Discover Poole’s Cavern: Buxton’s Hidden Wonder in the Peak District
Step Into Buxton’s Underground Marvel
Hidden just outside the elegant spa town of Buxton lies one of the Peak District’s most captivating natural treasures: Poole’s Cavern. This spectacular 2-million-year-old limestone cave system has been enchanting visitors for centuries, earning its place among the historic “Seven Wonders of the Peak” as designated by philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1636.
Whether you’re seeking family adventure, geological wonder, or simply a unique escape from the ordinary, Poole’s Cavern offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Peak District’s ancient past.
From the moment you descend into its cathedral-sized chambers adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, you’ll understand why this remarkable cave has captivated explorers, philosophers, and even royalty throughout history. Today, Poole’s Cavern combines its rich heritage with modern accessibility, making it the perfect destination for visitors of all ages staying in the luxury accommodations of the Peak District.
A Journey Through Time: The Rich History of Poole’s Cavern
Ancient Origins and Archaeological Wonders
Poole’s Cavern’s story begins in the mists of prehistory, with archaeological explorations in 1981 and 1983 revealing that the cave was occupied from the Bronze Age. The cavern’s chambers hold secrets spanning millennia, with discoveries including Roman pottery, Samian ware, and artifacts suggesting the cave served multiple purposes throughout history.
Some archaeological finds suggest that one of the chambers was used for religious purposes by Romano-Britons, while an alternative explanation points to the cave serving as a metal-workers’ workshop. These ancient connections make every step through the cavern a walk through living history.
The Legend of Poole the Outlaw
The cave’s name derives from an outlaw, Poole, who reputedly used the cave as a lair and a base to rob travellers in the fifteenth century. While many considered this merely legend, recent discoveries of a hoard of silver coins dating back to 1440 have lent credence to the possibility that Poole was indeed a real person, adding an air of mystery and adventure to your underground exploration.
Royal Connections: Mary Queen of Scots
The cavern’s most distinguished historical visitor was Mary Queen of Scots, who visited Poole’s Cavern around 1582 during her imprisonment under the custodianship of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Legend tells that she was so taken with a particular stalactite formation that she proclaimed it should bear her name. The “Mary Queen of Scots Pillar” still stands today, more than 400 years later, for all to witness its natural beauty.
Literary Fame: One of the Seven Wonders of the Peak
Poole’s Cavern gained literary immortality when philosopher Thomas Hobbes declared it one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak in his 1636 work “De Mirabilibus Pecci”. This designation, later popularized by poet Charles Cotton in 1681, established the cavern as a must-visit destination for the aristocracy and emerging middle classes of the time.
Writer Charles Cotton referred to Poole’s Cavern as one of the seven “Wonders of the Peak” in 1681, cementing its reputation as one of Britain’s most remarkable natural attractions.
What Makes Poole’s Cavern Special: Natural Wonders and Unique Features
Geological Marvels Millions of Years in the Making
This two-million-year-old natural limestone cave forms part of the Wye system and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The cavern’s formation tells the story of the Peak District’s geological evolution, with underground rivers carving out these magnificent chambers over countless millennia.
Visitors can discover cathedral-sized chambers once inhabited by Stone Age settlers, the underground Derbyshire River Wye which carved these natural galleries for millennia, and magnificent crystal stalactites growing over thousands of years.
Spectacular Cave Formations
The cavern boasts some of the most distinctive and memorable formations in the Peak District:
The Flitch of Bacon: This unique stalactite, resembling a side of bacon, is one of the cavern’s most talked-about features. Its distinctive layered appearance has delighted visitors for generations.
The Poached Eggs: These orange-topped stalagmites are a visitor favourite, earning their whimsical name from their distinctive colouring and rounded shape.
Derbyshire’s Largest Stalactite: The cavern features spectacular crystal stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the vast chambers, with some of the largest in Derbyshire.
The Hidden Chamber: “Seventh Heaven”
The cave system is believed to extend further but has not been fully explored. In 1998, a video camera lowered down a borehole revealed the existence of a further chamber, branded “Seventh Heaven”, adding an element of ongoing mystery to this ancient wonder.
Your Visit Experience: What to Expect at Poole’s Cavern
Guided Tours: Expert Knowledge and Fascinating Stories
Embark on a guided tour led by knowledgeable experts who bring the cavern’s story to life. Learn about its fascinating geological formation over millions of years and discover its role in local folklore and history. The tours are designed to be captivating for all ages, combining natural science with cultural heritage.
Trained and expert guides will escort you through the beautiful underground world of Poole’s Cavern in a small group and at a relaxed pace to enjoy this ‘Wonder of the Peak District’.
Tour Details:
- Tours take approximately 45 minutes
- Tours run hourly during weekdays at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 & 14:30, subject to availability
- Weekend tours run every 30 minutes from 10am-3pm
- The temperature inside remains a constant 7°C all year round, so bring warm clothing
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
Poole’s Cavern takes pride in being accessible to all visitors:
Wheelchair users can access the main chamber of the cave, which is 100 metres/300ft long unassisted. There are 28 steps along the remaining cave path, 14 up and 14 down.
All standard tours are now dog-friendly, with well-behaved dogs on short leads welcome on all standard tours for just £1. A dog-free tour is also available at 12:30pm daily.
This is probably one of the best things to do in the Peak District on a rainy day, as no matter what the weather is doing up top, underground in Poole’s Cavern the temperature is a constant 7°C all year round.
Visitor Centre and Amenities
There is a modern visitor centre and gift shop supporting local artisans, a café with home-made bakes and cakes, and small exhibition highlighting the human history and geology of Poole’s Cavern.
Café in the Cavern serves a range of hot food, light snacks, homemade soup, hot and cold drinks (gluten free bread available), ice cream, homemade cakes and a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
You can find Poole’s cavern here: Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH, United Kingdom
Beyond the Cavern: Buxton Country Park Adventures
Solomon’s Temple: Peak District Views
At the summit of Grin Low Hill, just a 20-minute brisk walk from Poole’s Cavern, is Buxton’s very own folly, Solomon’s Temple. Pause here for a well-deserved breather and enjoy some spectacular views across the High Peak.
At the top of the hill you will find Solomon’s Temple, a folly which provides a panoramic view of Buxton and the surrounding hills.
Woodland Trails and Country Park
Set at the foot of Buxton Country Park and Grin Low, there are outdoor picnic benches perfect for bird spotting, as they visit our bird feeders. The country park offers:
- Country Park maps available from the Visitor Centre, marked with sculptured walking trails
- A range of woodland and town walk guides including Hidden Buxton, The Wild Flowers of Grin Low, Grotesques of Buxton and Ring of Trees
- Woodland trails where you can find wooden sculptures along the way
Go Ape Adventure Course
For thrill-seekers, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure is located here, boasting one of Go Ape’s highest adventure courses with zip wires, high ropes, aerial walkways and much more.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information
Opening Times and Booking
General Opening times 2025: Visitor Centre & Cafe open daily 10am-4pm, last food orders 3pm. Running tours every hour, daily with tours running throughout the day.
It is highly recommended all cavern tours are booked in advance online. Tour numbers are limited and they cannot guarantee entry for walk-up visitors.
Location and Parking
Address: Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Green Lane, Buxton, SK17 9DH
By road follow the brown tourist signs from A6, A515 or A53 to Green Lane. Pay and display car park for 80 vehicles priced at £2.00 for 4 hours, or £3.00 all day.
The nearest railway station is Buxton, which is 1 mile away. Poole’s Cavern is a 20-minute uphill walk from Buxton Railway Station and Bus Station.
Admission Prices
Adults £17, Children £7.50
If you’re a UK taxpayer, then Gift Aid your ticket for no extra cost. Gift Aiding your visit makes a massive difference to attractions like Poole’s Cavern as the government will give them an extra 25% on top of your admission fee.
What Visitors Are Saying: What’s Poole’s Cavern Like?
Visitors consistently praise Poole’s Cavern for its knowledgeable guides and stunning formations:
Recent visitors describe the caverns as “beautiful” with guides who are “extremely friendly, very entertaining and funny” and who teach “a lot of history in a very fun way”.
One family noted: “The cave is so much larger, and longer than I expected, lots of chambers and some nice formations. Well worth a visit. Lucas (the guide) had an encyclopedic knowledge of the cave, so much history”.
Another visitor described it as “almost like stepping into an alien world” with guides who are “a wealth of knowledge,” noting that young children were “just as engaged as we were and had lots of questions”.
Perfect for Peak District Holidays: Why Choose Poole’s Cavern
Ideal Weather-Independent Activity
This is probably one of the best things to do in the Peak District on a rainy day, as no matter what the weather is doing up top, underground in Poole’s Cavern the temperature is a constant 7°C all year round. This makes it the perfect addition to any Peak District itinerary, regardless of weather conditions.
Educational and Entertaining
Whilst this is a fantastic geography lesson for all the family, younger kids especially will love spotting all the unusual features; from gorillas to Hagrid’s Hut. The cavern masterfully combines education with entertainment, making it appealing to visitors of all ages.
Convenient Location
Located just a short distance from Buxton town centre, Poole’s Cavern is easy to access and surrounded by other notable attractions, making it an ideal addition to your list of things to do when visiting Buxton, Derbyshire.
ake Poole’s Cavern Part of Your Peak District Adventure
Poole’s Cavern represents everything that makes the Peak District special: natural beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re fascinated by geology, captivated by history, or simply seeking a unique family adventure, this remarkable cave offers something magical for everyone.
Combine your cavern visit with a walk to Grin Low viewpoint, lunch at the cavern cafe, or time to explore the town of Buxton Spa. The cavern serves as the perfect complement to a luxury stay in the Peak District, offering that perfect blend of adventure and accessibility that makes for truly memorable holidays.
From its designation as one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak to its modern role as a premier family attraction, Poole’s Cavern continues to enchant visitors just as it has for centuries. Book your guided tour today and discover why this hidden wonder has been captivating explorers for over 400 years.
Ready to explore Buxton’s underground marvel? Contact Poole’s Cavern at 01298 26 978 or book your tour online. And for the perfect base to explore this and other Peak District wonders, consider staying at one of Muse Escapes’ luxury properties in the heart of this magnificent national park.
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