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You are here: Things to Do > Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

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Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay, Devon

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In addition to the usual entry prices. Please note: there is a £3 charge for use of the on-site car park.

Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top Stone Age caves, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. Our entertaining guides will take you on an underground adventure in this award winning attraction, once home to Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts. Explore fascinating passageways and stunning chambers where you can get up close with spectacular cave formations, around 2 million years old.

There’s loads to do outside the caves, with fun family activities throughout the school holidays. Head to the Woodland Trail and discover our life-size Ice Age statues, including a huge woolly mammoth!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop inside to Firestone Kitchen, the home of food and drink at the caves, and enjoy quality food, homemade cakes and refreshing drinks throughout the day. (Top tip: you don’t need to visit the caves to enjoy Firestone Kitchen!)

We have a jam-packed event programme throughout the year, including our nationally rated Santa in the Caves experience, Carols Underground, Cave Cinema and more! Check out our website for more information, prices and how to book: https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/

Kents Cavern is widely known as Britain's Oldest Home due to a discovery of a jaw fragment dated between 41,000-44,000 years old - the oldest find of a modern human in North-West Europe. 

Not only that, Kents Cavern is unique on a global stage too. There are only two caves in the world where three or more different species of humans are found, and only one is open to the general public - us!​​​​​

All of the Ice Age animal statues have a real connection to Kents Cavern: bones and teeth from each have been found in the depths of the caves. These include a woolly mammoth, a cave bear, a scimitar cat, a wolf, an Irish elk, and a wild horse. Today, you can still see a Cave Bear leg and other bones which remain in the cave wall.

Accessibility 

A Visual Guide is now available for  Kents Cavern ,  The Guide is a site specific online tool to help people plan and consider their visit to a new place. The Visual Guide shows anything from functional information like entry prices, parking and facilities, but also highlights elements like sound levels, lighting types, spaces and bespoke features that may cause alarm or confusion.

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  • Very Good 906
  • Average 194
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Related events, 09/03/2024 - 10/03/2024.

Mothers' Day High Tea, Kents Cavern, Torquay, Devon

26/03/2024 - 28/05/2024

Yoga in the Caves, Kents Cavern, Torquay, Devon

29/03/2024 - 14/04/2024

Easter Egg in the caves

07/12/2024 - 08/12/2024

14/12/2024 - 15/12/2024, 21/12/2024 - 24/12/2024.

Santa in the Caves, Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay, Devon

Children & Infants

  • Facilities for children

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  • Cater for groups

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - Chargable

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Disabled Visitors
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • On-Site café/restaurant - Meals and refreshments available, with terrace overlooking the Ilsham Valley.
  • Picnic Site
  • Accept Children Over 3
  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Event venue
  • Licenced for civil marriages
  • Open All Year

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

  • Staff fluent in foreign languages ** (List of languages are separately given)
  • Tea / Coffee Shop
  • Wedding Venue

Key Features

  • Indoor Attraction
  • Max group size - 200
  • Min group size - 20
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest

Languages spoken

  • French spoken
  • Parking (charge)

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  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
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  • TIC Staff Admitted Free
  • Visa accepted
  • French printed material
  • German printed material
  • Italian printed material

Specialist Features

  • Marketed towards children
  • Marketed towards families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Demonstrations Given
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Compulsory for Groups
  • Guided Tours Compulsory for Individuals

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available
  • Wi-fi available

Weddings at Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay, Devon

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Kents Cavern: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Sun - Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • (0.10 km) LITTLE ACRE, off road parking, great location, traditional cottage in Torquay
  • (0.11 km) Sylvan Scene, Torquay
  • (0.30 km) The Ansteys Lea Hotel
  • (0.47 km) Muntham Holiday Apartments and Town House
  • (0.31 km) The Hamptons - Luxury Seaside Living
  • (0.01 km) Firestone Kitchen
  • (0.21 km) The Waddling Duck At Hamiltons
  • (0.19 km) Naughty But Nice Patisserie
  • (0.29 km) Me & Mrs Jones
  • (0.34 km) The Kents

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Visit Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Explore the rusty red tunnels and caves at Kents Cavern. See cave paintings and fossils of Ice Age animals. View an exhibit on the Kents Cavern jawbone, which is 41,000 years old. Take children on a woodland trail quest and let them play in an archeological dig area, then relax with a Devonshire cream tea in the café.

Kents Cavern was formed around 2.5 million years ago and has been home to humans for over half a million years. Three distinct species of humanity have lived here: Homo heidelbergensis, Neanderthal and Homo sapiens. No other archeological site in the world has yielded evidence from all three of these species. Learn about the humans of prehistoric Europe as you explore these fascinating caves.

The only way to see Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves is to take the guide-led tour. See the Bear’s Den and learn how bears first found their way underground here. In the Cave of Inscriptions you’ll find ancient European artifacts, such as mammoth teeth, skulls and prehistoric tools. Walk the Long Arcade to learn how the caves were first discovered. See where Roman coins were left under an eerie rock formation known as “The Face.”

Visit the Ancestor Exhibition, which examines the discovery of the oldest human fossil found in Britain. Let your children follow a Stone Age trail, try tribal face painting, dig for artifacts such as sharks’ teeth and paint the cave walls. Eat at the restaurant, which serves a range of snacks and light lunches.

Walk to Kents Cavern from Torquay or take a bus from the town center. Parking is available on-site for a small charge and is located a short walk along on the road. A minimum of two people is required, so call ahead if you’re on your own. Visit the gardens, restaurant and gift shop for free and pay a modest charge for the tour. Opening times vary throughout the year so be sure to check before you come to explore these ancient dwellings.

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Torquay museum.

Learn about natural history, local traditions and Torquay’s most famous daughter, Agatha Christie, at this family-friendly attraction in a Victorian-era building.

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Walk along a scenic coastal path from Torquay Harbour to reach this well-maintained beach, a favorite with water sports fans.

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Catch an event at Torquay United FC during your trip to Torquay. Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches or experience its entertainment choices.

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Admire the beautiful yachts moored in this picturesque harbor, which sits within easy walking distance of many of Torquay’s main attractions.

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Exploring Kent’s Cavern Caves in Torquay – A Guide

Exploring Kent's Cavern Caves in Torquay - A Guide

Kent’s Cavern in Torquay is one of Britain’s most important prehistoric cave sites. These ancient caves have been carved out over millions of years and were inhabited by humans during the Stone Age. With fascinating geological formations, rare fossils, and evidence of our early ancestors, Kent’s Cavern provides a glimpse into the distant past.

Table of Contents

Overview of Kent’s Cavern Caves in Torquay

Kent’s Cavern is located on the cliff tops above Meadfoot Beach in the seaside town of Torquay on the English Riviera coast.

The cave system was formed up to 2 million years ago through natural processes and contains extensive passages, chambers and spectacular rock formations.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered flint tools showing the caves were occupied around 400,000 years ago, making them one of Britain’s earliest known inhabited sites. Animal bones, teeth, and footprint fossils have also been found, including saber-toothed cats, hyenas, bears, and mammoths. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the caves and discover their fascinating history.

Top Attractions in Kent’s Cavern Caves

The great cavern.

This huge cavern is one of the largest chambers in the cave system. Look up to see the suspended stalactites on the ceiling. Archaeological digs here have revealed flint tools used by Ice Age humans as far back as the Palaeolithic era. The Great Cavern is featured in Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’.

The Roman Gallery

This area contains rare Roman inscriptions etched into the cave walls around 2,000 years ago. They were made by followers of Mithraism, a mystery religion that held secret rituals in natural caverns. One inscription translates to ‘Lord Mithras Sun God’.

The Vestibule Passageway

The winding passage leads you through tight tunnels with uneven floors toward the heart of the cave system. Look out for plunge pools created by water erosion and evidence of prehistoric animal habitation. Chambers off the vestibule feature cave pearls and flowstones.

The Bone Cave

Bones of extinct animals like sabre-toothed tigers, bears, hyenas and mammoths have been found in this cave, now displayed in the visitor centre. Bone Cave also contains Britain’s oldest human skull dating back around 40,000 years.

The Wolf Den and Bear Pit

These chambers are where remains of wolves and bears have been excavated. Examples include the lower jaw of a wolf dating to around 80,000 BC. Discoveries like this offer insights into the predators early humans would have encountered.

Wallace the Lion

Children will enjoy spotting the replica bones of Wallace the cave lion arranged inside the passageway. This fearsome predecessor of modern lions preyed on horses, deer and bison and became extinct around 14,000 years ago.

Visitor Experiences and Reviews

According to visitors, highlights of the tour include descending into the atmospheric caves by candlelight, spotting fossils and bones along the way, and imagining what life was like for ancient humans inhabiting these caverns thousands of years ago.

Many visitors express surprise at the size of the caves and warmth inside. Reviews mention knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the history alive. The Ice Age exhibition detailing discoveries like stone tools and bones receives particular praise.

While some parts require climbing over rocks in dim light, visitors say the experience is suitable for most ages. Overall, reviews agree Kent’s Cavern provides an educational and eye-opening journey into Torquay’s prehistory.

Practical Information for Visiting Kent’s Cavern

Kent’s Cavern is open 7 days a week except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are 10am-5pm in summer and 10am-4pm in winter. Tours run daily every 20 minutes. Last entry is one hour before closing. Book tickets online in advance as tours can sell out, especially in high season.

The standard cave tour takes around 50 minutes. Sturdy footwear is recommended as some areas involve clambering over rocks. The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 14°C so bring a jacket. Photography is allowed without flash. The visitor centre and museum are fully accessible.

Kent’s Cavern is located a 5 minute drive from Torquay town centre, or a pleasant 25 minute walk. Limited parking is available on site. Public transport options include buses from Torquay or Paignton train station.

Entry costs £14.50 for adults, £9.50 for children, and £43 for a family ticket. Concession discounts are available. A combined ticket including access to Torquay Museum is £20.50.

Kent’s Cavern provides a unique window into Torquay and South Devon’s prehistoric past through its geological formations, archaeological relics and rare fossils. A chance to descend into the depths of these caves that were inhabited thousands of years ago is an unforgettable experience. This atmospheric attraction brings history alive, making it a must-see for visitors interested in Britain’s early human occupation.

FAQs: Kent’s Cavern Caves in Torquay

How old are the kent’s cavern caves.

The caves are over 2 million years old, having been gradually carved out by water erosion over many millennia. The oldest evidence of human habitation dates back 400,000 years.

How long does a standard tour of Kent’s Cavern last?

The standard guided tour takes around 50 minutes. It leads you through the main chambers and passages like the Great Cavern and Bone Cave. Smaller group tours are also available.

Are Kent’s Cavern tours suitable for young children?

Yes, children aged 4 and above can join a standard tour, though some climbing over rocks is required in places. The caves maintain a cool year-round temperature so bring a jacket.

Can you take photos inside the caves?

Yes, photography is permitted without flash. Tripods are not allowed. Low light levels make photography challenging but shots can be taken of formations like stalactites.

What else is there to do near Kent’s Cavern?

Top attractions close to the caves include Torquay Museum, Living Coasts zoo, Torre Abbey and the beaches and harbour area. Allow a full day to explore the caves and Torquay.

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Kents Cavern Ltd

Please note that we require a minimum of 2 people to operate a tour. If you are visiting on your own select a tour with people already booked or call 01803 215136 and we will confirm if a tour will run when you plano n visiting. This is more important outside school holidays when less people visit.

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Kents Cavern Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

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Kents Cavern

  • Address: Ilsham Road, Wells wood, Torquay, Devon, 2Q1 2JF, TQ1 2JF, United Kingdom
  • Timings: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm Details
  • Phone: 01-803215136
  • Fax: +44-01803211034
  • Ticket Price: 10 GBP
  • Time Required: 03:00 Hrs
  • Tags: Cave, Cavern, Family And Kids , Landmarks, Historic And Protected Sites

Initially bought by Francis Powe, a carpenter who made it his workshop where he made beach huts for the Torquay beach was later turned into a tourist attraction by his son, Leslie Powe where he constructed concrete pathways and electric lighting and other visitor facilities. Now, Kents Cavern is an outstanding natural cave on the coast of South Devon. It is one of the most important caves of the country and its marvelous geology and rich archeological heritage have been enchanting scientists and visitors for centuries now. The cave now attracts 80,000 visitors annually. It was awarded with The Showcase of the Year award in 2000 and as the best tourist spot of the year and awarded in 2005. It is said that this cave was inhabited by 8 different Tribes centuries ago. There have also been various excavations by explorers in this cave who have found skeletons and skulls of animals and even humans among which the most interesting is a human part which shows deadly scratch marks on it.

The cave is full of mysteries and the ambience inside underlines the mystery even more. The Geopark’s archeological evidences reveal that people and animals have been visiting the cave since hundreds of thousands of years. It has stories that date back to almost 400 million years that has also enriched the cultural heritage of the area. It is a protected natural site and so very important to Britain.

For thousands of years the cave has served as a shelter to its dwellers from the harsh weather and it is also believed that in this cave the pre-historic humans also discovered the use of fire and also learnt the art of making iron tools to hunt for food.

Kents Cavern Travel Tips

  • Do try to take a tour without a guide along with you as they can make your tour much more entertaining.
  • Check the recent ticket prices and timings before visiting.
  • Latest entry timings are to be checked just before the visit as they keep changing almost every month.
  • Halloween tours are an exclusive attraction.
  • Underground tours are also a must experience to feel the spine chilling thrill that takes you back to the age of ancient humans.
  • There is also an underground exhibition chamber.
  • There are plenty to entertain with Stone Age woodland trail, indoor kids archeological dig area, hands on cave art area.
  • The place also has little gift shops, beautiful gardens and restaurants also.

Entrance Ticket Details For Kents Cavern

  • All major cards accepted (not AmEx)
  • Euros and USD accepted Adults – 9.25 Pounds.
  • Children– (3-15years)- 8.50 Pounds.
  • Children (below 3 years)- free.
  • Students and senior citizens- 8.50 Pounds.

How to Reach Kents Cavern

  • Use no. 32 and no. 11 Stagecoach bus service to St. Mathias Church
  • Follow brown tourist signs to Kents Cavern Prehistoric caves if you are coming by car.
  • Passenger ferry service is available from Dartmouth, Plaignton and Brixham to Torquay Harbour
  • Nearest railway station is Newtown Abbot.
  • Bristol International airport is the closest.
  • Basil’s Brasserie
  • Nino’s Italian Restaurant

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Torquay before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Torquay and book an accommodation of your choice.

  • Kents Cavern Address: Ilsham Road, Wells wood, Torquay, Devon, 2Q1 2JF, TQ1 2JF, United Kingdom
  • Kents Cavern Contact Number: 01-803215136
  • Kents Cavern Timing: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
  • Kents Cavern Price: 10 GBP
  • Best time to visit Kents Cavern(preferred time): 11:00 am - 02:00 pm
  • Time required to visit Kents Cavern: 03:00 Hrs
  • Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

45.13% of people who visit Torquay include Kents Cavern in their plan

  • 10 AM - 11 AM

80.33% of people start their Kents Cavern visit around 10 AM - 11 AM

People usually take around 3 Hrs to see Kents Cavern

95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Kents Cavern

People normally club together Babbacombe and Killerton House while planning their visit to Kents Cavern.

Kents Cavern Reviews & Ratings

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Attractions Nearby

  • Babbacombe Model Village
  • Cockington Country Park
  • Exeter Quay
  • Powderham Castle
  • Cockington Court

picname

are dogs allowed near site but of course not in caves thankyou

cave tour torquay

I am not sure if it is safe to take dogs near the site. I suggest you call on 01803 215136 or  44 1803 215 136 and inquire about it before visiting. 

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Places inside Kents Cavern Caves

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Firestone Kitchen

Café · £

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THE BEST Torquay Caverns & Caves

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cave tour torquay

1. Kents Cavern

imogena424

Kents Cavern Ltd

Explore Kents Cavern

Step into the Stone Age at Britain's oldest home. We will guide you through an extensive system of caves, formed in Devonian Limestone, once occupied by prehistoric people and Ice Age animals.  Your guide will show you total darkness, extraordinary natural rock formations and artefacts left by ancient occupants. 

Explore Kents Cavern

As you are led throught the large caverns, you'll be following in the footsteps of early adventurers who unearthed an array of bones and artefacts. Explore the incredible geological story of Kents Cavern and witness spectucular stalactites and stalagmites, which adorn the cave walls. 

Continue your day uncovering more Prehistoric secrets on our Woodland Trail by hunting for Ice Age beasts.

You also leave your car on site and take a walk down to the nearby beach and along the South West Coast path.  

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Caves

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© 2024 Kents Cavern Ltd | Cavern House, Ilsham Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF

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Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, march 1st - march 15th, 2024, march 16th - march 31st, 2024, april 1st - may 18th, 2024, may 19th - june 30th, 2024, tour reservations.

Cave tours often sell out during the summer and early fall seasons, and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot on a tour is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777 to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

Visit Recreation.gov To

Contact recreation.gov.

By Phone:  (877) 444-6777 TDD (hearing impaired):  (877) 833-6777 Online:   www.recreation.gov Call Center Hours:  9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time

Cave Tour Cancellation Policy

Refunds will be processed if you cancel before your tour time and date. There will be $1 per ticket charge regardless the reason for the cancellation. Customers who cancel any tour after the reservation time and date or no-shows will forfeit the tour fee.  For Wild Cave, Introduction to Caving, and Trog tours:

  • Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the Tour Date will be no charge.
  • Wild Cave Tour: $12.00
  • Introduction to Caving Tour: $6.00
  • Trog Tour: $4.00

Descriptions of Cave Tours

Mammoth passage - not always offered..

This tour will be available daily from January 1, 2024 through February 29, 2024  with half of the tickets being reservable through www.recreation.gov and the rest of the tickets being purchased at the Visitor Center the day of. You may call the Visitor Center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability.   

An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the Self-Guided Discovery Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Discovery Tour routes. Includes a steep outdoor hillside trail to and from the cave’s natural entrance. This tour does not see dripstone formation areas. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  70 Fees:  $11 Adults, $9 Youth, $5.50 Senior Pass Holder, $5.50 Access Pass Holder March 1st Fees:  $15 Adults, $13 Youth, $7.50 Senior Pass Holder, $7.50 Access Pass Holder

Discovery Tour (Self-Guided) Not Offered Winter

This tour is not always offered. Please call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit to check its availability. This tour is typically offered Memorial Day to Labor day.

There is a fee for this tour. When tickets are sold, the time on the tickets will be the last time you can enter the cave. This tour has designated multiple hours that you can enter the cave, between the time you bought the ticket and the last time being the one displayed on your ticket. Please do not wait until the last minute to use the ticket. Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour requires a ticket, and proceeds into the Historic Entrance. Focusing on early history and prehistory of the cave, this section of cave houses many great artifacts. This tour is ideal for people wanting to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Includes part of the Historic Tour and all of the Mammoth Passage Tour routes. Please Note:  Advance tickets are not available. Duration:  0.5 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  135 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time: Unlimited Fees:  $8 Adults, $6 Youth, $4 Senior Pass Holder, $4 Access Pass Holder. March 1st   Fees:  $12 Adults, $9 Youth, $6 Senior Pass Holder, $6 Access Pass Holder.

Frozen Niagara Tour

The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This section of cave is seen in its entirety on the Domes and Dripstones, Grand Avenue, Introduction to Caving and Wild Cave Tours. Duration:  1.25 hours Distance:  0.25 miles (0.4 km) Total Stairs:  64, plus an optional 98 Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  34 Fees:  $18 Adults, $14 Youth, $9 Senior Pass Holder, $9 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Domes & Dripstones Tour

This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and a small portion of the Grand Avenue Tour route. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.75 miles (1.2 km) Total Stairs:  640 , including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96 Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $21 Adults, $16 Youth, $10.50 Senior Pass Holder, $10.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Accessible Tour ♿

Call the visitor center at 270-758-2180 on the day of your visit for availability..

Utilizing the Elevator Entrance, this tour emerges near the famous Snowball Room. Continuing through historic Cleaveland Avenue, this tour passes through areas of the cave highly decorated with historic signatures and sparkling geological formations. This tour is ideal for people who wish to see the cave and are looking for a tour with no stairs. This is an accessible tour. This tour is designed for persons with a disability, limited physical mobility, or any other reason for a tour with no stairs. If no one in your party needs an accessible tour, please consider selecting another tour unless this is the only tour available at the time of your request. Wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices are allowed. Accessible restrooms are on this tour.   Participants meet at the visitor center for a caravan in their personal vehicles to drive approximately 2 miles to the elevator entrance. Assistive devices will need to be decontaminated upon exiting the cave to limit the spread of White Nose Syndrome. Please note that no transportation or mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes are available. NPS employees will not transport or assist visitors or visitor equipment. If visitors need assistance with the Park's accessible features, they must bring a companion with them for aid. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  0.5 miles (0.8 km) Total Stairs:  No stairs Difficulty:  Easy Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Fees:  $22 Adults, $16 Youth, $11 Senior Pass Holder, $11 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder. Tickets available for each tour time:  14

Gothic Avenue Tour

Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave, and is ideal for people with a high interest in history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Star Chamber, Historic and Violet City Lantern Tours. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  1.7 miles (2.7 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $19 Adults, $15 Youth, $9.50 Senior Pass Holder, $9.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $23 Adults, $19 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder. Tickets:  40

Historic Tour

This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends to much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.   Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. It is seen in its entirety on the River Styx Tour. Duration:  2 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  110 Fees:  $20 Adults, $15 Youth, $10 Senior Pass Holder, $10 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $24 Adults, $18 Youth, $12 Senior Pass Holder, $12 Access Pass Holder.

Extended Historic Tour - Not Currently Offered

Enjoy this Historic Tour with a bonus side trip to one of the sites of the famous 1840s Mammoth Cave experiment to treat consumption. This tour is ideal for people who want a Historic Tour and have a little extra time to spend in the cave. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber and Gothic Avenue Tours. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  540, including 155 at Mammoth Dome Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  60 Fees:  $23 Adults, $17 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $27 Adults, $21 Youth, $13.50 Senior Pass Holder, $13.50 Access Pass Holder.

Cleaveland Avenue Tour - Not Currently Offered

For nearly two centuries, Cleaveland Avenue has attracted people from all over the world to see its sparkling walls of gypsum and unique tube-shaped passages. Evidence of early visitors can still be seen on the walls and ceiling as you travel Cleaveland Avenue to the Snowball Room. This tour is ideal for people looking for a unique part of Mammoth Cave and an interest in geology and history.  This tour enters the cave by descending nearly 231 stairs and exits the cave via an elevator. In the event the elevator is not available due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour extends its time 30 minutes, retraces the route, and ascends the near 231 stairs back out of the cave. This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Includes all of the Accessible Tour route. Duration:  2 hours - (2½ hours if the elevator is unavailable) Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) - (2 miles [3.2 km] if the elevator is unavailable) Total Stairs:  231 - (462 if the elevator is unavailable) Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All ages. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Fees:  $22 Adults, $16 Youth, $11 Senior Pass Holder, $11 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $30 Adults, $24 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder. Tickets available for each tour time:  34

Wondering Woods Tour - Not Currently Offered

Take a leisurely bus ride with a ranger across the park landscape and learn about the communities and people that were once here. After a short bus ride, enjoy a hike in the Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. At the end of the hike, a short cave tour awaits you where you'll be surrounded by beautiful cave formation! This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  1.5 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  194 includes 54 being optional Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  All Ages Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  30 Fees:  $18 Adults, $14 Youth, $9 Senior Pass Holder, $9 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $26 Adults, $22 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Great Onyx Lantern Tour - Not Currently Offered

A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses an abundance of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. Please Note:  This cave is toured within Mammoth Cave National Park, but is not known to connect with the Mammoth Cave System. Duration:  2.25 hours Distance:  1 miles (1.6 km) Total Stairs:  82 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $23 Adults, $18 Youth, $11.50 Senior Pass Holder, $11.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $31 Adults, $26 Youth, $15.50 Senior Pass Holder, $15.50 Access Pass Holder.

Violet City Lantern Tour - Not Currently Offered

A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave.   This tour requires a short bus ride back to the visitor center from the cave exit. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Mammoth Passage Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. Be prepared, the rugged nature of this tour possesses steep hills, low lighting, uneven terrain and no handrail or electric lighting infrastructure. To preserve the nostalgic nature of this tour, the use of flashlights is prohibited. Duration:  3 hours Distance:  3 miles (4.8 km) Total Stairs:  200 and numerous hills with no handrails. Difficulty:  Difficult Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  38 Fees:  $25 Adults, $20 Youth, $12.50 Senior Pass Holder, $12.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $32 Adults, $27 Youth, $16 Senior Pass Holder, $16 Access Pass Holder.

River Styx Cave Tour - Not Currently Offered

Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.  Please use extra caution when visiting the river level. To access this section of the cave the tour leaves modern tour trail to uneven terrain that may be wet, muddy, and/or slick. The tour route travels next to bodies of water, some of which can be very deep depending on river levels. Viewing of this area will also be conducted with electric lanterns and not the modern lighting system on the rest of the route. This tour covers the entire Historic Tour route. Limited sections of the Star Chamber, Violet City Lantern and Mammoth Passage are also seen. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2.5 miles (4 km) Total Stairs:  Approximately 600, including 155 at Mammoth Dome. Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 year and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time: 4 0 Fees:  $22 Adults, $16 Youth, $11 Senior Pass Holder, $11 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $26 Adults, $20 Youth, $13 Senior Pass Holder, $13 Access Pass Holder.

Star Chamber Lantern Tour - Not Currently Offered

An evening tour in Mammoth Cave by lantern light, this tour winds its way to historic Star Chamber. Described as more of an experience tour than a sightseeing tour, the Star Chamber Tour explores historic sections of the cave in the lighting of the earliest explorers, emerging from the cave in late evening. Focusing on early history of Mammoth Cave, this tour includes a trip into Gothic Avenue. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a unique way to experience the cave and its history. Portions of this tour are also seen on the Historic, River Styx and Gothic Avenue Tours. Only visitors age 16 and over may carry lanterns. To preserve the nostalgic atmosphere of the activity, there is no flashlight use permitted on this tour. Duration:  2.5 hours Distance:  2 miles (3.2 km) Total Stairs:  170 Difficulty:  Moderate Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  No Tickets available for each tour time:  40 Fees:  $25 Adults, $20 Youth, $12.50 Senior Pass Holder, $12.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $30 Adults, $25 Youth, $15 Senior Pass Holder, $15 Access Pass Holder.

Grand Avenue Tour - Not Currently Offered

At 4 hours long, this lengthy tour explores the geologic diversity of what Mammoth Cave has to offer. Going through slot canyons, tubular passageways, tall canyons, and tunnels sparkled with gypsum. This tour also encounters hundreds of steps and ascends and descends many tall, incredibly steep hills.  Covering a wide variety of the history and geology of Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those wishing for a lengthy, half-day hike inside of the cave.  This tour requires a short bus ride to and from the visitor center to the cave entrance. This tour includes the entire Frozen Niagara Tour route and all of the Domes and Dripstones Tour except for the 280 stairs descending the vertical shafts at the entrance. Duration:  4 hours Distance:  4 miles (6.4 km) Total Stairs:  1521 pluse an optional 96 Difficulty:  Strenuous Ages:  6 years and older. Youth under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Restrooms:  Yes Tickets available for each tour time:  78 Fees:  $35 Adults, $27 Youth, $17.50 Senior Pass Holder, $17.50 Access Pass Holder. March 1st Fees:  $42 Adults, $34 Youth, $21 Senior Pass Holder, $21 Access Pass Holder.

Wild Cave Tour -  Not Currently Offered

Introduction to caving - not currently offered, trog tour - not currently offered.

Hiking Boot

Wild Cave and Introduction to Caving Requirements (For Crawling Tours ONLY).

For safety purposes, boot tread MUST be a minimum of 1/4 inch in depth. And boot height MUST be sturdy and cover the ankle bone completely. If not, YOU WILL NOT be able to participate. For Crawling Tours ONLY. NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES for not having the proper footwear.

Tour Route Photo Galleries

2 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.25 hours | 2 miles (3.2 km) | 540 stairs

2.5 hours | 2.5 miles (4 km) | 600 stairs

2 hours | 1 miles (1.6 km) | 160 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 135 stairs

0.5 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 130 stairs

1.25 hours | 0.25 miles (0.4 km) | 64 stairs, optional 98 stairs

2 hours | 0.75 miles (1.2 km) | 638 stairs

1.5 hours | 1 mile (1.6km) | 140 stairs, optional 54

2.25 hours | 1 mile (1.6 km) | 82 stairs

2 hours | 1/2 mile (0.8 km)

3.5 hours | 1 mile | 300 stairs

2 hours 45 minutes | 1 1/2 miles | 200 stairs

Other Cave Tours

Mammoth Cave offers numerous cave tours throughout the year. The selection of tours changes seasonally and with staffing availability. You can read descriptions and learn more about these other cave tours before planning your trip to the park. Check back with our cave tour schedule or park calendar to see future offerings of these other cave tours.

Beyond the Cave

Park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

270 758-2180

Stay Connected

Discover mysterious 'Hindu Caves' hidden in the middle of Torquay

Old letters are carved into the rocks which can be reached at low tide

  • 02:00, 15 JUL 2022
  • Updated 23:31, 15 JUL 2022

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Even people who have lived a lifetime in Torquay do not know the secret of the Hindu Temple caves - hidden in plain sight just yards from the busy main seafront road. They were named by a famous Victorian novelist and are much-loved by wild swimmers.

The caves are out of sight from land and lie hidden below Corbyn Head and Livermead where the red rock of the headland has been pockmarked with holes and caves. They can be found just above the waterline and most people have forgotten what lies just off the busy main Torbay Road and the bustle of Torre Abbey Sands.

Swimmers love to explore the Hindu Caves at high tide. Inside when the tide is higher, there are turquoise blue pools with 'windows' of light spilling through like a church. At low tide it is possible to climb around either from Corbyn Head Beach on one side or Livermead Beach on the other. But beware - every year people have to be rescued by the emergency services after being cut off by the fast incoming tide. And there is no phone signal from under the headland at Corbyn Head, adding to the danger of being cut off.

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Why are they called Hindu Caves?

The caves were first called the Hindu Temple by The Water-Babies author Charles Kingsley who was a regular visitor to Torquay during its Victorian heyday - along with The Origin of Species author Charles Darwin who used to like to eat his sandwiches in the caves.

Kingsley was a clergyman, naturalist and writer and lived in Torquay during the 1850s in what is now the Livermead House Hotel and loved to explore the shore, where he painted beautiful pictures of the wildlife. He described a 'labyrinth of double and triple caves like a Hindu temple'.

for the adventurous Hindu Caves are beautiful and it is always a thrill to explore their nooks and crannies in the cliffs. These pictures reveal the beauty of the cave system and show mysterious letters which have been carved into the rocks.

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Photographer Darren Murray, who photographed the mysterious letters, said: "I went around from Corbyn Head at low tide - all the way round past the hidden beach then up on to the sea wall and into the small cave entrance. There are old letters carved inside.

"There is a small collapse at the back of the first cave by the letter 'S' to gain entry to the larger temple cave. I assume they are Victorian graffiti - or does X mark the spot? I love a good mystery."

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If you want to see the caves for yourself Darren's advice is: "Wear non slip shoes. There is a small climb on to the wall. Watch the tide. It's not for young children or infirm, but otherwise quite easy really."

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How to explore Hindu Caves safely

  • Before you head out , make sure it’s safe. Check the tide tables.
  • While you’re out , be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction.
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