Car park
Pay and display car park for 80 vehicles priced at £2.00 for 4 hours, or £3.00 all day. Level access to visitor centre.
Café
The café serves refreshments, snacks and light meals. Separate room for group/school use and wet weather picnic room. Dog-friendly.
Shop
The shop stocks rock and mineral samples, jewellery, and a range of other goods including books, toys and gifts.
Visitor Centre
The visitor centre includes the Cavern exhibition with archaeology found in the cave on display and a slideshow demonstrating the ‘Unseen’ parts of Poole’s Cavern.
Toilets
There are baby-changing facilities, and accessible toilets in the main visitor centre building.
Picnic areas
There are two picnic areas with wooden benches and trees by the visitor centre.
Litter bins
Recycling bins are located outside and in the visitor centre. Please help us to reduce waste by recycling your plastic and cans or taking your litter home with you.
How accessible is the cavern?
Wheelchair users can access the main chamber of the cave which is 100 metres/300ft long unassisted. There are a total of 28 steps along the remaining cave path, 14 up and 14 down. The longest descent is 10 steps which lead to the final chamber 300metres/1000ft from the entrance. Groups return along the same route. Our staff are trained and experienced, please let us know if you need any assistance with your visit to Poole’s Cavern, prior to booking.
There are dedicated car parking bays for blue badge holders and level access through the visitor centre. Toilet facilities are fully accessible.
Can you take pushchairs in the cave?
We recommend using a child carrier, as there are 28 steps and narrow passageways. Pushchairs can be left at the owner's risk at the cavern entrance.
How do we see the cavern?
Please use our online booking portal to see availability and book your tour. Guided tours of the cavern last approximately 45 minutes and begin at regular intervals throughout the day (seasonal variations).
What will we need to wear?
There is a constant temperature of 7°C in the cavern, so dress warmly. Sensible footwear for an outdoor day is advised.
Can we bring our pets?
YES! As of 2024 we are a dog-friendly attraction. Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre, Café, on Standard Poole’s Cavern Guided Tours and of course the woodland. Please note that dogs may not be permitted on special event tours, including our No Dog Tour running once a day. If you would like to bring an unusual pet please contact us prior to booking on 01298 26978.
What about dogs in the Country Park.
There are no restrictions for dogs in the country park, however the surrounding land is a working farm and livestock is present. Therefore we respectfully ask owners to keep their dogs under close supervision in the country park.
Is photography allowed?
Cameras and flash photography are permitted, however the use of video cameras is restricted for safety reasons (please ask for details).
Is the cavern suitable for toddlers?
Yes the cavern tour is great for all ages. The cave path is ok for pushchairs. There are a total of 28 steps in the cavern and the longest steps are just 10 at the final chamber. There is also baby changing facilities and a kids menu in the cafe.
What about the country park woods?
A free leaflet and map of Buxton Country Park showing the paths is available from the visitor centre. The woodland trails are steep and may be rough in places. Due to the terrain we advise that the woodland trails are not suitable for wheelchair users and child pushchairs/buggies.
Does the cavern flood?
No, the cavern is safe to visit whatever the weather.
