Chislehurst Caves in London: An Experience of the Gothic Era

Remember the gothic fiction by Marry Shelley or the Famous Five by Enid Blyton? They used to take us so very close to the genres of mystery and fantasy. The same is brought forth by the Chislehurst Caves in the south eastern fringes of London. You can get hold of a lantern and experience a new world of mystery, fantasy and adventure altogether underground.

Location

Situated at a short walk from Chislehurst Railway Station, Caves can be found in Caveside Close near Bickley Arms Public House.

History

Though named as caves, it has been articulated as a warren of dark ducts carved by hands from the chalk stretching over 20 miles dug over a period of 8000 years in search of chalk and flint. Mining was last performed here in 1830’s. The mines became more accessible in 1865 due to the local railway which resulted in giving this place in London, recognition of a “tourist attraction” in London. The caves also acted as a venue for hire to host several underground concerts in 1900’s. The caves are also used for shooting for films.

Facilities

Guided Tours

You will be hospitably escorted by the experienced guides of Chislehurst Caves on a unique lamp lit tour narrating explicably the Druids, Saxons and Romans. Experience the charisma of the Caves Church and the Haunted Pool along with much to be seen rather than talked about.

Kids Party Venue

One of the most nonpareil kids party venues in London, the place offers a private tour of the cave for your kid’s birthday party followed by a buffet in the Caves Restaurant.

Restaurants

It possesses a licensed restaurant which offers a huge variety of meals and snacks along with the traditional English breakfast or merely a cup of tea.

Visiting Hours

Wednesday to Sunday : 10 am to 4 pm

Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves are London’s famous man made caves and are very popular amongst the tourists.  These caves have been reportedly stood here through the history dating back to the year 1250 and made a silver mark for themselves in the London history. The Chislehurst Caves are located in the south eastern suburbs of Greater London. The Caves have been used as a popular film location. Famous movies like ‘Doctor Who and the Mutants’, ‘Seven Natural Wonders’, ‘Tribe’ and the ‘Merlin’ were shot here. The Caves have become a major tourist attraction in London lately.

History
The mines are rumoured to be initiated back in 1250. Last they were worked upon in the 1830s. During the First World War, the Caves were used as an ammunition depot for the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The Chislehurst Caves have also been used for mushroom cultivation. The Caves were used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War. In no time, the Caves had transformed into a city. The underground city ran on electric lighting and had a chapel and a hospital. After the Victory Day in Europe (VE day) the caves were closed to the public.

Many musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have also performed at the caves during the 1960s. Led Zeppelin had a huge media party organized at the Caves after the success of their first album. Lately in 2008, Cradle of Filth also shot a video for their music album in the Chislehurst Caves. The Caves have been used in a RPG game called ‘Labyrinthe’ recently.
Attractions at the Chislehurst Caves

• Caves Church
• Druid Altar
• Haunted Pool

Facilities Chislehurst Caves offers

• Gift Shop
  There is a gift shop to help the customers take back souvenirs of the tour to Chislehurst. The gift shop also offers jewellery and collectables.
• Free Car Parking
  There are plenty of free parking spaces available for you to park your car, coach or motorbike.
• Restaurant
  The restaurant offers traditional English breakfast and lunch, prepares fresh meals and puts forwards daily specialties. The restaurant is famous for its Skull cakes and Bat cakes. The Caves Restaurant can also be booked for special occasions and parties.
• Private Tours/Party and Advanced Bookings
  Clubs and groups can book the Chislehurst for evening tours. These tours usually last a little longer than the normal 45 minute tour and are extendable up to one and a half hours.
  The Chislehurst Cave can be booked for Birthday Parties to add a tint of ghost stories and excitement which includes buffet meal at the Cave Restaurant.
  The Chislehurst can be booked in advanced for a private tour. This facility is mainly to cater to schools and educational institutes as the Caves tour provides an interactive infotainment about World War 2.

 

Location, Entrance Fee and Timings
The three most important things for a tourist to know:-
Where are the Chislehurst Caves located?
The Chislehurst Caves are located at the Old Hill, Kent, London.

What is the admission fee?
There is a £5 entry fee for adults. £3 fee for under 16 and free for children under 5.

What are the Chislehurst Cave timings?
The caves are open only 5 days a week every Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm BST. There are hourly guided tours too. The Chislehurst Caves however remains open on local school and bank holidays excluding Christmas and New Year.

How to travel to Chislehurst Caves?

• One can walk from Chislehurst Railway station. It hardly takes 5 minutes to get to Chislehurst Caves and one can locate it easily around the Bikcley Arms public house.
• If you plan your journey via bus, you can take 269 and 162 which would drop you to Chislehurst Station. From there you can just walk down to the Chislehurst Caves.
• You can take tubes from Charing Cross and London Bridge to Chislehurst tube Station too.
• And if you are taking your car around the city, remember to take A222 between A20 and A21.  Take the Station road and then take a right turn for Caveside Close.