Bellman's Cave, St Michael S Cave Travel Guide

Explore Bellman's Cave in Gibraltar, a relic from WWII offering a unique glimpse into the lives of soldiers and the Rock's military past.

Bellman's Cave, named after Captain William Bellman, served as accommodation for gunners during WWII. Located beneath the top Cable Car station, it offers a glimpse into Gibraltar's military past, with remains of Nissen huts and abandoned facilities still visible. Unlike other tourist sites, it remains in its original, decaying state.

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 explore the darker sections 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 and the top of the Rock via the Cable Car.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lower St Michael's Cave

Saint Michael's Cave

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Cradle of History

Skywalk Gibraltar

Explore Bellman's Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bellman's Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Bellman's Cave is located near the top Cable Car station within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. From the top Cable Car station, follow Signal Station Road. The entrance to Bellman's Cave is directly beneath the Cable Car station. The walk is short but may involve some uneven ground. There are no specific costs associated with this final approach, as it is within the Nature Reserve, which may have an entry fee.
Public Transport

Take a bus to the Gibraltar Cable Car. From the city center, several bus routes will take you to the Cable Car. Bus fares are approximately £2 for a single journey. From the top Cable Car station, follow the walking directions to the cave.
Taxi

Take a taxi to the Gibraltar Cable Car. Taxi ranks are available at the airport, border, and Casemates Square. A taxi ride from the city center to the Cable Car will cost approximately £7-£10. From the top Cable Car station, follow the walking directions to the cave.

Discover more about Bellman's Cave

Bellman's Cave offers a unique glimpse into Gibraltar's military history. Named after Captain William Bellman, who was stationed in Gibraltar during the Second World War, the cave served as accommodation for the gunners of the Signal Hill Battery. Constructed between 1942 and 1943, the tunnel contains the remains of Nissen huts and other structures that once housed the soldiers.Unlike many of Gibraltar's historic military sites that have been adapted for tourism, Bellman's Cave remains in its original, decaying state. This untouched condition offers a more authentic and gritty experience for visitors interested in urban exploration and military history. Exploring the cave, one can find whitewashed brick walls, some still bearing original signage, which once divided the accommodation into cooking and administration areas. The curved walls and metal supports of the internal huts are still visible, though the corrugated metal ceilings have been lost, exposing the jagged rock of the cave above.The Signal Hill Battery, which the accommodation served, was located 370 meters above sea level and had been in use since at least 1727. During World War II, it housed two 3-inch 30 cwt anti-aircraft guns and a Bofors 40 mm gun. The battery was eventually removed to make way for the Gibraltar Cable Car top station, which opened in 1966. Today, Bellman's Cave stands as a reminder of Gibraltar's strategic importance during wartime and the lives of the soldiers who served there.