Few places have played such an important role in cave diving history as Wookey Hole. From Britain's first successful cave dive in 1935 to connections with the heroic divers involved in the Thailand cave rescue, these caves have helped shape the techniques, equipment and expertise used by underground explorers around the world.
In 1935, Wookey Hole became the site of Britain's first successful cave diving expedition when pioneering explorers Graham Balcombe and Penelope Powell ventured beyond the flooded passages that had stopped previous explorers in their tracks. Their groundbreaking dive opened the door to an entirely new chapter of underground exploration and helped establish Wookey Hole as one of the most important cave diving sites in the world.
Using heavy standard diving equipment, including brass helmets, air hoses and lead boots, the team navigated near-zero visibility beneath the surface. What they discovered would change cave exploration forever.
On those pioneering dives, Graham Balcombe and Penelope Powell successfully passed flooded sections of the cave and reached previously unseen chambers hidden deep beneath the Mendip Hills. Their work proved that underwater cave systems could be explored safely using breathing apparatus and laid the foundations for modern cave diving techniques.
The expedition reached Chamber 7, revealing a vast underground world that no human had ever seen before. At the time, it was one of the most significant cave exploration achievements in Britain.
Today, Penelope Powell is recognised as one of the pioneering figures of cave diving, while Graham Balcombe went on to become a founding figure of the Cave Diving Group, the world's oldest surviving cave diving organisation.
The discoveries made in 1935 were only the beginning.
Over the decades, cave divers have pushed further into the flooded passages of Wookey Hole, revealing an extraordinary network of underground rivers, chambers and caverns. What began with the discovery of Chambers 5, 6 and 7 eventually led to the exploration of more than 25 chambers stretching deep beneath the Mendip Hills.
Today, over 4 kilometres of cave passages have been explored, yet the full extent of the system remains unknown. Explorers continue to investigate new leads, making Wookey Hole one of Britain's most significant active cave exploration sites.
Wookey Hole's place in cave diving history extends far beyond the Mendip Hills.
In 2018, the world watched as a team of British cave divers played a pivotal role in the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their football coach trapped deep inside Thailand's flooded Tham Luang Cave. Several of the divers involved had strong links to the UK cave diving community and had trained, explored, and developed their skills in challenging cave systems such as Wookey Hole.
The success of the rescue showcased the extraordinary expertise, problem-solving and courage required in cave diving, bringing worldwide attention to a discipline that has its roots in pioneering sites such as Wookey Hole. Many of the techniques, skills and principles used by modern cave divers can be traced back to the groundbreaking exploration work carried out here since 1935.
Today, visitors to Wookey Hole can learn more about cave diving history in the museum, including the pioneering expeditions that helped shape one of the world's most demanding and remarkable forms of exploration.
Unlike many cave systems, Wookey Hole is still being explored.
Modern divers use advanced equipment and techniques to venture beyond the limits reached by earlier generations. Discoveries over the years have uncovered vast chambers, underwater tunnels and previously inaccessible passages, some of which remained hidden for thousands of years.
The famous Cathedral Chamber, known to divers as Chamber 9, continues to serve as a base for exploration. Beyond it lies a remarkable network of flooded passages leading to ever more remote parts of the cave system. Divers have now explored as far as Chamber 25, appropriately nicknamed the "Chamber of Gloom".
Throughout its history, Wookey Hole has been at the forefront of cave diving innovation.
The caves have helped drive advances in equipment, safety procedures and exploration techniques, with generations of divers testing the limits of what is possible underground. Some dives have reached depths of around 90 metres, making Wookey Hole the site of some of Britain's most ambitious cave diving expeditions.
The achievements of Graham Balcombe, Penelope Powell and the explorers who followed continue to inspire cave divers around the world today.
Due to the number of steps and uneven surfaces small children need to be carried through the caves. You are welcome to use your buggy everywhere else on site. Please note you are unable to leave any buggy at the cave entrance. There is a buggy store in the Ice Cream Parlour during busy periods and behind the Gift Shop when the Ice Cream Parlour is closed.
Yes, the caves will still be open and very safe. We control the flow of water through the caves.
Unfortunately not. The site is unsuitable for dogs (except Guide and Assistance Dogs). There are plenty of places to walk your dog nearby. Please do not be surprised or offended to be asked to see proof of eligibility for your assistance dog. Before you visit, please read the guidance on bringing your assistance dog to Wookey Hole on our Accessibility Page: https://www.wookey.co.uk/accessibility.
The cave tour lasts for approximately 40 minutes. During busy periods the Caves may be operated on a free flow system. We’ll place Guides in the Caves to answer your questions.
As the caves are naturally wet and the floor can be uneven in places, we recommend sensible footwear. We would not recommend flip-flops, high heels or bare feet.
Tesco vouchers can be used as full or part payment against the standard admission cost. We cannot give any change and no other discounts, offers or vouchers may be used at the same time as the Days Out tokens. Tesco vouchers cannot be used for selected special events. It is always better to check than to be disappointed on the day.
Yes, we have a very large, free car park on-site. However, no overnight camping is permitted.
We have a 400 seater restaurant that serves hot and cold food. There is a refreshments hut in the valley once you have exited the caves and an ice cream parlour which are open during peak times. The peak season is February half term, and weekends and school holidays from April to October.
There is also plenty of indoor and outdoor picnic space.
Wookey Hole is 2 miles from the city of Wells, and 20 miles from Bath (A39), Bristol (A37) and Weston-super-Mare (A371). From M5 Exit junction 22 North or South. For Satellite Navigation users our postcode is BA5 1BA.
Most visitors spend half to a full day at Wookey Hole depending on how long they spend in areas like the soft play and museum.
Yes, you will be given stickers when buying your tickets and these will allow you to re-enter at any time during the day.
Yes, all attractions are included within the one ticket price.
The admission cost includes entrance into all attractions including the Adventure Golf. Please check seasonal availability on things like ‘Meet the Witch’ and Circus Shows. There are a number of vintage penny machines and additional rides in the Mill where there is a small cost to play/ride.
Wookey Hole is pleased to support local charities and schools within the postcode areas BA5, BA4, BS, and TA. To ensure we can validate your donation request, we kindly ask that all enquiries be submitted in writing on official letterheaded paper from your Charity or School. Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are only able to assist those within our local area.
Additionally, we will only be able to consider your request if it is accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hearing from you.
The Manager
Wookey Hole Ltd
Wookey Hole
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1BB
We are happy to work with social media influencers where they are a good fit for our social media. All requests must be emailed to [email protected] for consideration.
Gift vouchers are available here if you would like to treat your loved ones to a day trip to Wookey Hole or a Wild Wookey adventure.
Please see our Wookey Hole Caves and Mill Access Statement: www.wookey.co.uk/accessibility
Wookey Hole offers a 15% discount to members of the NHS, Teachers, Police, Fire Service, and the forces on standard day tickets to Wookey Hole for an individual and up to three guests (four in total). Find out more about this offer on our website here.
Wookey Hole is proud to participate in the Blue Peter Badge Scheme. Find out more here on our website.
We do not currently offer EV charging on site, but we are two miles from Wells, where there are a number of fast-charging stations. We hope to have charging points added in the near future.
Our cave projections tell the story of Wookey Hole using light projections and sound.
Our circus shows are full of energy, with fantastic performers, lively music, and exciting lighting effects that help bring the show to life.
If a member of your group is sensitive to sound, they're very welcome to bring their own ear defenders so everyone can enjoy the performance comfortably.
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