Bellman's Cave, Gibraltar Nature Reserve Travel Guide

Explore Bellman's Cave in Gibraltar: a relic of WWII history, offering a unique glimpse into the Rock's military past.

Bellman's Cave in Gibraltar offers a glimpse into the territory's military past. Named after Captain William Bellman, it served as accommodation for gunners during World War II, and remnants of this era remain within the cave.

A brief summary to Bellman's Cave

Gibraltar, GI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bellman's Cave.

Wear sturdy shoes as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
Bring a flashlight to better explore the darker areas of the cave.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures inside the cave, even on warm days.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby St. Michael's Cave or the Skywalk for a full day of exploring the Upper Rock.

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Explore Bellman's Cave on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Bellman's Cave is located within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, near the top of the Rock. From the Gibraltar Cable Car top station, walk along Signal Station Road. The cave entrance is located directly beneath the cable car station. Alternatively, from St. Michael's Cave, follow the signs for approximately 10 minutes. Note that the paths can be narrow and the ground uneven.
Public Transport

Take the Gibraltar Bus Company Route 1 to the last stop near the Moorish Castle entrance. From there, it is a considerable walk uphill to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, following signs to the Cable Car top station and Bellman's Cave. Bus fares are approximately £2 for a single journey. Consider the cable car for a quicker ascent. A single ticket costs around £8.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs around £20. From the city center, a taxi to the Cable Car bottom station will cost approximately £10. From the Cable Car top station, Bellman's Cave is a short walk. Remember that non-residents cannot drive within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock, except for Blue Badge holders.

Discover more about Bellman's Cave

Bellman's Cave, located within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, provides a unique, unfiltered look into Gibraltar's wartime history. Named after Captain William Bellman, who was stationed in Gibraltar during World War II, the cave was used to house gunners of the Signal Hill Battery.Constructed between 1942 and 1943, the tunnel contains the decaying remains of Nissen huts and other structures that once served as living quarters. Unlike other historical military sites on the Rock, Bellman's Cave has not been adapted for tourism, offering a more authentic, albeit derelict, experience.Inside, visitors can explore the whitewashed brick walls, some still bearing original signage, that once divided the accommodation into cooking and administration areas. The curved walls and metal supports of the internal huts are still visible, although the corrugated metal ceilings have deteriorated, exposing the cave's natural rock. The Signal Hill Battery, which the accommodation served, was located 370 meters above sea level and in use since at least 1727. By World War II, it housed two 3-inch 30 cwt anti-aircraft guns and a Bofors 40 mm gun. The battery was removed in 1966 to make way for the Gibraltar Cable Car top station.Bellman's Cave offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Gibraltar's military past, appealing to those interested in urban exploration and a more gritty historical experience.