am - 4pm. During the Winter, 7th November - 31st January, weekends 10am - 4pm.
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8. Gough's Cave, Somerset
Gough's Cave is a part of the famous Cheddar gorge that is perched on the Mendip hills in Cheddar of Somerset, England. Comprising of a variety of large chambers and rock formations, the vistas in Gough's Cave look totally astounding and is home to Cheddar Yeo, the largest underground river system in England. Explore the historic Gough's Cave that is said to be formed 500,000 years ago and witness the natural beauty that comes alive under the lights and be sure to listen to the Audio guide during the tour which just enhances the experience. When you are in Gough's cave, one of the famous water caves in England don't forget to catch the Black Cat of Cheddar (shadow cast in the shape of a cat) and slip a box of Cheddar cheese that is matured in the cave.
Address: Cheddar BS27 3QF, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open every day, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. During July & August, daily 10am - 5pm. And the rest of the year, 10.30am - 5pm.
9. Blue John Cavern, Derbyshire
Taking its name from the semi-precious mineral 'Blue John', Blue John Cavern in the Peak District is one of the four show caves in Derbyshire, England. Considered as one of the finest caves in England, Blue John Cavern is well-lit by artificial lights and the caverns are just beautiful. Guided by an experienced miner, the tour inside the Blue John Caren is very interesting and useful with a lot of information. When you are done exploring the cave, pay a visit to the craft shop inside the cave that is famous for its excellent craftsmanship and get your hands on one of the Blue John Cavern's ornaments that includes bowls, eggs, jewelry, and goblets.
Address: Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WA, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open every day, except for Christmas and New year. During the Summer, daily 9.30am - 5.30pm. During the Winter, 9.30am - Dusk.
10. Kent's Cavern, Devon
Kent's Cavern is one of the most important stone age sites in Europe and a famous cave system in England. A place that goes back to ancient times, safeguarding our ancestors from the harsh weather and the Ice Age animals, Kent's Cavern is known for its geographical and archeological features. It is notable that only guided tours are provided inside the premises and as you walk through the cavern, you will be surrounded by 400 million-year-old rocks, stalagmites, and stalactites that look totally captivating. Kent's Cavern is suitable for families to visit and also has a restaurant and a cafe.
Address: 91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JF, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open every day of the year, except for Christmas. During the Summer, the tours operate regularly between 10.30am and 4pm. During the Winter, the cave tours are at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.
11. Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire
Clearwell Caves is a natural cave system in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England that was formed by the action of the underground streams around 330 million years ago. Mined for its iron ore and ochre, from the time that dates back to the Roman period, Clearwell Caves is now a working mining museum that is packed with activities. Explore the truly spectacular Clearwell Caves that has a lot of offer with its intriguing and interesting history and look out for the bats!
Address: The Rocks, Coleford GL16 8JR, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open every day from February to October, 10am - 5pm.
12. Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset
Set in one of the beautiful regions of England that is full of mysteries Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset are a series of limestone caverns that was once used during the paleolithic ages by the humans for around 45,000 years. Known for its biological and geological reasons, Wookey Hole Caves is a famous tourist attraction in England that looks absolutely impressive and features a cave museum, 4D cinema, Sci-Fi circus, Wookey Witch, Mystic Fairy Garden, Valley of the dinosaurs and plenty of other attractions, making it an ideal place to travel with your family, especially kids.
Address: The Mill, High St, Wells BA5 1BB, United Kingdom.
Timings: April - October, daily from 10am - 5pm & November - March, daily from 10am - 4pm. Closed during Christmas and Boxing Day. And operates only on the weekends during December and January.
13. Clifton Observatory and Giants Cave, Bristol
Situated in the St. Vincent's rocks, Giants Cave is a part of the Clifton Observatory and Giants Cave in Bristol, England. As the legend has it, Giants Cave was once home to two giants: Goram and Ghyston and hence the name. The cave was once a chapel in the year A.D. 305 and according to the evidences found from a Romano-British pottery during excavation, Giants Cave was also a place of refuge at various times of the history. Set above the Avon Gorge, enjoy the picturesque views of the suspension bridge and the River Avon from the cave and be sure to take your cameras with you.
Address: Clifton Observatory, Litfield Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3LT.
Timings: Monday - Sunday from 10am - 5pm.
14. Reigate Caves, Surrey
Easily accessible, Reigate Caves in the town of Reigate in Surrey is just a short train ride away from London. Known for its caves that riddle the town center, Reigate Caves mainly comprises of soft sandstones and the excavations actually helped in building the monuments and other fancy buildings. Reigate Caves has two important sections: one, the Baron's Cave and other, the Tunnel Road Caves. And the most interesting one out of the two is the Baron's Cave. If you have any serious mobility issues then it is very difficult for you to explore Baron's Cave. You can also book private tours in Reigate Caves.
Address: Tunnel Road, Reigate RH2 9AY, United Kingdom.
Timings: Open only during the Summer, from May till October. For more information reach ReigateCaves
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15. Beer Quarry Caves, Devon
Located in the west of the village of Beer, Devon - Beer Quarry Caves is a man-made underground complex that is a main source of England's beer stone used in brewing. Take a trip through the inspiring Beer Quarry Caves that is highlighted by the mighty halls of vaulted roofs and pillars and marvel at the intricate details on the walls by the stonemasons. The caves also have a rich history that states the usage of the quarry as a hiding place and a place for taking refuge. Visit Beer Quarry Caves to step back in time and have a closer look at the Roman times.
Address: Quarry Ln, Beer EX12 3AT, United Kingdom.
Timings: Look into the official website of Berry Quarry Caves for the timings, as they are subject to change.
Have you been to any of these underground attractions in Britain? Let us know your experience in the comments section below.
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