Poole's Cavern: Buxton's Majestic Limestone Cave and Country Park
Explore Buxton’s stunning limestone cavern and scenic country park, featuring guided tours, woodland trails, and panoramic Peak District views.
Poole's Cavern is a spectacular natural limestone cave located in Buxton, Derbyshire, featuring a vast, cathedral-sized main chamber illuminated by LED lighting. Visitors can explore the cavern via guided or self-guided tours, enjoy woodland trails in the adjoining Buxton Country Park, and visit the café and gift shop. The site offers wheelchair accessibility to the main chamber and a cool, constant 7°C cave environment year-round.
A brief summary to Poole's Cavern
- Green Ln, Buxton, SK17 9DH, GB
- +44129826978
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:15 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:15 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear as the cave temperature remains around 7°C year-round.
- Book guided or self-guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time.
- Take time to explore Buxton Country Park and hike to Solomon’s Temple for breathtaking views.
- Wheelchair users can access the main chamber easily, but note that the full tour includes 28 steps.
- Visit the café for locally sourced food and drinks, including vegan and gluten-free options.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Buxton Railway Station, approximately 1 mile away, take a 20-minute uphill walk to Poole's Cavern via Broad Walk and Temple Road leading to Green Lane. The terrain is moderately steep and paved, suitable for most walkers but may require assistance for those with mobility issues.
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Car
Drive to Poole's Cavern via the A6, A515, or A53 with brown tourist signs directing to Green Lane. Parking is available on-site with a pay and display system charging £2.00 for 4 hours or £3.00 for all day. Blue Badge holders and BCA Oak Members park free. The car park accommodates about 80 vehicles.
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Bus and Walk
While there is no direct public bus to Poole's Cavern, local buses serve Buxton town centre. From there, a 20-minute uphill walk to the cavern is required. This option is best suited for those comfortable with walking on an incline and uneven paths.
Poole's Cavern location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Poole's Cavern
Ancient Natural Wonder Carved by Time
Poole's Cavern is a remarkable limestone cave formed over millennia by an ancient underground river carving through the Peak District's bedrock. The cavern’s main chamber is cathedral-sized, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural formations illuminated by carefully designed LED lighting that highlights the cave’s geological beauty. This underground journey reveals the power of natural forces shaping the landscape beneath Buxton.Immersive Tours and Visitor Experience
Visitors can choose between 45-minute guided tours led by knowledgeable custodians or self-guided tours using a downloadable booklet, allowing a flexible pace through the cavern’s illuminated passages. The main chamber is wheelchair accessible, extending about 100 metres from the entrance, while the full tour includes 28 steps leading to the cavern’s farthest points. Special lantern-led tours recreate the 19th-century visitor experience, adding a historical dimension to the adventure.Buxton Country Park and Scenic Surroundings
Above ground, Poole's Cavern is nestled within Buxton Country Park, which offers woodland walks, sculpture trails, and a hike up to Solomon’s Temple—a folly perched at 439 metres with panoramic views of the Peak District. The park’s natural beauty complements the subterranean exploration, providing a full day of varied outdoor activities amid diverse flora and fauna.Facilities and Accessibility
The site features a visitor centre, café serving locally sourced food and beverages including vegan and gluten-free options, and a gift shop offering eco-friendly products and local crafts. Facilities are designed to be inclusive, with wheelchair access to the main chamber and visitor areas, designated disabled parking, accessible toilets, and sensory bags available for hire. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 7°C, so warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.Conservation and Community Engagement
Managed by the Buxton Civic Association, a local conservation charity, Poole’s Cavern supports the preservation of the cave and surrounding 200 acres of woodland. Visitor fees contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. The site also offers SEN (Special Educational Needs) guided tours monthly, designed to provide a calm, accessible experience with interactive elements and quiet hours.Seasonal Operations and Visitor Information
Poole’s Cavern is open year-round with seasonal variations in opening hours. From April to September, it operates daily from 9:45am to 5:00pm, while winter hours are shorter with weekday closures during certain holiday periods. Parking is pay and display, with concessions for Blue Badge holders. The nearest train station is Buxton, about a 20-minute uphill walk from the cavern. Visitors are encouraged to book tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
White Nancy
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Peak District National Park Authority
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Haddon Hall
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National Trust - Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside
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Snake Woodland- Forestry England
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Bamford Edge
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National Trust - Biddulph Grange Garden
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National Trust - Nether Alderley Mill
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Peak Wildlife Park
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Baslow Edge
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National Trust - Padley Gorge
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Chatsworth House
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Rowtor Rocks
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Eagle Stone
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Nine Ladies Stone Circle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Go Ape Buxton
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Pavilion Gardens, Buxton
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Solomon’s Temple
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Explore Solomon's Temple, a historical landmark in Buxton, and enjoy breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails in the heart of the Peak District.
The Pavilion Gardens
1.0 km
A beautifully landscaped Victorian park in Buxton, perfect for family days out, peaceful walks, and lively events in the heart of the Peak District.
Buxton Visitor Centre & The Buxton Crescent Experience
1.2 km
Explore Georgian elegance and spa heritage in nine immersive rooms within Buxton's iconic restored Crescent.
Cavendish Arcade
1.3 km
Explore Buxton’s charming Cavendish Arcade, a historic Victorian shopping arcade blending heritage architecture with unique independent shops.
Corbar Cross
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A historic stone cross on a grassy knoll above Buxton, offering panoramic views and a quiet place for reflection in the Peak District.
Great Rocks Social Club
5.4 km
A friendly and lively social club in Peak Dale, offering live entertainment, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Chee Dale Stepping Stones
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Explore the tranquil limestone gorge of Chee Dale with its iconic stepping stones and scenic river crossings in the heart of the Peak District.
Naze View Farm Alpaca Experience
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Eccles Pike
8.8 km
Pink-hued gritstone summit with 360-degree Peak District views and historic toposcope.
Abseiling Derbyshire
8.8 km
Experience thrilling abseiling adventures amid historic railway heritage and stunning Peak District landscapes at Millers Dale Station.
Millers Dale Viaduct
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Historic Victorian railway viaduct spanning the River Wye, now a scenic highlight of the Monsal Trail in the Peak District.
Lud's Church
9.4 km
Explore Lud's Church, a moss-draped sandstone chasm rich in history, legend, and natural beauty in the heart of the Peak District.
Lud's Church
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Essential places to dine
The Hanging Gate
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The Paper Mill Inn
9.5 km
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Old Hall Inn
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The Bull I' Th' Thorn Pub & Pizzeria | Peak District
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The Horse & Jockey
10.5 km
A cozy, traditional village pub and B&B in Tideswell offering hearty meals, warm fires, and comfortable rooms in the Peak District.
Derbyshire Eats
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Experience refined dining and bespoke catering excellence in the charming village of Tideswell at Derbyshire Eats.
The Merchant's Yard
10.8 km
A charming boutique hotel and award-winning restaurant in Tideswell, blending historic character with seasonal Peak District cuisine.
The Anchor Inn
11.5 km
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The Bulls Head
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The Lamb Inn
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The Lime Tree Restaurant and Wine Bar
12.4 km
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1530 The Restaurant
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Ye Olde Nags Head
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The Manifold Inn
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The Pack Horse Hayfield
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
AWAKEN - Crystal & Spiritual Shop
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Jo Royle Outdoor
1.1 km
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Fiveways Country Store
1.1 km
Charming family-owned shop in Buxton’s Market Place offering unique gifts and local artisan products in the heart of the Peak District.
Decor Boutique
1.3 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish homewares in Buxton’s charming Decor Boutique, nestled in the historic Cavendish Arcade.
Atticusboo
1.3 km
Discover unique gifts and warm hospitality at Atticusboo, Buxton’s charming independent boutique in the historic Cavendish Arcade.
The Springs Shopping Centre
1.5 km
Buxton's central shopping hub with 450 parking spaces and popular high street chains.
High Peak Bookstore and Cafe
4.6 km
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Bluebird’s Nest UK
8.2 km
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Ivie & luxe
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Antique and Unique
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The Old Barn
14.3 km
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The Outdoor Shop
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The Original Blue John Craft Shop
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The Causeway Shop
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Dress Cheshire
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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San Pedro (By Santiago)
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Anglers Rest
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Star Inn
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The George Inn
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Red Lion Inn
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The Lazy Trout
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The Packhorse Inn
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The George
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The Castle
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Bulls Head, Castleton
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The Bull at Foolow
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The Rambler Inn
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The Old Nags Head
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The Barrel Inn
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
