Chislehurst Caves

Over time the caves have had many different uses from munitions storage for the Woolwich Arsenal in the 1914-18 war, Mushroom growing in the 1920 and 1930s and it even became an underground town as the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London, protecting over 15000 people every night during the Blitz!

Since the war, (in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s) the caves served a much groovier purpose... They were used as a venue for dances and concerts, presenting the foundations of Jazz, Skiffle and Folk music to the most famous names in pop and rock.

Today, the caves are open as a tourist attraction and education centre with a gift shop and Café catering for visitors. You can visit the caves on fun tours. All ages are welcome on the tour however under 3's might find it a little intimidating. Tours leave every hour on the hour, the first is at 10am and the last at 4pm. The tours last for 45/50 minutes, please make sure to book a tour before you visit.

You can even book birthday parties here and group outings! Pick from two party options: Birthday Cave Tour with food (served in the function room) which costs £16 per child or the Birthday Cave Tour without food which costs £7 per child.

Food & Drink

Has all that cave exploration got your tummy rumbling? Explorers need lots of energy in order to continue their adventures and you can enjoy a feast of treats and light bites at the café.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and tea! Quench your thirst with a hot or cold drink or cool off with an ice cream. There are also homemade cakes too! The cafe is open between 9am - 4pm. 

There are children’s options available and if you have any special dietary requirements please let the attraction know.

If you prefer to cut costs and bring your own food, that's fine too! There are outdoor picnic tables for visitors and groups to use.

Accessibility

Toilet facilities availableThere is a disabled toilet in the visitor's entrance buildingPushchair & wheelchair users may have difficulty negotiating the caves due to the natural uneven floor surfaces which are rather like cobbles.

Transport & Parking

By Road Take the A222 between the A20 and A21. At the railway bridge by Chislehurst Station, turn into Station Approach, turn right at the end then right again into Caveside Close.

If using a Sat-Nav, the postcode BR7 5QX will put you at the entrance in Caveside Close.

There is a free car park and coach parking for visitors to the caves.

By Rail The Caves are a short walk from Chislehurst Railway Station, which is only 30 minutes from London Bridge. There are regular trains to Chislehurst from Charing Cross and London Bridge, from the station turn left into Station Approach and follow the above directions.

By Bus to Chislehurst Railway Station The 269 runs between Bromley and Bexleyheath and the 162 runs between Beckenham and Eltham.