Deep beneath the Mendip Hills, the Wookey Hole Caves stretch into darkness like the chambers of an underground cathedral. The River Axe flows through these ancient limestone caverns, carving passages that have fascinated visitors for centuries. Legend tells of a witch who once lived here, and her image is said to be frozen in the rock formations. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like stone chandeliers while stalagmites rise from the cave floor in strange and wonderful shapes. The guided tour leads you through chambers with names such as the Witch’s Kitchen, where the echoes of dripping water create an otherworldly soundtrack.
Located along the southernmost edges of the Mendip Hills, you will find the village of Wookey Hole and its popular attraction, Wookey Hole Cave. The cave was formed by the River Axe as it slowly eroded the limestone over the course of countless centuries. Just prior to the river’s emergence at the village, it falls into an underground stream and then flows through several other local caves.
Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by Jim Champion
In This Article
The Legend of the Witch of Wookey Hole
The Witch of Wookey Hole is the cave’s most famous feature, a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says was a real witch turned to stone. According to folklore, a witch lived in the caves during the Middle Ages, cursing the villagers and their livestock. A monk from Glastonbury Abbey was called to confront her. He crept into the cave and threw holy water over her, freezing her into the limestone formation that still stands today. The stalagmite bears an uncanny resemblance to a hunched figure. weather you believe the story or not, the Witch of Wookey Hole remains the cave’s most compelling attraction.
Archaeological Discoveries and History
The Wookey Hole Caves have been inhabited for more than 50,000 years. In the mid-1850s, William Boyd Dawkins discovered the remains of a man dating back to the Palaeolithic period, one of the oldest human skeletons found in Britain. Iron Age hunters were the last major inhabitants, and Roman artefacts have also been found. More recently, the caves were used to cure cheddar cheese, taking advantage of the constant 11 degree Celsius temperature. The paper mill at the cave entrance is the oldest in Britain, built in 1610 and operating until 2008.
Visiting Wookey Hole Today
Since 1973, the caves have been owned by Madame Tussauds. The site includes a museum, dinosaur park, and soft play area in addition to cave tours. Guided tours run throughout the day and last 45 minutes. The path is well-lit with boardwalks and handrails. Chambers include the Witch’s Kitchen, Chamber of the Witch, and the magnificent Cathedral Chamber. The caves maintain a constant 11 degrees Celsius, so bring a warm jacket. Nearby Ebbor Gorge offers quiet countryside walks. The village has pubs, cafes, and a heritage centre for a full day out.
The cave is mostly known for the Witch of Wookey Hole which can be seen inside of the cave itself. This human shaped figure according to legend was once a Glastonbury monk who was turned to stone by a local witch hundreds of years ago.
The caves themselves have been inhabited for more than 50,000 years. More recently though the caves have been used as a place for the curing of cheddar cheese. The caves maintain a year round temperature of 11°C which makes them perfect for not just curing of cheese, but for keeping someone cold throughout the hot days of summer.
A number of archaeological discoveries have been made in the cave over the years. The last major inhabitants of the cave were hunters back in the Iron Age. However, discoveries have been found in and around the cave that have been dated back to the Roman Empire.
Cheddar Cheese in Wookey Hole Cave, England, UK by stephen jones
The oldest discoveries in the cave were made back in the mid 1850s. William Boyd Dawkins who had only recently moved to the area heard that some workers had found some old bones in the cave and he went to investigate. Soon, the remains of a man that dated back to the Paleolithic were uncovered.
Where the river finally emerges for the last time, an old paper mill was built. Known as the oldest paper mill in Britain, it was originally built back in 1610 and continued to operate until 2008. However, prior to the paper mill, a corn mill was situated in the area. The corn mill was first constructed back in 1086.
Another popular attraction in the area that surrounds Wookey Hole Cave is that of Ebbor Gorge. While the village can get quite busy during the peak season, many people chose to make their way to the gorge which is a more peaceful and tranquil spot to visit.
Since 1973, the mill and the caves in the area have been owned and operated by Madame Tussauds. As a result, tourism to the area has exploded and millions of people make their way to Wookey Hole Cave every year.