Kents Cavern Torquay Review : Days Out With Kids

Welcome to our Kents Cavern Torquay review!

When you’re holidaying in the UK, it’s always good to have a few indoor days out planned, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse! We were lucky that our week in Torquay in Devon was blessed with sunshine, but we had a couple of days where the weather wasn’t so thrilling. We therefore planned Dinosaur World for one day, and Kents Cavern the next.

Where is Kents Cavern Torquay?

Located in Torquay, Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave which counted ancient humans, bears and sabre-toothed cats as it’s early inhabitants. The caves are open daily for guided tours and is in walking distance from Torquay harbour and town centre. If you’re traveling by car, there is a pay and display carpark on site.

Kents Cavern Torquay Review

When we first arrived at Kents Cavern we were given a tour time. Obviously for safety reasons only a certain amount of people are allowed into the caves at any given time. We timed it quite well as the tour was due to start just ten minutes after we arrived. At the allotted time we were taken down to the caves by a fantastically charismatic tour guide.

Kents Cavern is the warmest cave in Britain but it felt delightfully airy and cool compared to the sticky heatwave weather we had enjoyed/endured the last week!

The tour began with a lights and sounds show, which my eldest son loved – the youngest two not so much! It was dark and atmospheric and we heard the sounds that may have been heard by the caves inhabitants millions of years ago. The growls and animal noises were a bit scary for our three year old but it was short lived!

The tour itself lasted around 45 minutes, which we found was long enough to give us plenty of information, whilst being short enough that the kids don’t become restless and disinterested.

Our tour guide did a fantastic job of keeping the kids interested whilst also relaying the facts about the caves. He pointed out geological formations shaped as animals, dragons and giants and told us about the legends as well as the factual science. My eldest son is nine and loves anything scientific and so was fascinated by the history of the caves.

At the end of the guided tour we were invited to peruse both replica and authentic teeth and bones. The authentic archeological discoveries were kept behind glass for obvious reasons, but it was still fascinating to see.

What Else Is There To Do At Kents Cavern Torquay?

When we ventured back outside we were pleased to see that there were further attractions aimed at children. There was a large tent outside where the kids could search for tiny gemstones in boxes filled with sand. Anything they found using their little brushes, they were allowed to keep.

There was also a woodland trail where the kids could look for clues and pictures throughout their walk outside. There were additional facts about our early ancestors and even the opportunity to try their hand at spear throwing (with sticks, not actual spears!)

Although we didn’t venture in, there is an onsite cafe for those wanting to stop for a drink or bite to eat. Their visitor shop was full of little quirky toys and gifts and reasonably priced too. We bought a couple of little presents for our family back at home.
A visit would cost an adult £12, and children aged three to fifteen £10 each. It’s free for little ones under three years old and there’s a small discount for seniors.

Prior to our visit I was slightly concerned that Kents Cavern may be slightly too old for our younger children as it was definitely something different from most days out with kids. I knew our eldest would enjoy it but I was so pleased that all three of them loved it.

For more details and opening times, please see the Kents Cavern website.

Hopefully you found our Kents Cavern review helpful. You might also be interested in seeing what we thought of the TLH Hotel The Derwent.

I was offered complementary tickets in exchange for this honest review. As always, opinions are my own.