Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern is a limestone cave system with branching passages lined with stalactites and stalagmites that developed over millions of years. The underground chambers extend deep into the rock, creating a natural network of connected spaces.

Excavations in 1927 uncovered human remains, including a jawbone dated between 41,000 and 44,000 years old, making it one of the oldest modern human fossils found in Northwest Europe. The discovery confirmed that the region was inhabited during the Ice Age.

The cave walls bear carved inscriptions from the 1500s and 1600s, showing that people have been drawn to explore this underground space for centuries. These marks reveal the enduring fascination that visitors have felt toward the site.

Guided tours lead visitors through the underground chambers, and sturdy footwear is recommended since floors are uneven and sometimes slippery. A cafe on site provides refreshments, and a woodland trail outside offers additional exploration.

The cave walls preserve remains of Ice Age animals, including a cave bear leg bone embedded directly in the rock formation. This direct contact with prehistoric animal bones makes the experience particularly memorable.

Location: Torbay

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Address: 91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JF

Phone: +441803215136

Email: caves@kents-cavern.co.uk

Website: https://kents-cavern.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.46765,-3.50266

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02