cave tour lake district

THE BEST Lake District Caverns & Caves

Caverns & caves in lake district.

• Hiking Trails
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Caverns & Caves
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Cathedral Quarry (Cathedral Cave)

2. Rydal Cave

3. Lacy's Caves

What travelers are saying

• Cathedral Quarry (Cathedral Cave)
• Lacy's Caves

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Lake District

Caves in Lake District

The top 6 caves in lake district.

Hiking Highlight

Rydal Cave is actually an old quarry called Loughrigg Quarry. It was used to mine slate tiles for the local buildings around 200 years ago. It now lies dormant and is partially flooded.

Buttermere Tunnel

This tunnel-like cave is on the footpath around Buttermere. It is about 50 feet (15 m) long. A torch is useful as there are deep puddles inside in the pitch-black cave.

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Priest's Hole

This highlight does not have an established path to but well worth a visit. When the main path flattens from the steep climb veer towards the rock outcrop to the … read more

Tip by David

Cathedral Cavern

Cathedral Cavern is a surprisingly impressive chamber that emerges from the woodland just to the south of Little Langdale. At its centre is a massive pillar that supports the cavern … read more

Black Moss Pot

Black Moss Pot is a pool on Langstrath Beck where the water cascades into a small ravine. With high rock walls and a deep pool to jump into, it's is … read more

Millican Dalton's Cave

Millican Dalton was an eccentric professor of adventure who lived in this cave for about 50 years. Born in 1867 he moved into the cave in his mid 30's, living … read more

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in Cumbria:

• Pennines Mountains

4 BEST Lake District Caves To Discover (Hidden Gems Revealed!)

Teeming with outdoor splendour, the Lake District is certainly in no shortage of fantastic caves for adventurers to explore. 

As a self-professed expert of Lakeland, safe to say I’ve explored a great deal of its landscape since childhood – including some of the very best caves on offer.

Providing walkers with a nice change of pace from the usual fell-hiking that the National Park is most renowned for, head out to any of the caverns listed below and I guarantee you’ll be in for a belting adventure!

Likewise, with none of the walks being too long in length, visiting these caves can be suitable for walkers of all abilities, making them perfect for a family day out.

Interested? Let’s get to it 👇👇

Table Of Contents

Best caves in the Lake District

Rydal caves.

Starting with one of the most iconic caves in the whole National Park, there’s good reason as to why Rydal Caves has long been a such a tourist hotspot.

Carved into the craggy landscape after years of quarrying during the Industrial Revolution , flanking the dramatic cavern on all sides you’ll also find sublime Lakeland scenery.

Tucked away on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell , the cavern is just a stone’s throw from Rydal Water and offers gorgeous views out towards Fairfield Horseshoe & Nabscar looming in the distance.

With stepping stones conveniently laid above the water allowing you to hop deep inside the cave, there’s simply no denying the enchanted atmosphere radiating from its historic walls.

The site is so highly praised, Netflix even used it as a filming location for their hit fantasy series ‘The Witcher’ , which has only served to make the location more popular as of late.

Most easily accessible from either Black Moss Car Park or Rydal Village, the stroll to-and-from the cavern is only 2 miles in length, though there is plenty of opportunity to extend your outing if you so wish.

For the full lowdown be sure to check out our Ultimate Rydal Caves Walk Guide here!

Milligan Cave

Nestled within the stunning Borrowdale Valley , it’s not everyday you get to discover a genuine hermit cave!

Millican Cave was once home to the locally famed Millican Dalton, also known as the ‘Borrowdale Hermit’ .

Technically speaking however, Millican Dalton was not a hermit, but more of a cave dweller.

He actually spent much of his time with folks, leading mountaineering expeditions around the Lake District to earn enough pennies to fund his humble lifestyle.

Locally known as Millican Dalton’s Cave , this fascinating site is burrowed on the eastern flank of Castle Crag and consists of two inter-connected split-level caves formed by past slate quarrying.

Used as a home for almost fifty years by Dalton, in the upper chamber of the cave you can find a cryptic carving on the cavern wall warning visitors “Don’t Waste Words (sic), Jump to Conclusions” .

Fun fact – While living an alternative lifestyle is quite trendy these days, Dalton was doing this long before it was commonplace, and was renowned for being a vegetarian, pacifist and completely tee-total. 

A self-proclaimed ‘Professor of Adventure’ , the nearby town of Keswick is now called the ‘Adventure Capital of the Lakes’ in ode of Dalton.

With the cave best found along the 3.5-mile Rosthwaite Circular Walk , this trail is by no means overly-difficult, though it is perhaps the hardest on our list.

A hike which requires you to summit Castle Crag before heading towards Millican Cave, this walk is full of scenic vistas throughout; especially as you head along the riverside path through Borrowdale Valley during the latter half of the trail.

Hodge Close Quarry (Skull Cave)

One of the lesser-known gems of the Lakes,  Hodge Close Quarry is one of several historic and remote slate workings in the Tilberthwaite Valley.

Also known as ‘Skull Cave’ due to the cavern entrance eerily resembling the shape of a skull, the quarry is so atmospheric that it was used as a filming location for Netflix’s fantasy drama ‘ The Witcher .’

While it’s only around a 15-minute drive from the village of Coniston however, the country roads to get here are VERY narrow and winding.

With only a handful of designated passing places to make way for oncoming traffic, please take your time and drive carefully.

You’ll know once you reach the carpark since you should see vehicles parked to your left before the path dips down towards Hodge Close Cottage (don’t drive past the carpark to the cottage since you’ll struggle to turn your car back around!).

Parking is free but spots are limited so be wise when choosing visiting times!

While the walk down to the cavern is rather short, it can still prove tricky for some due to the steep scramble segment up and down the quarry.

The scramble is nothing overly difficult, but only those who are steady on their feet & confident in their clambering ability should attempt to head inside the Quarry’s main chamber.

Likewise, the trail down to the quarry is quite well-hidden and easy to miss. On our first visit it rather embarrisingly took us a good while to spot it!

For the full breakdown on how to navigate your way down to skull cave, be sure to head on over to our detailed guide on Hodge Close Quarry .

Top tip – To see the skull, the trick is to look for the reflection of the caves in the body of water, snap a pic and then turn your photo on its side.

Type it into Google and look for yourselves at some of the phenomenal photos people have snapped (admittedly much better than mine!)

Cathedral Cave (Cathedral Quarry)

Likewise, situated nearby Hodge Close Quarry you can also uncover the incredibly picturesque Cathedral Cave .

Only around a 30-minute walk from Hodge Close, Cathedral Quarry is a perfect little add-on for visitors wanting to extend their adventurous Lake District ramble.

Despite the name, Cathedral Cave does not stand alone, but is actually part of a series of interlinking & historic mining quarries situated just above Little Langdale.

Best known for its main chamber which contains two Cathedral-like window openings, Cathedral Cave derives its name from the atmospheric & churchlike lighting that’s filtered in through the ‘window’ and stands at a whopping forty feet high.

For a direct route to Cathedral Cave, your best bet would be to start from Little Langdale, where you can follow a picturesque & gentle 1.6 mile stroll which leads you directly to the quarry.

Top tip – While you’re in the Little Langdale Valley, we’d definitely also recommend checking out Blea Tarn . Described as the jewel in the crown of wild swimming locations in the Lake District, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to take a dip than here!

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While you’re here…

Why not explore more from the Lake District area of our blog? I’m sure there’s something that’ll tickle your fancy!

Happy walking 🚶🚶

A Guide To Undiscovered & Unexplored Caves In The Lake District

The Lake District, a mountainous region in North West England, is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, picturesque lakes, and stunning landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike, climb, and explore the natural beauty of the area.

However, the Lake District is not just about the mountains, lakes, and forests. It is also home to a unique and fascinating underworld of caves and potholes that have been formed over millions of years.

While some of these caves are well-known and have been explored for centuries, others remain undiscovered and unexplored. These hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, and they offer a unique opportunity for adventurous cavers and explorers to explore new frontiers.

In this article, we will explore the possibility of undiscovered and unexplored caves in the Lake District and what it would take to find them.

The History of Caving in the Lake District

The history of caving in the Lake District dates back to the 19th century when a group of climbers and explorers started to explore the underground world of the region. They were fascinated by the geology of the area and the potential for discovering new caves and potholes.

Over the years, many of these caves were discovered and explored, and the Lake District became one of the most popular caving destinations in the UK.

The Known Caves of the Lake District

Today, the Lake District is home to over 2,000 known caves and potholes, ranging from small and simple to large and complex. Some of the most popular caves include the Ease Gill System, the Three Counties System, and the Marble Steps Pot.

These caves are well-known and have been explored extensively over the years, attracting cavers and explorers from all over the world.

The Possibility of Undiscovered Caves in the Lake District

The Lake District is a vast and varied landscape that offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Despite the extensive history of cave exploration in the area, there is still a possibility of undiscovered caves and potholes waiting to be found.

One reason for this is that the Lake District is an area of active geological processes, with ongoing erosion and changes to the landscape. This means that new caves can be formed over time, or existing ones can be buried or altered by natural processes.

Another reason is that the Lake District is a large area with many remote and inaccessible locations that are rarely visited. These areas may contain caves that have never been explored or documented.

Additionally, advances in technology and equipment have made it easier to explore and map caves, which means that new discoveries are being made all the time. For example, in 2019, a group of cavers used laser scanning technology to discover a new cave system in the Yorkshire Dales that had previously gone unnoticed.

However, finding undiscovered caves in the Lake District is not an easy task and requires a great deal of skill, experience, and dedication. Cavers and explorers must be prepared to spend long hours in difficult and often dangerous conditions, and they must also be knowledgeable about the geology and ecology of the area to identify potential cave locations.

The Challenges of Finding Undiscovered Caves

Finding undiscovered caves in the Lake District is a challenging task that requires a lot of effort and expertise. The terrain can be rugged and unforgiving, and the caves themselves can be difficult to find and access.

Cavers and explorers need to be skilled in navigation, rope work, and cave diving, as well as have a good understanding of the geology of the area.

The Future of Caving in the Lake District

The future of caving in the Lake District looks bright, with many new and exciting opportunities for exploration and discovery. As technology advances, cavers and explorers have access to new tools and equipment that make it easier to explore and map caves.

Additionally, there is a growing interest in the study of caves and their role in the geology and ecology of the area. This means that there are many new opportunities for cavers and explorers to discover new caves and expand our knowledge of the underground world of the Lake District.

Related: Undiscovered & Unexplored Caves In South Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are there any dangers associated with caving in the Lake District?

Yes, caving in the Lake District can be dangerous, and it is essential to take the necessary precautions and have the appropriate skills and experience. Caves can be unstable, and there is a risk of rockfall, flooding, and other hazards.

• Can anyone go caving in the Lake District?

Caving in the Lake District is not for everyone, and it requires a good level of fitness, skill, and experience. It is important to have the necessary equipment and training, as well as to follow best practices for safety and conservation.

• Is it possible to hire a guide for caving in the Lake District?

Yes, there are many experienced caving guides and instructors in the Lake District who can provide training, guidance, and support for cavers and explorers.

• What equipment do I need for caving in the Lake District?

You will need a range of equipment, including helmets, headlamps, ropes, harnesses, and other safety gear. It is also important to have appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions.

• Can caving in the Lake District harm the environment?

Yes, caving can have an impact on the environment, and it is important to follow best practices for conservation and to minimize your impact on the caves and their ecosystems.

• How long does it take to explore a cave in the Lake District?

The time it takes to explore a cave in the Lake District can vary depending on its size and complexity, as well as the experience and skills of the cavers and explorers involved.

• Are there any restrictions on caving in the Lake District?

There are some restrictions on caving in the Lake District, particularly in areas that are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or National Parks. It is important to check with local authorities and obtain the necessary permissions before exploring any caves in the area.

• What is the best time of year to go caving in the Lake District?

The best time of year to go caving in the Lake District is during the summer months when the weather is more stable and the water levels are lower. However, it is possible to go caving year-round, depending on the conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Lake District is a fascinating and unique destination for cavers and explorers, with a rich history of exploration and discovery. While there are over 2,000 known caves and potholes in the area, there may still be many more waiting to be discovered and explored.

However, finding these hidden gems requires a lot of effort, skill, and expertise, and it is important to follow best practices for safety and conservation when exploring the underground world of the Lake District.

With the right preparation and approach, caving in the Lake District can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience that offers

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Cathedral Quarry (Cathedral Cave)

Top ways to experience Cathedral Quarry (Cathedral Cave) and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CATHEDRAL QUARRY (CATHEDRAL CAVE): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.40 mi) Three Shires Inn
• (1.42 mi) Elterwater Hostel
• (1.34 mi) Elterwater Park Country Guest House
• (1.61 mi) Brimstone at Langdale
• (3.30 mi) Beck Allans Guest House
• (0.39 mi) Three Shires Inn
• (1.51 mi) Lanty Slee's Elterwater
• (3.21 mi) The Jumble Room
• (1.51 mi) The Britannia Inn
• (3.29 mi) The Green Housekeeper Cafe

Cathedral Quarry: A Must See Cave In The Lake District

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Natalia

Situated in the Little Langdale Valley, Cathedral Quarry and cave is a beautiful spot for a walk in the Lake District. With no parking available at the quarry itself, there are a few different walks to enjoy depending on where you park. Owned by the National Trust, Cathedral Quarry is a relatively quiet spot, earning its place on this list of hidden gems in the Lake District. Its main chamber, sometimes referred to as Cathedral Cave or Cathedral Cavern, is quite remarkable thanks to a window-like opening allowing light in which illuminates the cave. Find out everything you need to know before you visit with this guide to the Cathedral Quarry walk in the Lake District.

Table of Contents

How to get to Cathedral Quarry + Parking

There is no car park at Cathedral Quarry itself, but you can park reasonably nearby and walk the rest of the way. Where you park depends on how long of a walk you want, but thankfully there are a few different options depending on your preference.

We personally recommend parking at the nearby Blea Tarn car park, so that you can visit a beautiful tarn and Cathedral Quarry in one trip. The car park charges £5 for 2 hours, £6.50 for 4 hours or £7.50 for the day, but is free for National Trust members. It’s probably worth paying for at least 4 hours to allow for walking time and for stops to enjoy the stunning scenery.

If you want to keep walking to a minimum then you can make use of roadside parking on Side Gates road near Damson View, at postcode LA22 9NY. It’s a relatively small stretch of road where parking is possible, but there is enough space for a fair few cars so you should be able to find a spot to park.

Alternatively, free parking near Cathedral Quarry is also available in the Tilberthwaite car park, which is to the north of Coniston village. This car park is along a single track road, which leads to Tilberthwaite Farm, and can be found using these directions.

Due to its location, there is no postcode that leads you directly to Cathedral Quarry, with the nearest postcode being LA22 9NT. Instead, make sure to use the parking listed above and make your way to the area on foot.

There are no tickets or entrance fees to visit Cathedral Quarry.

Cathedral Quarry Hikes and Walks

Cathedral quarry and blea tarn walk.

After parking at the Blea Tarn car park, you will want to cross the road and go through the gate to the lake. Start walking along the footpath and almost immediately you’ll have wonderful views of mountains towering above the tarn.

Follow the footpath towards the wooded area for a few minutes, making sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you walk. As you head into the trees there is a gate on your left hand side, which is where you will turn off away from Blea Tarn to begin walking towards Cathedral Quarry.

For more information about the tarn, make sure to check out our guide to the beautiful Blea Tarn in the Lake District!

This trail starts by leading you alongside a small river, taking you through the valley towards the road. The path is uneven at times, but isn’t particularly strenuous and is slightly downhill for the majority of the way.

Once you reach the road you will want to turn left and walk by the roadside for around 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your right for the gated public footpath along Tilberthwaite Road, which you will reach shortly after passing Fell Foot Farm.

Walk along Tilberthwaite Road and continue along the path for a while. There are a couple of paths which turn off the road, but continue on the path you’re on in the direction of Low Hallgarth Farm. As you walk you will get some lovely views of Little Langdale Tarn on your left side.

Continue on past the farm and after a while you will come to a split in the road, with one path leading slightly to the right. Take the path to the right and then turn right again, at which point you’ve pretty much reached Cathedral Quarry.

A tunnel will lead you into the main chamber, which is known as Cathedral Cave or sometimes as Cathedral Cavern. It’s an impressive spot, largely thanks to the unique ‘window’ letting in light which illuminates the cave.

Click here to view this hike on our favourite hiking app AllTrails!

If you walk to the far end of the cave there is a small tunnel which leads you to an opening outside, and from there you can climb up to a larger opening above the cave. You can then walk round to the cave’s ‘window’ and look into the cave from above.

There are a few other bits of Cathedral Quarry for you to walk around if you like, but it is the cave that is the main attraction. When you’re ready, the easiest way to get back to Blea Tarn is to follow the same route but in reverse.

Alternatively, you can follow a path that leads you round to the other side of Little Langdale Tarn, but if you do this the majority of your walk back will be via the road.

It’s a relatively easy walk in general, and takes around 2 hours round trip from the Blea Tarn car park to Cathedral Quarry/Caveif you’re going at a reasonable pace. We recommend allowing yourself a little longer though so that you can take time to enjoy the area’s beauty instead of rushing back to the car!

Circular Cathedral Quarry walk from Little Langdale

If you use the roadside parking on Side Gates Road in Little Langdale then the circular Cathedral Quarry walk should only take around one hour in total.

The first section of the walk is along the roadside in the direction of Little Langdale Tarn. After around 5 minutes you want to turn onto the road on your left, which is shortly after the Three Shires Inn.

Walk along this road for another 5 minutes and you should reach a public footpath on your right hand side. Take this path, and after 5-10 minutes you will come to Slaters Bridge.

Built over 300 years ago, this stone bridge is a lovely picturesque spot to visit on your way to Cathedral Quarry. The bridge will lead you across the River Brathay, and a short while later you will reach another footpath.

Turn to your left at this point and follow the footpath along for a few minutes until the path splits in two. Take the path leading slightly to the right, and turn right again shortly after.

At this point you’ve reached Cathedral Quarry and you will need to head down a tunnel to reach the main cave. If you want, you can continue through another tunnel and then climb up to look down into the cave from the ‘window’ above.

After you’ve finished up at the quarry head back to the path you were on but continue in the direction you were going previously. A few minutes later while you will come to a bridge on your left which leads you back over the River Brathay.

At this point continue along this path/road for around 10-15 minutes until you reach Side Gates Road. Once you reach the road turn right and continue back along to where you parked.

Circular Cathedral Quarry walk from Tilberthwaite Car Park

Turn left from the Tilberthwaite car park and walk along the road until you reach Tilberthwaite Farm. There are two public footpaths to choose from at this point.

As it’s a circular walk you can take either path, but we’d suggest taking the path to the right. From there it’s a relatively straightforward route to follow just by sticking on the same path.

After a while you will have the choice to either turn right or left, and you need to take the path to the left. Continue along this path for a while and eventually you will need to take a left, at which point you’ve arrived to Cathedral Quarry, but from a different side to the walks above.

You will need to walk a bit further before you find the tunnel leading into the section known as Cathedral Cave. Once you’ve found this, head into the cave to enjoy one of the Lake District’s most unique spots.

When you’re done make your way downhill from the quarry, and once you join the path continue to your left in the direction of Low Hallgarth Farm. After a few minutes you should find a path to your left which will begin leading you back to where you parked.

When you join another path, turn left and continue onwards until you reach Tilberthwaite Farm, at which point you’re only a short distance from your car.

Tips for visiting Cathedral Quarry

Abseiling – If you want a unique experience then try abseiling at Cathedral Quarry. Abseiling can be booked online, with prices starting from £72 per person. Click here to find out more!

Dog-Friendly – The Cathedral Quarry walk is suitable for dogs, but they should be kept on leads whilst at the quarry and cave. If you’re doing the walk from Blea Tarn then it’s a great dog walk, as it provides a few hours exercise as well as the chance for dogs to cool off in the tarn at the beginning and end of the walk.

Three Shires Inn – Located in Little Langdale, the Three Shires Inn is a great pub to visit for some food or drink – and it’s dog-friendly too!. It’s particularly convenient if you’re parking on Side Gates Road as you’ll have to pass the pub on your route anyway! Find out more on the Three Shires Inn website.

The Witcher – Some of the recent season of The Witcher was filmed around Cathedral Quarry in nearby Blea Tarn and Rydal Cave.

Make sure to check out our guides to Gummer’s How and Rannerdale Knotts when in the Lake District!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

Like this guide to the Cathedral Quarry and Cave walk in the Lake District? Pin it!

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Thing to Do

Take a Cave Tour

Wind Cave National Park

A trip into Wind Cave on a guided cave tour is a wonderful addition to any visit to the park. Whether it is your first time to the cave or your tenth, there are several things to keep in mind while planning your trip.

• To go into the cave, you must purchase a tour ticket. All access is by guided tour only and all tours leave from the Visitor Center.
• Advanced reservations through Recreation.gov are available for some tours and are highly recommended.  Tickets for all other tours are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis the day of the tour at the visitor center .
• Due to high demand, long waits are common during spring, summer, and fall for in-person sales. Tours often sell out 1-2 hours in advance. Tours may be sold out for the day by mid-afternoon.
• Visit the  Fees and Passes  page for current ticket prices.
• Only credit/debit cards or digital payments will be accepted for all cave tours, campground fees, and Interagency Passes.

The Garden of Eden Tour lasts 60 minutes. The Natural Entrance Tour lasts 90 minutes. The Fairgrounds Tour lasts 90 minutes.

To go into the cave, you must purchase a tour ticket. All access is by guided tour only and all tours leave from the Visitor Center. The Garden of Eden Tour is 1/4 mile long with 150 stairs. The Natural Entrance Tour is 2/3 mile long with 300 stairs. The Fairgrounds Tour is 2/3 long with 450 stairs.

The Garden of Eden Tour fee is $14 for adults age 16 to 61, half price for youth age 6 to 15 and for age 62 and older. Children 5 and under are free.

The Natural Entrance Tour and Fairgrounds Tour fees are $16 for adults age 16 to 61, half price for youth age 6 to 15 and for age 62 and older. Children 5 and under are free.

A portion of tour tickets are available for advanced purchase through www.recreation.gov from 3 to 120 days before the tour.  Reservations are recommended as tours often sell out March through October and on holiday weekends throughout winter. Approximately half of all cave tour tickets remain available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center the day of the tour. Same-day tickets often sell out one to two hours or more before tour times.

Cave tours occur every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Cave tours are conducted between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm seven days a week. Schedules vary by season.  Visit  https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm for current tour times.

Wind Cave is open to everyone and works to ensure access for visitors of all abilities. Visitors with limited mobility may find some cave tours too strenuous. Please review cave tour descriptions and consider your limitations when choosing which tour to participate on. Accessibility Cave Tour Limited areas of the cave are accessible to wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. These half-hour tours serve as an introduction to the cave and boxwork, the cave's signature feature, is shown. The tour includes riding the elevator into and out of the cave, and the elevator building is located about 200 yards south of the visitor center. Accessible parking is available at the elevator building. Please call the visitor center at (605) 745-4600 to make arrangements or ask at the information desk for an Accessibility Tour. Hearing and Vision Accomodations Cave trails are dimly lighted, often narrow, and may be wet and slippery in certain areas. There are numerous stairs along all of the tour routes. Persons with vision impairments should be cautious when entering the cave. Bringing an extra flashlight could assist visitors with vision impairments see steps and ceiling areas better. Special arrangements may be made in advance for a special tour for visitors with special concerns. For sign-language programming, please call the visitor center at (605) 745-4600 at least two weeks ahead of time to arrange accommodations.

• wind cave national park

Last updated: July 26, 2023

Speedwell Cavern will be closed on Friday 19th April  

Buy tickets online

Opening times, guided tours.

— Location overview

In the beautiful Peak District National Park

Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton , Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.

— What to do

Decide what do you want to do in Castleton

After your journey into the depths of the cavern, visit our gift shop and bring home a piece of the eerie splendor you experienced.

Visit Castleton

Visiting Castleton village offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Peak District, including stunning views, picturesque walking trails, and fascinating historical landmarks.

Peak Cavern

Deep in the gorge below Peveril Castle is Peak Cavern's imposing entrance chamber - the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles

— Key Facts

A few Facts about Speedwell Cavern

Historic lead mine. Mining started in 1771 and continued on and off for about 20 years, by which time visitors were being taken round by boat (whilst work was still in progress).

Original entrance is a vertical shaft 28m deep, top marked by flagpole on car park.

Remains of blast holes in walls and ceiling 20-25cm long. 2 Miners drilled holes, one of them holding and rotating a drill, while the other hit it with a 6Kg sledge-hammer. Each hole took 2 hours to drill and 15 to 20 holes were needed for each blast. They were filled with black gun-powder, sealed with a clay bung and a straw fuse was used to fire the charges.

Progress was around 1.9m a week (a fathom). The passage took around 4 and a half years to complete.

The original steps were completed by 1778.

Passageway was driven in southerly direction to intersect several east-west running veins of lead whose existence was known about from surface outcrops.

According to old records £14.000 was spent on the whole concern. The returns are said to have been about £3.000. Hardly a financial success!

1st vein of lead, “Little Winster” vein 1 m high 60 cm wide 37m long, probably yielding less than £100 worth of lead.

The “Half Way House”, extends 50m horizontally to the bottom of a 36m vertical shaft leading into a vast chamber almost 100m higher than level of the passageway. Miners had been there 240 years ago, although it unclear which way they got in.

The “Bellows Hole” is where a small boy would work all day pumping on a pair of blacksmiths bellows circulating the air.

2nd vein of lead “The Longcliff” vein. Richest vein of lead yielding the majority of the £3000 worth of lead. Extends for half a mile to the east and quarter of a mile the west. Sealed off now as the workings were in a dangerous state.

Safety hole, as miners went further into the rock there was a need for a safety hole as work become more and more dangerous for shot-blaster.

3rd and last vein of lead, “Poormans vein”, only yielded 3Kg of lead, used as a more adequate safety hole.

The “Bottomless Pit” Cavern is formed on “Foreside” or “Faucet” vein. The top of the chamber is some 50m above the platform, which is about 200m underground. One of the deepest caverns on British Isles. Behind boulders on top of ladders a passageway extends for 20m to the foot of a run-in shaft. It is unknown where it leads to and whether the miners knew about the existence of cavern before they broke into it.

The “Far Canal” extends for 250m in man-made form, then leads into a vast network of underground stream caverns and passageways, which are in total more than 13 miles long and even connect through to Peak Cavern, underneath Peveril Castle.

Miners used the “Bottomless Pit”, a large subterranean lake with a 250 square meter surface area, to dump about 2,500 tons of waste rock from the Far Canal. The lake is 30m below platform in normal conditions and used to be an estimated 60m deep. It is now only 11m deep because of the fill from the waste rock.

Before miners dropped waste rock in the Bottomless Pit the cavern used to be an estimated 150m high.

Water from the Bottomless Pit flows out of the “Russett Well”, a resurgence at the mouth of Peak Cavern Gorge in Castleton, which has never run dry in 450 years of recorded history.

speedwell_cavern

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Hidden Cave

About hidden cave.

Hidden Cave is a prehistoric archaeological site within Grimes Point Archaeological area that reveals thousands of years of geologic and human history. Ancient Lake Lahontan, a massive body of water that existed during the last ice age, carved the cave about 20,000 years ago. When Ancient Lake Lahontan receded, animals began dwelling within the cave. Around 3,800 years ago, ancestors of the Toi-Ticutta (literally Cattail-Eaters, today the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe) began to use the cave. They did not live inside Hidden Cave but used it as a cache site. They created pits in the cave and buried tools and supplies there, knowing those objects would be safe until they came to retrieve them.

The site can be visited either in person on an official tour (scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for a private tour!), or in VR using kiosks at the Churchill County Museum, Churchill County Library, or Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Community Learning Center. In 2013, we partnered with @One Digital Media of the University of Nevada Reno Libraries, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Nevada DOT to create the following documentary discussing the history and importance of Hidden Cave:

Hidden Cave Tours

Since the 1980s, the Churchill County Museum has collaborated with the Bureau of Land Management to offer tours of Hidden Cave to the public. Public tours are held every 2nd and 4th Saturday, other than on Holiday Weekends. Please arrive at 9:15, as orientation begins promptly at 9:30. No reservations or tickets required.

All tours meet at the Churchill County Museum. You will watch an introductory video in our multi-purpose room. Then, the guide will lead a caravan out to Hidden Cave. Be sure to bring hiking shoes, water, sunblock, and a hat. The hike is about 3/4 mile with some steep terrain and is not wheelchair-accessible. Tour lasts about 2 hours. Please call (775) 423-3677 for more information.

2024 Tour Dates

January 27 February 10 February 24 March 9 March 23 April 13 April 27 May 11 June 8 June 22 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 24 September 14 September 28 October 12 October 26 November 23 December 14

To schedule a Hidden Cave Tour outside of regularly scheduled tour days at the museum, please contact the Bureau of Land Management at [email protected] .