Wookey Hole Caves Review
Posted on: 2017-04-06
Our rating:
A great value day out for the family
Wookey Hole is one of the South West’s leading attractions, and offers over 10 activities and attractions for visitors combined in one ticket. Although it is a bit of a drive to get there (and two hours on public transport from Bristol), the fun-packed day that awaits is more than worth the effort. We went as two adults and easily spent 4.5 hours there, with children it would certainly be more, so you really get your money’s worth.
The focal point of Wookey Hole is without doubt the incredible historic caves, with a guided tour and gorgeous scenery to admire, it took about an hour and a half to fully explore. Tours run frequently, but expect to queue especially in the holidays or on weekends, as the tours are extensive and designed to ensure you really get a worthwhile experience. The insides of the caves are illuminated by beautiful subtle lights that allow the majesty of nature’s architecture to reveal itself. The legend of the Wookey Witch is given some great airtime, along with a little humour and some spooky insider knowledge from the tour guides. As we walked through the caves the commentary extended to cave excavation techniques, historical discoveries, and cave diving – all of which are further elaborated on in Wookey Hole’s various museum rooms and information points. Alongside the fun and spooky entertainment that comes from the cave tours, a lot can be learned and appreciated about the strength of nature and man’s ability to preserve it.
After experiencing the tale of the Wookey Witch first-hand you may even be lucky enough to meet her! Wandering around the attractions, you can have your picture taken with her, or even have a photo taken in her cauldron.
After exiting the caves you enter the Fairy Garden, a gorgeous rolling piece of land with flowers, trees, and rivers. This leads through to the Valley Of The Dinosaurs (of course!) in which life-sized dinosaurs stand with plenty of information about them and a chance to do some proper hands-on excavation!
Personally, I would visit for the tour of the caves and gorgeous Somerset scenery alone, but with so much included on a ticket we decided not to waste a moment. Next up was the 4D cinema, an awesome attraction that even with 3D cinema becoming mainstream, manages to stay cutting edge. The film is ‘Happy Family’ and is suitable for pretty much any age, complete with moving seats and immersive little surprises, it’s a great experience that is not to be missed. We also visited the indoor play areas out of curiosity, and although we didn’t quite get the courage to enter, they look amazing and would offer parents a much needed sit down for a good hour or so.
For those of us who like our old-time attractions, a mirror maze and penny arcade follows, with real working arcade exhibits from way back when, and seaside themed décor. This is great fun, and with each machine costing only 20p, it’s hardly a stretch to see something genuinely amusing. Inside the gift shops you can purchase the incredibly creamy cave-aged Cheddar cheese, matured in Wookey Hole Caves, along with local ciders, wines, and fudge – all of which I would recommend!
Wookey Hole Circus School is an initiative for young people who gather three times a week to practice their circus skills, and perform shows during visiting hours. For a group of young people, the show was surprisingly engaging, and showed some seriously talented youngsters that will no doubt go on to do great things. The show is about half an hour long, but manages to cram in bicycle tricks, gymnastics, comedy, classic magic tricks, and hoop spinning. Again, the show is included in the ticket price, you just have to keep an eye on the time.
Upon exiting the attractions there is a Pirate Adventure Golf Course, a brilliant end to the day that allows all the family to engage in something a bit different (weather permitting). With holes of varying difficulty and a fun pirate theme, we found this a great way to unwind after a day of walking around, but it could easily be the first activity if you’re trying to catch that early bit of sun.
All in all I was astounded at the value for money that Wookey Hole provides, and the incredible natural beauty that makes this attraction what it is. As I mentioned before, we as two adults spent over four hours here, but those with kids or looking to grab a bite to eat could easily spend more. You don’t have to worry about fishing in your purse every time an activity pops up, you just enjoy the ride and explore however you see fit, with everything included. It’s a great place for photos, and makes for an educational day out. At the moment they’re running an Easter themed competition which awards each child a free Easter gift, and a new cave has been recently opened for visitors to see, so really there’s no better time to visit. Despite its out of the way location, if you’re looking for a family day out that has it all, Wookey Hole is definitely the best around.
Get your tickets for Wookey Hole Caves on their website here.
Article by:
Miri is an English literature student at the University of Bristol who enjoys folk-punk & math-rock music, trailing round art galleries, and playing video games. She is a keen follower of politics and will read any science fiction you throw her way. Having lived near Bath for many years she has developed a keen interest in the music and literature scenes and independent restaurants. Miri is the Assistant Editor of 365Bath.com. Email miri@365bath.com.
