Top Things to do in South West England
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The 10 Best Caverns & Caves in South West England, England
Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including Cave Hole, English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, Holywell Cave, Merlin's Cave, Beer Quarry Caves, Kents Cavern, Clearwell Caves, Redcliffe Caves, Clifton Observatory and Caves, Cheddar Gorge & Caves.
Restaurants in South West England
1. Cave Hole
2. English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
In September 2007 the English Riviera received international recognition for its rich geological, historical and cultural heritage, becaming one of just 57 areas around the world to endorsed by UNESCO and welcomed into both the European and Global Geopark Networks. Since then the Global Geopark Network has grown and as of July 2020 there are now 161 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries. Situated within the stunning, rolling hills of South Devon, Torbay's geology has created the beautiful coastline of today, which fundamentally links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture.
3. Holywell Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By nasher_12 - Bath, United Kingdom
The weather was dreadful, and when I joked to my family that we needed to get our walking boots and waterproofs on to go on a 45 minute trek in the rain to find a magic well that I could bathe in to look 20 years old again, they groaned in despair, but actually we had the best time exploring all the caves on the beach. It was great fun and very fitting as it was Halloween and it gave the day a 'spooky' edge to it. The caves are stunning as is the landscape, the photos just don't do it justice at all, you have to experience it for yourself. It's not a 45 minute trek it's an easy 10 minute walk across the beach and easy to find, to the right of the lifeguards hut, look at the top of the cliff where there's a hole, the cave is below it. It really is an impressive natural phenomena and it's very rare that you can get close to these sort of things without being charged to see it. Careful of the slippy rocks, advise wearing some good walking boots. Some little steps have been carved out the rock many moons ago to allow easy access, which are equally as impressive. The colours inside the cave are what adds the wow factor. I wouldn't have known about this place if it wasn't for the Internet. When the tides in, the cave will fill with seawater so be sure to go at low tide, but don't worry you won't get cut off as you can see out of the entrance and you'll get plenty of warning. My kids loved the adventure (ages 11 and 8) and to the left of the beach are more caves to explore, with a mock up of the wells made out of sand and blankets in one cave, which I am told were used during the filming of Poldark? Not sure if that's accurate information though. The sand dunes are also great for rolling down and sledging and there are great waves for boarding. At low tide you can see the tip of a shipwreck too. For the best photo opportunity there is a little gap in the rock looking through to the other side of the beach with a river trickling in front of it - simply stunning - enjoy!
4. Merlin's Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 616 reviews
Located below Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur, this cave is believed to be where Merlin lived. The caves are accessible from a footpath, but fill with water at high tide.
Reviewed By 127carolf - Godalming, United Kingdom
You can visit these caves without going inside the castle, offering a jeep ride down and back for a small fee, well worth it, a small beach is at the bottom.. lovely and relaxing
5. Beer Quarry Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
Guided tours of vast underground caverns started by the Romans, which provided Beer stone used in 24 Cathedrals, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and many other historic buildings. See for yourself where and how the stone was quarried, the appalling working conditions and dangers faced by the work force,some as young as 8 years old. See too, the site of the secret Catholic Chapel and where smugglers hid their contraband. 2000 years of heritage brought vividly to life
Reviewed By 364philr - Eastleigh, United Kingdom
Had a great tour of Beer quarry and caves, we have been before when the kids were younger, and returned this year. Excellent way to spend an hour below ground, very informative and knowledgeable tour guide, whitty, and some fascinating local stories that draw you right in. Temperature is around 7° so you need a coat or jumper and sensible footwear, hard hat is supplied, and cleaned with Covid in mind. Nice little cafe for a coffee, and portaloo toilets In the car park. Overall this is a brilliant tour for young and old. Love this place.
6. Kents Cavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,180 reviews
Kents Cavern, a UNESCO site, is Britain's Oldest known prehistoric home. You are led by a guide through a labyrinth of undergound natural passages used by humankind for thousands of years. Neanderthals and the very first Britons occupied the caves. Here Victorian explorers combined geological time and fossil remains to reveal the antiquity of humanity. Open daily for guided tours. See natural caverns, amazing formations, remains of mammoth, woolly rhino, sabre-toothed cats. These is an Ice Age woodland trail quest, shop and restaurant with views over the Ilsham Valley. Located in Torquay, birth place of Agatha Christie, the caves are part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, 1.5kms from Torquay Harbour, close to the South West Coast Path. The caves inspired writers like Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter and more recently folk-horror writer Adam Nevill. Perfect on any day all year. Pre-booking online essential to visit this UNESCO geological and cultural heritage site.
Reviewed By karene247 - Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom
We enjoyed a fabulous family morning at Kents Cavern. Cave tour was well lit and informative, Stoneage school was interactive and lots of fun, the woodland trail had tasks to complete such as building a den and the seasonal outdoor activities included making a sabre tooth necklace for £1. The kids had a great time and my son went on to complete a KS2 report for his teacher with top marks! Thank you ???????? Top Tip: there was a children’s play park and picturesque beach across the road with parking.
7. Clearwell Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,052 reviews
While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor and discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine caverns have now been opened to visitors, with exciting displays, on your journey through. The Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, soups, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts; a picnic and children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can also be visited separately from the Caves. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under.
Reviewed By powdies - Bristol, United Kingdom
We went on a rainy weekday afternoon in term time and were lucky enough to have the caves to ourselves throughout our visit. A fascinating self-guided tour through tunnels and caves (part natural, part mined) with a history of local iron-mining given on signboards along the route and effective audiovisual effects and display artefacts. The projection mapping at skeleton pool is stunning. The caves were all the more atmospheric for being crowd-free. Cool underground, so sensible shoes and warm clothing required. Well worth the visit.
8. Redcliffe Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Bigjoe3105 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Great tour of this famous but sometimes forgotten gem of Bristol. Top marks to Alan Gray. The man knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is second to none. Much better than the open doors day visit, as you go further and not so many people. Great stuff !
9. Clifton Observatory and Caves
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 495 reviews
The Clifton Observatory and Caves sits above the Avon Gorge offering superb views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city of Bristol. The Observatory houses one of the only camera obscuras still open to the public in the UK. Originally built as a windmill for corn in 1766, the mill was later taken over by William West in 1828 who then converted the building into his own artist studio and installed the camera obscura, which is still working today. The camera offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge & Clifton Downs. During his time at the Observatory West also cut an underground passage to the Giant's Cave which was originally only accessible via the cliff face. After a short descent into the cave guests can enjoy the spectacular views along the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Observatory is open to visitors 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm in Spring/Summer and 10am-4pm in Autumn/Winter with last entry being 15 minutes before closing time.
Reviewed By Dougdoug888
Visited the Giant’s Cave and Camera Obscura with the family, had great fun using the camera and enjoyed the lookout from the cave, the boy on reception was very welcoming and helpful. Stopped off in the cafe for lunch after, the staff in the cafe were extremely friendly, very clean inside and enjoyed our food and coffees! Will definitely return, great day out!
10. Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,791 reviews
These caves provided shelter for man more than 40,000 years ago.
Reviewed By yvonnesV7100MB - London, United Kingdom
Took our children here more than thirty years ago so lovely to revisit with our grandsons. We bought a dual ticket as we also visited Longleat and made a great saving. Main cave has audio and is very informative mainly concentrating on the geology of the caves. The second cave we visited had a wonderful atmospheric light show and the boys really loved it mainly focussing on how the hunted became the hunters as we forget that wild wolves and bears roamed Britain. Lots of lovely shops and cafes including an all year Christmas shop, cider shop and of course cheddar cheese shop with many different varieties and the chance to try before you buy. A small museum which was quiet busy. A lovely visit.
