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 About visiting the caves About visiting the caves About visiting the caves About visiting the caves About visiting the caves About visiting the caves About visiting the caves

About visiting the caves

A list of frequently asked questions follows the Access Statement but please call if you have any further queries on 01803 215136, and then press 2. A member of our team will be pleased to talk to you.

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 55cm (21.5") at ground level which extends 1m (3'3"). This can be negotiated by normal size child pushchairs but not by wheelchairs.
  • Access for wheelchair users is restricted to the first chamber of the cave and no charge is made if visitors don't go beyond this chamber. Concessionary charges do apply to registered carers and disabled visitors who go beyond this chamber, see Opening Times and Prices.
  • The guide will warn you if the strobe lighting sequences are in operation at the  beginning of the tour but visitors who are susceptible to rapid flashing light should make this known to the guide.
  • The caves are electrically lit and there are a concrete paths throughout. There are periods of reduced lighting and short spells of complete darkness during the tour. The temperature is a constant 14°C (58°F) 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.
  • Visitors who feel uncomfortable at any time in the caves can inform the guide who will arrange for an escort back out.

More answers to FAQs...

ARE THE CAVES OPEN ALL YEAR?

Yes: Kents Cavern is open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day and for 1 week in January.

DO WE HAVE TO GO ON A GUIDED TOUR?

Yes:  The cave is a National Protected Monument, an International Prehistoric Show Cave and a gateway to UNESCO's English Riviera Global Geopark.  For this reason the cave has the highest possible level of protection available in Britain and consequently all visits into the cave are accompanied by trained, knowledgeable and above all, entertaining, caves guides.

DO YOU SELL LOCAL PRODUCTS?

YES: We source as many products as we can locally and the provenance of our food, which we try and source from Devon, is displayed in the restaurant. We use recycled paper sources and recycle relevant waste. We do not give away plastic bags in our retail areas and we operate a sustainable purchasing policy.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE CAVES?

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

DO YOU SELL ROCKS AND FOSSILS?

No: We do not sell original specimen geological material and fossils but we do sell replica fossils and added-value worked geological material. We do this in common with all other UNESCO Global Geoparks around the world.

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 the "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.  For maximum enjoyment don't wait for a wet day to visit!

IS THE WALK AROUND THE CAVES DIFFICULT?

No: Kents Cavern is probably Britain's easiest show cave to visit.  All paths are concrete with 9 shallow steps half way round.  There are some steep slopes but handrails are provided.  The caves are easily accessible for most visitors although assistance may be required by some as there are natural slopes and steps. Access for wheelchair users is restricted to the first chamber but standard child pushchairs will be able to negotiate the cave.

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 very busy days (usually wet 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.  

If you would like more detailed information on how caves are formed, on the local geology and the archaeological record of the cave ...[click here] The "Weblinks" section may also be useful.