Wookey Hole Caves

Wookey Hole Caves, High Street, Wookey Hole, Wells, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Wookey Hole Caves is a world-famous attraction hidden deep beneath the Mendip Hills, offering an extraordinary mix of natural wonder and family entertainment. It is widely regarded as one of the best things to do with kids in Wells, providing a journey through eight spectacular limestone chambers carved over millions of years. This legendary show cave system is home to the famous Witch of Wookey Hole and serves as a versatile destination that combines geology, folklore, and classic fairground fun.

Planning a family trip is straightforward with a flexible ticketing system that rewards off-peak visitors. Prices start from £19.99 for children and £24.99 for adults during value periods, with standard rates slightly higher for peak weekends and school holidays. All tickets include access to the main cave tour along with a massive variety of on-site attractions, from animatronic dinosaurs to a vintage penny arcade, ensuring a full day of value.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that works in any weather, Wookey Hole is a top-tier contender. The underground caverns remain at a constant temperature year-round, while the extensive indoor play areas and museum provide a perfect safety net for rainy Somerset days. It is a unique venue that manages to be both an educational heritage site and a high-energy adventure park all in one visit.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

What makes Wookey Hole Caves unique?

Wookey Hole is unique because it is one of the UK's largest and most historically significant show cave systems, doubling as a major hub for educational day out opportunities. Beyond the stalactites and stalagmites, the site features interactive exhibits that trace human history from Neanderthal times to the Victorian era. It offers a rare sensory play experience where kids can feel the cool cave air, hear the rushing underground river, and then immediately switch to the high-energy excitement of a circus show.

Top 5 Highlights for Families

  • The Cave Tour: Journey through eight massive chambers, including the breathtaking Cathedral Cave and the mysterious cheese tunnel where cheddar is still aged today.
  • Dinosaur Valley: Walk among life-sized, roaring animatronic dinosaurs in a prehistoric landscape that includes a massive King Kong statue for the ultimate photo op.
  • Wookey Hole Circus: Watch incredibly talented young performers from the on-site circus school perform acrobatics, juggling, and stunts in the theatre.
  • The Vintage Penny Arcade: Step back in time in the historic mill to play on one of the UK's largest collections of working Victorian and Edwardian pier slot machines.
  • 4D Cinema Experience: Immerse yourself in a high-tech moving theatre with special effects like wind and water that bring animated adventures to life.

Beyond the Main Attraction: Near the caves, families can explore the historic city of Wells, famous for its stunning Cathedral and the moated Bishop's Palace. For more outdoor adventure, Ebbor Gorge is within walking distance and offers beautiful hiking trails. If you want to extend your stay, the Wookey Hole Hotel and Mendip View Hot Tub Lodges are located right on the doorstep of the main entrance.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Located at the main car park, inside the Mill, and in Dinosaur Valley.
  • Buggy Parking: Buggies cannot go into the caves due to steps and uneven floors; a dedicated buggy store is available in the Ice Cream Parlour or behind the Gift Shop.
  • Food & Drink: The 400-seater Mill Restaurant serves hot meals from 12 noon; there is also an Ice Cream Parlour with over 25 flavours and several indoor/outdoor picnic zones.
  • Lockers & Storage: Storage for school bags or extra baggage can be arranged by contacting the ticket office on arrival.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • All-Weather Versatility: Parents frequently praise the fact that so much of the attraction is indoors or underground, making it a reliable rainy-day backup.
  • The Circus Quality: Many visitors are genuinely surprised by the high standard of the circus performances, often calling it the highlight of the day.
  • Nostalgic Charm: The mix of the historic Penny Arcade and the Mill museum provides a sense of wonder for grandparents and children alike.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Cave Accessibility: The number of steps (over 200) and the "no buggy" rule can be a challenge for those with very young toddlers or mobility issues.
  • Peak Time Wait Times: During school holidays, queues for the 4D cinema and the main cave tour can grow quite long if you don't arrive early.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it worth it for toddlers?: Wookey Hole is great for toddlers who enjoy dinosaurs and soft play, but parents should be aware that children must be carried through the caves as buggies are not allowed. The "Dino Dig" and the soft play zones are specifically designed for younger energy levels.
  • How long does a visit to Wookey Hole take?: A full visit typically takes between 4 and 6 hours. The cave tour lasts about 45-60 minutes, but once you add in the 4D cinema, the circus show, adventure golf, and the dinosaur walk, you can easily spend a whole day on-site.
  • Where is the best place to park?: The best place to park is the Main Entrance Car Park. It is free of charge and situated directly next to the ticket office. There are also toilets in the car park area, which is handy to use before starting your tour.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Value Ticket Prices (15% discount*)  Monday - Friday, inclusive outside of holiday periods. 

  • Adult - £24.99 (£21.24*)
  • Child - £19.99 (£16.99*)
  • Senior - £21.99 (£18.69*)

Standard Ticket Prices (15% discount*) All weekends and school holidays (including Bank Holidays).

  • Adult - £28.99 (£24.64*)
  • Child - £22.99 (£19.54*)
  • Senior - £24.99 (£21.24*)

*Discount applies to tickets purchased by midnight on the day prior to the visit.

Pricing URL: https://www.wookey.co.uk/wookey-hole-opening-times

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Peak season hours are in place during Somerset School Holidays and at weekends from April.

  • First admission: 9.30am
  • Last admission: 3.30pm
  • Attractions close: 5.00pm

Off peak hours are in place Monday-Friday outside of school holidays and weekends in January, February and March (apart from half term).

  • First admission: 10am
  • Last admission: 3pm
  • Attractions close: 4.30pm

Address: Wookey Hole Caves, High Street, Wookey Hole, Wells, UK

Post Code: BA5 1BA

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

  • By Car: Located 2 miles from Wells. Follow the brown signs from the A39. Use postcode BA5 1BB.
  • Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park with dedicated spaces for coaches and disabled visitors.
  • By Bus: The Mendip Explorer 376 bus runs to Wells; from there, you can take a local taxi or walk the 2-mile route.

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