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Discover the fascinating Kents Cavern in Torquay, Devon, a site renowned as one of Europe’s most significant Stone Age locations and one of Britain’s premier showcaves. This guided tour, priced at $22.83 per person, offers an engaging journey into prehistoric times with expert guides, including access to the Stone Age Zone and Woodland Trail. The experience lasts about 1 hour, making it suitable for those interested in history, geology, and natural beauty without requiring a full-day commitment.
This tour is especially ideal for those who enjoy learning about Ice Age animals, prehistoric tools, and the formation of caves. While the tour is accessible for most visitors, it’s important to note that wheelchair users and individuals with claustrophobia may find some aspects challenging. Children can participate in gemstone digging, making it a fun outing for families. With its friendly guides and compelling exhibits, Kents Cavern offers a memorable encounter with the distant past.
Key Points
- Price: $22.83 per person for a guided 1-hour tour
- Location: Devon, United Kingdom, in Torquay
- Highlights: 400-million-year-old rocks, stalagmites, stalactites, Stone Age artifacts
- Includes: Guided tour, access to Stone Age Zone, Woodland Trail, gemstone digging
- Accessibility: Mostly flat terrain with some steep gradients, not suitable for wheelchairs or those with claustrophobia
- Reviews: Rating of 4.9/5 from 9 reviews, praised for expert guides and child-friendly activities
The Entrance and First Impressions at Kents Cavern
The tour begins at the ticket desk, where visitors receive their tour passes and instructions from the staff. The Vestibule Chamber marks the start of the guided journey into the caves, where the consistent temperature of 14°C offers a comfortable climate. As visitors step inside, they quickly notice the flat concrete surfaces and plenty of headroom, making walking easier than in more challenging cave systems.
The entrance area sets an inviting tone, with staff ready to explain the formation of the caves over the last 2.5 million years and how stalagmites and stalactites developed into the stunning formations seen throughout. The friendly guides provide informative commentary, making even the initial walk engaging and accessible.
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Exploring the Labyrinth of Caves and Their Formation
The main part of the tour takes visitors through an extensive labyrinth of chambers, showcasing spectacular stalagmites and stalactites that decorate the ceilings and floors. Guides describe how these formations evolved over millennia, sealing in evidence of Ice Age occupations. The sealed floors and stalagmite layers reveal insights into the prehistoric activity that once took place inside these caves.
While walking through the narrow sections and gradients of up to 1:4 or 1:5, visitors experience the natural beauty and geological history of the site. Though some areas feature steep gradients, the flat footpath makes the tour manageable for most visitors, with nine shallow steps and few narrow passages.
Discovering the Stone Age Zone and Its Artifacts
A highlight of the tour is the Stone Age Zone, where visitors can view an extensive collection of artifacts and bones. These include tools and remains of creatures that roamed inside the caves during prehistoric times. The tools are described as the earliest found in Britain, offering a tangible connection to ancient human activity.
Children especially enjoy the gemstone digging activity here, where they can unearth their own gemstones to take home. This hands-on experience adds a fun, interactive element to the visit and encourages curiosity about prehistoric life.
Walking the Woodland Trail and Ice Age Animal Sculptures
Beyond the caves, visitors can explore the Woodland Trail, an outdoor path that complements the underground experience. The trail features Ice Age animal sculptures and opportunities to build shelters, allowing visitors to engage with the environment in a playful, educational way.
This trail serves as a perfect photo opportunity, with scenic views and natural surroundings that highlight the landscape as it would have appeared during the Ice Age. The combination of indoor exploration and outdoor activity makes for a well-rounded visit.
More Great Tours NearbyFacilities and Refreshments at the Firestone Kitchen
After exploring the caves and outdoor trail, visitors can relax at the Firestone Kitchen, the on-site café. The menu includes a variety of sweet treats, lunch options, and refreshing beverages. While food and drinks are not included in the tour price, the café provides a convenient spot to unwind and reflect on the experience.
The facilities at Kents Cavern are designed for comfort and convenience, ensuring a pleasant end to the adventure.
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Practical Tips for Visiting Kents Cavern
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and bring warm clothing since the caves maintain a steady 14°C. A camera is recommended to capture the stunning formations and artifacts.
Since the tour involves some steep gradients and narrow passages, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or individuals with claustrophobia. Assistance dogs are allowed, but pet dogs are not permitted inside the caves.
The tour operates with live English-speaking guides and requires at least two participants to run. For solo visitors, it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability.
Accessibility and Physical Considerations
The ease of walkability makes the tour accessible for most visitors, with mostly flat concrete surfaces. However, the steep gradients and narrow sections could pose challenges for some. Double and all-terrain pushchairs are too wide for the cave pathways.
The film of the cave tour available in the visitor center offers an alternative experience for those unable to navigate the underground chambers comfortably.
Why This Tour Stands Out Among Others
What truly makes the Kents Cavern tour special is its combination of geological wonders and prehistoric artifacts. The expert guides bring the caves’ history alive, explaining how the formations were created and sharing insights into the Ice Age creatures and early humans who used the space as shelter.
The inclusion of interactive activities like gemstone digging and the outdoor Woodland Trail adds value and enjoyment for families. Priced reasonably at $22.83, the tour offers a comprehensive look into Earth’s natural history and human evolution, making it a compelling choice for curious minds.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kents Cavern
The guides’ knowledge, combined with the stunning stalagmites and stalactites, creates an engaging experience that appeals to both history enthusiasts and geology lovers. The child-friendly elements and hands-on activities make it especially suitable for families seeking an educational adventure.
While the physical accessibility might be limited for some, the overall experience offers a sense of connection to the distant past. Visitors who appreciate well-organized tours with informative commentary will find Kents Cavern a rewarding part of their trip to Torquay.
The high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 9 reviews reflects the tour’s popularity and quality. It’s an affordable, engaging way to explore Devon’s prehistoric landscape and learn about the earliest humans in Britain.
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Torquay: Kents Cavern Prehistoric Cave
“Exciting and well-narrated! A fantastic experience. Very friendly staff and very child-friendly :)”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
What is the price of the tour?
It costs $22.83 per person.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children can enjoy gemstone digging and exploring, but narrow passages and gradients might be challenging for some.
Are wheelchairs allowed?
Wheelchair users cannot fully negotiate the cave’s steep gradients and narrow sections. A film of the tour is available in the visitor center.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended due to the steady 14°C temperature inside the caves.
Can I bring pets?
Assistance dogs are allowed, but pets are not permitted inside the caves.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverages are not included but can be purchased at the Firestone Kitchen café.
Is there parking nearby?
The tour departs from the ticket desk, with facilities available for visitors.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What makes this tour unique?
The combination of geological formations, Stone Age artifacts, and interactive outdoor activities makes it a standout experience in Devon.