Wookey Hole Caves

#66 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Nature, Natural attraction, Cave, Top attraction, More...

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Somerset, the Wookey Hole Caves are a captivating network of limestone caverns that beckon explorers and tourists alike. This ancient natural wonder, sculpted by the relentless action of the River Axe over millions of years, offers a unique subterranean experience in the United Kingdom.

The caves are renowned for their breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, with the Great Hall and the Witch's Kitchen being two of the most awe-inspiring chambers visitors can explore. The site's history is rich with legend, most notably the tale of the Witch of Wookey Hole, a figure said to have been turned to stone within the caves and whose eerie limestone effigy can be seen by those who venture inside.

Wookey Hole Caves have been a site of human interest for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric occupancy and use as a safe haven. In more recent times, the caves have been a source of fascination and inspiration for scientists, cavers, and historians, with ongoing discoveries revealing more about the caves' geological and anthropological significance.

Apart from the natural splendor of the caves, Wookey Hole offers a variety of attractions for a full day's adventure. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, witness the spectacle of the underground river, and learn about the traditional art of papermaking at the on-site paper mill, one of the oldest in Britain.

Alternative names: Length: 2.72 miDepth: 295 ftCoordinates: 51°13'46"N, 2°40'15"W

Location

Near WellsEnglandUnited Kingdom

Contact

+44 1749 672243

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Day trips

Wookey Hole Caves – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ebbor Gorge, Vicars' Close, Cedars Hall, Milton Lodge.

0.6 miNW
Natural attraction, Canyon
Ebbor Gorge, Wells
15 min walk • Nestled within the verdant landscape of Somerset, Ebbor Gorge is a hidden gem that beckons nature enthusiasts to the outskirts of the city of Wells in the United Kingdom. This nature preserve is an oasis of tranquility, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of...
1.7 miSE
Architecture, Street
Vicars' Close, Wells
44 min walk • Vicars' Close, in Wells, Somerset, England, is claimed to be the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe.John Julius Norwich called it "that rarest of survivals, a planned street of the mid-14th century".
1.6 miSE
Theater
Cedars Hall, Wells
41 min walk • Cedars Hall is Wells Cathedral School's performing arts venue located in Wells, Somerset, England. Opened in autumn 2016, it provides the capacity for audiences of 350 in its main recital hall named Eavis Hall after Old Wellensian Michael Eavis, CBE, founder of the Glastonbury Festival.
1.2 miSE
Park
Milton Lodge, Wells
30 min walk • Milton Lodge is a house and garden overlooking the city of Wells in the English county of Somerset. The terraced garden, which was laid out in the early 20th century, is listed as Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England.
1.6 miSE
Universities and schools
Wells Cathedral School, Wells
42 min walk • Wells Cathedral School is a co-educational independent school located in Wells, Somerset, England. The school is one of the five specialist musical schools for school-age children in the United Kingdom, along with Chetham's School of Music, the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Purcell School and St. Mary's Music School, Edinburgh.