The largest show caves in England

Step into a world shaped over millions of years at Wookey Hole Caves, one of Britain's most spectacular natural wonders. Hidden beneath the Mendip Hills in Somerset, these remarkable caves have been carved by water, shaped by time, and brought to life through thousands of years of human history, archaeology, myths, and exploration.

Today, visitors can journey through eight stunning cave chambers, discovering breathtaking geological formations, ancient stories, and the famous legend of the Witch of Wookey. From Ice Age animals and prehistoric settlers to Roman worshippers and modern cave explorers, Wookey Hole Caves have fascinated generations for over 50,000 years.

Wookey Uncovered - New Grotto at Wookey Hole

Chris Binding

A Natural Wonder Millions of Years in the Making

The story of Wookey Hole Caves begins with a single drop of rain.

Over millions of years, rainwater filtered through the porous rock of the Mendip Hills, gradually carving out the chambers and underground passages that visitors explore today. This continuous natural process created one of the most impressive cave systems in England.

The caves are formed from limestone, sandstone and dolomitic conglomerate, often known as puddingstone, creating a fascinating landscape of underground rivers, soaring chambers and intricate rock formations.

As you explore the caves, you'll discover spectacular stalactites, stalagmites and features that are still slowly evolving today.

A Home for Humans and Animals for Over 50,000 Years

Long before Wookey Hole became a visitor attraction, the caves provided shelter for both people and animals.

For more than 50,000 years, the dry conditions, natural protection and constant temperature inside the caves made them an ideal place for survival. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of some of the earliest human activity in Britain, including Neanderthal flint tools and traces of early fire use. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into prehistoric life in Somerset.

The caves continue to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, helping us understand how ancient people lived, hunted and adapted to changing environments.

When Ice Age Giants Roamed Somerset

Between 35,000 and 25,000 BCE, Wookey Hole Caves were used by both humans and cave hyenas, an animal now long extinct.

Excavations throughout the valley have uncovered the remains of rhinoceroses, bears, mammoths and lions, revealing a landscape inhabited by both tropical and Ice Age species at different points in history.

Evidence suggests that cave hyenas may have hunted in packs, driving prey over the clifftops above the caves before feeding below. These discoveries paint a fascinating picture of a Somerset that looked very different from the countryside we see today.

A model of a neanderthal family gathering round a fire in a cave.

Celtic Life Beneath the Mendips

Around 2,600 years ago, Celtic farmers settled around the entrance to Wookey Hole Caves, taking advantage of the natural daylight and shelter provided by the cave mouth.

Using simple lamps fuelled by animal fat, they explored deeper into the cave system, reaching chambers that have since become inaccessible due to changes in the underground river.

One of the deepest chambers was used as a burial site, reflecting practices common among ancient communities around the world. Although this chamber is not open to visitors, discoveries made within it continue to help archaeologists understand the beliefs and traditions of Somerset's earliest inhabitants.

A Sacred Place in Roman Britain

When the Romans arrived in Somerset around 2,000 years ago, they quickly recognised the importance of the Mendip Hills. They built roads, mined lead and established important trade routes throughout the region.

Wookey Hole also became a place of worship. While the Romans are famously associated with the baths at nearby Bath, they also revered the natural spring at Wookey Hole. Located in the valley outside the caves, the sacred waters attracted visitors centuries ago and continue to hold spiritual significance for many people today.

Curiosity, Exploration and an Earthquake

By the 1700s, Wookey Hole Caves had become a place of fascination for explorers and visitors eager to witness the underground river and extraordinary rock formations.

Some historians believe the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 may have affected the cave system, potentially causing the collapse of enormous stalactites that had been forming for millions of years.

The formations that remain today are still remarkable. Stalactites and stalagmites grow over thousands of years as mineral-rich water drips through the cave, gradually creating the spectacular natural sculptures seen throughout the chambers.

A Century of Archaeological Discovery

The early twentieth century marked a period of important archaeological breakthroughs at Wookey Hole Caves.

In 1912, archaeologist Herbert Balch uncovered the almost complete skeleton of an Iron Age woman, alongside goat remains, a dagger and other ancient artefacts. The discovery joined a growing collection of prehistoric tools, bones and historical objects that demonstrated the caves' long and varied history.

Many of these fascinating finds can still be viewed today in the Museum in The Mill, helping visitors connect with thousands of years of Somerset's past.

Opening the Caves to the World

Wookey Hole Caves officially opened to visitors in 1927. At that time, only three chambers were accessible and guests had to leave using the same route they entered.

The 1930s saw pioneering cave divers push further into the underground system, revealing previously unknown chambers and expanding our understanding of the caves.

A major development followed in 1974 when tunnels and bridges were constructed, allowing visitors to explore much deeper into the cave network. Today, guests can safely journey through eight spectacular chambers and experience far more of Wookey Hole than ever before.

Discover Wookey Uncovered

Delve deeper into the rich history of Wookey Hole with Wookey Uncovered, an immersive experience that explores the caves' archaeology, legends, and remarkable discoveries. Venture into a chamber not accessible on the standard public tour and gain a unique insight into Wookey Hole's past. To round off your journey, enjoy a tasting of Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheese and traditional Somerset cider.

Find out more here

Chamber 20 and Modern Cave Exploration

Deep beneath the Mendip Hills lies one of the most ambitious chapters in the modern history of Wookey Hole Caves.

The documentary Tunnel, created by cave explorer and filmmaker Gavin Newman, tells the story of the extraordinary project to make Chamber 20 accessible to visitors for the first time.

The project involved blasting a 70-metre tunnel through solid rock, using tonnes of explosives and removing more than a thousand tonnes of material to reveal a hidden underground chamber that had previously only been reached by cave divers.

The film offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at exploration, engineering and adventure inside one of Britain's most celebrated cave systems.

The Legend of the Witch of Wookey

No visit to Wookey Hole Caves would be complete without encountering Somerset's most famous cave legend.

According to local folklore, a witch once lived deep within the caves before being turned to stone. Today, visitors can see the striking rock formation said to represent the Witch of Wookey, a mysterious figure who has become an enduring symbol of the caves.

The story continues to capture imaginations and remains one of the highlights of the cave experience.

Visit Wookey Hole Caves Today

Thanks to modern walkways and tunnels, exploring Wookey Hole Caves is easier than ever. Visitors can enjoy a safe and accessible journey through the chambers while discovering the geology, history and legends that make this attraction so unique.

Outside school holidays, expert guides lead fully guided tours through the caves, sharing fascinating stories and hidden details along the way. During school holidays, visitors receive an introduction to the caves before continuing their adventure at their own pace.

For those looking for an even greater challenge, Wild Wookey offers an unforgettable adventure beyond the standard visitor route.

Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, captivated by geology, intrigued by folklore or simply looking for an unforgettable day out in Somerset, Wookey Hole Caves offer a journey through millions of years of history, mystery and natural wonder.

Book your visit today and discover the magic of Wookey Hole Caves for yourself.

Book Your Adventure Now!