Many agree that nature has provided different elements to nourish the body, soul, and spirit. In the case of caves, one can unwind and contemplate time and history. While seasons change on the surface and temperatures fluctuate, the ecosystems in caves are stable. While some chambers are entirely silent, others have thunderous sounds of water pouring, and all are completely dark. And this is why it is so exciting to visit caves in Devon.
Amazing natural show caves exist in England; they are underground chambers created by biological processes that have not been mined or dug but have undergone modifications for access without specialized tools. A wild cave is an alternative, but we may leave such to the more daring. The early growth of showcases in different places in England, such as Devon, was due to the Victorians’ obsession with the underworld.
This guide below will acquaint you with 11 caves in or around Devon. Without further adieu, we present you with a list of 11 exciting caves in Devon that will take you on a memorable ride.
1. Kent’s Cavern, Devon
Address: 91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JF, United Kingdom.
A significant part of the European Stone Age sites and a well-known English cave system is Kent’s Cavern. Kent’s Cavern is renowned for its geographical and archaeological aspects. It is a location that dates back to prehistoric times and protects our forefathers from inclement weather and Ice Age creatures.
The facility only allows guided tours inside. As you tread through the cave, you will find yourself around rocks and fossils that are 400 million years old and look fascinating.
You discover intriguing corridors and breathtaking chambers where you may go up close to excellent, two million-year-old cave formations. There is plenty to do outside the caves, including enjoyable activities during the summer. Families can visit Kent’s Cavern, which also features a cafe and a restaurant. So once you’ve worked up an appetite, enter Firestone Kitchen, the dining establishment at the caves, and savour fine cuisine. You can also check out some of Torquay’s best walks.
2. Beer Quarry Caves, Devon
Address: Quarry Ln, Beer EX12 3AT, United Kingdom.
Beer Quarry Caves, an artificial underground complex in Devon located west of the settlement of Beer, is where most of England’s beer stone used in brewing comes from. These caves offer an intriguing look into the geology of East Devon, where a unique limestone came to life 92 million years ago on the seafloor from a mixture of ground-up shells, fine sand, and clay.
When you visit the impressive Beer Quarry Caves, you’ll find yourself with gigantic halls emphasized by domed roofs and pillars and inspired by the stonemasons’ careful attention to detail. According to the caves ‘ extensive history, people used the quarry as a hiding place and a location to seek refuge. To travel back in time and get a closer glimpse at Roman society, go to Beer Quarry Caves.
3. Clifton Observatory and Giants Cave, Bristol
Address: Clifton Observatory, Litfield Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3LT.
The Clifton Observatory and Giants Cave exist in Bristol, England, and St. Vincent’s Rocks. According to mythology, Giants Cave was formerly inhabited by giants Goram and Ghyston, giving rise to the name.
In the year 305 A.D., the cave served as a chapel, and evidence from Romano-British pottery discovered during excavation indicates that Giants Cave has served as a haven for people throughout history. Above the Avon Gorge, the cave offers a spectacular sight of the suspension bridge and the River Avon. The viewpoints nearby are some of the best things to do in Bristol for free.
4. Reeds Cave, Devon
Address: Buckfastleigh TQ11 0PA, United Kingdom
One of Devon’s most beautiful caverns, Reeds Cave, features impressive rock formations. Due to this, only cavers recognized by the British Caving Association have permission for admission. There is a leader-led system in place.
5. Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire
Address: The Rocks, Coleford GL16 8JR, United Kingdom.
A natural cave system called Clearwell Caves came from underground streams in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, some 330 million years ago. Since the Roman era, miners have explored Clearwell Caves for their ochre and iron ore.
Today, it is a bustling, active mining museum. Discover the incredibly amazing Clearwell Caves, which have a lot to offer thanks to its fascinating history, and keep an eye out for bats.
6. Gough’s Cave, Somerset
Address: Cheddar BS27 3QF, United Kingdom
Gough’s Cave is a section of Cheddar Gorge in Cheddar, Somerset, England, on the Mendip Hills. The views in Gough’s Cave, home to Cheddar Yeo, the most extensive underground river system in England, are breathtaking and consist of various enormous chambers and rock formations.
Discover the natural beauty that comes to life under the lights as you explore the ancient Gough’s Cave, which experts believe to have developed 500,000 years ago. Listen to the audio guide during the trip, improving the experience. Catch the Black Cat of Cheddar in Gough’s Cave, one of England’s most well-known water caves.
7. Cheddar Caves and Gorge, Somerset
Address: The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QF England
Tours deep inside the well-known Cheddar Caves and Gorge, which reveal a brilliant maze of stalactites and breathtaking views enhanced by artificial illumination, are a must-do.
In addition to other family-friendly activities, the caves provide tours during Halloween that tell eerie stories in the dark. It is one of the best things to do near Devon and regularly tops England’s list of most popular attractions.
8. Joint Mitnor Cave
Address: Buckfastleigh TQ11 0PA, United Kingdom
Joint Mitnor Cave, also known as Bone Cave, includes significant deposits that date back to the last Interglacial period, some 125,000 years ago, much like Kent Cavern does.
Many warm-weather animals fell into the cave’s bottomless pit, eventually becoming part of its deposit. One may see incredible remnants of straight-tusked elephant teeth, and hyena, rhino, and bison bones from the route.
9. Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset
Address: The Mill, High St, Wells BA5 1BB, United Kingdom.
Located within one of the picturesque and mysterious places close to Devon, the Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset are a collection of limestone tunnels people inhabited for about 45,000 years during the Paleolithic era.
There is a cave museum, 4D theatre, Sci-Fi circus, and many other attractions at Wookey Hole Caves, a well-known tourist destination in England known for its biological and geological importance.
10. Pridhamsleigh Cave, Devon
Address: Ashburton, Devon, England
Pridhamsleigh, a typical novice cave well-liked by caving groups, scouts, and adventure caving companies, is most certainly the most well-liked cave in Devon.
The cave features an underground lake that people can dive into, leading into the county’s most prominent chamber, narrow passageways, challenging climbs, and mud. Getting in touch with a caving group or organization is the best approach to go caving here.
11. Bakers Pit, Devon
Address: Buckfastleigh, Devon, England.
Bakers Pit is a vast cave network that partially connects to Reeds’ Cave and is currently recognized as the largest Devon Cave. The cave is a challenging network of corridors, boulder halls, and thrilling climbs. If you want to try Bakers Pit, a famous beginner cave, contact a local caving organization.
Conclusion: Best Caves in Devon
Devon, an English county, is well-known for its tranquil beaches, national parks, and cream tea. Devon’s caverns have a rich history, with a culture and tradition that have coexisted with the study of nature for many years. This explains why visitors to Devon look forward to exploring more than the surface-level attractions and completely disregard what’s below.
Yes, Devon has some unique caves beneath the surface that will give you an unforgettable experience. We have persuaded you to visit the 11 caverns in Torquay and those nearby. Be bold and book these caves in for the next time you’re in Devon. And for more Devon inspiration, check out these top Devon waterfalls.
By Joy Olawumi
Joy is an experienced SEO writer and content writer with over five years of experience. She writes daily for several sites and publishes articles on Style, Beauty, Entertainment, Travel, Health, Business, Cryptocurrency, and even Odd News. Joy is also a professional freelance editor, blog, article, and copywriter. She explores the power of the word in all her writing and marketing ventures. She’s a fan of CFC and loves reading in her spare time. You can find her on Upwork.