Accessibility Information

At Poole’s Cavern, we are committed to ensuring that as many visitors as possible can enjoy this unique Peak District attraction. From the cavern tour to the visitor centre and café, we’ve designed our facilities and tours to be inclusive and accommodating.

Facilities:

• Blue Badge parking: Dedicated accessible bays near the entrance
• Level access: Step-free entry to the Visitor Centre, Café, and Shop
• Accessible toilets: Fully equipped facilities are available
• Hearing loops: Hearing loops are installed at our café and shop till points
• Sensory tent: Located in the Exhibition Space
• Sensory bags: Available for hire

Please note – the display at the front desk includes a mannequin of a Bronze Age man.

• Wheelchair access in the cave: Wheelchair users can explore up to, and including, the main cavern chamber, which is 100 metres/300ft long, with no steps. Please note that this is approximately 1/3 of the guided tour. If wheelchair users wish to progress further into the cavern, a prior site visit and full risk assessment is required in advance of the visit.
• Steps and pathways in the cave: The remaining path includes 28 steps (14 up, 14 down) leading to the final chamber, which is 300 metres/1000ft from the entrance. Please to notify us in advance if you have any additional requirements.
• Pushchairs: Pushchairs aren’t suitable for the cavern’s steps and narrow paths. We recommend a child carrier. Pushchairs can be left at the entrance at the owner’s risk.
• Sound levels: During the winter months, the river in the cavern can be loud.
• Carer support: One free carer ticket is available when accompanying a paying visitor.

If you would like to discuss anything further, or require any additional information, please contact info@poolescavern.co.uk or call 01298 26978

For visitors with additional sensory or mobility needs, we run SEN Guided Tours quarterly on the first Saturday of the month. These tours are designed to be more accessible and sensitive to individual needs.

What to expect on SEN Tours:

• Maximum lighting: No “blackout” or UV effects used during the tour
• Interactive features: Opportunities to handle fossils, replica tools, and calcite formations
• Small groups: Limited to 12 participants for a calm, comfortable experience
• Quiet hour: From 9:30am–10:30am, the Café and Visitor Centre will maintain a hushed atmosphere with no background music
• Carer support: One free carer ticket is available when accompanying a paying visitor.
• Service dogs are welcome, but this tour is otherwise not dog-friendly