General FAQs
Please see below for some of our frequently asked questions.
Yes! We are proud to be a dog-friendly attraction. Dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre, Café, on standard Poole’s Cavern guided tours, and in the surrounding woodland and Buxton Country Park.
- Dogs are not permitted on special event tours
- For unusual pets, please contact us in advance
Dogs are welcome in the Buxton Country Park! However, as the park is surrounded by working farmland with livestock, we kindly ask owners to keep dogs on leads and under close supervision.
Please use the dog-waste bags and bins provided to help keep our woodlands clean and green!
Yes, cameras and flash photography are allowed in the cavern. However, the use of video cameras is restricted for safety reasons – please speak to a member of our team for further details.
Absolutely! The cavern tour is enjoyable for all ages:
- The cave path is not accessible for pushchairs, though there are 28 steps in total (the longest set is just 10 steps leading to the final chamber).
- We have limited pushchair parking available on site (all belongings are left at the owners risk).
- We recommend bringing a carrier for toddlers and infants.
- Baby changing facilities are available, and our café offers a Children’s Menu!
The woodland trails in Buxton Country Park and Grin Low woods are beautiful but can be steep and rough in places.
- A free map and leaflet of the trails are available at the Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre
- Due to uneven terrain, the trails are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs/buggies
No, the cavern is the ideal place to visit in all weather conditions!
For more information or assistance, please get in touch!
Yes!
Pre-booking your visit in advance is recommended as walk-up tickets cannot be guaranteed, especially during peak times such as weekends and school holidays. You can book online here.
Audio Tour FAQs
Please see below for some of our frequently asked questions about our Poole’s Cavern app, the Audio Tour and visits without a tour guide.
Yes! If you follow our advice you will have a safe and enjoyable visit. There is a clear path along the cavern. Staff and volunteers will be around to offer support and the area is covered by CCTV so we can send assistance if needs be.
No. The app is an optional enhancement. You can still enjoy the cavern through exploring at your own pace. There are interpretive displays situated at key locations along the cavern path for more information. A printed version of the tour is also available at reception. Alternatively, you can book onto one of our special guided tours.
You will receive a link to download the app with your booking confirmation. There is also an opportunity to scan a QR code at reception or use a link provided by staff to open the app on your smartphone. You can delete the app after your visit.
Yes, the app is included as part of your visit.
No. You do not need to submit any personal details in order to download the app.
The app features audio narration, images, and short explanations about the cavern’s geology, history, and stories, with optional extra content if you want to explore further. It also includes further information about Buxton Civic Association, the shop, cafe and Woodlands, including Buxton Country Park.
Yes. The app is designed to guide you through key points of interest in the cavern, usually in a suggested order. But you can explore at your own pace.
Headphones are recommended so you can hear the audio clearly and avoid disturbing other visitors.
You can still enjoy the visit as normal. A limited number of devices are available to borrow — please ask a member of staff at reception. Alternatively, you may borrow a printed version on the tour.
Yes, the app is designed to work with limited or no mobile signal once loaded. However, there is Wi-Fi in the cavern, so external links for further information on the app will still work.
The app is self-paced. Most visitors spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour on the tour, but you can move faster or slower depending on your interest.
Yes. There the content is aimed at families, to keep younger visitors engaged.
Please speak to a member of staff — we’ll be happy to help troubleshoot or suggest an alternative way to enjoy the experience.
The app includes features such as audio narration and written text. We aim to make it as accessible as possible — please speak to staff if you have specific needs.
The app is currently only available in English, but there are plans to include multiple language options in the near future.
Large print guides are available for those who need them. Interpretation panels are also within the cavern along the path. Additionally, we may be able to offer supported visits with a tour guide if this support is requested in advance.
Experience the magic of Poole’s Cavern
Whether you’re a local exploring your own backyard or a visitor discovering the caverns and caves of the Peak District, Poole’s Cavern offers an unforgettable adventure. Dive into the wonders of this natural gem and let its beauty and history leave you inspired.
