There are plenty of fantastic things to see and do in and around Bristol, so lesser-known attractions often get left off to-do lists when visitors are planning their itinerary. The Wookey Hole Caves are one such attractive, but they’re one you should consider, especially if you happen to be visiting with children.
Found just an easy 45-minute drive away from the middle of Bristol, the Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caves set deep underground. You’ll find them on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills near Wells in Somerset, England, and the River Axe actually flows through the caves. While there, you can cower beneath animatronic dinosaurs in the all-new Valley of the Dinosaurs area and visit the following caves:
- Witch’s Kitchen: Wander through the Witch’s Kitchen to take in The Giant – it’s the largest stalagmite in Wookey Hole.
- Great Hall: As you might have guessed, the Great Hole is one of the tallest chambers in Wookey Hole. Soaring up over 70 feet high, it features stalactites and recently discovered witch markings.
- Witch’s Parlour: This is the largest natural underground dome in the UK. It’s over 200 feet below ground, and there will be more than 110,000 tonnes of rock over your head.
- Cathedral Chamber: The height of the largest rift chamber in Wookey Hole makes for stunning views, as do the wondering variations in colour.
- Chamber 20: Unveiled just last year, 4,000 tonnes of rock were removed to showcase the unique formations of this beautiful cavern.
- Hyenas Den: Archaeologists estimate the hyenas that gave this cave its name occupied the area between 35,000 and 25,000 BC.
When you exit the caves, don’t feel you need to jump right back in your car. Further Wookey Hole attractions include a 4D cinema, live circus show, Magical Mirror Maze, play castle, and Penny Arcade.