Hotels near the Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern near Torquay is a network of limestone caves formed over the last 300 million years. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, Haile Selassie and King George V in a tour of the caves to discover plenty of interesting facts about how limestone forms and which early humans, modern humans and animals might have called the caves home.

Early forms of man (Homo Erectus, Homo Heidelberg) lived in the caves over 500,000 years ago, Neanderthal remains date to 200,000 years ago and modern man to 40,000 years ago.

Ideal for a rainy day, the caves are not cold - they retain a temperature of 13°C all year round - and are suitable for wheelchair users since all the paths around the cavern are concrete and there are only nine steps. Pushchairs are also allowed.

Allow 45 minutes for a cavern tour and then a little longer to enjoy the surrounds, the shop and the 100-seater restaurant. Cameras are permitted.

Caving enthusiasts should check the website for special events related to the sport.