Review: Wookey Hole Caves and Attractions – kooky by name and kooky by nature
All you need to know about Wookey Hole Caves and Attractions, near Wells in Somerset
Name
Wookey Hole Caves and Attractions
What is it?
A family attraction centred around one of the UK’s largest series of show caves, said to be home to the Witch of Wookey Hole.
Aside from the caves, there is crazy golf, dinosaurs, a vintage penny arcade, 4D cinema, soft play and a circus theatre.
Where is it?
In the Mendip Hills near Wells in Somerset, in the south-west of England, 20 miles south of Bath.
What did we think?
The caverns are well worth a look, a stunning natural phenomenon. Eight of the chambers are open to visitors. You can see underground pools and even a cheese tunnel, home to Wookey Hole cheese.
Cave-aged cheddar cheese
The rest of the attraction is curious in that it is quite a mish mash of themes and ideas filling the space – I still can’t decide if that makes it charming or confusing.
Nevertheless, we easily filled over half a day and all enjoyed ourselves.
Highlights
*The caves – they are filled with history – they began to be formed millions of years ago and have been used over the last 50,000 years by various inhabitants including giant hyenas, lions, bears, Neanderthals and Romans. More recently they have featured in films and tv shows such as Doctor Who.
Inside the caves
The temperature is a constant 11° Celsius.
*The Enchanted Valley area when you exit the caves is great for dinosaur fans – there are lots of them to see, some moving and roaring, along with a huge King Kong and a woolly mammoth.
Digging for dinosaur fossils
*There’s a maze of mirrors which is fun to explore, inside a traditional arcade area.
*The circus theatre is worth a look – it stars local young performers who really impressed us with the scale of their skills including aerial, unicycles and even a sprinkling of magic.
Circus at Wookey Hole Caves
*The 4D cinema plays different films – we saw a Scooby Doo show.
*There’s a nine-hole pirate-themed golf adventure course (crazy golf) included in the ticket price.
*We all enjoyed an area with soft foam balls that you can fire out of cannons.
*The staff are very friendly with some getting into character dressed as wizards and witches to enhance the experience.
Top tips
*The layout can be confusing. Buy/collect your tickets opposite the ice cream parlour near to the hotel (we stayed here, don’t miss our review), then cross the road and walk up the slope to access the caves first.
You walk past the dinosaurs on your way to the caves and through them afterwards.
*The caves take around 35 minutes to get around. They are dimly lit and a bit slippery, with some steps. And watch your head as it can be low in places, but this all adds to the fun of exploring.
*We went during school holidays, but during term-time, you book on a guided tour of the caves. Make the most of the staff stationed in the different caverns to ask them questions as it enhances the experience.
*Wookey Hole Caves is one of over 200 attractions around the UK that Blue Peter badge holders can get into for free. Badge holders with a valid badge card must be accompanied by a full paying adult.
* Look out for the human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch turned to stone by a monk from Glastonbury, hence the legend.
*When you first go into the 4D cinema experience, you enter a room with a talking bat (he natters on for rather a long time) and a witch on a big phone screen – it could be rather dark and scary for some younger children. The 4D cinema experience involves the chairs moving and shaking at times and sensations such as puffs of air. Children under three are not allowed in.
Our video
Wookey Hole Caves information
Where to stay: We stayed at the hotel on site Wookey Hole Hotel, which means we were first in the caves in the morning, read our review to find out more.
Wookey Hole Hotel
Food: There’s a large restaurant on site selling meals such as chicken nuggets and sausages and chips. There are a few sandwich and cake options too. It has a bit of a canteen feel so could be nicer to sit on one of the few tables outside.
Next to the car park is an ice cream parlour with a delicious array of flavours.
Opening hours: For current opening times visit Wookey Hole Caves
Cost: For current cost visit Wookey Hole Caves
Best for: Ages five to 12 but adults will love the caves.
Time needed: At least half a day.
Access and restrictions: The caves are not accessible for wheelchairs or prams, the ground is bumpy and slippy and there are around 200 steps. The rest of the site is said to be accessible.
Parking: There’s a large car park and parking is free.
Address: Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, Wookey Hole, BA5 1BA.
Telephone: 01749 672243
Email: witch@wookey.co.uk
To book: Wookey Hole Caves
RELATED CONTENT: Review: Wookey Hole Hotel in Somerset (at Wookey Hole Caves)
RELATED CONTENT: Things to do in Bath for families
RELATED CONTENT: Cheddar Gorge – all you need to know about this natural phenomenon
*We were given free admission for the purpose of this review, all views are our own.
