The Witch’s Parlour

Step Into One of Wookey Hole's Most Extraordinary Underground Chambers

The Witch's Parlour at Wookey Hole Caves, also known as Chamber 3, is one of the most distinctive and historically significant chambers within the famous Somerset cave system. Recognisable for its natural domed ceiling, the Witch's Parlour combines fascinating geology, pioneering exploration and a rich history that continues to captivate visitors today.

Formed by powerful underground streams and whirlpools over thousands of years, the Witch's Parlour offers a glimpse into the natural forces that shaped Wookey Hole Caves and helped create the River Axe.

The Witch's Parlour - Cave Diving - Penelope Powell

The End of the Known Cave

Today, visitors can continue their journey beyond Chamber 3, but for many years the Witch's Parlour marked the furthest point anyone could reach inside Wookey Hole Caves on foot. Beyond this point, the cave passages disappeared beneath the water and much of the cave system remained unexplored.

Everything changed in 1935 when pioneering divers Graham Balcombe and Penelope "Mossy" Powell began exploring beyond Chamber 3 using the diving equipment available at the time. Their achievements helped reveal more of the cave system and established Wookey Hole Caves as an important site in the history of British cave diving. Later expeditions continued to push deeper into the caves, uncovering chambers that had never before been seen by human eyes.

A Chamber of Historic Firsts

Few places within Wookey Hole Caves can match the Witch's Parlour's place in history. This chamber was the starting point for what is recognised as the first recorded cave dive at Wookey Hole. It was also the site of the world's first underground live broadcast in 1935, bringing the wonder of the caves to audiences above ground.

The Witch's Parlour - Wookey Hole Wedding

Keery Photography

From Concerts and Private Ceremonies to the Big Screen

Over the years, the Witch's Parlour has become much more than a cave chamber.

Its natural acoustics have made it a unique venue for concerts and performances, while many couples have chosen this remarkable setting for wedding ceremonies. The chamber has also welcomed film and television productions, including Doctor Who and the original The Wicker Man.

A Highlight of Every Visit

Whether you're fascinated by geology, inspired by stories of exploration, or simply enjoying the beauty of Wookey Hole Caves, the Witch's Parlour is an unforgettable part of the experience.

Take a moment to look up at the chamber's distinctive dome and imagine the generations of explorers, performers and visitors who have stood in the very same spot, wondering what lay beyond.

As one of the most memorable chambers within Wookey Hole Caves, the Witch's Parlour continues to fascinate visitors with its unique geology, remarkable history and connection to some of Britain's earliest cave diving expeditions.