Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern: a prehistoric cave in Torquay

Kents Cavern presents itself as one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe and as Britain's Oldest Home. The name derives from the old Celtic word Kant or Kantos, meaning "headland", so Kents Cavern translates as "Hole in the Headland". The site frames its story around evolution and exploration, archaeology and deep time, and the cave's long occupation by ancient humans and Ice Age animals.

Visitors walk through a labyrinth of caverns surrounded by 400-million-year-old rocks and formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The attraction positions itself for family outings, couples and solo visits alike.

What the cave visit includes

The cave can be explored at one's own pace through Cave Entry, or with one of the expert-led guided tours. The guided cave tour returns visitors to the time when the cave served as a home for ancient humans, who sheltered from extreme weather, made fires, shaped tools and hunted Ice Age animals. Tours run regularly, according to the site.

Beyond the cave itself, the attraction lists a Woodland Trail, a Stone Age Zone, Off the Beaten Track and Coastal Walks among its explore options, and notes its setting within a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Archaeological significance

The site highlights three claims about its heritage. The Jawbone of Kents Cavern is described as the UK's Oldest Human Fossil, found at the cave. Kents Cavern is presented as the only place where evidence of three different human species can be visited. It is also described as the birthplace of modern archaeological methods, attributed to William Pengelly.

The website devotes sections to Geological Heritage, the Archaeological Story of Kents Cavern, Custodians of the Cave, Famous Historical Visitors, the Kents Cavern Foundation and Conservation.

Firestone Kitchen and on-site facilities

Firestone Kitchen serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea every day, with dinner on selected evenings. The site also lists gifts and souvenirs, cave-aged cheddar, an interactive map and accessibility information among its visitor facilities.

Events through the year

The events programme includes seasonal programming. In October, the attraction advertises a family-friendly Trick or Treat Trail, a Go Darker Tour and a new after-hours Ghost Walk, alongside a 20% Off Locals Offer and a Kids Go Free promotion, both from 13 October. At Christmas, the caves are decorated for an interactive festive adventure, with Santa in an underground grotto and Carols in the Caves with live choirs. A Santa in the Caves event is listed from 28 November.

Education, groups and private hire

Kents Cavern runs educational visits for Early Years and KS1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and 4, Further Education and foreign school trips, supported by educational videos and classroom resources. Groups and tour operators can book visits with hospitality packages. The cave is also offered as a venue for hire for corporate events, paranormal investigations, weddings, filming and media enquiries, photoshoots and private groups.

Other ways to engage listed on the site include annual membership, gift vouchers, donations, a newsletter and Discovery Evenings.

Location and contact

Kents Cavern is located at Cavern House, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF. Visitor information and bookings are handled on 01803 215136, or +44 1803 215 136 from outside the UK.