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
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See what travelers are saying
- Joshua A1 contributionSpectacular, interesting and fun.Poole's Cavern was a great day trip out for me and my wife. The cavern itself was immense and fantastic to experience, the staff were friendly, informative and good natured. It was easy to find and had a lovely cafe on site also. Definitely recommend as a day trip for all ages and group types.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 21, 2024
- Chris PBanbury, United Kingdom3 contributionsHighly RecommendedGreat place to visit, really friendly staff accommodated us when we arrived early for our tour. Our guide Jacob was very knowledgeable and engaging. The cavern is well worth a visit, and there is a lovely Café & walks there too.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- Alexis P224 contributionsWell worth a visitWe visited Pooles Cavern today as we had some time to kill whilst in Buxton. We were a bit apprehensive due to the price £18.50 each but we were really pleased that we paid to go in as it was really interesting. I would recommend pre booking as we just turned up and luckily we got the last 2 places on our tour but the couple in the queue behind us had to wait for the next one.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2024
- Boo DiddlyCheshire, United Kingdom79 contributionsA lovely parkI had a lovely walk through the park up to Solomon’s Temple. At the entrance from the car park, there is a map with colour-coded trails, which you can easily follow via coloured markers throughout the woodland. There are numerous wood carvings and information signs dotted throughout, and fantastic views. A beautiful place, and I’ll definitely return.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 21, 2024
- karenkrzyszDerbyshire, United Kingdom27 contributionsGreat place to visit and dog friendly tooWe arrived for the first tour on a frosty Saturday morning and even before we got through the door a cheery lady was helping us and pointing us in the right direction. Inside the lady on the ticket desk was also cheerful and helpful. Our guide came to collect us and we were the only 2 on the tour! We got a brilliant, interesting and fun tour from Oriel, the son of the first friendly lady. The staff certainly do this place proud! Great place to visit and also lovely to see it is dog friendly too!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 25, 2024
- Serendipitiy S1 contributionAmazing and new experienceVery nice experience. Thoroughly enjoyed all parts of the caves and the tour guide was very good and friendly in explaining the rich history of the caves. The souvenir shop was also full of beautiful stones and other artefacts.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 27, 2024
- Jess M1 contributionFamily adventureWe came to Pooles cavern with our 3year old and our 8month old. The tour was brilliant, I can't remember the name of our tour guide but he had great knowledge of the history of the cave and our 3 year old was able to recall lots of the facts and asked us questions about who the Romans and Victorians were in the cave, the bats that lived there etc. The tour guide was very friendly to chat to, told us he'd been working there around 9 months, and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend if you are in the area! We also were able to go for a walk up to solomons temple after the tour which was easily accessible from the same car park.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 5, 2024
- Garry AMarket Harborough, United Kingdom44 contributionsA great wander undergroundIt was a drab and rainy Mother's Day Sunday when we visited the Poole's Cavern. We'd planned on the visit but with it raining, it made our time underground more enjoyable (well better than getting wet outside). Our guide was a quirky guy who was both informative and funny. He educated us on the history of the cave system and kept our 9-year-old engaged throughout the tour. The 45 minutes it took went quickly and was very enjoyable. I would recommend this trip (especially if it's raining).Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 11, 2024
- baldybobuk7 contributionsBrilliant cavernThis is one of the best attractions, I have seen for a long time. Worth ever penny, it was a really fantastic experience, Angela our guide on the tour was amazing, and we learnt so much, in the hour tour, couldn’t fault it in any way. Well done the whole team. BobVisited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 14, 2024
- harperholt32 contributionsWonderful cavern and helpful staff.We changed our booking due to the weather and the staff were so accommodating. The tour was really interesting and the cavern full great facts. The tour guide made the tour really interesting and interactive for the children on the tour.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,065 reviews
Excellent
1,380
Very good
563
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96
Poor
18
Terrible
8
Drake-601
Manchester, UK98 contributions
Aug 2021
From the moment we arrived to saying goodbye to our guides I felt really well looked after. All staff were very friendly, welcoming and made themselves available and were very approachable.
The cavern itself was impressive and interesting and our main guide, who was a young lad in training, was really, really good whilst still learning his role. His colleague who stayed at the back in order to be on hand was excellent also – I was chatting to him and asking questions as we walked out. Really nice lads both.
Having read other comments about them asking visitors to wear masks, all I can add is that my wife & I put them on regardless as we approached the main entrance and that no-one else in our group seem bothered at all about being asked to wear them, if indeed they were.
It’s a shame that some don’t appear to have enjoyed it because I would definitely recommend a visit; I think it’s well worth the price and was one of the highlights of our week’s holiday in the area.
After we exited, we went for a short walk into the wooded area right by the cavern. There are many steep routes, as was the one we chose, and we turned back after around 12 minutes or so having done a rather long walk the previous day. However, if you want to turn a 45-minute to an hour visit to this attraction into a 2 to 3-hour experience, then these walks do offer that…and the views from the tops of the various routes might well be worth it, we don’t know of course. It’s probably worth noting that these steep paths are likely to be slippy & muddy on wet days or following heavy rains etc. Some nice wooded sculptures to be found here too.
The cavern itself was impressive and interesting and our main guide, who was a young lad in training, was really, really good whilst still learning his role. His colleague who stayed at the back in order to be on hand was excellent also – I was chatting to him and asking questions as we walked out. Really nice lads both.
Having read other comments about them asking visitors to wear masks, all I can add is that my wife & I put them on regardless as we approached the main entrance and that no-one else in our group seem bothered at all about being asked to wear them, if indeed they were.
It’s a shame that some don’t appear to have enjoyed it because I would definitely recommend a visit; I think it’s well worth the price and was one of the highlights of our week’s holiday in the area.
After we exited, we went for a short walk into the wooded area right by the cavern. There are many steep routes, as was the one we chose, and we turned back after around 12 minutes or so having done a rather long walk the previous day. However, if you want to turn a 45-minute to an hour visit to this attraction into a 2 to 3-hour experience, then these walks do offer that…and the views from the tops of the various routes might well be worth it, we don’t know of course. It’s probably worth noting that these steep paths are likely to be slippy & muddy on wet days or following heavy rains etc. Some nice wooded sculptures to be found here too.
Written August 22, 2021
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.
Mark F
Harrogate, UK151 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We’d stayed locally for a long weekend and choose a random tourist attraction to visit. There’s not a huge amount you can say - it’s a cave. But, it is an impressive one, going far back into the hill and with huge vaulted ceilings of stalactites, above a rushing river. Our guide was extremely professional, although as much as I love to learn about places, it was a slight case of information overload. Lighting was used to good effect although personally, tacky as it may be, I love caves when coloured lights and music are used and I think it would have enhanced the experience. The visitor centre, cafe and gift shop were pleasant enough. On arrival, I did think the price was a bit steep, but I feel strongly about supporting tourism and we enjoyed ourselves, so I can look passed that. It’s a pretty cool place and worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Written February 9, 2020
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.
Rebecca R
Southampton57 contributions
May 2021
The caverns are impressive and the tour was very interesting. We took the tour on the first week of reopening following several months of lock-down so our guide did a great job of remembering the script but understandably seemed a bit nervous/flustered. Due to Covid restrictions the tour group size is limited to 6 people so we were able to maintain social distancing.
The country park is right next to the cavern and share the car park and are about half a mile from the town centre. Although I think you can probably park in the nearby streets, the car park is reasonably priced (£2 for 4 hours) and the money apparently goes towards maintaining the park. The country park is quite steep so wear decent walking shoes. There are three coloured walks and these are well-signposted. Solomon's temple at the end of the blue/yellow walks is worth the effort for the view.
The country park is right next to the cavern and share the car park and are about half a mile from the town centre. Although I think you can probably park in the nearby streets, the car park is reasonably priced (£2 for 4 hours) and the money apparently goes towards maintaining the park. The country park is quite steep so wear decent walking shoes. There are three coloured walks and these are well-signposted. Solomon's temple at the end of the blue/yellow walks is worth the effort for the view.
Written May 21, 2021
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.
MartinG
Leeds, UK90 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
We did a tour of the cavern and really liked it. The lady explained the history of the case and really brought it to life which made it very enjoyable. When they turned The lights off you could almost feel the dark! Staff were very friendly.
Written February 23, 2020
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.
BonnieRed850
Huntingdon, UK576 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a great place to visit on a wet day. That said, you need to book at least two days in advance at present so some faith in the weather forecast is required. You also need to take note that the temperature within the caves is a constant 7 degrees at all times of year, so dress accordingly.
You may think that 12 quid for an adult is a bit steep, but if you combine your visit with a walk up to Solomon’s Temple, which is free, it is good value for a good few hours out. There is a decent cafe on site which is also worth a visit. Mind you, the walk up through the woods to the monument really is rather steep, but that is another story.
You may think that 12 quid for an adult is a bit steep, but if you combine your visit with a walk up to Solomon’s Temple, which is free, it is good value for a good few hours out. There is a decent cafe on site which is also worth a visit. Mind you, the walk up through the woods to the monument really is rather steep, but that is another story.
Written July 8, 2021
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.
BC63116
England, UK123 contributions
Oct 2020
Pool's Cavern cave is well worth a visit and is pitched at the right length of time at about 50 minutes. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites are very interesting if you like this sort of thing. The groups on each tour are small numbers, especially at the moment so would recommend. Only thing to be aware of is that there are a number of steps and wet floors if you are elderly or unstable on your feet.
Written October 7, 2020
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.
Elaine
Kettering, UK3 contributions
Oct 2020
My partner and I had what wound up being a private tour with Alex, as nobody else had booked in with our time slot! Alex was really friendly and knowledgable about the caves, and we really enjoyed our tour with him. The caves themselves are spectacular, and the lighting inside just makes the effect even more impressive. We had done another cave tour earlier in the week, but this one with Poole’s Cavern was far superior (and cheaper). If you’re looking for a tour of one of the caves around the Peak District, it has to be this one - friendly guides, good facilities with parking and toilets, and amazing views inside. We would highly recommend!
Written October 17, 2020
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.
Loopy lou
170 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We did arrive late as we had car troubles and they was good and put us on the next available tour. However it wasn't very welcoming from the start. I understanding with covid this have to be done differently but it was off putting from the moment we arrived. There is someone on the door of the shop and the manor just come across rude and intimidating. When we got in the shop it was very disappointing as you aren't allowed to touch anything .So they clearly don't no the spiritual meaning behind Crystal's. The shop was small and bit of a let down with what they was selling. Thought there would be more stuff relevant to the cave. The coffee shop was extortionately expensive. The cave isn't in its original state so was very spacious and flat on your feet and had lightning around the cave. At times, wearing a mask made it difficult to clearly understand our guide. It seemed very scripted with no personally and didn't look conftable doing taking to group of people. It seemed like none of the staff enjoyed there job.
Despite all that, the long drive wasnt wasted as the woods did not disappoint. There was different trails to choose from for levels of walking ability. There was carvings and information on the woods history and origins
Despite all that, the long drive wasnt wasted as the woods did not disappoint. There was different trails to choose from for levels of walking ability. There was carvings and information on the woods history and origins
Written September 25, 2020
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.
davrosreturns
Kalkara, Malta46 contributions
Mar 2022
A good show cave, that is easy to access and comes with lots of history to learn about.
Ron our guide was very informative, putting across the facts in away that everyone could understand, young and old alike. We went on a wet day, which made the water running through the cavern that much more impressive.
We were also impressed with the gift shop, stocking a good range of gifts at a good price.
There is also a cafe that does sandwiches/ breakfast / jacket potatoes and of course cakes!
Ron our guide was very informative, putting across the facts in away that everyone could understand, young and old alike. We went on a wet day, which made the water running through the cavern that much more impressive.
We were also impressed with the gift shop, stocking a good range of gifts at a good price.
There is also a cafe that does sandwiches/ breakfast / jacket potatoes and of course cakes!
Written March 2, 2022
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.
Wakerloo
Gosforth, UK11 contributions
May 2021 • Family
The guides were friendly, enthusiastic and very helpful. I had stupidly booked tickets for the week before our stay and didn’t realise until we turned up at the cavern. A guide called Robin was really helpful and took us on an individual tour as the other slots were fully booked. Everyone from age 10 to 55 enjoyed the tour. After the cave walked through the woods of the country park and up to Solomons Temple for great views of surrounding countryside
Written June 5, 2021
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, United Kingdom
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
Written September 18, 2023
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
Written September 18, 2023
Hi. Nope. From what I remember you have to leave prams and push chairs at the centre and carry any little ones.
Written April 3, 2023
Is there anywhere to securely lock up our cycles to visit the cavern and country park
Written August 15, 2020
A Tripadvisor member
Liverpool, United Kingdom
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.
Written August 15, 2020
During current situation are the caves still open?
Written July 15, 2020
Hi, Poole's Cavern has reopened this week to visitors. book online tours only from our website
Written July 22, 2020
Can we bring our dog ( not in the actual caves) to the park
Written August 11, 2019
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.
Written August 6, 2019
How is poole caverns for people with walking difficulties.
Written May 26, 2019
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.
Written May 30, 2019
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.
Written May 19, 2019
Hiya, can you take dogs within the caves?
Written February 22, 2019
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.
Written February 25, 2019
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