CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED
Caves, Mines & Underground in Reading
Underground days out are thin on the ground close to Reading itself, so this list means a longer trip out to London and Twickenham. In Twickenham, Pope's Grotto is the one to plan around: a self-guided underground grotto with a printed plan, open on only a handful of days a year, so check the dates before you set off. In London, Hard Rock Cafe lets kids wander a free rock and roll museum before the food arrives, which buys you time if you are eating as a family. Also in London, AIRE Ancient Baths is 18+ only, an adults-only thermal baths experience best kept for a date night without the children. For a family day, Pope's Grotto suits older children who will enjoy following a plan, while Hard Rock Cafe works for any age since the museum part is free and the food comes after. Booking ahead is sensible for both the grotto and the baths.
6 places 1 free to visit
AIRE Ancient Baths London
London · adults only (18+)
An adults-only thermal baths experience in London, so this one is for date night, not the kids.
Booking requiredLockers
Hard Rock Cafe
London
A burger and memorabilia stop where kids wander a free rock and roll museum before the food even arrives.
Allergy awareGift shopFood on siteRestaurant+1 more
from £20Knockout Escape Rooms
Reading · ages 10+
Three themed puzzle rooms in Reading, an hour on the clock to crack codes and get evidence, a scientist or a sci-fi machine sorted before time runs out.
Booking requiredGroup bookings
FreeMaiwand Lion
Reading
Free galleries of Roman finds, a Bayeux Tapestry copy and biscuit tins to hunt through, right by Reading station.
Accessible toiletCaféGift shopGroup bookings+4 more
Pope's Grotto
Twickenham
A quirky underground grotto you explore yourself with a printed plan, open just a handful of days a year.
Booking required
from £8The Hellfire Caves
High Wycombe
A guided walk through real tunnels and chambers cut into the Chiltern hills, with an underground river and a banqueting hall to gawp at.
Birthday partiesCaféGift shopIndoor play+1 more
Good to know: caves, mines & underground in Reading
Are any of them free?
Yes, Maiwand Lion is free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £8 at The Hellfire Caves. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find caves, mines & underground in London, Reading, Twickenham and High Wycombe. Every place we list is in or around Reading, and each listing has the full address and directions.
More ways to plan a day out
KEEP EXPLORING
Not a caves, mines & underground day? Try another lane
THE WEEKENDER
Next weekend, sorted. Every Thursday, free.
The best family things happening around Reading, one hidden gem, and a rainy-day backup plan, from a dad who's been there with a bored seven-year-old.
Free forever. One brilliant email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.