Dates for the Diary
- Monday 1st July: Flowerpot Trail
- Thursday 4th July: Another Buxton Talk for Buxton Fringe Festival
- Saturday 6th July: SEN Tour of Poole’s Cavern
- Tuesday 9th July: Another Buxton Talk for Buxton Festival Fringe
- Tuesday 9 July: BIF Opera in the Cavern Sold Out.
- Thu 11 July: BIF Opera in the Cavern Sold Out.
- Saturday 13th July: Brookes Paranormal Activity Ghost Hunt
- Tuesday 16 July: BIF Opera in the Cavern- Sold Out.
- Thursday 18th July: BIF Opera in the Cavern- Sold Out.
- Saturday 27th July: Summer Tree Identification
- Wednesday 24th- Tuesday 3rd September: Self-Guided Poole’s Cavern entrance
Flowerpot Trail
This year the theme is Olympic & Paralympic athletes. Angela, BCA Custodian, has been hard at work this year and we cannot wait to unveil our flowerpot this year.
Another Buxton: Buxton Fringe Festival
Join the Two Old Geezers (Simon Fussell, from the Buxton Civic Association and Julian Cohen, author of the “Surely Not in Buxton” book) in the exclusive surroundings of La Gaby, as they uncover lesser-known aspects of our town’s history. Prepare to be surprised by the stories of the often overlooked people, workplaces, buildings and events that have quietly shaped Buxton. This immersive experience will bring Hidden Buxton to life, providing audience members with the opportunity to contribute to the unfolding narrative.
La Gaby will be serving drinks before and after the performamces but not food.
SEN Tour of Poole's Cavern
The first Saturday of the month at 9:30am our SEN Guided Tour of Poole’s Cavern will run. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes and you will be led through our underground chambers by one of our enthusiastic guides, 1000ft into the hillside. This tour differs from our standard tour with the aim to be more accessible and sensitive to individual needs. These differences include:
- SEN Tours will be conducted with maximum lighting. This means you will not experience the ‘Blackout’, as on standard tours or the UV effect.
- SEN Tours will combine standard guiding with interactive zones. This may include handling fossils, replica ancient tools and specifically chosen calcite formations.
- SEN Tours will be limited to 12 participants. Each standard entry comes with one free accompanying carer. Service dogs welcome, but otherwise this is NOT A DOG FRIENDLY TOUR.
In addition to the changes to the tour environment, we will also run a quiet hour from 9:30am-10:30am, where upon exit of the cavern the Visitor Centre and the Cafe will not play music and will actively encourage a calm and hushed atmosphere.
There are 2 benches throughout the cave tour, along with the 28 steps. Wheelchairs may only access 1/3 of the guided tour, however please do call us on 01298 26978 to discuss further.
Although our SEN Tours aim to improve our accessibility and inclusivity, the environment being dark, damp and a cool 7 degrees centigrade will provide some limitations. To discuss further needs prior to booking please call our Accessibility Champion, Alison Ewart on 01298 26978 or email alison.ewart@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk.
\Note\* Each standard entry ticket comes with a complimentary free carer ticket. Any additional carers or visitors must pay standard entry. Proof of carer must be provided at the front desk upon checking-in. If you feel additional carers are required, please contact us via the phone number or email provided.
BIF Opera in the Cavern
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Brookes Paranormal: Poole's Cavern Ghost Hunt
Summer Tree Identification
A recent study found that 62% of British adults can’t tell the difference between a Birch and a Beech tree!
Only 17% could identify the leaf of an Ash!
If you’re not sure of the difference between Beech and Birch, Oak and Elm or Ash and Larch; then this session is for you.
Join us for a fun-filled session of Summer Tree Identification at Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park!
Get ready to explore our enchanting woodland landscapes and discover the secrets of trees in their vibrant summer state. Our knowledgeable guide will teach you how to identify different tree species based on their unique features and their leaves!
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a unique adventure, this in-person event is perfect for all ages.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and learn something new! Book your spot now and get ready to embark on an unforgettable tree-filled journey!
What the session will involve: The session will be based outdoors, within the 100 acre BCA Grinlow Woods. Time will be spent wandering through the woods meeting various trees along the way and examining them in detail.
We will look at a variety of native British trees that grow in this part of the Peak District – examining features that make each species easily identifiable during the vibrant summer months, such as leaves, bark, and branches etc.
We will also visit our onsite tree nursery so that you can encounter some baby trees, as well as the more mature specimens in the woods themselves. Here we can cover aspects of tree reproduction and growth.
Additionally, we will discover some aspects of folklore and how some trees have been used historically and how they can still be used for various tasks and purposes.
Who is this session for: Anyone who would like to learn a little about the British woodland environment and wants to be able to identify common British trees in Summer. Perfect for increasing your understanding and connection with nature, whether you’re a Forest School leader, teacher, outdoor practitioner, budding naturalist or just a curious individual.
Unfortunately, this session and the terrain is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as we will encounter various steps and slopes. We will be hosting similar events later in the year that are more accessible – so watch this space, or get in touch.
Where to meet: Our meeting point is outside Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre – find the Green Flag!
The visitor centre has a range of facilities, such as toilets, café, and parking (for a fee). You may also consider visiting Poole’s Cavern itself later in the day.
Arrival time: Please arrive around ten minutes prior to the session start time – to make sure we can start promptly. There will be a participation form to complete prior to the session commencing – this will be used in compliance with GDPR regulations.
What to bring: Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather – as we will be outside for the majority of the session. Clothing and footwear suitable for the woods in the worst of weathers should be worn or carried – such are the delights of Buxton. If you’re clothing or footwear is inappropriate we may not be able to allow you to partake in the session – in this instance a refund will not be possible.
Session leader: Frag Last – BCA Engagement Manager
Self-Guided Poole's Cavern Walk-through
Running: Wednesday 24th July- Tuesday 3rd September 2024.
This event has limited capacity- regrettably we cannot guarantee entry for walk-ups.
Poole’s Cavern is a family friendly, dog friendly, all weather, accessible experience. Book on to our Self-Guided Poole’s Cavern Walk through and explore our ancient natural limestone cavern, found on the outskirts of the historic Spa town of Buxton in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Enthusiastic Custodians will be on hand throughout the cave to answer your questions and add to your information pack provided upon entry. This journey beneath the earth will allow you to marvel at the beautifully illuminated rock sculpted galleries, see how crystal Stalactites and Stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years & discover how Poole’s Cavern has been visited through the centuries. The self-guided Poole’s Cavern Walk-Through allows you to enjoy our underground world at your leisure, with the accompaniment of written material enhancing your understanding of our formations, history and cave science. We suggest a leisurely walk through our cave will last approximately 30 minutes. Last entry is 17:00, with the Cave & Visitor Centre closing at 17:30.
Combine your cavern visit with a walk through our woodland Country Park to Grin Low viewpoint, lunch at the cavern cafe or time to explore the town of Buxton Spa.
Important Information:
The temperature underground is a constant 7° centigrade, 44 Fahrenheit. There are 28 steps in the cavern, no more than 10 in one place. Pushchairs and child buggies are permitted in the cave, note there are 28 steps and some narrow areas. There are just two low points. One located at the entrance and one located by the first set of steps. Both low points are clearly marked with ‘Mind Your Head’ signs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead. ( Please purchase one Dog ticket per dog ) Carer tickets are for registered carers accompanying a paying visitor; Carer cards or proof must be shown on arrival. Wheelchairs can only access around 1/3 of the cave. If you have any additional requirements or questions please call 01298 26978 before booking.
Christmas 2024
We are super happy to have already had such a high volume our enquires about of Christmas events this year. Please be assured, we will update you closer to the time via our website blog and social media platforms. Regrettably we cannot reply to every individual inquiry.
