Step into the story of Poole’s Cavern in a way that’s entirely your own with our new app-based audio guide, designed to put you at the centre of the story. As you move through vast underground chambers and dramatic rock formations, the app brings the cavern to life with immersive audio, and fascinating insights, transforming each stop into a moment of discovery. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient rivers, Roman artefacts, or the myths behind the cavern’s name, you’ll uncover stories that connect you directly to this extraordinary place. Designed with you in mind, the experience is flexible, intuitive, and accessible. Simply download the app, settle in for a short welcome introduction, and then explore at your own pace. As you move through the cavern, simply scan or swipe to unlock content at key locations, allowing you to pause, reflect, and fully take in your surroundings without feeling rushed.   Prefer reading instead of listening? A full script is available within the app, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tour in a way that suits them best. This innovative guide enhances your visit ensuring every visitor can enjoy rich, consistent storytelling, whether you’re discovering the cavern for the first time or returning to uncover more.     We recommend downloading the app prior to arrival, the details are on your booking confirmation email, or simply search for Poole's Cavern in the Apple or Google Store. The app is free to download and use.  Headphones are recommended so you can hear the audio clearly and avoid disturbing other visitors.     Make the most of your day by combining your cavern experience with a walk along Thomas’s Trail or venture up to Solomon’s Temple through our beautiful woodland Country Park. After, relax with lunch or a delicious slice of cake in the café, then browse the gift shop to take home a special memento of your visit, perfect for remembering a truly memorable day. Important Information:  The cavern maintains a constant temperature of 7°C (44°F), so we recommend bringing a warm layer. There are 28 steps in total throughout the cave, with no more than 11 in any one section. For those visiting with young children, a pushchair station is available at the cave entrance (items left at your own risk), and child carriers are recommended for a more comfortable experience. There are two low points within the cavern, one at the entrance and another near the first set of steps, both clearly marked with “Mind Your Head” signage. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead (please purchase one dog ticket per dog). Carer tickets are available for registered carers accompanying a paying visitor, with valid proof required on arrival. Wheelchair access is available for approximately one-third of the cave. If you wish to explore further, a site visit must be arranged in advance and a risk assessment completed. If you have any additional requirements or questions, please contact the team on 01298 26978 before booking, we’re here to help you plan your visit.

Poole's Cavern is a family friendly, dog friendly, all weather, accessible experience, illuminated with natural LED lighting.  Book a guided tour and be taken through this ancient natural limestone cavern, found on the outskirts of the historic Spa town of Buxton in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Enthusiastic guides will take you on a journey beneath the earth where you can marvel at the beautifully illuminated rock sculpted galleries. Explore the vast limestone caverns and see how Stalactites and Stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Cavern tours are led by a guide at all times and take approximately 45-60 minutes depending on the group size. Included in your entry ticket, make the most of your day by combining your cavern experience with a family woodland adventure on  Thomas’s Trail  (opened April 2026) or venture up to Solomon’s Temple on woodland trails through Buxton Country Park.  Important Information:  The cavern maintains a constant temperature of 7°C (44°F), so we recommend bringing a warm layer. There are 28 steps in total throughout the cave, with no more than 11 in any one section.  For those visiting with young children, a pushchair station is available at the cave entrance (items left at your own risk), and child carriers are recommended for a more comfortable experience. There are two low points within the cavern, one at the entrance and another near the first set of steps, both clearly marked with “Mind Your Head” signage. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead (please purchase one dog ticket per dog), please note each tour is limited to no more than 6 dogs. Carer tickets are available for registered carers accompanying a paying visitor. A full list of accepted Carer ID is available on our website, on the Accessibility page. Wheelchair access is available for approximately one-third of the cave. If you wish to explore further, a site visit must be arranged in advance and a risk assessment completed. If you have any additional requirements or questions, please contact the team on 01298 26978 before booking, we’re here to help you plan your visit.

Join us for a Poole’s Cavern exclusive, with our BRAND-NEW Guided Woodland Walk in Grin Low Woods.  Explore the ‘Hidden History’ of the Buxton landscape, and learn all about how the woodland and cavern’s history are more interlinked than you might imagine! With separate stops throughout, your guide will lead you on a journey exploring the old quarries, the protected wildflower glades, as well as showcasing the conservation work the BCA undertake. See first-hand the work that we do to promote microenvironments throughout the woodlands, encouraging nature to make it their home. Whether you’re new to the area, or if you’ve visited before, our guided woodland walk promises to show you the woodlands from a whole new perspective Leaving from Poole’s Cavern visitor centre, your expert guide will lead you through the woodlands and across all three of our marked woodland trails. This walk is expected to take 90 minutes , taking you across all the different terrains that can be found in the woodlands, with the paths underfoot varying. Sensible walking boots or sturdy trainers are required.   Please note that our woodlands are situated on a hillside, and some parts of the route will be more strenuous than others. We recommend that this route is not suitable for families with young children, or if you have any underlying medical conditions linked to breathing, or your ability to walk a far distance. If you would like to get in touch regarding the terrain, or if you have any questions about the suitability of the walk for yourself or someone else in your group, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.   The Guided Woodland Walk will be leaving at 11:00 promptly, so please make sure that you are at the visitor centre at least ten-minutes before departure to be checked in. If you are late, we cannot guarantee that you would be able to head into the woodlands and join the group. This walk will take place come rain or shine, so waterproofs are recommended . This walk will not be cancelled in the event of bad weather, and therefore these tickets are non-refundable. We are excited to open this experience up to our visitors, and we hope you are too! If you have any questions about the Guided Woodland Walk, its suitability, or any future events, please get in touch. Each ticket includes a FREE copy of Wildflowers in Grin Low (BCA).

Young people invited to explore how Buxton’s industrial past can help shape a greener future  Generation Hope Buxton: From Fire and Stone to Woodland and Wildlife has been selected as one of the Interconnected Generation Hope partners for 2026/27, part of the Natural History Museum’s Fixing Our Broken Planet programme. The project brings together young people aged 13–25 to investigate the changing landscape of Grin Low, one of Buxton’s most significant natural and historic sites. Today, Grin Low is a much-loved woodland and wildlife landscape, but its appearance hides a highly industrial past. For more than 300 years, limestone was quarried on the hill and burnt in lime kilns, transforming the landscape and supporting local communities. The remains of this industry can still be seen among the woodland today. The project will encourage participants to ask questions about how landscapes change, how nature can recover following human activity, and what the history of Grin Low can teach us about responding to today's climate and biodiversity challenges.  Participants will take part in biodiversity surveys, citizen science, heritage research, and digital storytelling through a series of Free workshops, culminating in a public exhibition in Spring 2027.  As part of the Generation Hope Buxton project, participants can take part in 3 free workshops which will explore the themes of climate, heritage and imagined futures. Content explored in each of the sessions will then be brought together to form our co-curated community exhibition, Roots of Recovery , too be launched in Spring 2027. These workshops are for participants aged 13-25, which is the target audience for our funders, the Natural History Museum. Please note that under 16's will require an adult to attend with them for all workshops (they do not require a ticket). To get the most out of the project, participants are invited to join all 3 workshops, however if you are unavailable for a session that is not a problem. 15 th November: What our heritage can tell us about climate impact, 10am-2pm Morning: Introduction to climate change and Generation Hope Explore what climate change is, what people are doing and saying about it. Reflect on changes from your own experiences, consider how those changes felt and whether everyone responded to them in the same way.  Afternoon: What our Heritage can tell us about Climate Impact Using objects from our collection and archives, we will explore the heritage of Grin Low, from warm seas 330 million years ago to the introduction of lime burning and the replanting of woodland, examining how industrial change impacted the landscape around it.  6 th December: The Woodlands and Caves - Our Climate Narrative, 10am-2pm Morning: How our history has impacted how the woodlands and caves have formed Explore how biodiversity and green spaces have shifted over time, and what these changes can tell us about current and future climate. Afternoon: Object Climate Narratives Using objects from the natural environment and the museum collection, participants are invited to create a narrative that explores each object’s history, origins, use and future life, and how this connection develops into a climate story, allowing space for individual creativity.  10 th January: Imagining Futures - Lessons from our Past, 10am-2pm Morning: How our work today impacts our climate future Explore how we manage our woodlands today and the scientific research carried out in the cavern which impacts how we care for our site, wider environment and community. Afternoon: How can we imagine our future communities What if human had never lived on earth? What lessons can we learn from the past in order to protect our future? We bring together the changes and challenges explored over the previous sessions to creatively imagine how we tackle climate change.  All sessions will be held onsite at Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre, with a mixture of outdoor and indoor learning, so please dress appropriately. All resources will be provided. Refreshments will be available. Please bring your own lunch. Can't make the sessions but want to be involved? Contact rachael.cooksey@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk for more information.  To get the most out of the project, please sign up to all sessions, but this is not essential. Please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult to any project activities (only participant requires a ticket).   Whether you are interested as an individual, school or established group, get in touch to see how you can be involved! Rachael Cooksey at rachael.cooksey@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk .  Generation Hope Buxton is part of Fixing Our Broken Planet at the Natural History Museum, London. A wide variety of trusts, foundations, organisations, companies and individuals are supporting the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery and programme. We thank all funders with particular thanks to our Lead Funders, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation, Wellcome and The Claude and Sofia Marion Foundation, as well as our Supporting Corporate Partner, GSK. Natural History Museum: Natural History Museum

This Christmas, experience festive music like never before as Christmas Underground: Brass & Voices brings the warmth and joy of Christmas music into the unique setting of Poole’s Cavern. Join us for a very special evening of live music, festive favourites and plenty of Christmas spirit, with an unforgettable journey from the warmth of the Visitor Centre into the atmospheric depths of the cave.   Fairfield Brass Band  - We’ll begin in the Visitor Centre with 45 minutes of festive brass music from Fairfield Brass Band . A long-standing and friendly traditional brass band based in Fairfield, Buxton, the band was originally formed in 1865 and has been a much-loved part of the local community ever since. Their programme of festive favourites will get everyone into the Christmas spirit. There will then be a short interval before we head underground. This is your chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a festive refreshment and get ready for the second half of this very special evening.   Christmas Sing-Along in the Cave  - We’ll make our way into the cave for 45 minutes of festive singing , led by singer, performer and musical director Ray Mcleod . Ray brings more than 20 years of experience performing, musical directing and teaching singing across community, theatre and church settings. He has worked with singers of all ages and abilities and has musical-directed and performed in productions including Les Misérables, Guys and Dolls, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story and Jesus Christ Superstar .  Ray is also an experienced community choir leader and has delivered singing and intergenerational projects in the local area. Now he’ll be leading us through a joyful selection of Christmas favourites, encouraging everyone to join in and become part of the performance. With the natural acoustics of the cavern, festive lighting and the sound of voices echoing through the cavern, this promises to be a Christmas sing-along you won't forget. Whether you’re looking for a special festive evening, looking to start a new Christmas tradition with friends and family, a traditional Christmas concert with a difference, or simply want to experience the magic of music underground, Christmas Underground: Brass & Voices is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Only 50 places available.  With such a limited capacity, this is an intimate and exclusive Christmas event and tickets are expected to sell quickly. All BCA Members are eligible for discounted ticket. Please select BCA Member ticket at the checkout, and bring your valid digital or physical membership card on the night. Booking Information:  * Please note that the singalong in the cave is a standing event. * Only Guide Dogs are allowed

Poole's Cavern is a family friendly, dog friendly, all weather, accessible experience, illuminated with festive Christmas lighting between 1st December - 3rd January!  Book a guided tour and be taken through this ancient natural limestone cavern, found on the outskirts of the historic Spa town of Buxton in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Enthusiastic guides will take you on a journey beneath the earth where you can marvel at the beautifully illuminated rock sculpted galleries. Explore the vast limestone caverns and see how Stalactites and Stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Cavern tours are led by a guide at all times and take approximately 45-60 minutes depending on the group size. Included in your entry ticket, make the most of your day by combining your cavern experience with a family woodland adventure on Thomas’s Trail (opened April 2026) or venture up to Solomon’s Temple on woodland trails through Buxton Country Park.  After your visit - Warm up in our welcoming Café with hot drinks, snacks, and daily specials. Don’t forget to stop by the Cavern Gift Shop, where you’ll find gifts, toys, local produce, sparkling rocks and unique minerals, Peak District treasures and more! All perfect for Christmas gifting. We can’t wait to welcome you underground for a magical Christmas experience at Poole’s Cavern! Important Information:  The cavern maintains a constant temperature of 7°C (44°F), so we recommend bringing a warm layer. There are 28 steps in total throughout the cave, with no more than 11 in any one section.  For those visiting with young children, a pushchair station is available at the cave entrance (items left at your own risk), and child carriers are recommended for a more comfortable experience. There are two low points within the cavern, one at the entrance and another near the first set of steps, both clearly marked with “Mind Your Head” signage. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead (please purchase one dog ticket per dog), please note each tour is limited to no more than 6 dogs. Carer tickets are available for registered carers accompanying a paying visitor. A full list of accepted Carer ID is available on our website, on the Accessibility page. Wheelchair access is available for approximately one-third of the cave. If you wish to explore further, a site visit must be arranged in advance and a risk assessment completed. If you have any additional requirements or questions, please contact the team on 01298 26978 before booking, we’re here to help you plan your visit.

Self-Guided App Tour - December 2026 Experience Poole’s Cavern with a magical Christmas twist!  For a limited time only, explore our  2-million-year-old limestone cavern,  transformed with sparkling festive lights. Take a yourself on a  self-guided tour  through beautifully decorated chambers at your own pace. While you're here, pick up one of our FREE Family Scavenger Hunts, and explore the many intriguing parts of the cavern. There will be a small gift for any child who completes the scavenger hunt, plus a festive prize draw  for a Goody Bag will be held on Christmas Eve. It's fun for all the family!   Designed with you in mind, the App Tour experience is flexible, intuitive, and accessible. Simply download the free Poole's Cavern app, settle in for a short welcome introduction, and then explore at your own pace. As you move through the cavern, simply scan or swipe to unlock content at key locations, allowing you to pause, reflect, and fully take in your surroundings without feeling rushed.   Prefer reading instead of listening? A full script is available within the app, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tour in a way that suits them best. This innovative guide enhances your visit ensuring every visitor can enjoy rich, consistent storytelling, whether you’re discovering the cavern for the first time or returning to uncover more.     We recommend downloading the app prior to arrival, the details are on your booking confirmation email, or simply search for Poole's Cavern in the Apple or Google Store. The app is free to download and use. The cavern's river is often quite loud over the winter period, so headphones are recommended so you can hear the audio clearly.  Please note: this is not a guided tour. After your visit -  Warm up in our welcoming Café with hot drinks, snacks, and daily specials. Don’t forget to stop by the Cavern Gift Shop, where you’ll find gifts, toys, local produce, sparkling rocks and unique minerals, Peak District treasures and more! All perfect for Christmas gifting. We can’t wait to welcome you underground for a magical Christmas experience at Poole’s Cavern! Important info: Wear sturdy shoes & warm clothing (it’s a cool 7°C/44°F inside all year round). Dog-friendly (please buy a ticket for your pup. Short leads are required). Pushchair possible but not ideal (There are 28 steps in total inside the cave, so we recommend a carrier). Wheelchair access is limited to about 1/3 of the cavern – email manager@poolescavern.co.uk for further information. If anyone in your group has additional needs that you would like to discuss in advance, please contact us at:  manager@poolescavern.co.uk Includes flashing/strobe lights. Please don’t touch the rock formations. Poole’s Cavern is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and we need your help to ensure that the cavern is preserved for future generations.   No refunds  – but if you can’t make it, we’ll do our best to rebook your slot! (subject to availability). Please contact us at 01298 26878 during our opening hours, or email manager@poolescavern.co.uk with your booking reference number.

Hire one of our sensory bags for the day to accompany you on your journey through Poole's Cavern and our 100 acre woodland country park.  Each bag contains: Ear Defenders Mega Fidget Tactile Shells Feelings Fan Torch Fidget Zip Bracelet Scraggly Poole's Cavern Teddy Companion Map of Poole's Cavern Country Park Our sensory bags have been made to enhance customers experience, incorporating the senses with focus on touch. Please enjoy our sensory bags responsibly. We also stock a range of fidgets in our gift shop.  Please note a deposit of £25 will be taken upon collection of the sensory bag and refunded upon the return of the sensory bag in appropriate condition. All sensory bags must be returned by 3pm on the day of hire. You can collect your sensory bag anytime before 2:30pm on the day of hire.