Swildon's Hole

Swildon's Hole is a cave system in limestone containing multiple chambers, waterfalls, and eleven submerged passages called sumps. The network extends through the rock for a considerable distance and draws cavers from across the region.

Exploration began in 1901 when members of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society entered the cave, launching decades of continuous investigation. Those early explorers established the foundation for ongoing study of the system.

The name connects to Bishop Swithun of Winchester, as the surrounding land belonged to St Swithin's Priory during medieval times. This historical link still shapes how the place is known locally today.

The entrance is a small triangular opening in a stone blockhouse, roughly 550 meters northeast of Manor Farm. Visitors should understand this is a serious caving adventure and not casually accessible to those without proper training or experience.

Water flowing through the cave connects underground to other cave systems and eventually emerges at Wookey Hole Caves. This hidden connection reveals how intricate and interlinked the underground landscape of the region truly is.

Location: Priddy

GPS coordinates: 51.25890,-2.67309

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02