Exploring The Caves
Everyone wanting to explore the caves must join a lamp-lit guided tour. The caves are a labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways which you would be unlikely to find your way through unaided.
Tours leave on the hour and last for around 45-50 minutes, you can book a tour before you visit online or on the day from the ticket office.
The number of people on each tour depends on demand and there is no minimum number for a tour to take place. Normally at busy times we limit the tours to a maximum of 40 people.
We recommend wearing sensible footwear (boots or trainers) and standard clothing is fine, but it is worth remembering that in summer the caves are much cooler than outdoors.
The Caves may not be suitable for those of a very nervous disposition, an acute fear of darkness, claustrophobia or a fear of mannequins.
Prices
Adult rate – 16 to 60 – £8
Senior rate – over 60 – £6
Child rate – 3 to 15 – £6
Children under 3 are admitted free on public tours.
By arranging a group visit you get a tour guide to yourself rather than it being a group rate.
Discounts – We try to keep our prices reasonable for everyone so do not offer any further discounts.
*Group Bookings
We ask that large groups do book click here for more information.
There is free coach parking available in the car park.
Open Times
The caves are open Wednesdays to Sunday, on Bank Holidays (except Christmas and New Year) and every day during local school holidays, please don’t hesitate to telephone the caves during school holidays to check.
CAVES – Open from 10am and the last tour is at 4pm.
TICKET OFFICE – Open between
9.00am-4pm.
GIFT SHOP – Open between 9.00am-4.30pm.
CAFÉ – Open between 9.00am-4pm.
Cave Tours
Visitors can book tour tickets online in advance of visiting the Caves or purchase tickets at the ticket office on arrival for the next available tour (subject to availability).
If you do book in advance please bring your booking confirmation with you and arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour start time to check in at the ticket office.
If you want to book in advance, you can BOOK A TOUR here.
Please be aware that online bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What happens when I arrive?
If you have booked in advance, please have your booking confirmation ready to show us at the ticket office on your arrival, either printed out or on your phone.
If you need to buy a ticket on arrival, please visit the ticket office when you arrive and allow yourself plenty of time to purchase your ticket on arrival as tours leave promptly.
Children Visiting The Caves
Children are welcome, but children under 3 may find the caves a little intimidating and unaccompanied child will not be admitted. A child must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.
See the link to the fun facts page for children to complete after they have visited the caves – click here to download. Other quiz’s are available at the Caves, please ask for more information.
Accessibility
Pushchair and wheelchair users may have difficulty in negotiating the caves due to the natural uneven floor surfaces which are rather like cobbles.
It is permitted to take a pushchair or wheelchair in to the caves, but due to the uneven floor surfaces in parts of the caves it can be quite hard work and it will be a bit of a rough ride! Please bear in mind that you, or someone in your group will also need to carry a lantern.
Guide dogs are permitted in the caves.
Parking and How to Find us
How to Find Us
Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5QX
The entrance can be found in Caveside Close near the “Bickley Arms” public house.
By Road
Take the A222 between the A20 and A21. At the railway bridge by Chislehurst Station, turn into Station Approach, turn right at the end then right again into Caveside Close.
If using a Sat-Nav, the postcode BR7 5QX will put you at the entrance in Caveside Close.
By Rail
The Caves are a short walk from Chislehurst Railway Station, which is only 30 minutes from London Bridge. There are regular trains to Chislehurst from Charing Cross and London Bridge, from the station turn left into Station Approach and follow the above directions.
By Bus to Chislehurst Railway Station
The 269 runs between Bromley and Bexleyheath and the 162 runs between Beckenham and Eltham.
Car Park
There is free car park and coach parking for visitors to the caves.
Gift Shop
There is a gift shop which sells a variety of gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your trip to the Caves.
Eating
Café
The café serves breakfast, lunch and tea, a variety of hot and cold drinks, ice creams as well as homemade cakes and light snacks.
There are children’s options available and if you have any special dietary requirements please let us know.
Picnics
There are outdoor picnic tables for visitors and groups to use if you bring your own picnic.
CLICK HERE