Frequently Asked
ARE THE CAVES OPEN ALL YEAR?
Yes: Kents Cavern is open every day except Christmas Day (Also closed 7th & 8th January 2013).
DO WE HAVE TO GO ON A GUIDED TOUR?
Yes: The cave is a National Protected Monument, an International Prehistoric Show Cave and a gateway to UNESCO's English Riviera Global Geopark. For this reason the cave has the highest possible level of protection available in Britain and consequently all visits into the cave are accompanied by trained, knowledgeable and above all, entertaining, caves guides.
DO YOU SELL LOCAL PRODUCTS?
Yes: We source as many products as we can locally and the provenance of our food, which we try and source from Devon, is displayed in the restaurant. We use recycled paper sources and recycle relevant waste. We do not give away plastic bags in our retail areas and we operate a sustainable purchasing policy.
IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE CAVES?
Yes: But DVD/video cameras are not permitted for safety reasons.
DO YOU SELL ROCKS AND FOSSILS?
No: We do not sell original specimen geological material and fossils but we do sell replica fossils and added-value worked geological material. We have adopted this policy to comply with guidelines applicable to all UNESCO endorsed Global Geoparks around the world.
IS THERE ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN TO DO APART FROM VISIT THE CAVE?
Yes: In the Kids Activity area there is the "The Fun Dig", "Cave Painting", "The Wall of Hands", "Brass Rubbing" and "Tribal Face Marking". Along the Woodland Trail are two themed quests; "Stone Age Shopping" and the "Fossil Hunt".
HOW LONG SHOULD WE ALLOW FOR THE VISIT?
Allow about 2.5 hours for the complete visitor experience at Kents Cavern. The tour of the caves tour lasts just under an hour.
ARE THE CAVES BUSY ON WET DAYS?
Yes: On wet days during high season tours are scheduled every 10 minutes but waiting times to enter the caves can be up to 1 hour. Register at the ticket desk where you will be given the next available tour time. Some of the outdoor children's activities are restricted on wet days. For maximum enjoyment don't wait for a wet day to visit!
IS THE WALK AROUND THE CAVES DIFFICULT?
No: Kents Cavern is probably Britain's easiest cave to visit. All paths are concrete with 9 shallow steps half way round. There are some steep slopes but handrails are provided. The caves are easily accessible for most visitors although assistance may be required by some as there are natural slopes and steps. Access for wheelchair users is restricted to the first chamber but standard child pushchairs will be able to negotiate the cave. Read the Access Statement for full details.
IS KENTS CAVERN SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH TODDLERS?
Yes: Kents Cavern is a family friendly attraction. Children under the age of three are admitted FREE of charge. Pushchairs can be taken into the caves. On very busy days (usually wet days) the number of pushchairs admitted into the caves will be limited and these can be left by the cave entrance.
HOW WARM ARE THE CAVES?
The temperature in the cave is a constant 14°C (58°F) every day of the year. On hot summer days the caves are the perfect place to cool off and in the winter, the caves are the warmest outdoor place to be.
DO WE HAVE TO PAY TO PARK?
Yes: There is a £2 charge to park. At busy times the car park will fill up but there is unrestricted FREE road side parking within a short walking distance. Coach drivers should call in advance to reserve a space.
CAN I TAKE MY DOG (OR ANY OTHER PET) INTO THE CAVES?
No: Only assistance dogs are permitted in the cave and on site.
IS ACCESS POSSIBLE FOR ADULTS IN WHEELCHAIRS?
No: Wheelchair users cannot access the cave beyond the first underground chamber but no charge is made to see this first part of the cave. A DVD of tour is available by the entrance for people who cannot accompany the tour.
CAN I USE IMAGES OF KENTS CAVERN FOR A SCHOOL PROJECT?
Yes: go to the gallery and download images. All we ask is that you credit the images to Kents Cavern.
FOOTWEAR Kents Cavern has concrete paths throughout, however sensible footwear is advised due to the nature of the cave environment.
VISITING ON YOUR OWN?
We require a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate. At quiet times and to avoid disappointment if you are visiting on your own please call us on 01803 215136 to check whether a tour will be definitely running at the time you will be visiting.
If you have not found the answer to you query here, contact us
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