Enjoy intrigue and adventure at the Chislehurst Caves

A marvellous manmade wonder is waiting to be discovered within Chislehurst in Greater London/Kent. Known as the Chislehurst Caves, this attraction is actually a series of entirely manmade tunnels located 30 metres underground. There are over 20 miles of tunnels and these caves have many interesting stories behind them.

A diverse history ready to be delved into

The Chislehurst Caves are very old mines that were created for the purpose of mining for chalk and flint. There is no definitive answer for how old the caves are but different parts are believed to be linked to different groups of people including Neolithic Britons, the Romans, as well as the Saxons. The earliest hard evidence for the caves dates to their mention in a charter from around 1250 AD.

The Chislehurst Caves were last used for mining purposes in the 1830s but since then they have been put to a variety of different uses. They served as a munitions storage location for the Woolwich Arsenal during WWI and were used to grow mushrooms during the 1920s and 1930s. The Chislehurst Caves also served an important role in WWII as an air-raid shelter, effectively acting as an underground city for around 15 000 people. In addition, they have served as a unique and atmospheric entertainment venue, as the caves also hosted a number of music concerts and dances during the 1960s and 1970s.

Ghostly goings-on

If you’re planning to visit the caves you’ll want to make sure you don’t stray from your tour party as the darkness might not be the only thing that greets you if you do so. The caves are alleged to be haunted, with reputed sightings of a female ghost wearing a white dress who floats across a haunted pool within the caves. There are also many strange noises that have supposedly been heard in the caves, including the sound of a whinnying horse, drilling sounds, as well as laughter echoing from the deeper parts of the caves.

For a spookily superb tour you should plan your visit during Halloween so you can enjoy a Halloween ghost walk. You’re guaranteed to have a scarily good time during this tour which lasts for 90 minutes, includes creepy tales and is only for adults.

Fun Fact

If the caves look familiar during your visit it might be because you’ve seen parts of them before on TV. The caves have been utilised in various filming projects, including the TV series Dr Who and Merlin.

Visiting the Chislehurst Caves

The caves can be accessed from Wednesday to Sunday via a guided tour that lasts around 45 to 50 minutes, during which you will get to explore the caves and see the likes of rock carvings, as well as war paraphernalia left over from the caves’ wartime usage. During bank and school holidays they are open daily apart from Christmas and New Year.

Adult (16 to 60 years old) charges are £6, while entry charges are £4 for visitors over 60 years old and children aged 3 to 15. Children younger than 3 years old get free entry, though the caves may not be suitable for such young children.

Torches are not allowed in the caves but oil lamps will be provided during the tour. There is free car parking available and a café to enjoy some scrumptious snacks before or after your tour.

The caves may not be suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs because the floor surfaces are uneven and cobbled.

Nearby attractions

Why not combine your visit to Chislehurst Caves with a trip to one or several of the great nearby attractions such as Down House which used to be the home of Charles Darwin, as well as Danson House, Lullingstone Castle and Eltham Palace. Bromley Museum, located in a picturesque medieval building, is also a nearby attraction that hosts a number of temporary exhibitions as well as fun family events throughout the year.

A wealth of insight and fun waiting beneath the surface

The Chislehurst Caves offer an incredible day out that can be enjoyed by younger and older visitors with diverse interests. Perhaps you’re keen to experience what it must have been like living underground during a war period or alternatively you might want to marvel at mankind’s ability to create amazing constructions that have stood the test of time. Whatever your reason for visiting, you won’t have to dig deep to ensure you have a wonderful time during your tour.