Kents Cavern
Cave Prehistoric cave system with ancient human remains
Kents Cavern near Torquay opens limestone caverns with Palaeolithic archaeological finds; guided tours lead visitors through cave passages and local displays about early human occupation.
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Kents Cavern is a limestone cave system near Torquay in Devon, England, known for its Palaeolithic archaeological deposits and long history of investigation.
It operates as a show cave with guided tours that lead visitors through stalactite- and stalagmite-lined chambers; on-site displays present the prehistoric finds associated with the site.
Excavations carried out from the 19th century onwards recovered stone tools, faunal remains and material that have contributed to studies of early human activity in Britain.
The cave is on the outskirts of Torquay in the Torbay area of South Devon and is accessible from local roads close to the South Devon coast.
- Tours: Guided tours cover the main caverns and are recommended in high season; check local opening times before travelling.
What to See #
- Show cave: Guided visitor route through the principal chambers with visible stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone formations, accompanied by displays about the site's archaeological finds.
- Visitor centre: A small museum and displays that summarize archaeological excavations and the Palaeolithic finds recovered from the site.
How to Get to Kents Cavern #
Kents Cavern sits just a short walk from Torquay town centre. From Torquay railway station it’s about a 15-20 minute walk (head toward the seafront and Tower Road). The site is reachable by local buses serving Torquay and by car - follow signs to Kents Cavern and use the visitor car park (limited spaces).
Tips for Visiting Kents Cavern #
- Arrive for the first cave tour of the day to avoid the afternoon crowds and to see the soft morning light on cave formations.
- Ask staff about the Palaeolithic finds - the museum display and the guided talk add necessary context.
- Wear a light jacket: the cave temperature is a steady 11-12°C year-round.
Best Time to Visit Kents Cavern #
Best in spring to autumn for regular tour schedules; winter has limited hours but empty lanes.
Weather & Climate near Kents Cavern #
Kents Cavern's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (903 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
