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.
Kents Cavern at a Glance#
Address: Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Tower Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk
Hours: Seasonal - typically daily tours roughly 10:00-17:00 (hours vary by season)
Admission: Adult £11-£12 (approx.), concessions and family tickets available; children discounted
About Kents Cavern#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 108 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 86 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 76 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 5° - 12° | 6° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.3h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.2h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.7h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.3h |
| September | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 89 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 90 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 109 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 7.9h |
