Kents Cavern
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR
EMAIL NEWSLETTER!
Your name:

Email address:

Copy the letters below:


Website by Gomango 		About visiting the caves About visiting the caves

About visiting the caves

Some Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THE CAVES OPEN ALL YEAR?

Yes: Kents Cavern is open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day and for 2 weeks in January.

DO WE HAVE TO GO ON A GUIDED TOUR?

Yes:  The cave is a signicant national heritage asset because it was used as a home by Stone Age people for thousands of years during prehistoric times.  For this reason the cave is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and this gives it the highest possible level of protection available in Britain.   Consequently all visits into the cave are accompanied by entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE CAVES?

Yes: But video cameras are not permitted for safety reasons.

IS THERE ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN TO DO APART FROM VISIT THE CAVE?

Yes: In the Kids Activity area there is the "The Fun Dig", "Cave Painting", "The Wall of Hands", "Brass Rubbing" and "Tribal Face Marking". Along the Woodland Trail are two themed quests; "Stone Age Shopping" and "Animal Hunt".

HOW LONG IS A TOUR?

Allow about 2.5 hours for the complete visitor experience at Kents Cavern. The tour of the caves tour lasts just under an hour.

ARE THE CAVES BUSY ON WET DAYS?

Yes: On wet days during high season tours are scheduled every 10 minutes but waiting times to enter the caves can be up to 1 hour. Register at the ticket desk where you will be given the next available tour time. Some of the outdoor children's activities are restricted on wet days. Tip..buy advance tickets at the Kents Cavern Shop at Torquay Harbour. For maximum enjoyment don't wait for a wet day to visit!

IS THE WALK AROUND THE CAVES DIFFICULT?

No: Kents Cavern is one of Britain's easiest caves to visit.  All paths are concrete with 9 shallow steps half way round.  There are some steep slopes but handrails are provided. 

IS KENTS CAVERN SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH TODDLERS?

Yes: Kents Cavern is a family friendly attraction. Children under the age of three are admitted FREE of charge. Pushchairs can be taken into the caves but on busy days the number of pushchairs admitted into the caves will be limited for safety reasons. These can be left at the cave entrance.

HOW WARM ARE THE CAVES?

The temperature in the cave is a constant 14°C (58°F) every day of the year so on hot summer days the caves are the perfect place to cool off.

DO WE HAVE TO PAY TO PARK?

No: There is a FREE car park. At busy times the car park will fill up but there is unrestricted FREE road parking within a short walk distance. Coach drivers should call in advance to reserve space.

CAN I TAKE MY DOG (OR ANY OTHER PET) INTO THE CAVES?

No: Only registered assistance dogs are permitted in the caves.

IS ACCESS POSSIBLE FOR ADULTS IN WHEELCHAIRS?

No: Wheelchair users cannot access the cave beyond the first underground chamber but no charge is made to see this first part of the cave.  A DVD of tour is available by the entrance for people who cannot accompany the tour.  Please refer to the access statement below.

If you are looking for detailed information on the Palaeontology and Geology of the caves ...[click here] The "weblinks" page also has some useful website

"Access Statement"

  • Assistance is likely to be required by some visitors as there are steep gradients of up to 1:4 - 1:5, both in the caves and on the Woodland Trail. There are also nine steps on the tour of the caves, with a narrow point on route of 550mm (21.5 inches) at ground level.
  • Access for wheelchair users is restricted to the first chamber (The Vestibule) and no charge is made if visitors don't go beyond this chamber. Concessionary charges do apply to registered carers and disabled visitors who visit the caves beyond this chamber, see Opening Times and Prices.
  • A couple of strobe lighting sequences may be used at the beginning of the tour. Visitors susceptible to rapid flashing light are asked to inform the guide.
  • The caves are electrically lit and there is a concrete path throughout. There are periods of reduced lighting and short spells of complete darkness during the tour. The temperature is a constant 14C (58F) and suitable footwear should be worn.
  • We have a designated WC for wheelchair users with right hand transfer. Helmets are available for visually impaired visitors. A printed version of the tour is available for hearing impaired visitors. Guide dogs are permitted onto the site but no other pets are allowed on site.