Chislehurst Caves
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Chislehurst Caves are a labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways which have been hewn by hand from the chalk, deep beneath Chislehurst. There are over 20 miles of caverns and passageways, dug over a period of 8000 years. The vast complex of caves are a maze of ancient mines originally carved out in the search for flint and chalk. They are divided into three main sections, Saxon, Druid and Roman. Each section was later connected by digging joining passages.
The presence of chalk has been important to civilisations over thousands of years, and still is to date. Mining chalk provides Lime and Flint. Lime is the basic for plaster and whitewash paint, flint was used for manufacturing tools by early man and later for building. The mining activity is difficult to date however the mines appear on a charter circa 1250 and also in local church records of 1737. The last time the mines were known to have been worked was around the 1830's when the Saxon section was used by a flintmaker and limeburner. The local railway made the mines more accessable in 1865, and this aided its formation as a tourist attraction. The caves also became the setting for several underground concerts in the early 1900's. During the 1914 World War the mines became part of Woolwich Arsenal, used as an ammunitions depot. A narrow gauge railway was installed to aid the transport through the passages. Up until the outbreak of the Second World War the mines were used by the Kent Mushroom Company. The war and the constant bombings over London turned the caves into a massive air raid shelter within easy reach from London and its main suburbs. The caves again became a major tourist attraction early last century. The Caves are also used as a film location and have been used by the BBC and independent film companies. "Doctor Who and the Mutants" with John Pertwee, Insemenoid, Bliss, Neverwhere and Randall & Hopkirk (deceased) have all been filmed at the caves. Most of the subterranean scenes in the popular BBC series "Merlin" were also filmed here. Opening Times The Caves are open from Wednesday to Sunday and the 45 minute guided tours start hourly. The first tour is at 10am and the last at 4pm. During local school and Bank Holidays (except Christmas and New Year) we are open every day. Guided tours Our experienced guides will take you on a lamp lit tour, during which you will hear of the Druids, Romans and Saxons. Visitors also see the tunnels made famous as a shelter during the World War 2 when the Caves became the largest air raid shelter outside of London. See the Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and much more! Gift Shop with a range of associated gifts, trinkets and collectables. Ample Free Car & Coach parking Restaurant Licensed Restaurant offering a wide variety of freshly prepared meals, snacks and daily specials. Why not come in for a traditional English breakfast, lunch or just tea and cakes! Schools & Groups Groups booking in advance can have their own private tour at a preferential rate. Ideal for School visits (the weather is no problem when you are underground), the Caves cover many aspects of the National Curriculum and special World War 2 tours are also available. Pre-booking is essential and minimum charges apply. Childrens Parties You can have your own private tour of the caves and hear all about our ghosts! Followed by a buffet meal in the Caves Restaurant. Why not round it off with one of our speciality cakes, Skull or Bat anyone? Evening ToursPrivate tours for Clubs, Societies or any other groups are available. These tours last a little longer than our daytime tours (about one and a half hours) and they can be followed by a meal in the Caves Restaurant if required. Anything from a buffet to a full three course meal with drinks is possible. Sample menus and prices are available on request. Pre-booking is essential and minimum charges apply. Speaker Available An experienced Chislehurst Cave guide is available as a speaker for your Club or Society. The speaker will give you a slide show and talk on the ancient and modern, history and mystery of the Caves in the comfort of your Clubhouse. Contact us for more information. Tour Charges Adult rate - 16 to 60 - £5 Senior rate - over 60 - £3 Child rate - 3 to 15 - £3 Children under 3 are admitted free on public tours, but they may find the caves a little intimidating! | |||||||||||||||||||||||