Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s most significant Stone Age sites and a premier prehistoric show cave in Britain. Located in Wellswood, Torquay (about one mile from the harbour) within the UNESCO Global Geopark, it offers a guided journey through an underground labyrinth of 400-million-year-old rocks once home to ancient humans and Ice Age beasts.

What to Do and See
Guided Cave Tours: Explore a labyrinth of caverns with expert guides who share stories of Neanderthals, early modern humans, and Victorian excavators.
Unique Geology: Witness spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and experience a moment of total darkness.
Woodland Trail: Discover life-size statues of Ice Age animals like woolly mammoths and cave bears whose remains were found in the cave.
Exhibitions: View the “Age of the Dinosaurs” exhibition (seasonal) or explore the history of the caves in the underground exhibition chamber.
Dining: Visit the award-winning Firestone Cafe for traditional Devon Cream Teas and local food.

Who Should Go and When
Audience: It is an all-ages destination perfect for families, history buffs, and couples.
Timing: The cave is open daily year-round.
The Perfect “Plan B”: Because the cave stays at a constant 14°C (58°F), it is an ideal retreat for both rainy days and extreme summer heat.

What Makes It Unique
Britain’s Oldest Home: It is the site of the UK’s oldest human fossil—a jawbone fragment dated over 40,000 years old.
Three Human Species: It is the only place in the world open to the public that has shown evidence of occupancy by three different human species (Neanderthals, early modern humans, and an earlier human ancestor).
Archaeological Birthplace: It is considered the birthplace of modern archaeological methods.

Booking Tips and Offers
Pre-book Online: You are strongly encouraged to book online to guarantee a spot, especially during school holidays.
Online Discount: Booking online typically saves you £1 per ticket compared to walk-up prices.
L.A.T.E. Rate Offer: Look out for the “Late Afternoon Ticket Entry” (L.A.T.E.) discount, which has previously offered £5 off per person for tours starting after 3pm during specific periods like May.
Solo Visitors: A minimum of 2 people is required for a tour; solo travelers should book onto existing tours with other visitors or call ahead.