Visiting Poole’s Cavern
General Opening times 2026
April – September 9.45am – 5pm
October – March: Monday – Friday 9.45am – 4pm; Saturday and Sunday 9.45am – 4.30pm. School holiday hours may vary. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Check the operator’s current visitor information.
Guided and self-guided visits are available; check the booking page for current times.
Entry / Cost:
Tickets:
Prices vary by tour and ticket type. See current ticket options and booking.
It is highly recommended all cavern tours are booked in advance online at: beyonk.com/provider/jcqz0yko-buxton-civic-association-ltd
Go Ape Treetop Challenge is also located here, with high ropes and zip wires. Participants must be at least 10 years old and 1.4 metres tall; children aged 10–15 need a participating adult. Check Go Ape’s participation requirements.
Poole’s Cavern Tours
There are a number of different tours available at Poole’s Cavern including Dog Friendly tours, Self Guided tours, Lantern Led Tour and SEN Guided Sensory Tour.
Explore more Poole’s Cavern guides and stories.
Tour times vary. Check availability and book in advance.
For group bookings of more than 15 people, call 01298 26978 or email info@poolescavern.co.uk. For other bookings, book online to avoid disappointment.
Tours take approximately 45 minutes.
- All cavern tours should be booked in advance online; they cannot guarantee entry for walk up visitors.
- Well behaved dogs now welcome.
- Tours start promptly at the booked time. Please arrive in good time as they cannot guarantee entry for late arrivals. Check the booking terms for late arrivals.
- Visitors with any additional needs requiring assistance can call 01298 26978 or email info@poolescavern.co.uk to arrange your visit.
SEN guided Sensory Tours
The SEN guided sensory tour is available at selected times for a quieter, more accessible visit. Check the booking page for availability.
See SEN tour information and booking.
Wheelchair users can access the main chamber, roughly one third of the tour. The visitor guide lists this shortened visit as free for wheelchair users; confirm arrangements with the cavern when booking. To go further, a prior site visit and risk assessment are required.
The Cavern – What IS it made of?
Spectacular crystal stalactites and stalagmites adorn the vast chambers. On guided tours, guides escort visitors through Poole’s Cavern to enjoy this ‘Wonder of the Peak District’.
Explore the vast limestone caverns and see the crystal stalactites and stalagmites in the chambers.
Combine your cavern visit with a walk to Grin low viewpoint, lunch at the cavern cafe or time to explore the town of Buxton Spa.
Take a journey deep beneath the limestone hills and discover caverns millions years old!
Woodland Walks
The woodland path leads from the car park to the open summit pastures of Buxton Country Park and Grin Low, 437m (1,434ft) above sea level. Whether you are here to picnic, play games, tackle Go Ape, track down plants and birds, or just enjoy stunning views – there’s a wide range of wildlife to see here too.
Visit Thomas’s Trail, located in Grin Low Woods within Buxton Country Park, directly opposite the Visitor Centre, Cave and Café. The trail features 13 illustrated discs and an optional 14th bonus disc suspended from trees throughout Grin Low Wood, opposite Poole’s Cavern. Each disc showcases an animal connected to Buxton’s landscape – from prehistoric creatures that may have lived in the area to species found in the woods today. The artwork has been beautifully created by local artist Bethany Pearson.
Created as a lasting tribute to Thomas and reflecting a shared commitment to wellbeing, nature and community connection, this family trail celebrates the Animals of Buxton: Past & Present.
Solomon’s Temple
At the summit of Grin Low Hill, just a 20 minute brisk walk from Poole’s Cavern, is Buxton’s very own folly, Solomon’s Temple. Pause here for a well-deserved breather and enjoy some spectacular views across the High Peak.
The country park woodland trails to famous Buxton landmark Solomon’s Temple viewpoint, are open all hours for everyone to enjoy. Can you find all the wooden sculptures along the way?!
School Groups
Find out more about tailored tours, teacher’s resource packs, cost and travel arrangements on their website.
Groups
The cavern welcomes school, youth and other groups. Contact the team about group tours; a classroom and café are also available for hire, with capacities depending on the layout.
Café in the Cavern
Café in the Cavern serves a range of hot food, light snacks, homemade soup, hot and cold drinks (gluten free bread available), ice cream, homemade cakes and a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. This is also a dog friendly cafe. If you’ve worked up a thirst exploring the woodlands, cavern or Go Ape forest adventure course then this is the place to replenish. Try the Full English breakfast served for hungry explorers! With free wi-fi in the café, it’s a great spot for catching up on emails, sharing your cave or woodland experience on social media or a work meeting.
There’s also a large outdoor picnic area with tables.
Gift Shop
The gift shop offers local products, gifts and souvenirs. Its range has included jewellery, minerals, guidebooks, preserves and toiletries; stock changes.
Dogs are welcome in the visitor centre and café and on standard cavern tours. Assistance dogs are welcome on the SEN guided tour.
Accessibility
The main chamber, around one third of the cave tour, is step-free. The rest of the route has 28 steps. The visitor centre, café and shop have level access and an accessible toilet. The operator says the woodland paths can be steep and uneven and are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Read the cavern’s access information.
Dog Friendly Attraction
Looking for an adventure that you and your dog can enjoy together? Poole’s Cavern in Buxton offer dog-friendly tours in the historic show cave. Bring your well-behaved pup along as you explore this ancient natural limestone cavern, marvel at the stunning formations, and, while you’re here, enjoy the beautiful woodland trails of the Buxton Country Park.
Poole’s Cavern welcomes well-behaved dogs on standard cave tours. Pre-book to check availability for your dog. If you haven’t booked in advance, you can still ask about availability on the day at the Visitor Centre desk.
More Than Just a Cave Tour – Woodlands Walks
After your tour, continue the adventure with your dog in Grin Low Woods and Buxton Country Park; located just across the car park. Woodland paths lead from Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre towards the summit of Grin Low; look out for the carved sculptures. Keep dogs on leads in the country park, which is surrounded by working farmland.
A brisk 20-30 minute walk will lead you to Buxton’s very own folly, Solomon’s Temple at the summit, offering breathtaking views across the High Peak and beyond. It’s the perfect spot for a well-deserved break.
Dog-Friendly Facilities
At Poole’s Cavern, the staff understands that your dog is part of the family! That’s why dogs are welcome not only in the caves but also in the Visitor Centre and Café in the Cavern. Water bowls are provided outside the visitor centre and in the café.
Explore Buxton During Your Visit
After your cave exploration, take some time to explore the town of Buxton. There’s so much to see and do, making Poole’s Cavern the perfect day out for you and your four-legged friend.
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