Poole’s Cavern, Buxton

Cave in Buxton

Public Domain / Dave Pape

Poole's Cavern is one of the must-see places in Buxton, combining deep history, natural wonder, and an easily accessible location just minutes from the town centre. Its mix of folklore, geology, and prehistoric discoveries has fascinated travellers for centuries, from Mary Queen of Scots to curious modern-day visitors. The guided tours bring these subterranean stories to life, making the cavern one of the top attractions in Buxton for both families and curious explorers.

What makes Poole's Cavern a highlight of any tour of Buxton is its position beneath Buxton Country Park, giving visitors the chance to pair an underground adventure with a scenic woodland walk to viewpoints like Solomon's Temple. It's the kind of place where a morning of fossils and formations blends effortlessly into an afternoon of picnics, sculpture trails, and sweeping Peak District panoramas.

History and Significance of Poole’s Cavern
Things to See and Do in Poole’s Cavern
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Poole’s Cavern
Where to Stay close to Poole’s Cavern
Is Poole’s Cavern Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Poole’s Cavern
Nearby Attractions to Poole’s Cavern

History and Significance of Poole’s Cavern

Poole's Cavern takes its name from a legendary 15th-century outlaw said to have used the caves as a hideout for ambushing travellers, a tale that added drama to what was already one of England's great natural wonders. Its documented popularity stretches back to the 1500s, when early tourists braved the darkness armed with nothing more than candles and curiosity. The cave's fame grew further in the 17th century when Charles Cotton listed it among his famous “Wonders of the Peak,” securing its place in the region's cultural history.

Long before these historical figures left their mark, however, the cave was visited by Neolithic and Bronze Age communities. Archaeological discoveries reveal tools, pottery, and signs of ritual activity, suggesting the cavern played an important role in ancient life. Modern excavations continue to uncover evidence of prehistoric occupation, as well as new chambers that have been sealed for millennia.

Today, Poole's Cavern is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its rare geological formations, fossils, and long record of human use. Its immense age-around two million years-makes it one of the most significant limestone cave systems in northern England, attracting geologists, historians, and travellers alike.

Things to See and Do in Poole’s Cavern

A guided tour is the best way to experience Poole's Cavern, offering visitors the chance to walk through cathedral-like chambers adorned with dramatic stalactites and the unusual “poached egg” stalagmites unique to the cave. Expert guides explain how millions of years of mineral-rich water created these formations, while also pointing out fossil samples and the colourful mineral deposits that paint the cave walls in reds, oranges, and blues.

Above ground, the visitor centre exhibition helps put the cave's geology and history into context with displays on prehistoric discoveries and the continuing excavation work. For families, the educational elements add an engaging layer, making the experience one of the things to do in Buxton with children.

Poole's Cavern sits directly beneath Buxton Country Park, meaning you can continue your visit with woodland walks, wildlife spotting, or the park's sculpture trail. A climb to Grin Low leads to sweeping views across the Derbyshire countryside, with Solomon's Temple standing proudly at the summit. Families may also enjoy Outdoor Genius sessions or the Buxton Tree Top Adventure zip-wire course in the surrounding woods.

How to Get There

Poole's Cavern is a short 10-minute walk from Buxton town centre, making it very easy to reach on foot. Drivers will find a dedicated on-site car park beside the visitor centre.
Buxton railway station is around 20 minutes away on foot, offering convenient access for those arriving by train. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Practical Tips on Visiting Poole’s Cavern

Best time to visit Poole's Cavern: Mornings or weekdays offer quieter tours, and the cave stays cool year-round.
Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately €15 for adults, with reduced rates for children and families.
Opening hours: Generally open daily from mid-morning to late afternoon; hours vary by season.
Official website: Check the Poole's Cavern site for up-to-date tours and events.
How long to spend: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the cave and country park.
Accessibility: The main cave path is well lit and mostly flat, suitable for most visitors.
Facilities: Visitor centre, shop, toilets, exhibition space, and a café.
Photography tip: Low light means steady hands are key; try capturing the coloured mineral deposits near the larger chambers.
Guided tours: Tours run regularly throughout the day and are essential for exploring the cave.
Nearby food options: The café at the visitor centre and various eateries in Buxton town centre.

Where to Stay close to Poole’s Cavern

Buxton offers a variety of comfortable places to stay within walking distance of the cavern. For a classic stay near the Pavilion Gardens, Old Hall Hotel provides elegant rooms and easy access to town. Those seeking boutique comfort might enjoy No6 The Square, a charming townhouse overlooking the gardens. Travellers wanting a modern, reliable base can opt for Premier Inn Buxton, conveniently located for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside.

Is Poole’s Cavern Worth Visiting?

Poole's Cavern is absolutely worth visiting, whether you're drawn by geology, folklore, or the beauty of the Peak District landscape. It offers a unique blend of natural spectacle and historical intrigue, all within a short walk of Buxton town centre. With its caves, woodland trails, educational exhibits, and panoramic viewpoints, it's an experience that suits families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (4,010)

Poole's Cavern offers guided tours through natural limestone caves beneath Buxton, with a park, wooded trails and picnic spots above; visitors praise knowledgeable, friendly guides who bring the geology and artefacts to life, mention unique stalagmite formations, and recommend booking a guide, buying the guidebook and browsing the gift shop to support ongoing research. Many note an easy, well-lit path that's suitable for a quick 20–30 minute visit, attentive staff, accessible options for some visitors and carers, a café serving coffee, and nearby attractions like a sculpture walk and Go Ape.

Darleen Turner

a month ago

"We were suprised that due to my husband walking with a rollator and not being able to do stairs we were able to part of this tour for free whichincluded a carer. Our guide was very knowledgeable and staff were really friendly. Would thoroughly recommend it. Also a sculpture walk next to it which not accessible but looked amazing. Also Go Ape next door...."

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Rob Pe ington

a month ago

"A living relic of ancient history right beneath our feet. We'll worth an easy stroll on a well lit, well supervised and grippy, almost adhesive path.The coffee alone is worth a quick visit and the staff are a pleasant and accommodating bunch...."

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Helen Charlie Nellist

2 months ago

"It's the people who work here that really makes this place. The cavern is a fascinating, geological wonder with an interesting history, but it wasour tour guide, Callum that brought it all to life. He told us about the man John Poole who the cave was named after. He was a thoroughly nasty character who got a very satisfying cummupence, courtesy of the Buxton locals. Next he spoke of some of the other artifacts found including but not limited to Roman remains in a shrine to a water goddess. He spoke of the caves acquisition by a rich Victorian gentleman, and the side hustles that the impoverished children that were hired as tour guides at the time would use to extort more money out of the wealthy elite. Very industrious. It even has co ections to Mary Queen of Scots, more specifically her portrait artist. The cavern also boasts 'poached egg stalacmites' that are only found in this cave system. Fascinating. This excavation is run through a charity that has already broken through into more of the cavern and hopes to soon use drones to bring footage from a cave blocked off from human eyes thousands of years ago. I would urge you to book a guide, buy the guidebook which is excellent and run amok in the giftshop which is full of crystally goodness as all this goes in towards this very important research. If you're really lucky, you might even get Callum to show you around...."

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FAQs for Visiting Poole’s Cavern

The guided tour usually lasts around 45 minutes.

Yes, the temperature remains cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

Access to the cavern is only through guided tours for safety and preservation reasons.

Yes, it’s family-friendly, with engaging guides and accessible pathways.

Dogs are not permitted inside the cavern, but they are welcome in the surrounding country park.

Nearby Attractions to Poole’s Cavern

Solomon's Temple: A short uphill walk offering panoramic views over Buxton.
Buxton Country Park: Woodland walks, sculpture trails, and picnic areas.
Pavilion Gardens: A picturesque Victorian park with lakes, cafés, and glasshouses.
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery: Exhibits on local geology, archaeology, and history.
The Crescent: Buxton's iconic Georgian spa building, beautifully restored and worth a visit.

The Poole’s Cavern appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Buxton!

Moira & Andy

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