Speedwell Cavern
BEST FOR
Ages 5-15
ENTRY
from £14.50
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Castleton
What it’s like
A boat ride into a flooded lead mine to see the Bottomless Pit, down 106 steps in Castleton.
You go down 106 steps first, then get on a boat that takes you through old lead mine tunnels to the Bottomless Pit, a subterranean lake sitting in a cavern the site describes as cathedral-like. It's dark, it's damp, and it's genuinely a mine, not a themed version of one. The tour itself runs 45 minutes to an hour once it starts, and your actual start time is 20 minutes after the slot you booked.
This is aimed at kids from about 5 to 15, and under 4s go free sat on an adult's lap, one per adult, no ticket needed. If claustrophobia is a worry for anyone in your group, this probably isn't the one. Tickets are cheaper booked online than bought on the door, and at weekends and holidays you want that slot booked because boat numbers are strictly limited.
Turn up late and you might not get moved to a later tour, and there are no refunds if you miss your window. Parking is over the road, £3 for an hour or £6 for two, and even the toilets cost 50p a go. It's not a cheap or a casual visit, but it's a proper underground trip rather than a quick look at some stalactites.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 15, though under 4s go free on a lap
- Last entry
- Last tour 3:50pm (later at peak times in April-October)
- Booking
- Online pre-booking recommended weekends and holidays
- Parking
- Pay car park opposite entrance, £3 for up to 1 hour or £6 for up to 2 hours (or £6 for 4 hours with £2.50 gift shop voucher)
- Toilets cost 50p, so keep some change on you
- The car park does a 4-hour ticket for £6 but gives you a £2.50 gift shop voucher back, so it works out at £3.50 net
- It's closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
- Last tour is 3:50pm, though it runs later in peak season between April and October
Plan your visit
How much are tickets?
£23.50 for an adult and £14.50 for a child aged 5 to 15 if you book online. Walk-in prices are a bit higher, £25 and £15.50.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking online is strongly recommended for weekends and holidays because the boats have strictly limited numbers. If there's spare capacity you can buy on the day at the gift shop.
What if we're late for our slot?
They might not fit you into a later tour and there are no refunds if you miss it. Ring ahead if you know you'll be late and they'll try to move you, but it depends on availability.
How long does the visit take?
The tour itself is 45 minutes to an hour once it starts, and it starts 20 minutes after your booked arrival time.
Is it OK for a toddler?
Under 4s go free sitting on an adult's lap, one free child per adult, no ticket needed. There's no minimum age given beyond that, but it's a boat trip underground with 106 steps down, so think about whether that suits your child.
Is there parking?
There's a pay car park opposite the entrance, £3 for up to an hour or £6 for up to two hours. It's watched by ANPR cameras so don't overstay.
Do you do school visits?
Yes, there are separate school group rates, but they're not available to book online, you have to call.
Can we visit Peak Cavern too?
There's a joint ticket for both Speedwell and Peak Cavern at a discounted rate.
How many steps are there?
106 steps down to the boat and the same 106 back up at the end.
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