Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Poole’s Cavern is the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. The cavern is famous for the spectacular and unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Your expert guide will accompany you on a 45 minute journey through chambers once used as shelter and worship by prehistoric to roman visitors. See the cathedral sized main chamber carved from Limestone by an ancient river and follow safe and accessible walkways through beautifully illuminated passages on a journey deep underground. Back above ground browse through our rock and gem shop and view the archaeological discoveries from the cavern in the exhibition. Complete your day with a stroll on our country park woodland trails with animal sculptures to find which lead to Solomon's Temple viewpoint at 439m above sea level and views of the Peak District.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Theresa N17 contributionsPhenomenal experienceWhat a wonderful cavern and tour! Our tour guide Lucas was phenomenal. Extremely informative— I learned so much on this tour— history, caves, prehistory, waterways, bats.. you name it, they know it (and will tell you!). Cannot recommend this place enough. The gift shop is great and the cafe has delicious coffees and treats. Make sure you visit here!Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 January 2023
- lutonbeds1977Kettering, United Kingdom115 contributionsOk for visit when in BuxtonGood place to go and visit when staying in Buxton . Enjoyable experience with some good sights in the caves. Think it’s a little bit over priced for attraction as cost 30.00 for two of us . Tour guide was good but tried to hard to be too funny .Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 January 2023
- RichardPrinceDesborough, United Kingdom302 contributionsInteresting visit, detailed guide. Worth a visitVisited with my young daughter, we had a great time. The guide (Caz) was engaging and informative. The caves are well presented and lovely to see. Great for a visit, potentially not for a repeat visit too quickly as you can imagine, caves don’t alter a lot ;)Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 February 2023
- R3804WCMansfield, United Kingdom68 contributionsMust GoVisited here for a day trip to the cave with our 5 year old. The tour guide was excellent with the young children and got them involved (wish I would of got her name) The tour guide was full of information about the cave and made the cave come to life. Would definitely recommend.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 February 2023
- Claire BStockport, United Kingdom29 contributionsA memorable and wonderful tour - with Martin as a tour guide!We didn't really know what to expect from the Poole's Cavern tour, but whatever it was that we anticipated, well, the tour with Martin as our guide exceeded all expectations! The presentation throughout the caves was perfect, just so interesting and informative; a real eye-opener! As a family with a 10 year old and toddler, finding a balance between fun activities for their ages can be difficult. But our toddler, who is usually very inattentive, absolutely hung off every word that Martin spoke - she took everything in. Our 10 year old absolutely loved the history and science behind the cavern - and as adults, we just loved the whole thing. Sometimes these tours can be a little bit lengthy and boring but this was just brilliant from start to finish. A very unique visit and really fun! Martin truly made this such a wonderful and memorable experience, we cannot thank you enough! Will recommend to everyone!Visited February 2023Written 20 February 2023
- MARKD7Bromsgrove, United Kingdom134 contributionsExcellent CavernWife and I took a trip to see the Poole’s Cavern as we were in the area. Glad we did as the cave is stunning and interesting. Lucas our guide was excellent knowledge and funny enhancing the tour. Good value for money and would recommend to anyone.Visited February 2023Written 22 February 2023
- Margaret RAmpthill, United Kingdom172 contributionsEXCELLENT TOUROff-peak (bad weather), so easy to buy tickets for the cavern tour on the day. Interesting displays in the waiting area to set the scene. Super guide, who was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommended.Visited March 2023Written 18 March 2023
- Will D8 contributionsA sight to be seen!That was an hour and a half very well spent in my opinion. Great archaeological specimens in the very nicely designed visitors centre and inexpensive cafe. Staff are lovely and know their stuff. One of the most beautiful cave systems I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot, expertly and humorously guided by Will with knowledge and personality belying his youth. The tour doesn't take an hour and a half but I had an interest and he kindly gave me a personal tour after the other patrons left. Already planning my next visit. Free all year if you pay with gift aid. 👍👍👍👍👍Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 March 2023
- Bellabooharrysiddall101 contributionVery enjoyable experienceVery very nice food and nice staff. In a very nice place/environment and lovely hot drinks. Would rate very highly for people to come and visit. Amazing view of all the caves and a good place to come with ur familyVisited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 April 2023
- Spencer WKingsland, United Kingdom15 contributionsFantastic day out, well worth a visitWe started with a tour of the caves which are one of the best in the peak district. Our tour guide, Will, was excellent - very knowledgeable and entertaining and a cave explorer himself no less! There were lots of interesting features to the different cave sections and a fun switch all the lights off bit in the last one! Afterwards we had lunch in the cafe, which has a good range of foods of decent quality. Then we took a walk up through the forest and on to Solomons Temple which affords spectacular panoramic views. All in all a great day out and only half a mile from the centre of Buxton.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2023
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4.5
1,923 reviews
Excellent
1,257
Very good
551
Average
91
Poor
17
Terrible
7
poshbitofleicestershire
16 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Well informed guided tour, full of historical and up to date information. Lovely little gift shop and cafe with friendly staff.
The folklore of John Poole was very interesting and entertaining.
The price for the tour is £17 each which is a little steep but worth it for the experience.
It’s well worth visiting and seeing the immense history the caves have to offer.
We were a small group of 6 which made it nice and intimate and easy to ask questions and plenty of opportunities to take lots of photos.
The folklore of John Poole was very interesting and entertaining.
The price for the tour is £17 each which is a little steep but worth it for the experience.
It’s well worth visiting and seeing the immense history the caves have to offer.
We were a small group of 6 which made it nice and intimate and easy to ask questions and plenty of opportunities to take lots of photos.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emmamurray2016
Bristol, UK167 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
What a spectacular set of caves. It’s a real treat to see such well defined stalagmites and Stalagmites. Our guide John was excellent talking through the early history of the caves and talking through the effects the Victorians had on them. A fascinating journey and well worth a visit. It was u usual to see a fast flowing river running through the main cave area.
Buxton is hugely interesting too. A great day out!
Buxton is hugely interesting too. A great day out!
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather A
World4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Fantastic cavern and country park! We took the green walk up to Solomons temple first 4 year old enjoyed spotting wooden sculptures and although we didn't get the view at the top because of the either we still enjoyed the walk. We then came down the yellow route. Very friendly staff throughout the whole of the attraction. The cafe had a good selection of delicious food. The tour guide who took us into the caves was knowledgeable and the caves are amazing with lots to see and a great natural sight to see. All in all thoroughly recommend a trip here.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lavinia D
Worksop, UK50 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wow. Absolutely breathtaking. Our cavern guide Elliott was brilliant and was a wealth of information. The cavern itself is amazing and is well worth a visit. Once the tour is over you are welcome to stay behind with the guide or leave its upto you. The floors can be slippy so sensible footwear required. There is a gorgeous cafe however gets very busy but if you are prepared for a short wait i would recommend. Only gripe having to pay for parking when you are paying £17.00 per ticket and an administration fee even though you book on line.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJA950
Gillingham, UK1,474 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you have not been on cave visit before then you will be impressed but for those of you who have seen other caves around Britain you will know that this is not a large cave by any means. What is there is good and interesting. Not suitable for wheelchairs and those with severe walking difficulties but the walk through is not arduous but there are a few steps and a slightly low headroom in a few places.
Our guide had clearly learned his narrative verbatim and delivered in a robotic manner with no pause for questions. We warmed to him as we progressed but some would find his style difficult, I feel. The story was the usual mix of fact and myth with the emphasis on the formation of the caves and geology which I liked.
There is a small shop selling the usual tourist trinkets and a small café which is rather good for its size. Lots of parking but you have to pay and it is not obvious. Parking fee and entrance fee seems to me to be a touch expensive.
Our guide had clearly learned his narrative verbatim and delivered in a robotic manner with no pause for questions. We warmed to him as we progressed but some would find his style difficult, I feel. The story was the usual mix of fact and myth with the emphasis on the formation of the caves and geology which I liked.
There is a small shop selling the usual tourist trinkets and a small café which is rather good for its size. Lots of parking but you have to pay and it is not obvious. Parking fee and entrance fee seems to me to be a touch expensive.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan B
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great experience. Our guide, Robin, was outstanding. Knowledgeable, humourous a true pleasure to listen to. I also took a number of photos which will remind us of our visit. Highly recommended.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
II am glad you enjoyed your trip! and i will be sure to pass on your words to Robin. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Written 30 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deceangli
Deeside, UK10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
It is truly amazing. Our guide Angela was so knowledgeable and made our visit both interesting and fun. She had lots of stories about the cave and the surrounding area. We even saw a bat on the way out. It is best if you wear something warm and to wear shoes with good soles.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit here! I will pass this on to Angela, A bat sighting is rare indeed!
Written 30 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennie
Belper, UK79 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful cavern. Absolutely lovely. Lots to see and a great visit.
Angela was our tour guide and she was fabulous, really knowledgeable and friendly.
Told us lots of information about the cave and surrounding area that we did not know but she also told antidotes and little stories.
Would definitely recommend. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Angela was our tour guide and she was fabulous, really knowledgeable and friendly.
Told us lots of information about the cave and surrounding area that we did not know but she also told antidotes and little stories.
Would definitely recommend. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete J
Colchester, UK59 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
First time in this area, booked the cave as never done anything like this with the kids, it was brilliant, the guide was superb and made everything fascinating for all ages. Highly recommended
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen M
14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Excellent tour with the very informative Lucas (aka Phil). Fascinating cavern with relatively easy access. Good facilities at the visitor centre
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley
Walsall, UK
What is the latest in advance it would be ok to book in for November time? Not sure how busy this gets, I'd like to wait to see what the weather is doing first, but if I need to book far in advance I'll just take a gamble
11Raval
West Midlands, UK145 contributions
I booked the same morning. We visited Sunday 17th and it was very quiet. It’s fine to go when the weather isn’t good, it means the stream that’s running through the caves will be more active
Stephanie W
Grantham, England, United Kingdom13 contributions
Is the trail pram friendly?
RichardPrince
Desborough, UK302 contributions
Hi. Nope. From what I remember you have to leave prams and push chairs at the centre and carry any little ones.
Is there anywhere to securely lock up our cycles to visit the cavern and country park
I don't think there was a place to store bicycles that I noticed but if you asked the staff or phoned them before you go I am sure they would be able to help you. They were really good and may have somewhere in the back to store them. Sorry I cannot be of any more help.
stabbostables
Nottingham, UK32 contributions
During current situation are the caves still open?
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi, Poole's Cavern has reopened this week to visitors. book online tours only from our website
Can we bring a dog into the cave?
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi. Only assistance dogs are allowed on the cavern tours I'm afraid but the country park is great for dog walks and our cafe is very dog friendly
RAy M
Lincoln, UK13 contributions
Can we bring our dog ( not in the actual caves) to the park
chuckofcorby
Corby, UK699 contributions
Yes, sure
iamokthankyou
York, UK218 contributions
have to buy a ticket?
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi yes entry tickets for Poole's Cavern are available at the visitor centre but not online. Cavern tours start every 20 mins. Entry is £10.50 for adults and £5.50 for children.
Entry to the country park woodland trails is free.
alisonflatwhite
Liverpool, UK2 contributions
How is poole caverns for people with walking difficulties.
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi Alison.
The cavern tour takes about an hour with a guided tour at a steady pace, you walk 1000 ft along the path and same on the return journey. the access to the cave is level for the first 300 ft and then there are 4 steps, a short slope and another 6 steps all with hand rails. The path is paved and not slippy and gradually descends to the last chamber with 10 steps up and then down to the final cavern. The path is always lit so if you wish to leave the tour to return to the centre thats no problem. There is a virtual tour on our website which will give you an idea of the cavern path.
For my 10 month old could I use pushchair or is the sling best?
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi Angela, there are 28 steps on the cave tour but no more than ten in one place. Pushchairs are permitted but you may be more comfortable with your little one in a sling. We have a secure buggy parking area if you choose to leave it while you go on the cave tour. The country park woods are on a hill with some steps and a stile too. The visitor centre and cafe are buggy friendly with changing facilities. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Gostiller2015
Chester, UK3 contributions
Hiya, can you take dogs within the caves?
Alan W
Buxton, UK23 contributions
Hi, Sorry we don't allow dogs inside the cavern for the dogs safety, the country park woods are great for dog walks though, and our cafe is dog friendly.
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Claim your listingPOOLE'S CAVERN & BUXTON COUNTRY PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
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