William Pengelly Cave Studies Centre - Cave Walks 2025
Multiple dates

William Pengelly Cave Studies Centre - Cave Walks 2025

  • ALL AGES

Visit a cave to see the fossilised bones of animals that lived 100,000 years ago. Learn how caves are formed and handle some of the bones.

By William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust

Location

William Pengelly Cave Studies Centre

Russets Lane Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DY United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 1 days before event.

About this event

  • Free venue parking

Our day walks have 3 parts. Once checked in, you will join a short introduction about the geology and caves of the local area. Then, equipped with helmets, a guide will show you the limekilns and take you on the boardwalk through the quarry, with information about the caves, with particular reference to the bats that live there during the winter. You'll climb up to the bone cave where you'll see bones and teeth of animals like elephant, hyena, bison and hippo that roamed this area around 100,000 years ago when the climate was very warm. The final part of your visit is spent in our musem where there is a rich collection of exhibits giving more insight into what you have seen, with an opportunity to handle some of the bones. Books and mementos are available for purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is this event suitable for small children?

The walks do include an introductory session which may be bit over the heads of children under 5 or 6. But children of all ages enjoy the walk through the quarry and into the cave and visiting the museum afterwards. Depending on numbers, we may be able to offer small children their own introduction.

What about disabled access?

The walk into and out of the quarry involves flights of steps. There is wheelchair access to the buildings and to the entrance to the bone cave but there's a short flight of fairly shallow steps to get into the cave.

Are there risks involved in going into the quarry and cave?

The route through the quarry is on paths and a boardwalk that is well clear of the rock faces which are stable. We provide helmets for use in the quarry and cave and our guides are experienced and carry radios so that they stay in contact with the Centre buildings.

How special is this site?

The excavation of the bone cave revealed one of the most extensive deposits of fossilised remains in Europe, with the remains of bison, hippo, cave bear, elephant, lion, hyena, deer and many other species. A substantial part of the bone deposit has not been excavated and can be seen by visitors.

Is special clothing needed?

No, normal outdoor clothing and shoes are fine. The cave temperature is stable at around 12C.

How long do the walks last?

The introduction, walk to and through the quarry and the cave visit take a total of one and a half hours. Most visitors then spend time in the museum.

I have a problem. Who do I contact?

If it's a problem with a ticket please contact Eventbrite in the first instance. If it's a question about the walks please call John Wilmut on 01579 370736 (any time except walk days) or 07890 996296 (on walk days) or email johnwilmut@btinternet.com

Organised by

William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust

The William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust is a UK based organisation with an international membership. It was established in 1962 to further the study of caves and to promote the conservation of the cave environment. It operates a cave studies Centre at Buckfastleigh, Devon where a guided walks, visits and talks programmes, research facilities and residential accommodation are available.

From £0.00
Multiple dates