Chislehurst Caves, Bromley, Kent. Paid entry

Details

Accessibility

"There are toilets facilities, including a disabled toilet, in the visitors entrance building. 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."

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chislehurst_Caves

"Chislehurst Caves are a series of intersecting man-made tunnels and caverns covering some 22 miles (35.4 km)[1] in Chislehurst in southeast London, England. From the mid-13th to early 19th centuries the 'caves' were created from the mining of flint and lime-burning chalk.

Today the caves are a tourist attraction and although they are called caves, they are entirely man-made and were dug and used as chalk and flint mines. The earliest recorded mention of the mines and lime-burning kilns above dates from a 9th-century Saxon charter and then not again until around 1232AD; they are believed to have been last worked in the 1830s.[2]

During World War I the caves were used as an ammunition storage dump associated with the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. In the 1930s the tunnels were used for mushroom cultivation."

"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."

Address

Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5NB (If you are using sat nav you should use the postcode BR7 5QX.)

Email

enquiries@chislehurstcaves.co.uk

Phone

020 8467 3264."We are contactable by telephone at the caves Wednesday to Sunday between 9am & 5pm and will respond to any email messages as promptly as possible during the opening hours."

Website

https://www.chislehurst-caves.co.uk/

Directions

There is free car park and coach parking for visitors to the caves. 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."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

See https://chislehurst-caves.co.uk/plan-your-visit/

2023: "The caves are open Wednesdays to Sunday, on Bank Holidays (except Christmas and New Year) and every day during local school holidays.

CAVES – Open from 10am and the last tour is at 4pm.

TICKET OFFICE – Open between 9.00am-5pm.

GIFT SHOP – Open between 9.00am-5pm.

CAFÉ – Open between 9.00am-4pm."

Transport

"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."

Amenities

Cafe: The café, open between 9.00am-4pm, 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.

Shop

Picnic Tables: There are outdoor picnic tables for visitors and groups to use if you bring your own picnic.

"There is a large function room in the style of the caves available for hire for children’s parties, private functions, weddings, corporate functions and community groups. The capacity of the function room is estimated at around 60 people, but this will be dependent on if there room is hired with or without tables. Tables and chairs can be provided by the caves for use in the function room, please discuss your requirements when calling the caves. We can provide catering options of a buffet of a sit down meal, click here for information. The premises is licensed."